EP3822423A1

EP3822423A1 - Water diverters for roof windows

Info

Publication number: EP3822423A1
Application number: EP19208969.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sabahudin MEDIC; Connor James SHIELDS; William John WEBB
Original assignee: Roof Maker Ltd
Current assignee: Roof Maker Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-13
Filing date: 2019-11-13
Publication date: 2021-05-19

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a water diverter configured to divert water away from an interface between a wall and a frame portion of a roof window. The water diverter comprises means for enabling the water diverter to be positioned in an operational position. The water diverter also comprises a sloped surface. In the operational position, the sloped surface slopes downwards with increasing distance from the wall, to divert water away from the interface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a water diverter configured to divert water away from an interface between a wall and a frame portion of a roof window. In particular, but not exclusively the water diverter is for use with exterior walls of structures.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A roof window is sometimes called a rooflight or skylight. A roof window as referred to herein is a glazing device that forms some or all of a roof space of a building, enabling daylight to enter the building.
A roof window as referred to herein is usually pitched at least slightly, even if the surrounding roof is flat. This helps with water runoff such as rain runoff.
A roof window as referred to herein typically comprises a structural perimeter frame which supports glazing. The surrounding roof is configured to support the frame.
Roof window frames typically do not abut walls and instead a large gap is left between the wall and the portion of the frame closest to the wall. This is because it would be difficult to fully waterproof the interface between the abutting frame and the wall. Firstly, this is because some wall surfaces can be very rough, such as brick walls. Secondly, the frame may slope down away from the wall, which can create a large V-shaped/wedge-shaped gap at the interface.
One method of waterproofing an interface between a roof window frame and a wall is to use flexible flashing. Flashing is usually 'Code 4' lead or a lead alternative which is typically rubber material with aluminum mesh core which would be chased in to the wall and onto the roof-light glass to divert water away from the interface. Adhesive-backed flashing is convenient to install but does not offer long-term water resistance. Anchoring flashing to the wall is time-consuming and destructive. Flashing also looks inelegant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all embodiments of the invention there is provided a water diverter configured to divert water away from an interface between a wall and a frame portion of a roof window, the water diverter comprising:

means for enabling the water diverter to be positioned in an operational position; and
a sloped surface, wherein in the operational position the sloped surface slopes downwards with increasing distance from the wall to divert water away from the interface.

This provides the advantage of an improved apparatus for protecting an interface between a wall and a frame portion of a roof window.
According to various, but not necessarily all embodiments of the invention there is provided a system comprising the water diverter and a frame portion of a roof window, wherein the water diverter is configured to be positioned in the operational position above the frame portion of the roof window, to divert water away from the interface between the wall and the frame portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig 1 illustrates an example of a water diverter;
Fig 2 illustrates the water diverter in cross-section; and
Fig 3 illustrates a mitre joint between water diverters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig 1 is a three-dimensional perspective view and partial cross-section showing a wall 1, a roof window 3, an interface 2 between the wall 1 and the roof window 3, and an example water diverter 4. Fig 2 is a zoomed in view of the cross-section. Fig 3 is a top-down view of a mitre joint between water diverters 4, showing hidden detail such as cleats 6.
The illustrated wall 1 is an exterior wall of a structure, such as a brick or render wall. The water diverter 4 may be usable with rough exterior walls. In some examples, the water diverter 4 may be usable with a wide range of walls including interior walls.
The illustrated wall 1 is vertical (z-axis), but the water diverter 4 could be adapted for off-vertical walls in some implementations.
The illustrated roof window 3 comprises glazing/glass 3a. The illustration shows triple glazing, however a different number of panes may be provided in other examples.
The roof window 3 also comprises a perimeter frame 3b extending around the perimeter of the glazing 3a. The frame 3b is configured to rigidly support the glazing panes 3a, and to resist deformation loads that could crack glass.
Most of the frame 3b is hidden from view, however a portion of the frame 3b closest to the wall 1 can be seen in cross-section. The visible frame portion 3b is the wall-facing side of the frame 3b, extending in the x-axis direction.
The illustrated roof window 3 is pitched (sloped) down with increasing distance from the wall 1, and is therefore pitched down from the y-axis. Additionally or alternatively, the roof window 3 may have a cross-slope (pitched relative to x-axis).
