IES85083Y1 - A firebreak roof divide system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Barrier ( 1) is mounted in a gap between a roof (2) and a party wall (3) of a building to prevent the spread of fire and or smoke. The barrier (1) comprises a channel section (4) mounted on top of the party wall (3) dividing tow areas of a building and receiving a barrier element (5). The barrier element (5) extends upwardly to abut the roof (2) sealing the gap between the wall (3) and the roof (2). Two wings (6) are mounted one on each side of the channel section (4) and receive roofing felt (7) from both sides of the building.

Description

A FIREBREAK ROOF DIVIDE SYSTEM The present invention relates to a firebreak roof divide system for preventing the spread of fire between adjacent structural members.

Gaps between adjacent structural members such as those between terraced and semi- detached buildings are often responsible for the spread of fires. As a result, adjacent properties to the source of the fire are often unnecessarily damaged. The spread of fires across these gaps is particularly problematic at the roof junction. This is because, despite best endeavours, the provision of a fireproof joint in this area is not always possible and also because roofing felt is highly flammable.

A variety of solutions have been proposed to overcome these problems. GB Patent Application No. 2 082 647 shows a particularly effective barrier for sealing the gap between two structural members of a building. While the barrier described is highly effective once perfectly fitted, the fitting process is somewhat complex, requiring skilled operatives to ensure correct installation. Additionally, where the width of the gap to be sealed is not a standard size, significant modifications to the barrier are required.

Furthermore, where the width of the gap is not uniform along its length, there is a significant risk that the seal will not be complete.

There is therefore a need for a barrier, which will overcome the aforementioned problems and which can be easily fitted.

Accordingly, there is provided a barrier for use in a gap between a roof and a party wall of a building to prevent the spread of fire, the barrier comprising a channel section mounted on top of the party wall dividing two areas of the building and receiving a barrier element which extends upwardly to abut the roof to seal the gap between the wall and the roof, a wing mountable on each side of the channel section, wherein the wings are adapted to receive roofing felt from both sides of the building. Supplying the channel section and wings as separate parts reduces the overall size of the barrier and alleviates difficulties associated with their transport and storage.

Ideally, the channel section, comprising a base and two side walls, rests on its base on a gasket layer of mineral wool fixed to the top of the party wall, preventing smoke from it‘ 885083 spreading under the barrier into the adjoining building through small gaps between the top of the party wall and the base of the channel section.

In one embodiment, the wings of the barrier are formed as v-sections. This allows stacking of the sections during both storage and transport thus reducing the floor space required for them.

Ideally, one web of the wing includes an attachment means on its free end for mounting the wing onto a side wall of the channel section.

Ideally, both webs of the wing include an attachment means on their free end for mounting the wing onto either side wall of the channel section. An attachment means on both webs of the wing allows one part to be mounted on both side walls of the channel section. This reduces the number of parts to be manufactured thus reducing the overall cost of the barrier. in one embodiment, the barrier element is provided by a block of mineral wool in the form of a cockscomb vertical brush.

Preferably, the channel section is provided by a number of separate overlapping sections.

Division of the channel section into parts reduces the difficulties encountered during installation and removes problems associated with handling, transporting and storing unnecessarily long sections of construction material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the channel section comprises an eaves section, a main section and a ridge section.

Ideally, the eaves channel section has a crinkle portion incorporated to allow the installer to tilt it to the required angle to a fascia board and guttering to suit specific requirements.

Preferably, the ridge channel is formed with a crinkle portion to allow a user to bend the section over a ridge at the top of a roof and down along the pitch on the opposite side.

This allows a continuous section of channel to extend around the ridge of the roof.

The wings can be manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, aluminium or steel.

Preferably, a chimney unit is provided at the junction between an upper portion of the party wall and a chimney for receiving the channel section and wings which are mounted on this portion of the party wall.

Ideally, the chimney unit comprises a tray and a wall extending around a substantial portion of the perimeter of the tray defining a gap, the tray having an outlet located adjacent the perimeter wall opposite the gap and a flexible pipe attached to the outlet underneath the tray.

