GB2159851A - Ridge covering for a tiled pitched roof - Google Patents

Abstract

The covering has ridge caps 16 which are fixed to a ridge batten 15 of the roof and extend over the ridge batten to the uppermost roofing tiles 13. Sealing elements 20 are provided for sealing between the longitudinal edges of the ridge caps and the roof tiles. Each sealing element has a downwardly extending portion or portions which are shaped to conform to the contours of the roof tiles. The sealing elements also include an upwardly facing channel 22 in which a longitudinal edge of a ridge cap sits. Apertures are provided in the downwardly extending portions of the sealing elements to provide a path for the flow of air between the exterior of the roof and the underside of the ridge caps. Cavity isolators 40 seal the cavity formed between the underside of the tiles and the roofing felt 18 from the attic space. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in a ridge covering for a tiled roof This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to ridge coverings for tiled roofs.

The term "tiled roofs" where used herein is meant to include roofs covered with concrete or clay tiles or slates, or like roof coverings.

In the specification of our British Patent No.

2030629B there is disclosed a ridge covering for a tiled pitched roof and comprising ridge caps fastened to a ridge batten which is in turn secured to the apex of the rafters of the roof sealing strips for sealing the longitudinal edges of the ridge caps and the roof tiles on each side of the ridge in which each sealing strip comprises a downwardly extending portion or portions which are shaped to conform to the contours of the roof tiles and an upwardly facing channel which is engaged by one longitudinal edge of the ridge cap.

The principle aim of the arrangement disclosed in our earlier patent was to obviate the use of mortar or similar bonding agent thereby providing a "dry" ridge covering for a tiled pitched roof.

Recently, it has become increasingly important that roofs are constructed in such a way that there is adequate ventilation of the roof space, i.e. the attic portion of a building.

It is thus one of the objects of the present invention to provide a dry ridge covering which also facilitates adequate ventilation of the roof space.

Thus, the present invention provides a ridge covering for a tiled pitched roof comprising ridge caps and sealing elements for sealing between the longitudinal edges of the ridge caps and the roof tiles on each side of the tiled pitched roof, each sealing element comprising a downwardly extending portion or portions which are shaped to conform to the contours of the roof tiles and an upwardly facing channel which is engaged by one longitudinal edge of the ridge cap in which the sealing elements are provided with apertures connecting the exterior of the roof with an underside of the ridge cap.

Conveniently the sealing elements comprises a labyrinth between said apertures whereby the ingress of moisture from the exterior of the roof to the underside of the ridge cap is avoided.

In one embodiment the labyrinth is comprised of a series of off-set wall portions.

The invention also provides a tiled roof comprising a plurality of pairs of rafters meeting at an apex, sheet material overlying said rafters, a plurality of battens arranged parallel and spaced apart on each side of the apex, a plurality of roofing tiles arranged in overlapping formation up the roof and hung from the battens and a ridge covering in which isolator components are provided underlying the uppermost row of roofing tile, each isolator unit being adapted to isolate the space between the said uppermost tiles and sheet material, e.g. roofing felt, overlying the rafters and forming the batten cavity from the attic space of the roof.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view with parts broken away of a first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 is a composite section through the ridge of a tiled pitched roof showing halfsections of two further embodiments of the invention, one or each side of a centre line of the figure.

Referring to Figure 1, a portion of a tiled pitched roof is shown in which wooden rafters 10, arranged in pairs, meet at an apex 11.

Wooden battens 1 2 are nailed to the rafters 10 at spaced intervals on either side of the apex or ridge 11 and roofing tiles 1 3 are laid on the battens 1 2. Only one such batten 12 is shown in Figure 1.

Between the uppermost course of tiles 1 3 on each side of the pitched roof there exists a gap which is closed by a ridge covering including a ridge batten 1 5 to which are secured half round ridge caps or tiles 16.

The ridge batten 1 5 extends longitudinally above the apex 11 and is secured to the pairs of rafters 10 by brackets 1 7 the full details of which are to be found in our BP Specification Nos. 2028956B and 2030629B.

Under normal construction practices employed hitherto the traditional roofing felt would have been liad over the apex of the rafters as shown in the rawings of BPs 2028956B and 2030629B. However, in the present arrangement the roofing felt 18 is cut short at an apex of the rafters, see especially the left hand side of Figure 2, to leave a gap 19 for the passage of ventilating air between the underside of the ridge cap, and the roof space of the dwelling.

The present embodiment of the invention will now be described with particular reference to Figure 1 which shows the half round ridge tile 1 6 in conjunction with contoured tiles 1 3 of Applicants "Renown" range of roofing tiles. (Renown is a Trade Mark). The first embodiment thus provides a sealing element 20 for sealing the longitudinal edges 23 of the ridge tiles 1 6 and the tiles 1 3 on each side of the tiled pitched roof only one such sealing element being shown in Figure 1.

