GB2271585A

GB2271585A - Roof ventilation member and a method of ventilation of roofs

Info

Publication number: GB2271585A
Application number: GB9221851A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Guy Foster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-10-17
Filing date: 1992-10-17
Publication date: 1994-04-20
Also published as: GB9221851D0

Abstract

A substantially planar ventilation member 10 comprising a series of parallel ducts is used in ventilating roofs of buildings. The member 10 or a series of members 10 is locatable between two rows of overlapping roofing tiles 24, for instance along the roof near to the ridge 28 of a roof, and is retained in position with nails 30 driven into roof laths 26. The member 10 communicates the roof space with the outside to thereby provide ventilation. The member 10 is also suitable to ventilate a roof structure supported by a wall. The member 10 is secured between the two uppermost rows of tiles. <IMAGE>

Description

Ventilation Member and a method of Ventilation The present invention relates to a ventilation member, particularly but not exclusively to a ventilation member for ventilating a roof of a building.

Conventionally, some roof ventilation is provided by air entering through gaps in the eaves and moving through passages formed between the rafters. However the ventilation provided by such conventional arrangements is often insufficient.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate this disadvantage.

According to the present invention there is provided a ventilation member so formed as to be locatable between or beneath overlapping roofing members on a building, the member comprising one or more ducts through which air may flow to ventilate the roof.

Preferably the ventilation member is substantially planar with the or each duct extending substantially in the plane. Preferably the member comprises a plurality of ducts, which may be substantially parallel. The ventilation member may comprise a plurality of layers of ducts.

Preferably the member is so formed as to be substantially invisible from outside the roof when in position between or beneath the roofing members. The member may be of similar thickness to the roofing members between or beneath which it is located, in use.

The roofing members may be tiles, slates or the like.

The member is preferably adapted to be attachable to the roof, for instance to a lath or rafter. The member may comprise one or more apertures through which an attachment member, such as a nail, may pass. A support member may be provided to support the ventilation member at a predetermined angle relative to the roof.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roof structure comprising a framework, overlapping roofing members attached to the outside of the framework and at least one ventilation member located between or beneath overlapping roofing members, the ventilation member providing at least one duct through the layer of roofing members.

The said duct may provide ventilation between the outside of the roof and a space between the roofing members and a waterproof layer. The waterproof layer may be the sarking felt layer. The waterproof layer may be punctured to allow air to move between said space and a space within the framework, which may also open to the outside of the roof.

Preferably the or at least one ventilation member is located at or near the ridge of the roof, preferably between the two uppermost rows of overlapping roofing members, such as tiles, at or near the ridge of the roof, thereby providing for ventilation of the roof ridge region.

Alternatively the or at least one ventilation member is located at or near the junction between the roof framework and a supporting wall. Preferably the or at least one of the ventilation members is located between the two uppermost rows of overlapping roofing members, such as tiles, thereby providing ventilation at or near the said junction.

Alternatively or additionally, ventilation member(s) may be located in the region of the eaves, for instance beneath the row of roofing members closest to the eaves. One or more support members, preferably in the form of a wedge, may be provided to support the ventilation member(s) at a predetermined angle relative to the roof angle. The ventilation member(s) may be secured beneath (a) lath(s). The ventilation member(s) preferably provide at least one duct connecting the said space within the framework to the outside of the building.

The or each ventilation member may be secured in position, preferably by means of one or more attachment members, such as nails extending therethrough, and located in the framework and/or support member.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a method of ventilating a roof comprising locating at least one ventilation member between or beneath overlapping roofing members, such as tiles, the ventilation member providing at least one duct through which air may pass to ventilate the roof.

Preferably the duct provides ventilation of a space between the layer of roofing members and a waterproof layer.

Preferably the or at least one ventilation member is located near the ridge of the roof, preferably between the two rows of overlapping roofing members nearest to the roof ridge, to provide for ventilation of the roof ridge region.

