GB2531042A

GB2531042A - A roofing module for a pitched roof

Info

Publication number: GB2531042A
Application number: GB1417799.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wilson David; David Wilson Thomas
Original assignee: STEALTH ROOFING SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: STEALTH ROOFING SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-08
Filing date: 2014-10-08
Publication date: 2016-04-13
Also published as: GB201417799D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a roofing module for a pitched roof. The roofing module comprises a prefabricated, self-supporting elevation panel mountable at a predetermined pitch to form at least part of an elevation of a pitched roof. The elevation panel comprises a supporting frame (14, fig 3) with a two-dimensional grid structure and outer protective covering means on an outer-side of the supporting frame. The outer covering means may be solar panels (18, fig 4) or faux solar panels. The panel may have an inner covering means (22, fig 5) and there may be insulation located between inner and outer covering means. The module may include at least one finger portion (28, fig. 7) and a locking pin (32, fig 7.) received in apertures in the fingers to interlock panels. The module may comprise a pivotal joint (34, figs 8+9) to couple the panel and building and control rotation of panel relative to building during mounting. There may be a bracket for mounting a roofing module to a wall plate of a building. Also claimed is a modular roofing system comprising one or more such roofing modules, and may have a cylindania (46, figs 10-13) extending along the edge line.

Description

A ROOFING MODULE FOR A PITCHED ROOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0]] The present invention relates to pitched roofs. The present invention particularly relates to a roofing module for a pitched roof

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] A pitched roof is a protective covering for a building that comprises at least one elevation extending at an incline or "pitch". The number, arrangement and pitch of the elevations depends on the design of the pitched roof: type and design of the building, oading strains, climate and type of outer protective covering.

[03] The frame structure of a pitched roof is conventionally constructed using a rafter and purlin method and/or a truss method, Although commonly used, there are a number of problems associated with pitched roofs constructed using these traditional t5 methods.

[04] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a frame structure of a conventional gable pitched roof constructed using the traditional rafter and purlin method. Opposing inclined rafters (R) are mounted at regular intervals (e,g, every 400mm) along the length (L) of the building, The lower ends of the rafters are fixed to wall plates (WP) arranged along the side walls (SW) of the building, The top ends of the rafters meet at a ridge board (RB), so as to form a triangular cross-sectional shape. To provide stability, purlins (P) extend longitudinally, midway up the rafters.

[05] Due to the configuration (size, shape and mounting arrangement) of the rafters and purlins, the head space of a pitched roof constructed using the traditional rafter and purlin method is hindered and the usable living space is confined to the central region, Moreover, the length of a pitched roof constructed using the rafter and purlin method is restricted because the distance that can be spanned by a purlin is limited, Therefore, a pitched roof constructed using the traditional rafter and purlin method is only deemed suitable for certain types and sizes of buildings.

[06] Figure 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the frame structure of a conventional gable pitched roof constructed using the truss method. Triangular trusses (T) are mounted to extend across the width (W) of the building at regular intervals (e.g. every 600mm) along the side walls (SW) of the building. The trusses are secured by fixing them to wall plates (WP) extending along the side walls of the building. Although the truss method can be used to construct longer roof lengths than the rafter and purlin method and/or pitched roofs with a complex design, it can be seen that there is no tO usable space available in the pitched roof due to the configuration of the trusses.

Therefore, a pitched roof constructed using the truss method is unsuitable for a building where the roof space is required for use.

[07] Conventional pitched roofs are constructed onsite, in distinct phases. The construction process is complex, time consuming and requires skilled tradesmen.

Roofing materials are typically stored onsite so that they are easily available when required. The disruption to the building and site can be significant during construction, If construction is interrupted due to bad weather and/or other delays then the building and materials can be exposed to water damage.

[08] With space at a premium, usable roof space in a building is desirable, However, attempting to convert a conventional pitched roof into a living space can be a complicated and an expensive procedure. For example, the overall pitch of a roof may need to be increased to provide sufficient head space. Purlins may need to be replaced or repositioned to improve the head space and widen the usable space in the central region of the roof Trusses may need to be removed and replaced with rafters and purlins. A secondary dormer roofing structure extending from the primary pitched roof may be required to provide adequate lighting and increase the useable space, Unforeseen problems may arise during the conversion process which lead to extended timescales and escalating costs. Moreover, the resulting usable living space can often still compromised.

[09] As energy costs increase, the concept of generating of an onsite electricity supply using low-carbon methods is becoming increasingly popular. However, the use of photovoltaic cells on conventional pitched roofs can be problematic and controversial.

For example, the mounting of solar panels on a conventional pitched roof is often restricted because they increase the structural load of the pitched roof Moreover, solar panels are considered to he unsightly because they do not blend with the existing outer protective covering of the pitched roof, they do not sit flush with the pitched roof and the overall appearance of the pitched roof is non-uniform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[10] The present invention seeks to alleviate at least some of the problems associated with conventional pitched roofs.