The sealing element 20 is an elongate unitary plastics moulding comprising an upwardly facing channel 22 for accommodating the longitudinal edge 23 on one side of the tile 16. The element 20 also comprises two downwardly extending skirts 24 and 26 each of which is shaped to conform to the contours of the upper surfaces of the roofing tiles 13.

In cross-section, the sealing element is substantially of "M" shaped configuration and further comprises a short-centrally disposed wall 25 which acts as a baffle for interrupting any direct line-of-sight openings in the sealing element to prevent ingress of driven rain or snow into the roof space. It also acts as a location and strengthening feature of the element. Upper portions of the skirt 24 are provided with apertures 28 whereby, when the sealing element is in use, the exterior of the roof is in communication with the underside 30 of the sealing element. The apertures 28 are hooded by outwardly extending portions 29 of the sealing element.Likewise upper portions of the skirt 26 are provided with apertures 32 whereby when the sealing elements are in use, the underside 30 of the sealing element is in communication with the underside of the tiles 16 and through the gap 1 9 to the roof space of the dwelling. As can be seen in Figure 1 and more clearly in Figure 2, the apertures 32 are provided at the shoulder of the sealing element where the skirts 26 meet the channel 22.

The apertures 28 and 32, which are arranged at equi-spaced intervals along the length of the element 20, are of a size which, while allowing for adequate passage of air therethrough, are not big enough for large insects to gain entry to the roof space.

In using a ridge system of the kind just described it is necessary to prevent differential pressure conditions which may lead to lifting of the uppermost rows of tiles 1 3 or to affect the driven rain performance thereof while increasing the ventilation of the roof space. To this end, there are provided batten cavity isolators 40 formed as thin section plastics mouldings each of which, when the isolators are in use, seal batten cavities 38 formed between the underside of the tiles 1 6 and the felt 18 from the attic space.The isolators 40 each comprise (a) a first portion 42 which overlies the uppermost batten 12 on each side of the roof, (b) a lower skirt portion 44 which contacts an upper surface of the felt 18, (c) a re-entrant portion 46 for accommodating hanging nibs 48 of the tiles 1 3 and (d) an upstand portion 50 for contacting upper faces 52 of the tiles 1 3 in sealing contact therewith to isolate the batten cavity 38 from the interior of the roof (the attic space). - In order to ensure free communication between the underside of the ridge tiles 16 and the interiors of the roof (viz. the attic space) appropriate dimples 54 are formed in the upstand portions 50 of the isolators 40. Thus, a passageway is maintained between the isolators and the ridge batten 1 5.

The dimples 54 also add strength and rigidity to the isolators 40.

The second and third embodiments of the invention are shown to the left and right respectively of the centre line "CL" in Figure 2 and parts similar to those in the first em bodiment have been given the same numbers suffixed by the letters "a" and "b" respec tively.

The second embodiment of the invention, shown on the left of the centre line "CL" in Figure 2, is intended for use with plain tiles 1 3a of Applicants "Stonewold" range of roofing tiles. (Stonewold is a Trade Mark).

Consequently, the skirts 24a and 26a of the sealing element 20a are straight and the cross-section of the sealing elements 20a is substantially the same throughout its length.

The sealing element 20a is modified, com pared with the element 20 of the first embodi .ment. in that there are three wall portions 25a depending on the underside of the sealing element 20a.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the central one of the three walls 25a has apertures formed therein at a position where the two outer walls are solid; however, along the length of the sealing element 20a- these conditions are re versed. Thus, the outer wall 25a have aper tures in positions which are not coincident with an aperture in the central wall and an indirect path is provided between the aper tures 28a and 32a which permits the ingress of ventilating air between the exterior of the roof and the underside of the tile 1 6a and consequently to the roof space via the gap 1 9a at the apex of the rafters 10. The spacing of the apertures in the wall 25a prevents the ingress of driven rain or snow into the roof space.

In the arrangement associated with the sec ond embodiment, the cavity isolators 40a are of slightly different shape to those of the first embodiment to accommodate the geometry of the tile 13a.

The third embodiment of the invention, shown on the right of the centre line "CL" in Figure 2, is intended for use with contoured tiles 1 3b of Applicants "Regent" range of roofing tiles (Regent is a Trade Mark).

These tiles are of a roll form and the skirt portions 24b, 26b are therefor longer than in the other embodiments and include accurate cut-outs to conform to the contours of the tiles. The wall 25b of the sealing element rests on the rolls of the tiles. The path for ventilating air from the apertures 28b passes underneath the wall 25b at points where that wall is not in contact with the tiles subse quently through the apertures 32b to the underside of the tile 1 6b and consequently to the roof space via the gap 1 9b at the apex of the rafters 1 Ob.