Alternatively or additionally one or more ventilation member may be located in the eaves region of the roof, for instance beneath the lowermost row of roofing members, to provide at least one duct between a passage in the roof and the outside of the roof. The passage in the roof is preferably within the frameworks.

One or more support members, each for instance in the form of a wedge, may be used to support the or each ventilation member at a predetermined angle relative to the roof angle. The ventilation member(s) may be secured beneath a lath.

Preferably openings are formed in any roof components between the passage and said space, for instance, the waterproof layer, such that air may flow through the ventilation member, the space between the roofing members and the waterproof layer and the passage, to provide ventilation of both the said space and the roof ridge region.

The method may also comprise attaching the or each ventilation member to the roof, for instance to the laths and/or rafters, perhaps with attaching members such as nails.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilation member according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the ventilation member of Fig. 1 along the line 11-11; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative ventilation member according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic cross-section of a first design of roof comprising ventilation members according to the present invention; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-section of a second design of roof comprising ventilation members; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-section of a roof comprising ventilation members located at the eaves region; and Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-section of a roof, comprising ventilation members according to the present invention, attached to a supporting wall.

Figs. 1 and 2, illustrate a ventilation member 10 which can be located between overlapping roofing tiles on a building, as will be described later. The member 10 is substantially planar and elongate and comprises a series of parallel ducts 12, which extend through the member 10 to provide a series of airways in the plane of the member 10. The member 10 is shown as a strip with sixteen ducts 12. However, it is to be appreciated that the member 10 can be of any suitable size. For example it may be in the form of a tile through which the ducts 12 extend transversely. Likewise, the cross-sectional sizes of the ducts may be chosen according to the desired degree of ventilation. Apertures 14 are provided through the member 10 for nails to be driven to secure the member 10 in position, as will be described.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative ventilation member 110 in which there are two layers of ducts 112. Fixing apertures corresponding to the apertures 14 are not shown, but would normally be provided.

Fig. 4 shows a roof 16 with ventilation members 10 in position. The roof 16 is of conventional design, having an inner layer of insulation material 18 attached to a framework of rafters 20. Airways are defined between the rafters 20, which open to the outside of the roof in the region of the eaves (not shown). Attached to the rafters 20 is a layer of sarking felt 22.

Roofing tiles 24 are laid in overlapping relation on the laths 26 of the framework, in the usual manner. On each side of the ridge of the roof, a ventilation member 10 is located between the overlapping tiles 24 of the uppermost row of tiles 24, and the next lower row.

These are preferably positioned while the roof is being laid, or relaid.

The member 10 is of similar thickness to the tiles between which it is to be located, so that the visibility of the member 10 in use, and its effect on the angle of the tiles, is kept to a minimum.

Preferably a line of members 10 are spaced along the whole length of the roof. Alternatively, if the member is in longer strips, then a single strip may be used to extend across the whole length of the roof 16 between the overlapping tiles 24 or the strip can be cut into pieces to be spaced along the length of the roof.

The tiles 24 are secured in position with nails 30 in the usual way. Each ventilating member 10 is secured in position by means of a nail passing through the tile 24, through the apertures 14 and into the lath 26 beneath.

One or more openings 32 are formed in the layer of felt 22, along the region of the ridge, such that the airways between the rafters are connected to a space 33 under the ridge tile 35. This space is in communication with the upper end of the ventilating member 10, between the upper tile 24 and the lath 26, thereby providing an air path from the space 33 down through the member 10, to the exterior of the building. This is illustrated in Fig. 4 by the use of arrowed broken lines. These show that air can pass from the opening at the eaves, up through the openings 32, around the ridge 28 of the roof 16 and then out of the building through the air ducts 12 in the members 10. It is to be appreciated that air can also flow in various other ways through the passages, providing ventilation both in the roof space and also around the ridge region of the roof.

Fig. 5 shows ventilation members 10 in position in a roof 116 having a different style of roof ridge 128.

The roof ridge 128 comprises an upper curved cover tile 42 cemented to the row of tiles 124 nearest the ridge.

