GB2344836A

GB2344836A - Ventilated roof tile

Info

Publication number: GB2344836A
Application number: GB9929018A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Martin Cooper; Robert Charles Nunn
Original assignee: PHI DESIGN Ltd
Current assignee: PHI DESIGN Ltd
Priority date: 1998-12-17
Filing date: 1999-12-09
Publication date: 2000-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2019-12-09
Also published as: GB9827993D0; GB9929018D0; GB2344836B

Abstract

A ventilated roof tile (2) which can be fitted into an array of overlapping tiles on a roof (fig 6, not shown). The tile (2) has a base (8) and a number of upstanding walls (12) thereon, which extend down the tile, where the walls (12) define a number of ventilation channels (14) and can support overlying tiles when in use. The base (8) of the tile (2) can be shaped so that it can engage with a transverse roof member (fig 6). The tile (2) may also have a channelled lower portion, an upper portion and a collection tray (28). The width of the channels (14) may be 3-6 mm to prevent wind blown debris entering the roof structure via the duct (48). The collection tray (28) may be provided with transverse ridges (30, 32) to also impede moisture and debris from reaching the tray. The collection tray (28) is preferably funnel shaped to drain moisture to the ventilation channels and the whole tile (2) can be a one piece plastic moulding.

Description

VENTILATED ROOF TILE The present invention relates to a ventilated roof tile and in particular, though not exclusively, to a ventilated tile for use on Rosemary or Plain Clay tiled roof structures.

It is necessary to provide roof structures with ventilation in order to prevent the condensation of moisture therein, to vent air for mechanical extraction, for example from showers, and also to vent soil pipes. One solution is to provide one or more ventilated tiles among the conventional impermeable tiles. Such ventilated tiles typically comprise upper and lower apertured members which fit together to provide a substantially hollow body defining a ventilation path therethrough. In use, the tile is fitted to a roof and allows ventilation of the roof structure. The members are formed with baffle, trap and channel arrangements so as not to allow the passage of wind blown debris and moisture into the roof structure.

Two part ventilation tiles of the type noted above are relatively expensive to manufacture as two moulds, one for each member, are required. The tiles also require assembly prior to use. Furthermore, as the ventilation tiles have to fit into a predetermined space, the thickness of the upper and lower members impinge upon and narrow the ventilation path. Rosemary or Plain Clay roof tiles pose a particular problem because they are relatively thin, and thus the ventilation throat is rather narrow if a flush roof surface is to be obtained. Furthermore the underlying support structure for such tiles requires a relatively large number closely spaced transverse battens.

According to the present invention there is provided a ventilation tile for an overlapping arrangement of roof tiles, the ventilation tile comprising a base, and a plurality of upstanding walls thereon and extending down the tile, said walls defining a plurality of ventilation channels therebetween, wherein said walls support one or more overlying tiles, in use.

The ventilation tile of the present invention is of single piece construction and can be manufactured relatively simply using, for example, an injection moulding process. The tile requires no assembly prior to use and can be easily integrated into an overlapping tile arrangement during its construction or subsequently. In use, the one or more overlying tiles complete a ventilation path across the ventilation tile thereby allowing ventilation of the roof structure. The present invention is also less visually intrusive than prior art ventilation tiles.

In one embodiment the tile comprises a channelled lower portion and a duct like upper portion, with the upper portion having an aperture passing through the base of the tile.

The base of the tile is adapted to both overlie an underlying row of tiles and engage the underlying structure of the roof. Preferably the base is adapted to engage a transverse member of the roof structure, for example a batten. One or more fixing holes may be provided to enable the tile to be fixed to the batten by, for example, nails or screw fasteners The base may be configured so as to fit between or around rafters of the roof structure. The upper portion can be open to the interior of the roof structure or alternatively be connected to a conduit leading, for example, from an extractor fan o. a soil pipe vent. Typically the channels are around 4.5 mm wide but may vary dependino on the prevailing building standards legislation.

The tile may include an inclined collection chamber between the channelled lower portion and the duct like upper portion. The collection chamber serves to prevent wind blown debris and moisture from travelling through the ventilation channels and into the roof structure via the duct. Preferably the collection chamber includes one or more discontinuous ridges. Where more than one ridge is provided the discontinuities in respective ridges are out of alignment with one another.

The collection chamber and duct like portion may by subdivided by walls. Such walls may be extensions of walls forming the channelled lower portion of the tile. The walls may extend into the duct. The tile may be the same size as a single regular tile it is intended to replace.

