CA3100283C - Roof monitoring system - Google Patents
Roof monitoring system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3100283C CA3100283C CA3100283A CA3100283A CA3100283C CA 3100283 C CA3100283 C CA 3100283C CA 3100283 A CA3100283 A CA 3100283A CA 3100283 A CA3100283 A CA 3100283A CA 3100283 C CA3100283 C CA 3100283C
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- Prior art keywords
- housing
- roof
- dome
- sensor
- monitoring system
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- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 30
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013480 data collection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006855 networking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K1/00—Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer
- G01K1/14—Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage ; Sky-lights
- E04D13/006—Provisions for detecting water leakage
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K13/00—Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes
- G01K13/02—Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
- G01K13/024—Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow of moving gases
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/002—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using thermal means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT A roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane (10) applied over an underlying support structure or subroof (11) wherein air passing between the membrane and the subroof passes through a vent (1) having sensors (12) located therein to collect data. Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-20
Description
ROOF MONITORING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to leak detection systems for roofs and more particularly a roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane applied over an underlying support structure or subroof wherein air passing between the membrane and the underlying support structure is monitored to detect possible leaks in the roof BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The failure to detect, find and correct minor roof deterioration in the earliest stages is considered the greatest cause of premature roof failure. This is particularly true of roofing materials applied on low-slope or flat roofs. Costly roofing problems are often the result of undetected damage and/or resulting leaks. Even when properly designed and applied, all roofing materials deteriorate from exposure to the weather at rates determined largely by the kind of material, exposure to environmental conditions and damage from exposure to foreign objects.
Therefore, a need exists for a roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane applied over an underlying support structure or subroof wherein air passing between the membrane and the underlying support structure is monitored to detect possible leaks in the roof SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane applied over an underlying support Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 structure or subroof wherein air passing between the membrane and the underlying support structure is monitored to detect possible leaks in the roof.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a system comprising a roof vent having a housing having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange in a manner that allows air from under the roof membrane to travel through the housing of the roof vent having one or more sensors to measure and monitor wind flow, humidity, temperature, pressure, moisture and so forth passing through a roof vent. The sensors are preferably housed within a roof vent used to fasten a membrane to a subroof. The roof vent is preferably a domed vent system that induces a Venturi effect when wind blows through the structure of the vent or similar vent that vents air from between a membrane and subroof. The vent has a port that is open to a space under a roof membrane. When wind blows through the roof vent, low pressure is created at the port by the Venturi effect and the low pressure is applied to the space under the membrane, thereby drawing air from under the membrane.
One or more sensors are located in the roof vent to monitor the air as it passes through the vent. The sensors may be hard wired and/or wirelessly connected to a receiver and cloud storage for storing data.
The sensors may monitor and measure wind flow, humidity levels, temperature, pressure, and so forth. This data may then be used to detect leaks, detect changes in moisture levels, detect changes in humidity levels, determine downward pressure forces on the roof from things such as snowfall, quantify moisture removal capacities of vents, monitor defects and/or failures in the vents and so forth. For example, a change in pressure
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to leak detection systems for roofs and more particularly a roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane applied over an underlying support structure or subroof wherein air passing between the membrane and the underlying support structure is monitored to detect possible leaks in the roof BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The failure to detect, find and correct minor roof deterioration in the earliest stages is considered the greatest cause of premature roof failure. This is particularly true of roofing materials applied on low-slope or flat roofs. Costly roofing problems are often the result of undetected damage and/or resulting leaks. Even when properly designed and applied, all roofing materials deteriorate from exposure to the weather at rates determined largely by the kind of material, exposure to environmental conditions and damage from exposure to foreign objects.
Therefore, a need exists for a roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane applied over an underlying support structure or subroof wherein air passing between the membrane and the underlying support structure is monitored to detect possible leaks in the roof SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane applied over an underlying support Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 structure or subroof wherein air passing between the membrane and the underlying support structure is monitored to detect possible leaks in the roof.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a system comprising a roof vent having a housing having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange in a manner that allows air from under the roof membrane to travel through the housing of the roof vent having one or more sensors to measure and monitor wind flow, humidity, temperature, pressure, moisture and so forth passing through a roof vent. The sensors are preferably housed within a roof vent used to fasten a membrane to a subroof. The roof vent is preferably a domed vent system that induces a Venturi effect when wind blows through the structure of the vent or similar vent that vents air from between a membrane and subroof. The vent has a port that is open to a space under a roof membrane. When wind blows through the roof vent, low pressure is created at the port by the Venturi effect and the low pressure is applied to the space under the membrane, thereby drawing air from under the membrane.