The roof window 3 may be supported from below and/or may be arranged to abut/secure to the wall 1. In Fig 1 the roof window 3 abuts the wall 1 at an interface 2. The interface 2 may or may not secure the roof window 3 to the wall 1.
The illustrated interface 2 comprises an optional weathering strip 2b which is wedge-shaped due to the pitch of the roof window 3. The weathering strip 2b is wedged/located between the frame portion 3b and the wall 1.
The illustrated interface 2 also comprises an optional sealer 2a for sealing the gap between the frame portion 3b and the wall 1. The sealer 2a may be a sealant. The sealant 2a may be silicone-based or another water-resistant equivalent. As shown, the sealant 2a may extend as a bead running parallel to the frame portion 3b in the x-axis. One bead surface is attached to the wall 1. The other bead surface attached to the weathering strip 2b (if provided), and/or to the frame portion 3b.
The illustrated interface 2 provides a degree of weatherproofing. However, to improve long-term waterproofing a water diverter 4 according to an aspect of the invention is provided. The water diverter 4 is now described.
The water diverter 4 may be provided as a system 100 with the roof window 3, or may be provided separately.
The water diverter 4 extends lengthwise in the x-axis, parallel to the wall 1 and frame portion 3b. The water diverter 4 is positioned above the frame portion 3b and therefore covers the interface 2.
The water diverter 4 comprises at least two elements, the rest being optional but advantageous. The first element is means 42 (positioning means or positioner) for enabling the water diverter 4 to be positioned in an operational position. The operational position is shown in the Figures. Secondly, the water diverter 4 comprises a sloped surface 41. The sloped surface 41 enables passive gravity-removal of water away from the interface 2, when the water diverter 4 is in the operational position.
The water diverter 4 may be secured in the operational position by fixings 5, such as screws 5a, or by other means. Fixings 5 may be provided with the water diverter 4 or separately.
In the Figures, but not necessarily in all examples, the positioning means 42 comprises at least one fixing positioning guide 42a. The purpose of a fixing positioning guide 42a is to direct and/or assist an installer to add fixings 5 at required locations.
The illustrated fixing positioning guide 42a is an indent. Additionally or alternatively, a fixing positioning guide 42a could comprise a marking. Additionally or alternatively, a fixing positioning guide 42a could comprise at least one pre-formed fixing receiver (hole, aperture or throat) for receiving a fixing 5 such as a screw 5a. A fixing positioning guide 42a could even comprise a hook or other arrangement for securing to existing wall furniture.
Instead of a fixing positioning guide 42a, the positioning means 42 could comprise an integrated fixing, integrated into the water diverter 4 itself, or any other suitable means.
In the Figures the fixing positioning guide 42a runs continuously and uniformly along the length of the water diverter 4. As shown, the fixing positioning guide 42a may be a continuous indent. The installer will create their own fixing receiver 42b (hole, aperture and/or throat), for example by drilling through the indent. This is a flexible solution for the installer, who can choose arbitrary fixing locations and spacings, that avoid any site-specific obstructions.
In the Figures the positioning means 42 facilitates securing of the water diverter 4 to the wall 1. In other examples, the water diverter 4 may be secured from below, such as to the frame 3b or interface 2. However, securing to the wall 1 is more flexible because any roof window 3 can be used, without a need to modify the design of the roof window 3 for use with a water diverter 4.
Once the water diverter 4 is secured in the operational position, the sloped surface 41 slopes downwards with increasing y-axis distance from the wall 1. The sloped surface 41 may be rigid, without needing to be deformed into shape.
The illustrated sloped surface 41 is configured to drain water onto the window. Alternatively, the water diverter 4 could capture water in a channel/gutter, however a cross-slope may be needed which adds complexity in flat roof installations.
In the Figures, but not necessarily in all examples, the sloped surface 41 in the operational position is sufficiently sloped to become closer to the roof window 3 with increasing distance from the wall 1. As shown in the Figures, the sloped surface 41 may optionally have a greater downwards slope than the pitch of the roof window 3 in the same direction.