[11] The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, optional features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.

[12] A first aspect of the invention relates to a roofing module, The roofing module comprises an elevation panel. The elevation panel is anangeable at a pitch to form at least part of an elevation of a pitched roof As such, the roofing module is suitable for use in a modular roofing system for constructing a pitched roof [13] The elevation panel may be configured to form an entire elevation of a pitched roof AJternatively, the elevation panel may be configured to form a part of an elevation of a pitched roof The elevation panel may be configured to form at least part of an elevation for any type of pitched roof [14] The elevation panel is a self-supporting, thin and at least substantially flat body, The depth of a roof stmcture constructed using a roofing module is determined by the thickness of the elevation panel. Therefore, when the elevation panel is mounted in situ at a predetermined pitch, the elevation panel is able to define an unobstructed roof space with a higher head room and greater usable space than a conventional pitched roof with the same predetermined pitch that has been constructed using the traditional rafter and purlin method and/or truss method.

[15] The elevation panel is at least substantially prefabricated prior to mounting.

Hence, the construction of a pitched roof using an at least substantially prefabricated elevation panel is easier and quicker than constructing a conventional pitched roof using the traditional rafier and purlin method and/or truss method.

[16] The elevation panel may be at east substantially prefabricated offsite so as to advantageously regulate manufacture, reduce construction time and minimize the disruption to the site.

[17] The elevation panel comprises: a supporting frame in the form of a two-dimensional grid structure; and outer protective covering means arranged on an outer-side of the supporting frame.

[18] The two-dimensional grid structure of the supporting frame is configured to provide sufficient structural integrity such that the elevation panel is able to withstand structural loads when arranged in situ. As a result, the elevation panel is self-supporting and does not require any further and/or external stmctural means to form at least one elevation of a pitched roof Thus, the two-dimensional grid structure negates the need for rafters, purlins and/or trusses with a three-dimensional arrangement and thereby avoids the roof space problems incuned by using rafters, purlins and/or trusses.

[19] The two-dimensional grid structure of the supporting frame also helps to restrict the overall depth of the elevation panel, which in turn helps to optimize the head height and the usable roof space.

[20] The supporting frame may be constructed from any suitable rigid material. In an embodiment, the supporting frame comprises aluminum box section struts welded together in a two-dimensional grid structure.

[21] The outer protective covering means is provided to protect the building from the environment. The outer protective covering may comprise slate, tiles, sheet metal, thatch, fibre-glass, glass, at least one photovoltaic cell or any other suitable protective material.

[22] In an embodiment, the at least one photovoltaic cell may be a solar panel. The outer protective covering may comprise one or more solar panels flush mounted in respective grid apertures of the supporting frame such that they appear to be integrally formed with the supporting frame. Therefore, the problems suffered by solar panels retrofitted on top of an existing roof are averted. The one or more solar panels are preferably releasably mounted so as to allow the solar panels to be removed and replaced when necessary.

[23] The outer protective covering may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more faux solar panels which have the appearance of a solar panel but no operational capacity. Faux solar panels may be mounted in combination with solar panels on the same elevation panel. Faux solar panels and solar panels may be mounted on different elevation panels which are used in combination to form a pitched roof [24] As with the solar panels, one or more faux solar panels may be flush mounted in a respective grid aperture of the supporting frame. Likewise, the one or more faux solar panels are preferably releasably mounted to allow for removal and replacement.

As such, the combination of solar panels and faux solar panels is able to form an outer protective surface for a pitched roof that is flush, uniform and aesthetically pleasing.

[25] The elevation panel may comprise inner covering means arranged on an inner-side of the supporting frame, The inner covering means may comprise fire-rated plasterboard or any other suitable material.

[26] The elevation panel may comprise insulation arranged there between the outer protective covering and the inner protective covering so as to restrict the loss of heat through the elevation panel. The insulation may be any suitable type of insulation for a pitched roof [27] The roofing module may comprise interlocking means to interconnect the elevation panel to an elevation panel of another roofing module and thereby adjoin the roofing modules, The interlocking means may interlock corresponding edges of elevation panels so as to form an edge line between the adjoining roofing modules,

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The interlocking means may comprise any suitable interconnecting mealis, In an embodiment, the interlocking means comprises at least one finger portion protruding from an edge of the elevation panel to overlap (interweave) with at least one corresponding finger portion protruding from another elevation panel. Each finger portion has an aperture extending there through to receive a locking pin. When the finger portions overlap, the apertures are aligned and the locking pin can he inserted to secure the elevation panels.

[28] The roofing module may comprise at least one joint to control the rotation of the elevation panel during mounting. For example, the joint may control the rotation of the elevation panel to a predetermined pitch relative to the building.