In another embodiment the tile may be of a split level configuration having an upper level corresponding to that previously described, and a lower level surrounding the lower portion thereof. Such a tile may be incorporated into two rows of tiles dring the construction of a roof structure and is overlapped in use by tiles of both rows. In a preferred embodiment the lower level includes a base having a plurality of upstanding walls projecting therefrom and defining a plurality of ventilation channels therebetween. Preferably the walls and channels of the lower level are aligned with those of the upper level.

The channels may extend down the roof in a rain shedding direction, or may be angled or tortuous in order to better obstruct the passage of wind or moisture.

In this other embodiment the lower level is preferably wider than the upper level and the walls of the lower level extend across the entire width thereof. In such an embodiment the parts of the lower level which are on each lateral side of the upper level may be planar and thus adapted to receive an overlying tile. The planar surfaces are provided at the same height as the tops of the walls present on the lower level.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Fig 1. shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a ventilation tile according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig 2. shows a side view of the tile of Fig 1. ; Fig 3. shows a perspective view from below and to one side of the tile of Fig 1. ; Fig 4. shows a perspective view from above and to the rear of the tile of Fig 1. ; Fig 5. shows a plan view of the tile of Fig 1. ; Fig 6. shows a cross-sectional side view of the tile of Fig 1. in use; Fig 7. shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a ventilation tile according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig 8. shows a side view of the tile of Fig 7.; Fig 9. shows a perspective view from below and to one side of the tile of Fig 7. : Fig 10. shows a perspective view from above and to the rear of the tile of Fig 7.: Fig 11. shows a plan view of the tile of Fig 7.; Fig 12. shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a ventilation tile according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig 13. shows a side view of the tile of Fig 12.; Fig 14. shows a perspective view from below and to one side of the tile of Fig 12. : Fig 15. shows a perspective view from above and to the rear of the tile of Fig 12. : Fig 16. shows a plan view of the tile of Fig 12.; Fig 17. shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a ventilation tile according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig 18. shows a plan view of the tile of Fig 17.; Fig 19. shows the cross-sectional view indicated X-X on Fig 17.; Fig 20. shows a perspective view from above and to one side of an extension piece adapted to fit to the tile of Figs. 17. to 19.; Fig 21. shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a soil pipe and adapte for use with tiles shown in Figs 17. to 19.; and Fig 22. shows an exploded perspective view of pipe and adapter of Fig 21, the batten : : of a roofing structure, and the tiles of Figs 17. to 19.

Referring firstly to Figs 1. to 6. there is shown an embodiment of a ventilation tile generally designated 2. The tile 2 is of single piece construction and comprises a channelled lower portion 4 and a duct like upper portion 6. The tile has an impermeable base 8 having an under surface 10 which, in use, overlies a row of tiles (not shown). Extending upwardly from the base 8 are a plurality of wall members 12.

Adjacent wall members 12 and the base 8 define a plurality of channels 14 therebetween; said channels 14 having open ends 16 along the front edge 18 of the base 8. The outermost lateral wall members 20,22 extend upwardly along the base 8, and at the upper edge 26 of the under surface 10 said lateral wall members 20,22 have a stepped profile which defines the lateral side walls of the funnel portion 6 of the tile 2.

The intermediate wall members 12 are all of an equal length.

At the rear edge 26 of the under surface 10 the base 8 is inclined to define a collection chamber 28. Extending along the collection chamber 28 between the lateral wall members 20,22 are two discontinuous ridges 30,32, with the discontinuities 34,36 in each ridge 30,32 being out of alignment with those of the other. The funnel portion 6 is defined by the lateral wall members 20,22, lower and upper transverse wall members 38,40 extending therebetween, and stepped floor members 42,44. Said members 20,22,38,40,42,44 are configured to provide a T-shaped funnel having an open top 46 and an aperture 48 at the base of the T. The aperture 48 can be connected to a conduit leading, for example, from an extractor fan or a soil pipe. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 6, the aperture 48 can be open to the interior of the roof structure.

Figure 6 shows a ventilated tile 2 incorporated into a roofing structure comprising a plurality of inclined rafters 50 (only one shown), a plurality of battens 52 traversing said rafters 50, and a plurality of overlapping tiles 54, 56 arranged in rows. The ventilated tile 2 overlies two underlying tiles 54 and is hooked over a batten 52. Two overlying tiles 56 cover the open top of the funnel portion 6 and the collection chamber 28 and extend forward to partially overlie the wall members 12 and channels 14. The base of the funnel extends beyond the batten 52 and is sized to fit between the spacing of the rafters 50. By covering the open top of the funnel portion 6, the overlying tiles 56 define a ventilation path between the channels 14 open to the outside of the roof structure and the aperture 48 at the base of the funnel portion 6. Air can thus circulate as indicated by arrows 58 and 60 to ventilate the roof structure. As the overlying tiles 56 constitute, in use, an upper surface to the funnel portion 6 the cross-sectional area of the ventilation path in the region of the funnel is maximised because the upper member of the prior art tile is not necessary. Wind blown moisture and debris is prevented from entering the roof structure via the ventilation path by the combination of the collection chamber 28, the ridges 30,32 and the width of the channels 14. Typically the channels are between 3 to 5 mm wide. The weight of the overlying tiles 56 is spread between the wall members 12,20,22 and thus, as each bears a fraction, they can be relatively thin.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs 7 to 11. Features common to the previously described embodiment will be annotated with like reference numerals. In the embodiment shown the tile 62 is of a split level configuration having upper 64 and lower 66 levels, and is intended to fit into two overlapping rows of tiles in use. The upper level 64 corresponds substantially to the ventilation tile 2 of the previously described embodiment by having a channelled lower portion 4, a duct like upper portion 6 and a collection chamber 28 disposed therebetween.