One or more sensors are located in the roof vent to monitor the air as it passes through the vent. The sensors may be hard wired and/or wirelessly connected to a receiver and cloud storage for storing data.
The sensors may monitor and measure wind flow, humidity levels, temperature, pressure, and so forth. This data may then be used to detect leaks, detect changes in moisture levels, detect changes in humidity levels, determine downward pressure forces on the roof from things such as snowfall, quantify moisture removal capacities of vents, monitor defects and/or failures in the vents and so forth. For example, a change in pressure
2 Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 may indicate the presence of a tear in the membrane and thus loss of a full air seal. In such a case, the sensors serve as an early warning system for potential problems and potential leaks.
In one aspect, the invention includes a roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent;
at least one sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the housing to make direct contact with the at least one sensor; and said at least one sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing.
In another aspect, the invention includes a roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
In one aspect, the invention includes a roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent;
at least one sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the housing to make direct contact with the at least one sensor; and said at least one sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing.
In another aspect, the invention includes a roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
3 Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent; and a humidity sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube and upper dome to make contact with the humidity sensor;
said humidity sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
In a further aspect, the invention includes a roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow leg connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through
said humidity sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
In a further aspect, the invention includes a roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow leg connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through
4 Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 the at least one hollow leg and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent; and a pressure sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the lower dome, through the at least one hollow leg and through the upper dome to flow over the pressure sensor and make direct contact with the pressure sensor;
said pressure sensor being capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow leg, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
The above and other objects, aspects, embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached .. drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a roof vent of the present invention having a lid removed;
said pressure sensor being capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow leg, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
The above and other objects, aspects, embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached .. drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a roof vent of the present invention having a lid removed;
5 Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of a roof vent of the present invention having a lid removed;
FIG. 3 is a side view of a roof vent and lid of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of a roof vent of the present invention in combination with a roof membrane and subroof;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of showing multiple sensors located within a roof vent of the present invention and connected to a server; and FIG. 6 is a side view in perspective of another embodiment of the present invention having a tubular-shaped leg for air communication between an upper dome and a lower dome.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:
1. roof vent, generally 2. housing 3. upper dome 4. lower dome 5. leg
FIG. 3 is a side view of a roof vent and lid of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of a roof vent of the present invention in combination with a roof membrane and subroof;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of showing multiple sensors located within a roof vent of the present invention and connected to a server; and FIG. 6 is a side view in perspective of another embodiment of the present invention having a tubular-shaped leg for air communication between an upper dome and a lower dome.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:
1. roof vent, generally 2. housing 3. upper dome 4. lower dome 5. leg
6. removable lid
7. horizontal flange Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31
8. port
9. spacer
10. roof membrane
11. subroof
12. sensor 1201. humidity sensor 1202. pressure sensor 1203. temperature sensor 1204. wind speed sensor
13. network receiver
14. data appliance
15. data base
16. access panel With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a roof vent 1 of the present invention is illustrated.
The roof vent 1 comprises a housing 2. As illustrated herein the housing comprises an upper dome 3, a lower dome 4 and two hollow tubes configured as hollow legs 5.
Although the illustrated embodiment depicts two hollow tubes configured as legs, the invention may comprise one or more hollow tubes. That is, the invention may comprise at least one hollow tube. Legs 5 support the upper dome 3 above the lower dome 4. The upper dome 3 is preferably closed on the top by a removable lid 6 to prevent rainwater from collecting in Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 the upper dome 3. The lower dome 4 preferably has a horizontal flange 7 for attachment to a roof membrane 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention having one tubular-shaped leg 5 providing air communication between an upper dome 3 and a lower dome 4. In this embodiment, the lower dome 4 is also preferably provided with a horizontal flange 7 for attachment to a roof membrane 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6.