[29] In an embodiment, the joint comprises: an L-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg meeting at a vertex, wherein the first leg is securable to the elevation panel and the vertex is pivotally mountable on the building; and a connection arranged at the distal end of the first leg for engaging a wall plate mounting bracket; whereby the L-shaped member is configured such that the second leg abuts the elevation panel and the connection engages the wall plate mounting bracket when the elevation panel is rotated to a predetermined pitch relative to the building.

[30] The joint thereby acts as a stop to prevent any further rotation beyond the predetermined pitch.

[3]] A second aspect of the invention relates to a bracket for mounting an elevation panel of a roofing module to a wall plate of a building. The roofing module may be a roofing module according to the first aspect of the invention.

[32] The bracket comprises a body that is securable to both the wall plate and the wall of the building, securing means to secure the body to the said wall plate and wall of the building and engaging means to engage the elevation panel of the roofing module.

[33] In an embodiment, the bracket for mounting the elevation panel of a roofing module on a wall plate of a building comprises: a substantially z-shaped body having: an upper flange portion configured to be secured to the wall plate, an intermediate portion configured to extend downwardly, parallel to the building wall, a lower flange portion, configured to extend in the opposite direction to the upper flange portion and having at least one aperture configured to receive an eye bolt; at least one eye bolt extendable through the at least one aperture in the lower flange portion such that it extends downwardly, parallel to the building wall, and having an eye hole at distal end of the bolt; locking pin means configured to extend through the eye hole of the at least one eye bolt and engage the building wall; and engaging means ananged on the upper flange portion and configured to engage a corresponding connection of the roofing module.

[34] A third aspect of the invention relates to a modular roofing system for constructing a pitched roof with at least one elevation. The modular roofing system comprises one or more roofing modules according to the first aspect of the invention to form the at least one elevation.

[35] The modular roofing system may form any type of pitched roof [36] The modular roofing system may comprise at least one bracket for mounting the elevation panel of each roofing module on a building. The at least one bracket may be a bracket for mounting an elevation panel of a roofing module on a wall plate of the building according to the second aspect of the invention.

[37] The modular roofing system may comprise protecting means to protect an edge line formed between the interlocking elevation panels of adjacent roofing modules.

For example, the protecting means may protect a ridge line, hip line or valley line formed between interlocking elevation panels of adjacent roofing modules. In an embodiment, the protecting means comprises a cylindania configured to extend at least substantially over an edge line of a pitched roof and fastening means to securely mount the cylindania, [38] The modular roofing system may comprise guttering to collect rain water.

[39] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method of constructing a pitched roof for a building comprising: arranging an elevation panel of at least one roofing module at a predetermined pitch to form at least a part of an elevation of the pitched roof [40] The at least one roofing module may be a roofing module according to a first aspect of the invention.

[4]] The arranging of the elevation panel may comprise rotating the elevation panel about a joint to the predetermined pitch.

[42] The arranging of the elevation panel may comprise forming a mounting engagement between the elevation panel and the building via a bracket when the elevation panel is arranged at the predetermined pitch. When forming a mounting engagement between the elevation panel and a wall plate of the building, the bracket may comprise a wall plate mounting bracket according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[43] The method of constructing may comprise interlocking the elevation panels of multiple roofing modules using interlocking means, so as to join adjacent roofing modules and form an elevation and/or multiple elevations of the pitched roof