The illustrated water diverter 4 has an optional upright portion 43, and the sloped surface 41 slopes downwards with increasing y-axis distance from the upright portion 43. In the Figures the upright portion 43 connects to an upper portion of the sloped surface 41 and extends upwards. The sloped surface 41 forms an obtuse angle relative to the upright portion 43. The obtuse angle may be a value from the range 100 degrees to 170 degrees. An upper limit of 135 degrees would enable a more vertically compact design. In a specific example, the angle between the upright portion 43 and the sloped surface 41 may be approximately 100 degrees
Several optional advantageous features and implementation features of the water diverter 4 will now be described. They are optional unless the claims are amended in such as way as to require them. They are not inextricably linked unless stated.
As described above, the water diverter 4 may comprise an upright portion 43. The term 'upright' as used herein means substantially more vertical than the sloped surface 41, for example forming the above obtuse angle. References to a 'portion' herein mean either a surface or a plate/wall comprising the surface. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the upright portion 43 is approximately parallel to the wall 1. However, it is not necessary to be exactly parallel to the wall 1 such as shown in the Figures.
As shown, the upright portion 43 may comprise the positioning means 42. As shown, the positioning means 42 may comprise a fixing positioning guide 42a or one of the alternatives discussed above. As shown, the fixing positioning guide 42a may be an indent.
As shown, the water diverter 4 may be secured to the wall 1 by creating a fixing receiver 42b (e.g. drilling a hole) through the upright. Specifically, the hole 42b may be drilled during installation, using the fixing positioning guide 42a as a reference. The illustrated hole 42b has been drilled through the indent 42a. Alternatively, the hole 42b may be pre-drilled without the need for a fixing positioning guide 42a.
As shown, a wall plug 5b may be secured to the wall 1. A fixing 5 such as a screw 5a is inserted through the fixing receiver 42b and secured to the wall plug 5b.
The head of the screw 5a may be received in a cavity of the water diverter 4 between the upright portion 43 and the wall 1, enabling the fixing receiver 42b to be sealed with a sealer 5c such as a cap. The cavity is formed by a later-described channel/socket 48. Alternatively, the screw head may bias against the exterior surface of the upright portion 43.
As shown, the positioning means 42 and optional upright portion 43 may be vertically positioned above the plane of the sloped surface 41 as shown, to provide the installer with unobstructed access to the fixing positioning guide 42a. However, depending on how the water diverter 4 is positioned and secured, the positioning means 42 does not necessarily have to be above the plane of the sloped surface 41.
The water diverter 4 may be manufactured as an extruded body 40. Moulding, 3D printing, post-forming or other manufacturing techniques could alternatively be used depending on shape requirements and other considerations. However, extrusion is a rapid fabrication technique for the profile shown in the Figures.
As shown, the body 40 of the water diverter 4 comprises at least a sloped portion 41a (e.g. sloped plate/wall) comprising the sloped surface 41. The body 40 also comprises any further elements needed to provide the positioning means 42, such as the illustrated upright portion 43. In the Figures the body 40 further comprises additional optional elements 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53 which are described later.
The body 40 may be mostly (>50%) or entirely metallic. The metal may be inherently oxidation resistant in the presence of water, and/or may be treated or coated for improved oxidation resistance. In a specific example, the metal is aluminium. Other options are stainless steel or noble metals. Metal provides a hard-wearing, rigid and aesthetic finish, compared to other materials that could be used in other examples, such as hard plastics.
Depending on expected loads, the sloped portion 41a and/or upright portion 43 may have a material thickness in the order of less than 1cm.
Regarding the size of the water diverter 4, the slope length of the sloped portion 41a may be at least 2cm. The upright portion 43 may extend above the sloped portion 41a in the z-axis for at least 2cm. The x-axis length of the water diverter 4 depends on the size of the roof window 3.
The illustrated water diverter 4 comprises additional optional body parts that may optionally be hidden from view behind the sloped surface 41 and the upright portion 43. The optional body parts include spatially-separated sockets 48, 49 that provide at least part of a joint for coupling the water diverter 4 extending in the x-axis with a second water diverter 4, when cleats 6 are inserted into the sockets 48, 49. The sockets may be open to cleat insertion from the x-axis (length) direction.
The cleats 6 may be angled cleats 6 for enable the second water diverter 4 to extend in a non-parallel direction (e.g. the y-axis). This optional feature enables roof windows to meet corner walls. Additionally or alternatively, the cleats 6 may be straight cleats for extending water diverters 4 in the x-axis.
The water diverter 4 may comprise the cleats 6 for insertion into the sockets, or the cleats 6 may be supplied separately.