With reference to FIG. 4, a sectional side view of a roof vent 1 of the present invention in combination with a roof membrane 10 and subroof 11 is illustrated. The roof vent 1 comprises a housing 2 having an upper dome 3, a lower dome 4 and legs 5. Tubular-shaped legs 5 support the upper dome 3 above the lower dome 4 and allow air to pass through the vent 1. The upper dome 3 is preferably closed on the top by a removable lid 6 that provide access. The lower dome 4 of the housing 2 preferably has a horizontal flange 7 with spacers 9 for securing the housing 2 between the roof membrane 10 and the subroof 11. The housing 2 has an open bottom located on the lower dome 2 to allow air to pass from under the membrane 9 and through the housing 2. Both the housing 2 and upper dome 3 and lower dome 4 thereof are preferably hollow, thereby allowing air to pass through and providing a space to mount one or more sensors 12.
As illustrated herein, the upper dome 3 comprises at least one port 8 located at a point closest to the lower dome 4. The legs 5 are hollow to allow air from underneath the roof membrane 10 to travel through the lower dome 4, through the legs 5, through the upper dome 3 and out of the at least one port 8. Alternatively, the lower dome 4 may have a port 8 located at the point closest to the upper dome 3. One or more sensors 12 are Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 located within the lower dome 4 and/or the upper dome 3. If the one or more sensors 12 are located in the lower dome 4, then they may be accessed via a removable access panel 16.
With reference to FIG. 5, a block diagram showing multiple sensors located within a roof vent of the present invention and connected to a server is illustrated.
The roof vent 1 of the present invention houses at least one sensor 12. The sensors 12 may include at least one humidity sensor 1201, at least one pressure sensor 1202, at least one temperature sensor 1203, at least one wind speed sensor 1204 and so forth.
The at least one humidity sensor 1201 may measure humidity under membrane and humidity in the ambient air in order to provide a comparison of the two. The at least one humidity sensor 1201 may also be used in multiple vents to compare humidity levels at different locations on the roof. The at least one humidity sensor 1201 in combination with the at least one wind speed sensor 1204 may also measure the rate at which moisture is pulled out from under the membrane as a function of wind velocity.
At least one sensor 12 may be mounted outside of the housing 2 to provide a weather station for measuring wind speed, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and so forth to be used in data collection and for comparison to air moving under the membrane.
The at least one pressure sensor 1202 may measure weight on the roof within an immediate vicinity of the vent 1. In addition, the at least one pressure sensor 1202 may measure an amount of negative pressure under the membrane caused from wind passing over roof, which can indicate a tear in the membrane.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 The at least one temperature sensor 1204 may measure the ambient air temperature, the temperature of the air exiting from under the membrane, wind chill and/or differences which may give rise to condensation, expansion, contraction and so forth.
The at least one wind speed sensor 1204 may measure the speed of wind passing through or over the vent.
An exemplary monitoring architecture comprises at least one sensor 12 connected to a network receiver 13 or sink, connected to a data appliance 14, which is connected to at least one database 15. The components of the present system may be wirelessly connected and/or hard wired wherein wires may be locate under the membrane 10.
The database 15 is preferably a cloud storage connected to the system via the Internet, cellular and so forth and accessible by one or more accounts.
Multiple sensors 12 may utilize a sleeping mesh networking technology allowing for real world placement of roof vents 1 and integrated sensors 12 in remote locations of a roof without access to a line-powered router. The sensors 12 may be placed in such a manner that develops redundant network pathways.
Data transferred through the system is preferably encrypted. Sensor 12 may be set to collect data in real time or at set times. The collection of data by the at least one sensor 12 allows the system to create alerts based on inconsistencies in the data or if preset thresholds are exceeded or not met. Alerts may also be created to flag system faults, thereby reducing any system downtime caused by malfunctions and/or failures within the system. For example, if communication is interrupted from either the data appliance 14 or from an individual sensor 12, a notification would go to one or more designated users Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 having an access account to the system. Alerts may be communicated via an automated notification, such as through an online application, text, email and so forth.
The data appliance 14 is capable of coordinating and controlling a wireless network, coordinating and controlling with the at least one database 15 and temporarily housing data collected by the at least one sensor 12.
The collected data is preferably accessible via a web based application to track environmental data that is collected by the at least one sensor 12.
It is to be understood that while preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31
The roof vent 1 comprises a housing 2. As illustrated herein the housing comprises an upper dome 3, a lower dome 4 and two hollow tubes configured as hollow legs 5.
Although the illustrated embodiment depicts two hollow tubes configured as legs, the invention may comprise one or more hollow tubes. That is, the invention may comprise at least one hollow tube. Legs 5 support the upper dome 3 above the lower dome 4. The upper dome 3 is preferably closed on the top by a removable lid 6 to prevent rainwater from collecting in Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 the upper dome 3. The lower dome 4 preferably has a horizontal flange 7 for attachment to a roof membrane 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention having one tubular-shaped leg 5 providing air communication between an upper dome 3 and a lower dome 4. In this embodiment, the lower dome 4 is also preferably provided with a horizontal flange 7 for attachment to a roof membrane 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6.