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[44] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [45] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a frame structure of a conventional gable pitched roof constructed using a rafter and purlin method; [46] Figure 2 depicts a frame structure of a conventional gable pitched roof constructed using a truss method; [47] Figure 3 depicts a supporting frame of an elevation panel for a first embodiment of a roofing module according to the present invention; [48] Figure 4 depicts a top view of the elevation panel for the first embodiment of the roofing module according to the present invention; [49] Figure 5 depicts a cut away view of an inner side of the elevation pan& for the first embodiment of the roofing module according to the present invention; [50] Figure 6 depicts an exploded cross-sectional view of the elevation panel for the first embodiment of the roofing module according to the present invention; [51] Figure 7 depicts a top view showing how interlocking means for the first embodiment of the roofing module according to present invention interlock adjacent roofing modules; [52] Figure 8 depicts a side view of a joint for the first embodiment of the roofing module according to the present invention, where the elevation panel is being rotated towards the building; [53] Figure 9 depicts a side view of a joint for the first embodiment of the roofing module according to the present invention, where the elevation panel has been rotated to a predetermined pitch; [54] Figure 10 depicts a cut away view of a gable pitched roof constructed using roofing modules according to the present invention; [55] Figure 11 depicts a cut away view of a hipped pitched roof constructed using roofing modules according to the present invention; [56] Figure 12 depicts a side view of a protection means mounted over an edge line of adjoining roofing modules according to the present invention; [57] Figure 13 depicts a perspective view of the protection means of Figure 12; [58] Figure 14 depicts a side view of a roofing module according to the present invention mounted on a wall plate by a wall plate bracket according to the present invention; [59] Figure 15 depicts a guttering member for the roofing module according to the present invention; [60] Figure 16 depicts a front view of a wall plate bracket according to the present invention.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[6]] The present invention relates to a roofing module (1), The roofing module is suitable for use in a modular roofing system for constructing a pitched roof [62] A roofing module of the present invention comprises an elevation panel (10) that is mountable to form at least part of an elevation of a pitched roof The elevation panel can be configured to form at least a part of any type of elevation for any type of pitched roof For example, the elevation panel may be configured to form at least part of an elevation for a mono-pitched roof a gable pitched roof a hipped pitched roof a hybrid pitched roof a window pitched roof or a dormer pitched roof Figures 3 to 9 relate to an embodiment of a roofing module where the elevation panel is configured to form a gable elevation of a gable pitched roof [63] To provide structural integrity, the elevation panel comprises a supporting frame (12) arranged in a two-dimensional grid structure. As a result, the self-supporting roofing module is able to withstand its own weight, any additional loads and environmental loads due to wind, snow etc. without requiring any further and/or external structural means such as rafter, purlins or trusses. The construction problems incurred by using rafters, purlins and/or trusses are therefore avoided, Moreover, due to the structural integrity provided by the supporting frame and the two-dimensional configuration of the supporting frame, the depth of the elevation panel (and thereby the depth of the pitched roof formed by at least one roofing module) is minimized (restricted). Consequently, the roofing module according to the present invention is able to form a pitched roof with optimum roof space.

[64] The configuration of the two-dimensional grid structure is dependent on the use of the roofing module. For example, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 3 the supporting frame is a rectangular two-dimensional grid that is dimensioned to span between the gable end walls of a building. An elevation panel that is intended to fonn a hip elevation of a hipped pitched roof may have a triangular shaped two-dimensional grid that is dimensioned to span across a hip end wall of a building. An elevation panel that is intended to form at least part of an elevation in a hybrid pitched roof (where different elevations are combined in different planes) may have a two-dimensional grid with a non-regular shape.

[65] The supporting frame may be constructed from any suitable rigid material. For example, the supporting frame may be constructed from metal and/or wooden tO members. The supporting frame may be constructed from struts arranged to form the two-dimensional grid, For example, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the supporting frame (12) for the elevation panel of the gable roofing module comprises aluminum box sectioned struts (14) welded together in the form of a two-dimensional grid with apertures (16).

[66] The elevation panel comprises outer protective covering means arranged on an outer-side of the supporting frame so as to form a protective outer surface, The outer protective covering is preferably waterproof to protect the building from the environment, The outer protective covering means may comprise slate, tiles, photovoltaic cells, sheet metal, thatch, fiberglass, glass and/or any suitable protective material, In the embodiment of the roofing module depicted in Figures 3 to 9, the outer protective covering means of the elevation panel comprises a plurality solar panels (18) extending across the supporting frame, The solar panels are recess mounted within each respective grid aperture (14) of the supporting frame such that the edges of the solar panels sit flush with the struts of the grid, The external appearance of the outer surface of the elevation panel is therefore unifonn, flush and aesthetically pleasing. The solar panels are preferably removably secured to the supporting frame using any suitable means so that they can be removed and replaced when required, [67] The outer protective covering may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more faux solar panels having the appearance of a solar panel but no operational ll capacity. The faux solar panels may be mounted on at least a part of the supporting frame where solar panels are unsuitable (for example, where the solar panel may be at risk of damage, where there is insufficient space to mount a solar panel and/or where a solar panel would not receive sufficient sunlight to operate). The faux solar panels S may be mounted in combination with solar panels on the same elevation panel. For example, solar panels may he mounted over a central region of the supporting frame and faux solar panels mounted around an outer edge region of the supporting frame.

Faux solar panels and solar panels may be mounted on different elevation panels which are used in combination to form a pitched roof For example, the solar panels may be utilized in an elevation panel intended to form at least part of a south facing elevation for a pitched roof whilst, the faux solar panels may be utilized in an elevation panel intended to form at least part of a north facing elevation of a pitched roof [68] As with the solar panels, one or more faux solar panels may be flush mounted in a respective grid aperture of the supporting frame, Likewise, the one or more faux solar panels are preferably releasably mounted to allow for removal and replacement.

As such, the combination of solar panels and faux solar panels mounted at least substantially across the supporting frame form a flush outer protective surface for a pitched roof which is advantageously uniform and aesthetically pleasing.

