GB2374095A - Reducing noise of precipitation on roofs - Google Patents

Abstract

Noise on roofs caused by precipitation (rain, hail and the like) is reduced by an overlying mesh, which may be tensioned on a frame as shown. Various forms of frame and fittings are disclosed. The mesh should be chosen to minimise loss of light transmission, whilst causing break up of droplets to minimise impact noise.

Description

Silent Roofs Ltd

Atmospheric Conditions Causing Noticeable Levels of Sound on Exposed Surfaces.

Explanation

When atmospheric conditions are prevalent, (primarily rain, sleet and hail etc.) and fall upon exposed surfaces, a level of noise is created Depending on the structure, the noise can be amplified to an unacceptable level.

The primary function of the invention is to decrease the effect of atmospheric conditions impacting on exposed surfaces Essential Features To produce a structure that will attenuate unacceptable levels of sound but not block out the light.

Desirable Features n The structure could be made of any material but, as it is primarily for external use, be durable and lightweight.

It should also be aesthetically pleasing to blend in with surroundings. a It should be easy to assemble, make use of existing technologies and parts. Methods of Achieving the Effect Suspension of a mesh of a given size and open area at an optimum height above the exposed surface The mesh needs to be retained under tension without splitting or tearing. A variety of methods can be used.

This can be very simply using two pieces of wood nailed together trapping it to allow retention without damage. This is functional, but does not allow controlled tensioning and means the creases, sagging and misalignment can inhibit the effects. See SR-E-006 The first method allows some attenuation but is not as effective as using an extruded section of material with slots built in to take a tensioning strip. A frame is then built into a matrix of an outer frame and mid bearers set at distances to suit the structure of the surface to be covered. The framework is raised to a pre-determined height above the surface to be protected. See SR-E-001 to 005 These criteria having been achieved, the water or precipitation is broken up and turned from droplets to rivulets and are allowed to run off without STRIKING the under surface protected by the mesh. This attenuates the sound of normal rain on a surface and without major light restriction.

This system will allow meshes of various sizes to be used and the finer the mesh, the greater the attenuation. However, the finer the mesh, the greater the loss of light.

To achieve the best effect, a stiff mesh manufactured with a shaped edge allowing retention in a specially manufactured retention strip should be used. These are fixed to the bearers of the surface to be protected. See SR-E-007 More complex structures can also be protected by the same basic methods although it will require more planning to cut the sections in the most economic manner-See SR-E-009

Claims (1)

1. Silent Roofs

   Claim No1

   The invention we wish to protect is the attenuation of atmospheric conditions (rain hail sleet etc.) by an extra silencing layer to alleviate noise on a structure or cover that protects from those atmospheric conditions, but suffers from an acoustic noise level build up and needs extra silencing in order to render the area beneath the cover or structure acceptable to human conversation or habitation.

   ,

   We also wish to claim that the use of the silencing cover above also reduces the heat gain under the area of the area covered and that within a dwelling area of all or part glass the heat build up will be substantially reduced without rendering the area to dark to work or read within.