As shown, the sockets 48, 49 may be spatially separated from each other, in the y-axis and/or the z-axis.
Fig 3 shows that a direction-changing joint may be a mitre joint, enabling the water diverters 4 to meet at acute or obtuse angles. Angled cleats 6 may be used. In Fig 3 the cleats are L-shaped, comprising a perpendicular angle for a 90-degree joint. A cleat may have a different angle for a different joint angle. The cleats are visible in Fig 3 but would not be visible in use. Other joint types could be used than mitre joints.
Mitres may be cut into water diverters 4 by the installer in a quick operation, enabling a one-size-fits-all water diverter 4 that can be quickly cut to an arbitrary chosen length. Alternatively, the mitre may be pre-cut during fabrication.
The cleat-socket design enables rapid installation. However, it would be appreciated that a cleat-socket approach is optional, and instead other parts of the body 40 may be adhered or welded together to form the joint. It would also be appreciated that while the Figures show two sockets 48, 49, fewer or more sockets could be provided. In a further alternative implementation, the body 40 of the water diverter 4 may comprise integral cleats, for receiving sockets. In a further alternative implementation, a water diverter 4 may comprise a cleat at one end and a socket at its opposite end.
An advantage of the socket arrangement shown in the Figures is that sockets can be provided as socket-shaped channels that extend continuously and uniformly between ends of the water diverter 4, enabling the water diverter 4 to be cut to an arbitrary length and still present a socket.
Figs 1 and 2 show a first socket 48 for receiving a first cleat 6a, and a second socket 49 for receiving a second cleat 6b. The first socket 48 will be described first.
The first socket 48 is to a wall-facing side of the upright portion 43. In other words, the first socket 48 is between the upright portion 43 and the wall 1. As shown, the first socket 48 may be located above the (sloped) plane of the sloped surface 41. A socket is only a socket to the extent it securely holds the first cleat 6a, in other words a socket does not have to be fully enclosed.
As shown, the body 40 of the water diverter 4 may comprise a channel defining the first socket 48. The first socket 48 is behind the upright portion 43 and is not visible in use. The illustrated channel is fully enclosed, but it does not necessarily have to be fully enclosed.
The cross-sectional shape of the first socket 48 depends on a shape of the first cleat 6a, and is approximately rectangular in the illustrated example. As shown, the first socket 48 may be elongated vertically. The long sides of the first socket 48 are defined by the (first) upright portion 43, and a second upright portion 47 which may be parallel as shown. The second upright portion 47 is closer to the wall.
As shown, the first socket 48 may be vertically aligned with the positioning means 42 (e.g. indent). Therefore, the wall fixing 5 may extend through not only the upright portion 43 but also the first socket 48, before reaching the wall 1. The locations of the fixing receiver(s) 42b for the fixing(s) 5 should be chosen not to interfere with the locations of the cleats 6.
In the example of the Figures where the fixing 5 is a screw 5a, the whole screw 5a including the screw head is inserted through a larger fixing receiver 42b (e.g. hole) in the first upright portion 43, as described earlier, and into the channel of the first socket 48. The second upright portion 47 has a smaller fixing receiver 42c (e.g. hole) that cannot fit the screw head therethrough. The screw head therefore remains inside the first socket 48 and abuts the second upright portion 47. The screw head is now protected within a cavity corresponding to the first socket 48. The larger fixing receiver 42b in the first upright portion 43 may be capped 5c. This embedded-screw arrangement provides superior corrosion resistance by reducing water exposure. This is because many screws comprise base metals, and/or a plating may be damaged during installation.
To aid installation, a second indent (not visible) may be provided on the non-wall-facing side of the second upright portion 47, for guiding creation (e.g. drilling) of the second smaller fixing receiver 42c (e.g. hole). The second indent may be vertically parallel to the fixing positioning guide 42a (e.g. indent) of the first upright portion 43. In the example the two indents guide the drilling of the larger and smaller holes 42b, 42c respectively.
The second socket 49 will now be described. The second socket 49 is to a window-facing side of the sloped surface 41. In other words, the second socket 49 is below the plane of the sloped surface 41 but above the window.
As shown, the body 40 of the water diverter 4 may comprise a channel defining the second socket 49. The second socket 49 is below the sloped surface 41 and is not visible in use. The illustrated channel is non-enclosed, but it could be enclosed in other examples.