[69] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a timber sub-frame (20) may be secured to the underside of the supporting frame in a staggered, overlapping configuration. The timber sub-frame advantageously creates an air gap which allows for air flow and thereby restricts the formation of condensation.

[70] The elevation panel may comprise inner covering means arranged on an inner-side of the supporting frame. The inner covering means are provided to shield the supporting frame and thereby form a clean inner surface for the elevation panel. The inner covering means may comprise fire-rate plasterboard or any other suitable material. The inner covering means may comprise a decorative finish. In the embodiment of the roofing module depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the inner covering

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means of the elevation panel is a fire proof plasterboard (22) having a thickness of 12mm mounted over the timber sub-frame to form an inner cover.

[71] The elevation panel may comprise insulation to restrict heat loss. The insulation may be any suitable type of insulation for a pitched roof For example, the insulation S may comprise a layer of mineral wool, loose-till cellulose fibres and/or a rigid insulation board comprising polystyrene, polystyrene (PUR) or polyisocyanurate (PIR), The elevation panel may comprise insulation arranged between the inner covering and the supporting frame. The elevation panel may additionally or alternatively comprise insulation arranged between the outer protective covering arid tO the supporting frame. By way of example, the exploded cross-sectional view of the Figure 6 shows how the gable roofing module comprises rigid insulation boards (24) having a 75mm thickness mounted in the gap space within each grid aperture (16) and beneath the solar panels (18). These insulation boards not only restrict heat loss but also help to support the solar panels. Further rigid insulation boards (26) having a t5 50mm thickness are mounted in the gap space between the timber sub-frame (20).

[72] It can be seen in Figure 6 how the elevation panel of a roofing module according to the present invention has a compact, sheet-like configuration with a laminate construction. Due to the self-supporting nature and configuration of the elevation panel, the roof space of a pitched roof formed by at least one roofing module is unrestricted. Moreover, due to the limited (restricted) depth of the elevation panel, the dimensions of the roof space are optimized. For example, in the embodiment of the rooting module depicted in Figure 6 the elevation panel has a uniform depth of t32mm, whereas a conventional roof constructed using rafters arid purlins has a variable depth of at least 262mm. Hence, the head height of a roof space defined by using the roofing module according to the present invention is increased by at least 130mm and the usable space is increased.

[73] The elevation panel is at least substantially prefabricated prior to mounting. The construction of a pitched roof using at least one roofing module according to the present invention is thereby a short and straightforward process and the construction 1-, Ii problems associated with conventional pitched roofs assembled using the traditional rafter and purlin method and/or truss method are avoided.

[74] The elevation panel is preferably at least substantially prefabricated offsite, The delivery of ready to assemble elevation panels helps to reduce onsite costs, minimizes storage requirements, limits the number of construction phases and avoids the need to carefully sequence trades.

[75] Although the elevation panel is at least substantially prefabricated prior to mounting, at least a portion of the outer protective covering and/or at least a portion of the inner covering means may be fitted after the elevation panel has been mounted in situ. For example, the outer protective covering and/or inner covering at one or more edge region of the elevation panel may be fitted after mounting so as to restrict any damage during mounting, provide a neat finish and/or assimilate with the outer protective covering and/or inner covering of adjoining elevation panels.

[76] The roofing module may comprise interlocking means to connect it to other roofing modules. Interlocking means may be arranged to interlock the corresponding upper edges of a first elevation panel and a second elevation panel so as to join opposing inclined roofing modules along a ridge line. Interlocking means may be configured to interlock the corresponding side edges of a first elevation panel and a second elevation panel so as to join roofing modules inclined in different planes along a hip line or valley line, Interlocking means may interconnect elevation panels so as to form a desired elevation of a pitched roof from multiple roofing modules. Interlocking means may be provided at regular intervals along the top edge, lower edge and/or side edges of the elevation panel. The interlocking means may allow roofing modules to be joined prior to mounting and/or when mounted in situ.

[77] The interlocking means may comprise any suitable means to connect roofing modules. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 3 to 9, the roofing module comprises multiple interlocking means arranged along the top edge of the elevation panel so that it can interlock with a corresponding roofing module along a ridge line, The interlocking means comprise a pair of finger portions (28a, 28b) that are configured to protrude from a top edge of the elevation panel and engage with corresponding finger

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portions (28c, 28d) protruding from the top edge of the other elevation panel. Each finger portion has an aperture (30) to receive a locking pin. Figure 7 depicts a top view showing how the elevation panels of the roofing modules are arranged such that the finger portions (28a, 28b) of a first interlocking means engage in an overlapping manner with the finger portions (28c, 28d) of a second interlocking means such that the apertures are aligned. A locking pin (32) is then fitted to extend through the apertures to secure the elevation panels. The locking pin is preferably removable to allow for an adjustment or replacement of a roofing module.