A lower tile 44 is also cemented within the cover tile 42, to be substantially horizontal. A layer 46 of sarking felt is provided beneath the tile 44, secured in position by the cement. Apertures 40 are provided evenly distributed over the layer of sarking felt 122 to further facilitate ventilation. The members 10 are of similar design to members 10 described above, and are positioned, in use, as described above with reference to Fig. 4.

The ventilation members 10 may also be used in the eaves region of a roof 216, as illustrated in Fig. 6.

The members 210 are again of similar design as members 10 described above but are located beneath the lowermost layer 48 of tiles 224, and also beneath the lowermost lath 226. A support wedge 50 is located on the rafter 220 to support each member 10 at an angle to the rafter 220. The sarking felt layer 222 extends over the members 10, beneath the lath 226 and the tiles 224.

The members 10 in this position provide ventilation at the eaves region, to allow ventilation of the roof space through the spaces between the rafters.

The members 10 may be used in conjunction with further ventilation ducts 52, which ensure an air way between the insulation 218 and the felt 222. The ventilation members 10 may also be used on roof 310 supported by a supporting wall W as shown in Fig. 7. Each member 10 is secured, as described above, between the two uppermost rows of tiles 324.

Lead flashing F extends down the wall W and partially over the uppermost row of tiles 324.

Apertures 332 are formed in the felt 322 at the junction between the wall W and the rafters 320 to provide a path for air to flow from within the framework of rafters, through the members 10 and to the outside of the roof, as shown in Fig. 7. Clearly, the path allows flow of air in any direction. Further apertures 340 are provided in the felt to provide ventilation of the space between the felt 322 and the tiles 324. It is to be appreciated that members 10 may be provided in the eaves and the ridge region or aforementioned supporting wall junction region, of a given roof.

It is to be appreciated that the present invention can be used in the construction of new buildings and in the reconstruction of old buildings. The present invention is particularly advantageous during the refurbishment of older buildings, where it is desirable to retain the original external appearance of the building, while increasing ventilation to modern standards. The members 10 allow ventilation of the ridge as well as the roof space below, but are unlikely to be visible from outside the roof, and have a minimal effect on the angle of the roof, when in position.

Furthermore, the members 10 are simple to install as part of a refurbishment or new roof construction.

Whilst endeavouring 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

1. A ventilation member so formed as to be locatable between or beneath overlapping roofing members on a building, the member comprising one or more ducts through which air may flow to ventilate the roof.

2. A ventilation member according to claim 1, in which the member is substantially planar with the or each duct extending substantially in the plane.

3. A ventilation member according to any preceding claim, in which the member comprises a plurality of ducts.

4. A ventilation member according to claim 3, in which the ducts are substantially parallel.

5. A ventilation member according to any preceding claim, in which the ventilation member comprises a plurality of layers of ducts.

6. A ventilation member according to any preceding claim, in which the member is so formed as to be substantially invisible from outside the roof when in position between or beneath the roofing members.

7. A ventilation member according to any preceding claim, in which the member is of similar thickness to the roofing members between or beneath which it is located, in use.

8. A ventilation member according to any preceding claim, in which the member is so formed as to be locatable between or beneath roofing tiles.

9. A ventilation member according to any preceding claim, in which the member is adapted to be attachable to the roof.

10. A ventilation member according to claim 9, in which the member is attachable to a lath or rafter.

11. A ventilation member according to claim 9 or 10, in which the member comprises one or more apertures through which an attachment member, such as a nail, may pass.

12. A ventilation member according to any preceding claim, in which a support member is provided to support the ventilation member at a predetermined angle relative to the roof.

13. A roof structure comprising a framework, overlapping roofing members attached to the outside of the framework and at least one ventilation member located between or beneath overlapping roofing members, the ventilation member providing at least one duct through the layer of roofing members.

14. A roof structure according to claim 13, in which the said duct provides ventilation between the outside of the roof and a space between the roofing members and a waterproof layer.

15. A roof structure according to claim 14, in which the waterproof layer is the sarking felt layer.

16. A roof structure according to claim 14 or claim 15, in which the waterproof layer is punctured to allow air to move between said space and a space within the framework.