In the arrangement associated with the third embodiment, the cavity isolators 40b are also of slightly different shape to those of the first and second embodiments to accommodate the geometry of the tile 13b. In addition, because the upstand portion 50b is longer than in the other two arrangements, the dimples 54b are of corresponding length.

As can be seen from Figure 1 the ridge covering is fixed to a tiled pitched roof by a tiler who: a) fixes a series of cavity isolators 40 along the roof and secures them to the batten 1 2 by appropriate fastening 60 with left hand end portions of each succeeding isolator 40 being accommodated under a raised right hand portion 62 of a preceding isolator 30; b) places the uppermost row of tiles 1 3 on the roof with their hanging nibs 48 located in the re-entrant portions 46 of the isolators 40; c) positions a series of sealing elements 20 on either side of the roof with left hand end portions (not shown) of reduced cross-section thereof being receiving in a sliding fit with the right hand ends of preceding elements 20;; d) positions a series of ridge tiles 1 6 overlying the apex of the roof with the edges 23 thereof in the channels 22 of the sealing elements 20, the ridge tiles being sealed in end to end relationship by T-shaped crosssection seal members as in Applicants prior patents; and e) secures the tiles 1 6 to the ridge batten 1 5 by fastenings 64 which pass through holes in the ridge tile 1 6.

Fixing of the tiles 16 also secures the sealing elements 20 and the uppermost course of roofing tiles 13.

Neoprene washers 68 are provided between the heads of the fastenings 64 and the upper surfaces of the tiles 1 6 which washers deform as the fastenings are driven into the ridge batten 1 5 thus to seal the holes against ingress of water. (Neoprene is a Trade Mark).

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the paths for ventilating air provided by the three sealing elements are indirect and the apertures 28 are hooded so that, whereas the venting and ingress of air is unhindered, the ingress of wind driven rain, or splashing rain, into the interior of the roof space is avoided.

In addition, from Applicants experience with the seals of British Patent'No. 2030629B, the tranquil zones created within the sealing elements 20, 20a and 20b further reduce the risk of moisture under the ridge tile or in the roof space.

It is to be appreciated that further modificiations may be made to the shape of the skirts of the sealing elements to accommodate tiles of any contour.

Although the arrangements shown include the bracket 17 for fixing the ridge batten 1 5 such elements do not form part of the present invention; thus, the roof ridge tiles 1 6 may be secured to the roof by fasteners 64 which engage in any appropriate ridge batten configuration.

Furthermore, nibs may also be provided on the underside of existing isolators 40 which nibs encourage any condensation present to fall down the roof away from the roof space and also allow a small force flow of air between the isolators and the battens 1 2.

Claims (11)

1. A ridge covering for a tiled pitched roof comprising ridge caps and sealing elements for sealing between the longitudinal edges of the ridge caps and the roof tiles on at least one side of the tiled pitched roof, each sealing element comprising a downwardly extending portion or portions which are shaped to conform to the contours of the roof tiles and an upwardly facing channel which is engaged by one longitudinal edge of the ridge cap in which the sealing elements are provided with apertures connecting the exterior of the roof with an underside of the ridge cap.

2. A ridge covering as claimed in claim 1 in which there are two downwardly extending portions and apertures are found in each said portion thereby providing a ventilation path through the sealing elements.

3. A ridge covering as claimed in claim 2 in which each sealing element further includes at least one downwardly extending wall portion between the two said portions.

4. A ridge covering as claimed in claim 3 in which there is a plurality of downwardly extending wall portions together defining a labyrinth between said apertures.

5. A ridge covering as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which outwardly extending wall portions together defining a hood for the apertures, are provided on the or one of the downwardly extending portions.

6. A ridge covering substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

7. A tiled roof comprising a plurality of pairs of rafters meeting at an apex sheet material overlying said rafters, a plurality of battens arranged parallel and spaced apart on each side of the apex, a plurality of roofing tiles arranged in overlapping formation up the roof and hung from the battens and a ridge covering in which isolator components are provided underlying the uppermost row of roofing tiles, each isolator unit being adapted to isolate the space between the said uppermost tile and the sheet material from the attic space of the roof.

8. A tiled roof as claimed in claim 7 in which each isolator unit comprises a stepped portion for engaging a batten, a first skirt portion for engaging the sheet material beneath said uppermost tile and a second upwardly extending portion for engaging an upper end of said tile.

9. A tiled roof as claimed in claim 8 in which said second portion is provided with ribs for strengthening the isolators and effectively spacing the second portion from juxta posed elements in use.

10. A tiled roof as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 in which the ridge covering is as claimed in any one-of claims 1 to 6.

11. A tiled roof substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.