[78] The roofing module may comprise a joint to control the rotation of the elevation tO panel during mounting. The joint is configured to couple the elevation panel and the building and permit the rotation of the elevation panel with respect to the building.

[79] The joint may control the rotation of the elevation panel to a particular orientation, For example, the joint may permit the rotation of the elevation panel to a predetermined pitch relative to the building. The joint may then act as a stop to prevent any further rotation beyond the predetermined pitch. The roofing module may comprise any suitable joint means [80] In an embodiment depicted in Figures 8 and 9, the joint (34) comprises a pivotal L-shaped member and a connection for engaging a wall plate bracket (44). The L-shaped member has a first leg (36) and a second leg (38) meeting at a vertex (40). The first leg is secured to the elevation panel. The first leg may be pivotally secured or fixedly secured to the elevation panel. The vertex is pivotally mounted on the building such that the L-shaped member rotates as the elevation panel is moved relative to the building to a desired mounting position, As shown, the vertex may be pivotally secured to a cross member (CM) of a roof floor extending between opposing walls of the building. The connection (42) is arranged at the distal end of the first leg.

[81] The L-shaped member is configured such that, when the elevation panel is rotated to the predetermined pitch 0 as shown in Figure 9, the second leg (38) abuts the elevation panel and the connection (42) engages the wall plate bracket (44), As such, the joint controls the rotation of the elevation panel to the predetermined pitch, The joint prevents the elevation panel from rotating beyond the predetermined pitch 0, Moreover, the joint controls the mounting engagement of the elevation panel on the wall plate ofa building, [82] According to the present invention, one or more roofing modules may be used as part of a modular roofing system to construct a pitched roof [83] Due to the flexible design of the roofing modules, the modular roofing system may form any type of pitched roof For example, the modular roofing system may form a mono-pitched roof having a single elevation, a gable pitched roof a hipped pitched roof: a hybrid pitched roof and/or a dormer pitched roof By using roofing modules, the pitched roof has a modular design that is easy to construct, repair and replace [84] Figure 10 depicts a cut away view of an example of a gable pitched roof (GR) constructed from a pair of roofing modules (IDa, lOb) according to the present invention. In this example, the roofing modules are gable roofing modules as previously depicted in Figures 3 to 9. The elevation panels (IDa, lOb) of each gable roofing module are mounted at a predetermined incline and extend between the gable end walls of the building. The gable roofing modules meet along a ridge line (RL) so as to form a roof with an inverted V shape. The upper edges of the elevation panels are connected using a plurality of interlocking means (28). The lower edges of the elevation panels are secured to wall plates arranged along the walls of the building using brackets (not shown).

[85] Figure t t depicts a cut away view of an example of a hipped pitched roof (FIR) for a building with a rectangular plan. The hipped pitched roof is constructed using four roofing modules according to the present invention. Interlocking means (28) are provided to interlock the edges of the elevation panels together. In this embodiment, the interlocking means are interlocking means as previously described with respect to Figure 7. The top edges of the elevation panels are interlocked forming a ridge line (RL). The side edges of the elevation panels are interlocked forming hip lines (1114.

The lower edges of the elevation panels are secured to wall plates arranged along the sidewalls and end walls of the building using brackets (not shown).

[86] The hipped pitched roof as shown in Figure 11 has a length of 6,2m, depth of Sm, ridge to gutter length of4,9m and height of2.8m, an overall silhouette of 54.5 1m3 and surface area of 60.76m2.

[87] If the hipped pitched roof had been constmcted using a rafter and purlin method, S where the depth of the rafters is 262mm, then the rafter roof structure would have reduced the overall silhouette of the hipped roof by 1 5,92m3 and defined an internal roof space of 38,59m3.

[88] However, by constructing the hipped pitched roof using roofing modules according to the present invention, where the elevation panels have a depth of 132mm, the overall silhouette of the pitched roof is reduced by only 8.01m3.

[89] Thus, the roof space defined by the roofing modules according to the present invention is 46.49m3, which represents a 17% increase in internal space. The head height is also increased by 130mm. Moreover, there are no purlins to further hinder internal space and head height.

[90] The modular roofing system may comprise protecting means to protect an edge line formed between the interlocking elevation panels of adjoining roofing modules.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the protecting means (46) may protect the ridge line, hip lines and valley lines of a pitched roof [91] The protecting means may comprise, for example, an elongate body having an arched cross-sectional shape that is mountable over at least a part of the length of the edge line so as to shield it, The protecting means further comprises fastening means to secure the body in place. The body may have may have a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape, a triangular cross-sectional shape, an ornate cross-sectional shape and/or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. The body may be configured to blend with the outer protective covering means of the elevation panel.