Preferably, the chimney unit is mounted on the gasket layer with the outlet adjacent the chimney wall and the gap facing towards the ridge of the roof for receiving the channel section and wings which are mounted on this portion of the party wall. In this orientation, the tray receives water from the wings that has leaked through the tiles unto the felt and passes it towards the outlet. It is passed back onto the felt at the side of the chimney via the flexible pipe.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example only, one embodiment of a barrier in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a barrier in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the barrier of Figure 1 in position on a party wall of a building; Figure 3 is a section view of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a similar view to Figure 2 additionally showing a barrier element; Figure 5 is a section view of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the barrier of Figures 1 to 5 with link battens fitted and the mineral wool cut to the required shape; Figure 7 is a section view of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a link batten for use with tiles; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a link batten for use with slates; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a building showing the fascia board and soffit board; Figure 11 is a section view of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a truss and trimmer detail at the junction of the party wall and a chimney; Figure 13 is a section view of the party wall at the junction with the rear of the chimney; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a chimney unit and the channel section and wings; Figure 15 is a detail view of an attachment means between the channel section and wings; Figure 16 is a detail view of a second embodiment of attachment means; Figure 17 is a side view of a second embodiment of channel section and wings; Figure 18 is a plan view of Figure 17; and Figure 19 is a cross-sectional side view through a third embodiment.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1, there is shown a barrier in accordance with the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The barrier 1 is mounted in a gap between a roof 2 and a party wall 3 of a building to prevent the spread of fire and or smoke. The barrier 1 comprises a channel section 4 mounted on top of the party wall 3 dividing two areas of the building and receivinga barrier element 5. The barrier element 5 extends upwardly to abut the roof 2 sealing the gap between the wall 3 and the roof 2. Two wings 6 are mounted one on each side of the channel section 4 and receive roofing felt 7 from both sides of the building.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the channel section 4 and wings 6 are mounted on a layer of gasket 8, which is mounted on the top of the party wall 3. The top of the party wall 3 is levelled with a layer of mortar 9. The roofing felt 7 is cut along the centre line of the party wall 3 to allow the channel section 4 and wings 6 to be mounted on the gasket layer 8. The wings 6 of the barrier 1 are formed as v-sections. Battens 10 are fitted to the rafters 11 by nails 12 and terminate at the edge of the rafter 11 adjacent to the party wall 3.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, the barrier element 5 is provided by a block of mineral wool in the form of a vertical brush cockscomb inserted into an opening of the channel section 4. The roofing felt 7 is rolled back into the wings 6 of the barrier 1 thereby allowing any water which has leaked through the tiles to drain down the wings 6 and into the guttering (not shown).

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figures 6 and 7, link battens 13 are fixed to the timber battens 10 bridging the party wall 3 and providing a further layer of protection against the spread of fire and smoke. The link battens 9 have two attachment plates 14 and a connecting arm 15. A vertical groove is cut in the barrier element 5 at the relevant position to receive the connecting arm 15 and the attachment plates 14 are nailed to the timber battens 10. The barrier element 5 is also cut across in line with the top edge of the timber battens 10 in order to allow installation of tiles or slates.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown a tile link batten 13 having two attachment plates 14 and a connecting arm 15. A number of holes 16 are punched in the attachment plates 14 for receiving nails (not shown), Referring now to Figure 9 there is shown a slate link batten 17 having two connecting arms 18 and two attachment plates 19. The attachment plates 19 contain pre-formed holes 21 for receiving nails (not shown). The batten 17 also includes timber grounds 20 for slate fixing.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to Figure 10 and Figure 11 there is shown a party wall 3 having a:layer of gasket 8 mounted thereon. A mineral wool eaves block 31 extends to abut a fascia board 32 and soffit board 33 to maintain the integrity of the seal between the two buildings. In order to complete the seal, saw cuts 34 are made in the fascia board 32 and soffit board 33 and a fascia plate 35 and a soffit plate 36 are inserted into the corresponding saw cuts 34.

Referring now to Figure 12 there is shown a party wall 3 including a chimney 41. A 100mm concrete block 42 is laid either side of the chimney 41 forming recesses 43 for holding trimmer boards 44 either side of the 100mm concrete block 42. The trimmer boards 44 are supported by further rafters 45 on either side of the party wall 3.

Referring now to Figure 13 there is shown a party wall 3 supporting a chimney unit 51 having the channel section 4 and wings 6 mounted therein. The chimney unit 51 comprises a tray 52 and an outlet 53 fixed underneath the chimney unit 51. A flexible pipe 54 is attached to the outlet 53 and extends down through the recesses 43 onto the sarking felt on the side of the chimney 41.

Referring to Figure 14 there is shown a chimney unit 51 having a tray 52 and an outlet 53.

The unit 51 also includes fixing flaps 61 in order to hold the wings 6 securely in place.

Rain water that leaks through the tiles and into the wings 6 via the roofing felt 7 is collected by the tray 52 and passed back onto the felt 7 at the side of the chimney 41 through the outlet 53 and flexible pipe 54.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to Figure 15 there is shown a channel section 4 and two wings 6. The wings 6 are provided as v-sections and one web 71 of the wing 6 has a two pronged fork 72 on its free end for mounting onto the side walls 73 of the channel section 4.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 16 there is shown a second embodiment of attachment means provided by two lugs 81 extending out and up from each side wall 82 of the channel section 4. A flange 83 extending out and down from the free end of one web 84 of the v-section is formed for engagement with the lugs 81.

Referring to the drawings and finally to Figure 17 and Figure 18 there is shown a channel section 4 comprising of an eaves section 91, two main channel sections 92 and a ridge section 93 each carrying suitably formed wing sections 6. The eaves channel section 91 has a crinkle portion 94 incorporated to allow the installer to tilt it to the required angle to a fascia board and guttering. The ridge channel section 93 is also formed with a crinkle portion 95 to allow a user to bend the section over a ridge at the top of a roof and down along the pitch on the opposite side.