The cross-sectional shape of the second socket 49 depends on a shape of the second cleat 6b, and is approximately rectangular in the illustrated example. As shown, the second socket 49 may be elongated differently from the first socket 48. The different orientations of the first and second sockets 48, 49 means that cleats may be oriented in different directions to improve joint strength.
The Figures show that the second socket 49 may be oriented approximately horizontally (y-axis). This enables the second cleat 6b to be direction-changing without having a complex twisted shape. However, as a result of this orientation the second socket 49 is non-parallel to the sloped surface 41. The body 40 is therefore configured so that the second socket 49 can be attached to the underside of the sloped portion 41a and yet horizontally oriented.
Specifically, the body 40 may comprise a horizontal portion 53 (e.g. horizontal wall/surface/plate) below the sloped portion 41a. The horizontal portion 53 comprises the second socket 49 in the horizontal orientation. The horizontal portion 53 may be connected to a first location of the body 40 such as a window-facing side (underside) of the sloped portion 41a, and extends horizontally towards the wall 1.
The horizontal portion 53 may be further configured to provide structural reinforcement by connecting to a second location on the body 40 to create a force distribution path. As shown, the horizontal portion 53 may connect to an upright portion extension 52 to form a reinforcing shape.
The upright portion extension 52 is a downwards extension of the upright portion 43 that extends below the plane of the sloped surface 41. The resulting reinforcing shape is a triangular structure with sides defined by the sloped portion 41a, the horizontal portion 53, and the upright portion extension 52. The triangular structure may be hollow as shown, or filled or solid. The illustrated arrangement is just one of several possible reinforcing geometries.
Other optional features for improving water diversion are described below.
The Figures show that the body 40 may further comprise a second sloped portion (plate/surface/wall) comprising a sloped surface 44. The second sloped surface 44 is arranged to be closer to the wall 1 than the (first) sloped surface 41. In use, the second sloped surface 44 slopes downwards towards the sloped surface 41 to divert water towards the sloped surface 41.
As shown, the second sloped surface 44 may be above the plane of the sloped surface 41. The lowest point of the second sloped surface 44 may be higher than the highest point of the first sloped surface 41. The second sloped surface 44 may be above the upright portion 43 and extends to the wall-facing side of the upright portion 43. The second sloped surface 44 may slope down in the same direction as the sloped surface 41.
The reason for the second sloped surface 44 in the Figures is to divert water away from the space between the upright portion 43 and the wall 1. The space exists because the upright portion 43 cannot abut the wall 1 due to the y-axis depth of the first socket 48. The illustrated second sloped surface 44 is therefore not required if the upright portion 43 can abut the wall 1, and/or if other means for protecting the space is provided, such as a gutter or seal.
The above-described examples of a water diverter 4 enable most water to be diverted horizontally away from the interface 2. However, as the body 40 may be rigid and the wall 1 may be uneven, additional sealing may be provided to further prevent water ingress through small gaps between the top of the second sloped surface 44 and the uneven wall surface. An example of additional sealing is described below.
As shown, the water diverter 4 may comprise a wall sealer 45 located to a wall-facing side of the upright portion 43. The wall sealer 45 may extend continuously in the x-axis from end to end of the water diverter 4.
For rough and uneven walls, it would be advantageous to use an expanding wall sealer 45 that self-expands in-situ. This enables the wall sealer 45 to conform to the uneven wall surface and close any gaps.
The wall sealer 45 may be water-resistant. The water resistance may arise from the material of the wall sealer 45 itself and/or its porosity, permeability, surface properties, etc.
An example of an expanding waterproof wall sealer 45 is expanding foam tape. For even walls or indoor walls, a simpler silicone seal or other method may function well.
The wall sealer 45 may attach to the body 40 at any suitable wall-facing side of the body 40. The attachment may be via adhesive, for example. In the Figures, the wall sealer 45 attaches to a wall-facing side of an optional upright flange 46 of the body 40. The upright flange 46 starts at the top of the second sloped surface 44 and extends downwards (or could extend upwards). In the Figures, the wall sealer 45 also attaches to the wall-facing side of the second upright portion 47.
Adhering the wall sealer 45 to part(s) of the body 40 allows the wall sealer 45 good freedom to expand. However, additionally or alternatively the body 40 could mechanically hold the wall sealer 45.