[92] In an embodiment depicted in Figures 12 and 13, the protecting means (46) comprises a cylindania (48) configured to extend over an edge line of a pitched roof The cylindania is secured at various points along an edge line by screwing bolts (50) through an aperture in the cylindania body and into a corresponding plinths (52) secured between the interlocked elevation panels of adjoining roofing module. F'

[93] The modular roofing system may comprise guttering to collect rain water running off the pitched roof As depicted in Figures 14 and 15, the guttering (54) may be secured to wall plates arranged along the walls of the building using brackets (56).

The guttering may have a castellated edge (58) to restrict the ingress of leaves or debris. A lip (60) of the guttering may extend over the lower edge of the elevation panel so as to protect and provide an integrated appearance.

[94] A further aspect of the invention relates to a bracket for mounting an elevation panel of a roofing module to a wall plate of a building.

[95] The bracket comprises a body that is securable to both the wall plate and the wall of the building, securing means to secure the body to the said wall plate and building wall and engaging means to engage the roofing module. The bracket may be configured to be locatable in a cavity space of a double skinned wall of the building so that it is at least substantially hidden from view when mounted for useS [96] Figures 9, N and 16 depict an embodiment of a bracket (44) comprising a Z-shaped body having an upper flange portion (62), intermediate portion (64) and lower flange portion (66). When mounted for use, the upper flange portion of the body is secured to the wall plate, the intermediate portion extends downwardly, parallel to the building wall and the lower flange portion, extends in the opposite direction to the upper flange portion. A pair of eye bolts (68) are extended through apertures formed in the lower flange portion and extend downwardly, parallel to the building wall.

Locking pins (70) are extended through an eye hole formed in the distal end of each eye bolt so as to engage the building wall. Engaging means in the form of upstanding arms (72) extend upwardly from the upper flange portion to engage the corresponding connection (42) of the joint of the roofing module. In the embodiment shown, the upstanding arms are also configured to receive a cross-member (CM) of the roof floor, extending between opposing walls of the building. Hence, the bracket is also suitable for mounting a roof floor to the wall plate of the building.

[97] In an alternative embodiment, the bracket may comprise an L-shaped body having a flange portion and a main portion, rather than a Z-shaped body. The flange portion is configured to be secured to the wall plate. The main portion is configured to extend downwardly, parallel to the building wall. Locking pins are arranged to extend directly through apertures formed at the distal end of the main portion to engage the building wall. Engaging means are also provided to engage the corresponding connection of the roofing module, and optionally a cross-member of the roof floor, [98] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the word, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including, but not limited to", and it is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, components, integers or steps.

[99] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[100] Features, integers, characteristics or compounds described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith,

