IE85015B1 - Sealing strip for a ridge tile roof ventilation system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for sealing adjacent ridge tiles.

Description

Sealing Strip for a Ridge Tile Roof Ventilation System The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for sealing adjacent ridge tiles.

It is known to secure ridge tiles to a pitched roof by the use of a ridge batten. The ridge batten is secured along the apex of a series of roof trussesyby a number of spaced apart metal straps, each strap being secured over the ridge batten and to either side of a respective truss. Adjacent ridge tiles are slightly separated and held down by a plastic member which is nailed to the ridge batten between the ridge tiles.

It is further known to provide a vent for the roof space via such a ridge tile fixing arrangement. Typically vent strips are located between the lateral edges of a series of ridge tiles, and the upper surface of the top row of roof tiles.

Severalvproblems are associated with this prior arrangement. Typically the ridge tile fixing and ventilation system is supplied to a builder as a kit of parts. The builder must bend a metal hoop to fit the angle of the roof trusses, and then secure each hoop to the roof rafters to hold the ridge batten in place. Once the ridge batten is in situ the vents must be placed on the pitched roof tiles and a ridge tile located thereon to prevent the vents fiom sliding down the pitched roof. The ridge tile is then fixed to the ridge batten by nailing through the member into the ridge batten: The ridge batten has poor sideways stability because it is located on the apex of the trusses, and it is difficult to ensure tight fixing of straps. Furthennore the ridge batten is poorly supported between adjacent trusses and thus flexes during nailing, which often results in an insecure fixing. A suitable means of sealing between adjacent ridge tiles is required.

According to theinvention there is provided a sealing strip for bridging adjacent ridge tiles, comprising a planar member for covering the gap between adjacent tiles and an upstanding limb insertable in the gap, the limb comprising a plurality of spaced fingers - whereby the planar member is bendable and adapted to confonn to the profile of adjacent roof tiles in use.

I85015 In the preferred embodiment the weather strip is moulded of plastics, the planar member being relatively thin so as to be conformable to the contour of any suitable ridge tile. Preferably the planar member overlaps the ridge tile edge on each side by 10 mm or more.

The upstanding limb comprises a plurality of spaced. fingers so as to improve flexibility of the planar member whilst defining a separation gap between adjacent ridge tiles.

Preferably the weather strip is provided with a seal to engage the inner surface of a ridge tile in use. Such a seal inhibits against water ingress.

On the upper side, in use, the planar member preferably defines one or more longitudinally extending low walls on either side of said limb, the ridge tiles sitting in use on said walls, and the walls defining a nm-off channel for water passing between adjacent ridge tiles. In the preferred embodiment two spaced walls are provided on either side of the upstanding limb.

At the midpoint of. thelimb, a fixing passage is provided for alignmentwith the receiving portion of a ridge clip. The passage is preferably of sufflcient size to permit elongate fixing to pass therethrough with clearance.

In the preferred embodiment, the limb includes opposite projections on either side of said fixing passage. In use the planar member and projections engage oneither side of each adjacent ridge tile so as to sandwich the edge in use, and to hold the planar member in intimate contact with the inside of the ridge tiles by virtue of the inherent resilience thereof.

Each end of the weather strip may further include a relatively thin flap adapted to protrude beyond the lateral ridge tile edges. Such a flap may for example be the same width as theiplanar member and extend for about 20 mm with a thickness typically 50% or less of the thickness of the planar member; this kind of flap ensures improved seating on roof tiles or roof tile ventilators, and may provide improved draught sealing; In this specification by tiled roof we mean a roof covered with tiles, slates, shingles or the like.

As noted above, the fingers of the strip permit the planar member to conform to the shape of the curved tiles. The strip may be adapted to the interior or exterior surface of the ridge tiles but in a preferred embodiment is on the inside so as to be substantially invisible from the outside.

The weather strip is preferably of substantially T section comprising a stem and a base, the stem having a free end with an out turned hand on each side to engage the outer surface of adjacent ridge tiles, the stem being adapted to engage the edges of adjacent ridge tiles over substantially the entire edges thereof, and the base adapted to closely engage the inner surfaces of adjacent ridge tiles over substantially the entire ends thereof, the stem being adapted to receive an elongate fixing for through attachment to a roof substructure‘, typically a roof timber or a ridge clip attached with respect to a truss.