The upper level 64 is however configured slightly differently from the tile 2 of the previous embodiment as will be readily apparent from the drawings. Firstly the duct 6 and the collection chamber 28 are divided by wall members 68,70 extending from the fore portion 4. Two inner wall members 68 extend across the collection chamber 28, while two outer wall members 70 extend across the collection chamber 28 and duct 6 to the upper transverse wall member 40. Secondly, the collection chamber 28 is provided with three discontinuous ridges 30,32,72, with the discontinuities 34,36,74 in each ridge 30,32,72 being out of alignment with those of the other. Finally, the funnel portion has two apertures 76,78 provided on opposing sides of the funnel 6, each at the base of a leg 80,82. The outer wall members 70 extend into each leg 80,82 to bisect the apertures 76,78. In use, the legs 80,82 are spaced such that they can fit on either side of a rafter.

The lower level 66 of the tile 62 extends ahead of and to either side of the channelled lower portion 4 of the upper level 64. The part 88 of the lower level 66 which extends below the lower portion 4 has a plurality of spaced wall members 84 across its entire width, and said wall members 84 define a plurality of channels 86. The channels 14 and wall members 12 of the lower portion 4 are aligned with respective channels 86 and wall members 84 of the lower level 66. The side parts 90 of the lower level 66 each have a planar surface 92 which is at the same height as the top edges of the wall members 84. The planar surfaces 92 provide a base upon which overlying tiles can rest in use, and are thin enough to ensure that the tiles lie substantially flush with one another.

As in the previously described embodiment, the tile 62 is in use hooked over a batten of a roof structure and integrated into the tile arrangement thereupon. There are provided two nail holes 94 which pass through the collection chamber 28 to enable the tile to be secured to the batten if the weight of overlying tiles is not deemed sufficient.

Referring now to Figs 12 to 16 there is shown a third embodiment of the present invention. As before, features common to the previously described embodiments will be annotated with like reference numerals. The tile 96 is in effect a narrower version of the tile 2 shown in Figs 1 to 6, and is the same size as a single regular tile. The duct like portion 6 has an aperture 48 extending across its entire base which is bisected by a wall member 98. An attachment eye 100 extends from the outside of the upper transverse wall member 40. In use, one or more tiles 96 can be incorporated into a roof structure to provide adequate ventilation. As the tiles 96 are the same size as a regular tile, they can be positioned with greater freedom than those described in the previous embodiments. If desired, the tiles 96 can be arranged in a aesthetically pleasing pattern in the roof structure.

Turning now to Figs 17 to 19 there is shown a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As before, features common to the previously described embodiments are annotated with like reference numerals. The tile 102 is similar to the previously described embodiment with the following changes. The respective lengths of the wall members 12 is varied such that the discontinuous ridges 32 on either sided of the bisecting wall member 98 adopt a funnel configuration. The funnel configuration assists in the channelling of any water which reaches the collection chamber 28 into the respective discontinuities 36 between the ridges 32. An additional transverse baffle or weir 104 is provided in the base 8. In the embodiment shown, the weir 104 is provided a position substantially two thirds along the length of the channels 14 back from their open ends 16. This positioning ensures that the weir is obscured from view by overlying tiles when the tile 102 is arranged in a roof structure. The weir 104 is formed by a transverse indent in the base 8 so that the base has a constant wall thickness. As can be seen in Fig 19. the weir 104 is substantially ramp shaped in cross-section having a stepped fore portion 106 and a sloping after portion 108. The stepped fore portion 106 acts as an additional barrier to the progress of wind blown moisture up the channels 14, while the sloping after portion is shaped so as not to hinder the subsequent draining of any water which is able progress past the fore portion 106. Finally, the attachment eye 100 of this fourth embodiment is longer and provided with two apertures 110. 112.