Claims

CLAIMS1. A roofing module comprising a substantially prefabricated elevation panel that is mountable at a predetermined pitch to form at least part of an elevation of a pitched roof; wherein the elevation panel comprises: a supporting frame having the configuration of a two-dimensional grid structure; and outer protective covering means arranged on an outer-side of the supporting frame.
2. The roofing module according to claim 1, wherein the elevation panel is configured to form an entire elevation of a pitched roof
3. A roofing module according to claim 1, wherein the elevation panel is configured to form a part of an elevation of a pitched roof
4. The roofing module according to any preceding claim, wherein the elevation panel is mountable to form at least part of an elevation of any type of pitched roof
5. The roofing module according to any preceding claim, wherein the supporting frame comprises metallic and/or wooden members arranged to form the two-dimensional grid structure.
6. The roofing module according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer protective covering comprises slate, tiles, sheet metal, thatch, fibre-glass, and/or at least one photovoltaic cell.
7. The roofing module according to any of claim 6, wherein the photovoltaic cell is a solar panel flush mounted in a grid aperture of the supporting frame.
8. The roofing module according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the outer protective covering comprises at least one faux solar panel flush mounted in a grid aperture of the supporting frame.
9. The roofing module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the solar panel and/or the faux solar panel is releasably mounted.tO. The roofing module according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the outer protective covering is arrangeable on the outer side of the supporting frame after the elevation panel is mounted in situ.t 1. The roofing module according to any preceding, wherein the elevation panel further comprises inner covering means arranged on an inner-side of the supporting frame.12. The roofing module according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the inner covering means is arrangeable after the elevation panel is mounted in situ.13. The roofing module according to any preceding claim, wherein the elevation panel further comprises insulation arranged there between the outer protective covering means and the inner protective covering means.14. The roofing module according to any preceding claim, further comprising interlocking means to interlock the elevation panel with an elevation panel of a second roofing module.15. The roofing module according to claim 14, wherein the interlocking means comprises: at least one finger portion protruding from the elevation panel to engage with at least one corresponding finger portion protruding from the elevation panel of the second roofing module, wherein each finger portion comprises an aperture there through to receive a locking pin and wherein the apertures are aligned when the finger portions are engaged; a locking pin extendable through the aligned apertures of the finger portions.16. The roofing module according to any preceding claim, further comprising a joint to couple the elevation panel and building and control the rotation of the elevation panel with respect to the building during mounting.17. The roofing module according to claim 16, wherein the pivotal joint comprises: an [-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg meeting at a vertex, wherein a distal end of the first leg is securable to the elevation panel and the vertex is pivotally securable to the building; a connection arranged at the distal end of the first leg for engaging a wall plate mounting bracket; whereby the L-shaped bracket is configured to act as a stop such that the second leg abuts the elevation panel and the connection engages the wall plate mounting bracket when the elevation panel is rotated to a predetermined pitch relative to the building during mounting.18. A modular roofing system for a pitched roof having at least one elevation, wherein the modular roofing system comprises one or more roofing modules according to any of claims 1 to 17 to form the at least one elevation.19. The modular roofing system according to claim 18, further comprising at least one bracket for securing the elevation panel of the one or more roofing modules to a wall plate of a building.20. The modular roofing system according to claim 19, wherein the at least one bracket comprises: a body securable to the wall plate of the building and a wall of the building; securing means to secure the body; and engaging means to engage the elevation panel of the roofing module.21. The modular roofing system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the bracket comprises: a substantially z-shaped body having an upper flange portion configured to be securable to the wall plate, an intermediate portion configured to extend downwardly, parallel to the building wall, a lower flange portion configured to extend in the opposite direction to the upper flange portion and having at least one aperture configured to receive an eye bolt; at least one eye bolt extendable through the at least one aperture in the lower flange portion such that it extends downwardly, parallel to the building wall, and having an eye hole at a distal end of the bolt; locking pin means configured to extend through the eye hole and engage the building wall; engaging means arranged on the upper flange portion and configured to engage a corresponding connection of the roofing module. Li22. The modular roofing system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising protecting means to protect an edge line formed between interlocking elevation panels of adjoining roofing modules.23. The modular roofing system according to claim 22, wherein the protecting means comprises a cylindania configured to extend at least substantially along the edge line; and fastening means to securely mount the cylindania on the pitched roof 24. The modular roofing system according to any of claims 18 to 23 further comprising guttering.25. A method of constructing a pitched roof comprising: mounting an elevation panel of at least one roofing module at a predetermined pitch to form at least part of an elevation of the pitched roof 26. The method of constmcting a pitched roof according to claim 25, wherein the roofing module is a roofing module according to any of claims I to 17 27. The method of constructing a pitched roof according to claim 25 or 26 wherein the mounting of the elevation panel comprises rotating the elevation panel about a joint to the predetermined pitch.28. A method of constructing a pitched roof according to any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the mounting of the elevation panel comprises forming a mounting engagement between the elevation panel and the building via a bracket, 29. A method of constructing a pitched roof according to any of claims 25 to 28, further comprising interlocking the elevation panels of multiple roofing modules using interlocking means so as to form an elevation and/or multiple elevations of the pitched roof 30. A bracket for securing an elevation panel of a roofing module to a wall plate of a building, the bracket comprising: a body securable to the wall plate and a wall of the building; securing means to secure the body; and engaging means to engage the elevation panel of the roofing module.31. The bracket according to claim 30, wherein the roofing module is a roofing module according to any of claims Ito 17.32. The bracket according to claim 30 or 3], wherein the body is a substantially z-shaped body having an upper flange portion configured to be secured to the wall plate, an intermediate portion configured to extend downwardly, parallel to the building wall, a lower flange portion, configured to extend in the opposite direction to the upper flange portion and having at least one aperture configured to receive an eye bolt; and the engaging means is arranged on the upper flange portion and configured to engage a corresponding connection of the roofing module.33. The bracket according to claim 32, wherein the securing means comprises: at least one eye bolt extendable through the at least one aperture in the lower flange portion such that it extends downwardly, parallel to the building wall, and having an eye hole at a distal end of the bolt; locking pin means configured to extend through the eye hole of the at least one eye bolt and engage the building wall.34. A pitched roof comprising at least one roofing module according to any of claims ito 17.35. A pitched roof constructed from a modular roofing system according to any of claims 18to24.36. A pitched roof constructed using the method according to any of claims 25 to 29.37. A pitched roof comprising at least one or more bracket according to any of claims 30 to 33.38. A roofing module as herein described and/or as depicted in any of Figures 3 to 16.39. A modular roof system as herein described and/or depicted in any of Figures 3 to 16, 40. A pitched roof as herein described and/or depicted in any of Figures 3 to 16.41. A method of constructing a pitched roofing as herein described and/or depicted in any of Figures 3 to 16.42. A bracket for mounting an elevation panel to a wall plate of a building as herein described and/or depicted in any of Figures 3 to 6.