The stem or the bar may have a plurality of preformed holes for said elongate fixings, each hole closed by a piercable membrane. This arrangement permits a roofer to select the most suitable hole for fixing the ridge tile and further provides a guide for passage of the fixing through the stem or bar.

The stem may be provided with a plurality of hands to engage the outer surface of adjacent ridge tiles.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, in which; Fig. 1 shows a perspective View from above and to one side of a ridge tile ventilation and fixing system; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the system of Fig. 1 according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a side view of the system of Fig. 1 according to an alternative embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a side view of the ridge tile fixing arrangement of Fig. I; Fig. 5 shows an end view of a detail of the ridge tile fixing arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 shows a side view of the weather strip of Fi g. 5; .

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of the weather strip of Fig. . ‘ , p Fig. 8 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a ventilator shown in Fig. .1. M ’ Fig. 9 shows an end view of the ventilation arrangement of Fig. 8 showing a comb for use with curved tiles.

Fig.yl0 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for the weather strip of Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view from above and to one side of an alternative embodiment to the ventilator of Fig 8.

Fig. 12 is a partial perspective View from below and to one side of the ventilator shown in Fig 11. V g Fig. 13 is a perspectiveview fi-om above and to one side of an embodiment of a sealing strip according to the invention.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view fiom above and to one side of an alternative comb_ to the comb of Figure 9.

» Fig. 15 is a side view showing the comb of Fig 14 in use.

Fig 16 is perspective view from above and to one side of a clip for fixing a ridge tile.

Fig. 17 is a perspective View from above and to one side of the clip of Fig 16.

Fig. 18 is a side View of a fixing system using the clip of Fig 16.

Fig. 19 is a general arrangement drawing of the ventilation and fixing components.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show one side of a ridge the fixing and ventilation system. Referring to Figure ‘1 there is shown a perspective view fi-om above and to one side of a ridge tile ventilation and fixing system, generally designated 10. In Figure 1 a conventional roof truss 12 is shown to which is attached a conventional roof batten 14 which is used to support and fix roof tiles 16 in a conventional manner. A ventilator 18 having a substantially L-shaped hollow section is placed along the top edge of the roof tiles 16.

The ventilator has a number of air passageways (not shown) between the free ends of the L-shaped section pennitting the roof to be ventilated. Theventilator 18 does not require fixings to locate it in situ because one arm 20 of the L-shaped section is located over the top edge of the roof tiles 16.

Also shown in Figure 1 is a fixing arrangement for a ridge tile 22. The fixing arrangement is provided by a further roof batten 24 which is located above the arm 20 of the ventilator 18. The roof batten 24 is of a conventional kind and in this embodiment is identical to the batten 14. The ridge tile 22 is placed onto the ventilator 18 and a weather strip 26 is located on the curved end thereof. A subsequent ridge tile 27 is abutted against the strip 26 thereby providing a seal between the two ridge tiles 22, 27. The ridge tiles 22, 27 are fixed in place by a fixing such as a nail 28 which is pieroed through the strip 26 and received in the batten 24, which is as rigidly located as any other roof batten.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3 there are shown side views of the system of Fig. 1 according to alternative arrangements for ventilating‘ the roof. In Figure 2 a roof membrane 30 is shown between the roof truss 12 and the roof battens 14. A free end 32 of the membrane 30 overlaps the apex. In this arrangement the space’ 34 between the tiles 16 and the membrane 30 is vented to the outside. It may be necessary to fix the battens onto timber strips nailed on the upper surface of the truss so as to sandwich the membrane; this arrangement ensures that the space under flat tiles is ventilated from top to bottom.

In Figure 3 the free end 32 is placed between the ventilator 18 and the top row of roof tiles 16. In this arrangement the roof space 36 is vented to the outside.