In some, but not necessarily all examples a glazing contactor 51 may be provided between the water diverter 4 and the roof window 3.
As shown, the water diverter 4 may comprise a glazing contactor 51 located to a window-facing side of the sloped surface 41. The glazing contactor 51 provides one or more possible functions. Firstly, if the body 40 is metallic then the glazing contactor 51 may be soft to protect the glass 3a. Secondly, the glazing contactor 51 could act as a seal to further protect against water ingress from below the sloped surface 41.
The illustrated glazing contactor 51 is a resiliently deformable sealer. An example of a resiliently deformable sealer is a flexible gasket. The gasket may be a flexible extruded material. The material may be rubber or rubber-like. The resiliently deformable sealer may extend continuously in the x-axis from end to end of the water diverter 4 to provide a continuous seal. If a continuous seal is not required, the glazing contactor 51 may be at intermittent locations.
The glazing contactor 51 may be secured in position by the body 40. As shown, the body 40 may comprise a glazing contactor holder 50 configured to mechanically hold the glazing contactor 51, because the small width of the glazing contactor 51 provides a small surface less suitable for adhesive. The glazing contactor holder 50 may be located to the underside of the sloped surface 41. The glazing contactor 51 may be located towards a distal end of the sloped surface 41, beyond the point where the optional horizontal portion 53 meets the sloped portion 41a. In other examples, the glazing contactor holder 50 may be on the horizontal portion 53.
The glazing contactor 51 is a non-expanding material because expansion from below could tilt the water diverter 4 upwards and interfere with drainage. However, an expanding material could be used with careful material property selection.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the upright portion 43 could be smaller than shown in the Figures, for example upright portions could be brackets for wall fixings 5. For example, the body may be an integrally formed part or a collection of attached parts.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

A water diverter configured to divert water away from an interface between a wall and a frame portion of a roof window, the water diverter comprising:
means for enabling the water diverter to be positioned in an operational position; and

a sloped surface, wherein in the operational position the sloped surface slopes downwards with increasing distance from the wall to divert water away from the interface.
The water diverter of claim 1, comprising a wall sealer located to a wall-facing side of the water diverter.
The water diverter of claim 2, wherein the wall sealer comprises expanding material for conforming to a rough surface of the wall.
The water diverter of claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising a glazing contactor located to a window-facing side of the sloped surface, optionally wherein the glazing contactor is a resiliently deformable sealer.
The water diverter of any preceding claim, comprising a body comprising at least the sloped surface, wherein the body is mostly or entirely metallic.
The water diverter of claim 5, wherein the body is an extruded section.
The water diverter of any preceding claim, comprising a second sloped surface, wherein the second sloped surface is arranged to be closer to the wall than the sloped surface, wherein in use the second sloped surface slopes downwards towards the sloped surface to divert water towards the sloped surface.
The water diverter of any preceding claim, comprising at least one socket or cleat configured to provide at least part of a joint for coupling the water diverter with a second water diverter.
The water diverter of claim 8, wherein each socket is configured to retain an angled cleat for securing the joint, such that the second water diverter extends in a non-parallel direction, optionally wherein the joint is a mitre joint.
The water diverter of claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one socket extends continuously lengthwise between ends of the water diverter, enabling the water diverter to be cut to an arbitrary length and provide the joint.
The water diverter of claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the at least one socket is a plurality of spatially-separated sockets, spatially separated in a vertical direction and/or in a horizontal direction away from the wall.
The water diverter of claim 11, wherein one of the sockets is to a wall-facing side of the water diverter and another of the sockets is to a window-facing side of the sloped surface.
The water diverter of any preceding claim, wherein the means for enabling the water diverter to be positioned in the operational position comprises one or more fixing positioning guides for assisting positioning of at least one fixing, and/or comprises at least one fixing, optionally wherein the fixing is a wall fixing.
The water diverter of claim 13, comprising an upright portion above the sloped surface, wherein the upright portion comprises a fixing positioning guide of the one or more fixing positioning guides.
A system comprising the water diverter of any preceding claim and a frame portion of a roof window, wherein the water diverter is configured to be positioned in the operational position above the frame portion of the roof window, to divert water away from the interface between the wall and the frame portion.