Fig 20 shows an extension piece 114 adapted to fit to the aperture 48 of the duct like portion 6 of the third and fourth embodiments of the tile. The extension piece 114 has a rectangular box-like configuration and comprises a box-like base portion 116 and an upstanding peripheral wall 118. The peripheral wall 118 of the extension piece 114 is shaped so as to fit into the aperture 48 and is provided with snap-fit recesses 120 which are engageable with corresponding snap-fit projections (not shown) of the duct like portion of the tile. Snap-fit projections 122 are also provided on the inside surface of the base portion 116 to allow multiple extension pieces 114 to be connected to one another so as to create a desired extension length. It will be understood that extension pieces of the type described above are of particular use when components of the roof structure are of a greater thickness than normal.

Finally referring to Figs 21 and 22 there is shown a soil pipe 124 and adapter 126 for use with tiles according to the present invention. The adapter 126 comprises a tubular base portion 128 to which the soil pipe 124 can be fitted, and an elongate rectangular upper portion 130 adapted to receive the duct like portion 6 of a tile 102. In the embodiment shown the adapter 126 is sized so as to accommodate the duct like portions 6 of two tiles 102 positioned side by side. The upper portion 130 is surrounded with a flange 132 having holes 134 therein to enable the adapter 126 to be fixed to battens 52 of a roof structure by appropriate fasteners 136. By connecting the soil pipe 124 to tiles according to the present invention the need for an unsightly pipe projecting from the roof of a building is eliminated.

The present invention has been found to be particularly suited to use with Rosemary or Plain Clay tiled roof structures. Such structures typically have a pitch angle of more than 35 degrees, have 50mm wide battens and a gap of about 50mm therebetween. The tiles are typically 263mm long by 165mm wide and are slightly concave, having a radius of curvature of 1785mm. The wall members 12,20,22 are preferably moulded to suit the curved under surface of rosemary tiles.

Although the invention is described in relation to Rosemary tiles, it is equally suitable for use with other tiles, such as flat concrete tiles and pan tiles.

Claims

Claims 1. A ventilation tile for use in an overlapping arrangement of roof tiles. the ventilation tile comprising a base, and a plurality of upstanding walls thereon and extending down the tile, said walls defining a plurality of ventilation channels therebetween, wherein said walls are adapted to support one or more overlying tiles. in use.
2. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base of the tile is adapted to both overlie an underlying row of tiles and engage the underlying structure of a roof
3. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 2 wherein the base is adapted to engage a transverse member of a roof structure.
4. A ventilation tile as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said upstanding walls are straight.
5. A ventilation tile as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said upstanding walls are serpentine.
6. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein said upstanding waits are substantially parallel.
7. A ventilation tile as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said tile is a one piece plastics moulding.
8. A ventilation tile as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the width of the ventilation channels is between 3mm and 6mm.
9. A ventilation tile as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the width of the ventilation channels is 4.5mm.
10. A ventilation tile as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tile comprises a lower portion having said ventilation channels and an upper portion having a duct passing through said base.
11. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 10 and including a collection tray between the lower portion and the upper portion.
12. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 11 wherein the collection chamber includes a drainage channel.
13. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 12 wherein said drainage channel is defined by one of said ventilation channels.
14. A ventilation tile as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the collection tray is inclined towards the lower portion.
15. A ventilation tile as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14 wherein the collection tray is substantially funnel shaped.
16. A ventilation tile as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15 wherein the collection tray includes a transverse ridge.
17. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 16 wherein said ridge is discontinuous.
18. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 17 wherein said collection tray has a plurality of transverse ridges.
19. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 18 wherein the discontinuities in respective ridges are out of register with one another.
20. A ventilation tile as claimed in claims 16 to 19 wherein said ridge is inclined towards the channelled lower portion of the tile.
21. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 10 wherein the duct is divided by a dividing wall.
22. A ventilation tile as claimed in claims 11 to 20 wherein the collection tray and duct are divided by a dividing wall.
23. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22 wherein said dividing wall is a co-extension of one of said upstanding walls.
24. A ventilation tile as claimed in any of claims 10 to 23 wherein the channelled lower portion includes a transverse weir formed in the base of the tile.
25. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 24 wherein the transverse weir is spaced from the bottom edge of the tile such that, in use, it is hidden from view by overlying tiles of a roof structure.
26. A ventilation tile as claimed in a any of claims 10 to 25 and including a duct extension adapted to fit to the duct.
27. A ventilation tile as claimed in claim 26 wherein said ducted portion and duct extension include an interengageable snap-fit connection therebetween.
28. A ventilation tile substantially as hereinbefore described or as shown in figures 1 to 6, or figures 7 to 11, or figures 12 to 16, or figures 17 to 19 of the accompanying drawings.