In Figure 4 the arrangement for fixing the ridge tiles 22, 27 to the further roof battens 24 is shown. The gasket 26 is adapted to permit the nails 28 to be passed therethrough ’ and to be received in the further battens 24. The roof tiles and ventilator are omitted for reasons of clarity.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 refer to the weather strip or gasket 26. In Figure 5 an end view of the gasket 26 is shown sealing two ridge tiles 22, 27. The nail 28 is shown passing through the gasket 26. In Figure 6 the gasket 26 is shown to comprise of segments 38 to permit the gasket 26 to be bent in the shape of a curve as shown to conform to the shape of a ridge tile 22, 27. Bending of the gasket 26 is facilitated the segments 38 which are separated by spaces 40 as shown in Figure 7. The gasket may be further provided with pre-formed holes (not shown) of the seal to accept nails 28. The holes are preferably closed by a thin membrane which is adapted to be pierced by a nail 28. In this manner a plurality of pre-formed holes can be provided and the roofer can select the most appropriate hole to facilitate fixing to the further ridge batten 24.

Now referring to Figure 8 there is shown a perspective view from above and to one side of a ventilator 18 shown in Figure 1. The ventilator 18 has a substantially L-shaped section. A shown in Figure 8 the free ends of the L-shaped section are provided with an air communication path 42. The ventilator 18 is shown with an optional extension 44 for use with curved tiles. The appendage 44 is provided with a line of weakness 48 to permit it to be removed by, for example, snapping.

In Figure 9 the appendage 44 is shown in use with curved tiles 46. An option comb 50 of the ventilator 18 is also shown to prevent birds entering the space between a curved tile 46 and the ventilator 18.

Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement for the weather strip 26 shown in Figure 7, generally designated 60. In Figure 10 the weather strip 60 has an inner part 62 and an outer cover 64. The outer cover 64 is provided with elongate holes 66 to receive fixings (not shown). The inner part 62 has channels 68 for rain water. In use, the cover 64 is adapted to engage the inner part 62 by way of curved edges 70 of the cover 64. The cover 64 pennits the weather strip 60 to be pre~formed prior to fitment to a ridge tile.

The channels 68 are adapted to engage an inner surface of the ridge tiles and prevent water ingress. Rain water entering the weather strip 60 runs off onto roof tiles via the channels 68.

Figure 11 is a perspective view from above and to one side of an alternative embodiment to the ventilator of Figure 8, generally designated 80. The ventilator 80 has a generally L-shaped section comprising two arms 82, 84. The arm 82 substantially comprises a thin plate and is adapted to lie over an end of a roof tile. The arm 84 is adapted to lie over an outer face of a roof tile and includes a series of channels which extend from the free end 86 of the arm 84 to the intersection 88 of the arms 82, 84. In this manner the channels are substantially straight. The ventilator 80 is of such a length to overlie one or a few tiles and! is provided with a connector 90 at an end of the ventilator 80 to connect the ventilator 80 to an adjacent ventilator. The arm 84 has an upper surface 91 in use which has three rows of ridges 92, 94, 96 to support an edge of a ridge tile. In Figure 11 each ridge 92, 94, 96 comprises a series of spaced apart ridges.

In Figure 12 there is shown a partial perspective view from below and to one side of the ventilator 80 shown in Fig 11. Figure 12 illustrates the open channels 98 which are closed in use by placing the ventilator 80 on a tile.

Now turning to Figure 13 there is shown a perspective view from above and to one side of an embodiment of the invention, and generally indicated 100. The weather/sealing strip 100 has substantially a T-shaped cross section comprising a stern 102 for location between adjacent ridge tiles, and a base 104 adapted for contact with inner surfaces of adjacent roof tiles. The stem 102 is provided with a single hole 106 to receive a fixing (not shown) for securing the strip 100 in place. The stem 102 is provided with a two hands 108, l 10 adapted for contact with outer surfaces of adjacent ridge tiles. The stem has slits l l2 to permit the strip lOO to conform to the internal shape of adjacent ridge tiles.The base 104 has an outer seal 114 and an inner seal 116 to seal the strip 100 to adjacent ridge tiles and thereby inhibit water ingress. Rain water entering the strip 100 runs off onto roof tiles via the charmels 118, 120. Optionally thin end flaps 119 are provided to extend from the ridge tile over the adjacent roof tiles. These flaps improve sealing against ingress of wind driven water.