The third embodiment shown in Figure 19 is similar to the second embodiment shown in Figure 16 except that the channel section 104 is wider and is tapered downwardly so as to give a better fit. Two generally V-section wings 184 are engaged with the channel section 104 in the same manner as the second embodiment. However, the two wings 184 do not have any flanges as shown in Figure 16.

A suitable method for installing the fire and smoke barrier 1 is set out below with reference to the drawings; . Place roof trusses/rafters 11 tight against both sides of the party wall 3. Level the top of the wall 3 with mortar 9 to the required depth. This preparation should extend out to the face of an external wall of the building.

. The roofing felt 7 and battens 10 should now be fitted, ensuring the battens 10 are stopped at the inner edge of the rafter/truss 11 adjacent to the party wall 3.

. Cut the roofing felt 7 along the centre line of the party wall 3 and fold back taking care not to damage felt 7.

. Saw cut the fascia board 32 and soffit board 33 on the centre line of wall 3. Cut a fascia plate 35 and a soffit plate 36 provided to length, and insert them into saw cuts 34 and fix in place. Cut a mineral wool eaves block 31 to size. saw cut a groove on the centre line and fit onto the fascia plate 35 and soffit plate 36 pressing home firmly.

Note: The eaves block 31 should seal the entire eaves area.

Lay the 30 mm thick mineral wool gasket 8 on top of the prepared party wall 3. Fit the eaves section 91 of the main channel 4, such that rainwater will discharge into the gutter where possible.

Note: This section comes with flange pre-cut at one end so that it can be bent to accommodate the contour (belicast) of the roof.

. Fit the ridge section 93 over the ridge board, and if necessary cut the remaining main channel sections 92 to length, ensuring the overlaps are maintained.

Fold back roofing felt 7 into the channel 4 both sides of the barrier element 5. Cut mineral wool vertical brush, "Cockscomb" to height and fit into channel.

Note: The height must be selected to completely fill the gap to the underside of the slates or tiles (approx. 50 mm for states and 125 mm for tiles).

. Fit appropriate galvanised link battens 13 and nail to timber battens 10 in-situ. Cut across mineral wool cockscomb/vertical brush with saw in line with top edge of wooden battens 10.

Note: Two saw cuts are required in CocksCombNertical brush for slate link battens.

Cockscomb/vertical brush is cut flush with top of slate link batten. install the slate/tiles in the normal way to complete the installation.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details as herein described, which are given by way of example only, and that various alterations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A barrier for use in a gap between a roof and a party wall of a building to prevent the spread of fire, the barrier comprising a channel section mounted on top of the party wall dividing two areas of the building and receiving a barrier element which extends upwardly to abut the roof to seal the gap between the wall and the roof, and a wing mountable on each side of the channel section, wherein the wings are adapted to receive roofing felt from both sides of the building.

2. A barrier as claimed in Claim 1, in which the channel section, comprising a base and two side walls, rests on its base on a gasket layer of mineral wool fixed to the top of the party wall, preventing smoke from spreading under the barrier into the adjoining building through small gaps between the top of the party wall and the base of the channel section the wings of the barrier being formed as v-sections, with one web of each wing including an attachment means on its free end for mounting the wing onto a side wall of the channel section optionally, in which the wings are manufactured from a plastics material, aluminium or steel and optionally in which its wings are formed by extrusion.

3. A barrier as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the barrier element is provided by a block of mineral wool in the form of a cockscomb vertical brush, the channel section being provided by a number of separate overlapping sections comprising an eaves section, a main section and a ridge section, the eaves channel section having a crinkle portion incorporated to allow the installer to tilt it to the required angle to a fascia board and guttering to suit specific requirements, the ridge channel being formed with a crinkle portion to allow a user to bend the section over a ridge at the top of a roof and down along the pitch on the opposite side thereby allowing a continuous section of channel to extend around the ridge of the roof.

4. A barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a chimney unit is provided at the junction between an upper portion of the party wall and a chimney for receiving the channel section and wings which are mounted on this portion of the party wall, the chimney unit comprising a tray and a wall extending around a substantial portion of the perimeter of the tray defining a gap, the tray having an outlet located adjacent the perimeter wall opposite the gap and a flexible pipe attached to the outlet underneath the tray and the chimney unit being mountable on the gasket layer with the outlet adjacent the chimney wall and the gap facing towards the ridge of the roof for receiving the channel section and wings which are mounted on this portion of the party wall, whereby in this orientation, the tray receives water from the wings that has leaked through the tiles unto the felt, passes it towards the outlet and it is passed back onto the felt at the side of the chimney via the flexible pipe.

5. A firebreak roof divide system substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown, in the accompanying drawings.