With reference to FIG. 4, a sectional side view of a roof vent 1 of the present invention in combination with a roof membrane 10 and subroof 11 is illustrated. The roof vent 1 comprises a housing 2 having an upper dome 3, a lower dome 4 and legs 5. Tubular-shaped legs 5 support the upper dome 3 above the lower dome 4 and allow air to pass through the vent 1. The upper dome 3 is preferably closed on the top by a removable lid 6 that provide access. The lower dome 4 of the housing 2 preferably has a horizontal flange 7 with spacers 9 for securing the housing 2 between the roof membrane 10 and the subroof 11. The housing 2 has an open bottom located on the lower dome 2 to allow air to pass from under the membrane 9 and through the housing 2. Both the housing 2 and upper dome 3 and lower dome 4 thereof are preferably hollow, thereby allowing air to pass through and providing a space to mount one or more sensors 12.
As illustrated herein, the upper dome 3 comprises at least one port 8 located at a point closest to the lower dome 4. The legs 5 are hollow to allow air from underneath the roof membrane 10 to travel through the lower dome 4, through the legs 5, through the upper dome 3 and out of the at least one port 8. Alternatively, the lower dome 4 may have a port 8 located at the point closest to the upper dome 3. One or more sensors 12 are Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 located within the lower dome 4 and/or the upper dome 3. If the one or more sensors 12 are located in the lower dome 4, then they may be accessed via a removable access panel 16.
With reference to FIG. 5, a block diagram showing multiple sensors located within a roof vent of the present invention and connected to a server is illustrated.
The roof vent 1 of the present invention houses at least one sensor 12. The sensors 12 may include at least one humidity sensor 1201, at least one pressure sensor 1202, at least one temperature sensor 1203, at least one wind speed sensor 1204 and so forth.
The at least one humidity sensor 1201 may measure humidity under membrane and humidity in the ambient air in order to provide a comparison of the two. The at least one humidity sensor 1201 may also be used in multiple vents to compare humidity levels at different locations on the roof. The at least one humidity sensor 1201 in combination with the at least one wind speed sensor 1204 may also measure the rate at which moisture is pulled out from under the membrane as a function of wind velocity.
At least one sensor 12 may be mounted outside of the housing 2 to provide a weather station for measuring wind speed, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and so forth to be used in data collection and for comparison to air moving under the membrane.
The at least one pressure sensor 1202 may measure weight on the roof within an immediate vicinity of the vent 1. In addition, the at least one pressure sensor 1202 may measure an amount of negative pressure under the membrane caused from wind passing over roof, which can indicate a tear in the membrane.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 The at least one temperature sensor 1204 may measure the ambient air temperature, the temperature of the air exiting from under the membrane, wind chill and/or differences which may give rise to condensation, expansion, contraction and so forth.
The at least one wind speed sensor 1204 may measure the speed of wind passing through or over the vent.
An exemplary monitoring architecture comprises at least one sensor 12 connected to a network receiver 13 or sink, connected to a data appliance 14, which is connected to at least one database 15. The components of the present system may be wirelessly connected and/or hard wired wherein wires may be locate under the membrane 10.
The database 15 is preferably a cloud storage connected to the system via the Internet, cellular and so forth and accessible by one or more accounts.
Multiple sensors 12 may utilize a sleeping mesh networking technology allowing for real world placement of roof vents 1 and integrated sensors 12 in remote locations of a roof without access to a line-powered router. The sensors 12 may be placed in such a manner that develops redundant network pathways.
Data transferred through the system is preferably encrypted. Sensor 12 may be set to collect data in real time or at set times. The collection of data by the at least one sensor 12 allows the system to create alerts based on inconsistencies in the data or if preset thresholds are exceeded or not met. Alerts may also be created to flag system faults, thereby reducing any system downtime caused by malfunctions and/or failures within the system. For example, if communication is interrupted from either the data appliance 14 or from an individual sensor 12, a notification would go to one or more designated users Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31 having an access account to the system. Alerts may be communicated via an automated notification, such as through an online application, text, email and so forth.
The data appliance 14 is capable of coordinating and controlling a wireless network, coordinating and controlling with the at least one database 15 and temporarily housing data collected by the at least one sensor 12.