Figure 14 shows a perspectiveview from above and to one side of an alternative comb 130 to the comb of Figure 9. The comb 130 is adapted to nest with a ventilator 80 in a manner illustrated in Figure 15. In Figure 14 the comb 130 comprises two arms 132, 134 substantially at right angles. The comb 130 is conveniently adapted to clip to the ventilator 80 via the arm 134 to avoid loss of parts. The inner face of the first arm 132 is provided with a foam pad 136 to abut an end of a roof tile to provide a seal therewith.

The free end of arm 134 has a series of equal length fingers 138 which are adapted to bend inward in the manner indicated at 140 thereby permitting fingers 138 to remain in contact with curved roof tiles. A tear line 139 permits separation of the portion carrying » the fingers in cases where they are not required. The remaining portion can be used in either orientation to seal the top edge or the top end of a roof tile by virtue of the foam pad 136.

In Figure 15 the fingers 138 are shown bent inward to remain in contact with a tile 142.

The foam pad 136 is shown abutting the end of the tile 142. Ridge 92 is also shown supporting an edge of a ridge tile 144.

Now referring to Figure 16 there is shown a perspective view from above and to one side of a clip 160 for fixing a ridge tile. The clip 160 is a unitary moulded item comprising a body 162 having two legs 164, 166 connected thereto with respective living hinges 168, 170. The body 162 has a first receiving portion 172 and a second receiving portion 174 whereby the first receiving portion 172 is longer than the second receiving portion 174. The receiving portions 172, I74 are provided with a common through hole 176 for a fixing.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of the clip 160 of Figure 16 with the legs 164, I66 hinged into a first condition such that the first receiving portion 172 extends in an opposite direction to the legs I64, 166. The clip 160 can also be bent into a second condition (not shown) such that the legs 164, 166 are hinged in the opposite direction whereby the second receiving portion 174 extends in an opposite direction to the legs 164, 166 in the second condition. Bach leg I64, 166 is provided with a respective waist 165, 167.

Figure 18 shows a side view of a fixing system using the clip 160 of Figure 16. Figure 18 shows a truss 178 having two battens 180, 182 fixed thereto. The clip 160 is shown trapped in position via the waist 165, 167 between the two battens 180, 182 so that the receiving portion 172 can receive a fixing 184 to secure a ridge tile 186. The clip 160 is bent and twisted into position between the two battens 180, 182 so that either the first receiving portion 172, or the second receiving portion 174 is uppermost. In this manner the clip 160 provides for a degree of adjustment whereby either the first condition or the second condition of the clip 160 is chosen. A degree of adjustment is therefore provided by the clip 160 whereby one of the receiving portions 172, 174 is selected for the fixing 184. The clip can also be placed on a truss so that the legs 164, 166 lie on either side thereof.

It will be appreciated that the specific embodiments are examples of the invention, and that variations are possible within the scope of this application.

Fig. 19 shows a general arrangement of all the components described herein. A roof truss 12 has battens 14 supporting tiles 16. Further battens 180,182 are adapted to engage a ridge clip 160 to which a weather strip 100 is attached by an elongate fixing 184 with washer 185. A ventilator 80 and comb 130 nest below the ridge and against the uppermost edge of the roof tile.

Claims (8)

Claims

1. A sealing strip for bridging adjacent ridge tiles, comprising a planar member for covering the gap between adjacent tiles and an upstanding limb insertable in the gap, the limb comprising a plurality of spaced fingers whereby the planar member is bendable and adapted to conform to the profile of adjacent roof tiles in use.

2. A strip according to claim 1 wherein the planar member is adapted to the interior surface of adjacent ridge tiles.

3. H A strip according to claim 2 wherein the free end of said limb includes projections extending in mutually opposed directions and adapted with the planar member to sandwich the edges of ridge tiles in use.

4. A strip according to claim 3 and having two pairs of mutually opposed projections. '

5. A strip according to any preceding claim of substantially upturned '1" shaped cross-section, the stem of said "P corresponding to said limb, and the bar of said "P corresponding to said planar member.

6. A strip according to claim 5 and including a fixing hole extending through said stem perpendicularly to said bar.

7. A strip according togany preceding claim wherein said planar member defines one or more longitudinally extending low walls on each side of said limb, the ridge tiles sitting in use on said walls, and the walls defining a run-off channel for water passing between adjacent ridge tiles.

8. A sealing strip substantially as described herein with reference to