17. A roof structure according to claim 16, in which the space opens to the outside of the roof.

18. A roof structure according to any of claims 13 to 17, in which the or at least one ventilation member is located at or near the ridge of the roof.

19. A roof structure according to claim 18, in which the or at least one ventilation member is located between the two uppermost rows of overlapping roofing members, such as tiles, at or near the ridge of the roof, thereby providing for ventilation of the roof ridge region.

20. A roof structure according to any of claims 13 to 19, in which the or at least one ventilation member is located at or near the junction between the roof framework and a supporting wall.

21. A roof structure according to claim 20, in which the or at least one of the ventilation members is located between the two uppermost rows of overlapping roofing members, such as tiles, thereby providing ventilation at or near the said junction.

22. A roof structure according to any of claims 13 to 21, in which one or more ventilation members are located in the region of the eaves.

23. A roof structure according to claim 22, in which the or each member is located beneath the row of roofing members closest to the eaves.

24. A roof structure according to any of claims 13 to 23, in which one or more support members are provided to support the ventilation member(s) at a predetermined angle relative to the roof angle.

25. A roof structure according to claim 24, in which the or each support member is in the form of a wedge.

26. A roof structure according to any of claims 13 to 25, in which the or at least one of the ventilation member is secured beneath a lath.

27. A roof structure according to any of claims 13 to 26, in which the ventilation member(s) provide at least one duct connecting the said space within the framework to the outside of the building.

28. A roof structure according to any of claims 13 to 27, in which the or each ventilation member is secured in position.

29. A roof structure according to claim 28, in which the or each ventilation member is secured by one or more attachment members extending therethrough, and located in the framework and/or support member.

30. A method of ventilating a roof comprising locating at least one ventilation member between or beneath overlapping roofing members, such as tiles, the ventilation member providing at least one duct through which air may pass to ventilate the roof.

31. A method according to claim 30, in which the duct provides ventilation of a space between the layer of roofing members and a waterproof layer.

32. A method according to claim 30 or claim 31, in which the or at least one ventilation member is located near the ridge of the roof.

33. A method according to claim 32, in which the or at least one ventilation member is located between the two rows of overlapping roofing members nearest to the roof ridge, to provide for ventilation of the roof ridge region.

34. A method according to any of claims 30 to 33, in which the or at least one ventilation member is located at or near the junction between the roof framework and a supporting wall.

35. A method according to claim 34, in which the or at least one of the ventilation members is located between the two uppermost rows of overlapping roofing members, such as tiles, thereby providing ventilation at or near the said junction.

36. A method according to any of claims 30 to 35, in which one or more ventilation members are located in the eaves region of the roof to provide at least one duct between a passage in the roof and the outside of the roof.

37. A method according to claim 36, in which one or more ventilation members are located beneath the lowermost row of roofing members.

38. A method according to any of claims 30 to 37, in which one or more support members are used to support the or each ventilation member at a predetermined angle relative to the roof angle.

39. A method according to claim 38, in which the or each support member is in the form of a wedge.

40. A method according to any of claims 30 to 39, in which the ventilation member(s) is/are secured beneath a lath.

41. A method according to any of claims 30 to 40, in which openings are formed in any roof components between the passage and said space such that air may flow through the ventilation member, the space between the roofing members and the component(s) and the passage, to provide ventilation of both the said space and the roof ridge region.

42. A method according to claim 41, in which the roof component comprises a waterproof layer.

43. A method according to any of claims 30 to 42, in which the or at least one of the ventilation members is attached to the roof.

44. A method according to claim 43, in which the or at least one of the ventilation members is attached to laths and/or rafters.

45. A method according to claim 43 or claim 44, in which the ventilation member(s) is/are attached with at least one attachment member.

46. A ventilation member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

47. A ventilation member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings.

48. A roof structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings.

49. A roofing structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings.

50. A roofing structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings.

51. A roofing structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings.

52. A method of ventilating a roof substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

53. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.