The collected data is preferably accessible via a web based application to track environmental data that is collected by the at least one sensor 12.
It is to be understood that while preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-05-31
Claims (19)
1. A roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent;
at least one sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the housing to make direct contact with the at least one sensor; and said at least one sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing.
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent;
at least one sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the housing to make direct contact with the at least one sensor; and said at least one sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing.
2. The roof monitoring system of claim 1 wherein:
said at least one sensor is a humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring an amount of humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
said at least one sensor is a humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring an amount of humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
3. The roof monitoring system of claim 1 wherein:
said at least one sensor is a pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
said at least one sensor is a pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
4. The roof monitoring system of claim 1 wherein:
said at least one sensor is a wind speed sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring speeds of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
said at least one sensor is a wind speed sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring speeds of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
5. The roof monitoring system of claim 1 wherein:
said at least one sensor is a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
said at least one sensor is a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
6. The roof monitoring system in any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising:
a data appliance connected to the at least one sensor.
a data appliance connected to the at least one sensor.
7. The roof monitoring system in any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising:
a database connected to the at least one sensor.
a database connected to the at least one sensor.
8. A roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent; and a humidity sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the lower dome, at least one hollow tube and upper dome to make contact with the humidity sensor;
said humidity sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent; and a humidity sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the lower dome, at least one hollow tube and upper dome to make contact with the humidity sensor;
said humidity sensor capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
9. The roof monitoring system of claim 8 further comprising:
a pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
a pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
10.The roof monitoring system of claim 8 further comprising:
a wind speed sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring speeds of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
a wind speed sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring speeds of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
11.The roof monitoring system of claim 8 further comprising:
a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
12.The roof monitoring system of claim 8 further comprising:
a data appliance connected to the at least one sensor.
a data appliance connected to the at least one sensor.
13. The roof monitoring system of claim 8 further comprising:
a database connected to the at least one sensor.
a database connected to the at least one sensor.
14.A roof monitoring system comprising:
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, -travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent; and a pressure sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the lower dome, through the at least one hollow tube and through the upper dome to flow over the pressure sensor and make direct contact with the pressure sensor;
said pressure sensor being capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
a roof vent having a housing;
said housing having an upper dome connected to a lower dome by at least one hollow tube connecting an interior space of the upper dome to an interior space of the lower dome so that air is capable of moving freely throughout the housing;
said lower dome having an open bottom that is securable to a roof membrane via a flange that extends outward from a lower perimeter of the lower dome and allows air from under the roof membrane to enter the lower dome, -travel through the at least one hollow tube and into the upper dome of the housing of the roof vent; and a pressure sensor located inside the housing in a position that allows air flowing through the lower dome, through the at least one hollow tube and through the upper dome to flow over the pressure sensor and make direct contact with the pressure sensor;
said pressure sensor being capable of collecting data from air passing through the lower dome, the at least one hollow tube, and the upper dome of the housing;
and said pressure sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting unwanted openings in the roof membrane by measuring an amount of negative pressure in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
15. The roof monitoring system of claim 14 further comprising:
a humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
a humidity sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of detecting humidity in air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing.
16. The roof monitoring system of claim 14 further comprising:
a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
17. The roof monitoring system of claim 14 further comprising:
a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
a temperature sensor positioned within the housing to be capable of measuring temperature of air passing from under the roof membrane and through the housing to acquire a temperature within the roof system.
18. The roof monitoring system of claim 14 further comprising:
a data appliance connected to the at least one sensor.
a data appliance connected to the at least one sensor.
19. The roof monitoring system of claim 14 further comprising:
a database connected to the at least one sensor.
a database connected to the at least one sensor.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3100283A CA3100283C (en) | 2020-11-20 | 2020-11-20 | Roof monitoring system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3100283A CA3100283C (en) | 2020-11-20 | 2020-11-20 | Roof monitoring system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3100283A1 CA3100283A1 (en) | 2022-05-20 |
| CA3100283C true CA3100283C (en) | 2024-02-20 |
Family
ID=81608063
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3100283A Active CA3100283C (en) | 2020-11-20 | 2020-11-20 | Roof monitoring system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3100283C (en) |
-
2020
- 2020-11-20 CA CA3100283A patent/CA3100283C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA3100283A1 (en) | 2022-05-20 |
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