U.S. patent application number 11/199519 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for fungus strip.
This patent application is currently assigned to BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Adem Chich, Brian Duffy, Sudhir Railkar, Walter Zarate.
Application Number | 20070039252 11/199519 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37766194 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070039252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Railkar; Sudhir ; et
al. |
February 22, 2007 |
Fungus strip
Abstract
A fungus strip that release ions when precipitation flows down
on the strip that are deleterious to fungus and algae. The strip is
positioned on a building material. The strip has a length, width
and thickness. The ions are preferably of zinc or tin. The building
material can be asphaltic roofing shingles, non-asphaltic roofing,
or siding.
Inventors: |
Railkar; Sudhir; (Wayne,
NJ) ; Chich; Adem; (Kearny, NJ) ; Duffy;
Brian; (Wayne, NJ) ; Zarate; Walter; (Prospect
Park, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Attn.: William J. Davis, Esq.;GAF MATERIALS CORPORATION
Legal Department, Building No.8
1361 Alps Road
Wayne
NJ
07470
US
|
Assignee: |
BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT
CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
37766194 |
Appl. No.: |
11/199519 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/044 |
International
Class: |
B61D 17/14 20060101
B61D017/14 |
Claims
1. A fungus strip comprising: a strip having a length, width and
thickness, positioned on a building material that releases ions
when contacted by water deleterious to fungus and algae.
2. The fungus strip of claim 1 wherein: the ions are of zinc or
tin.
3. The fungus strip of claim 1 wherein: the strip comprises a metal
selected from the group consisting of copper, lead, zinc, iron,
cuprous oxide, cuprous bromide, nickel, bromate, and mixtures and
compounds thereof.
4. The fungus strip of claim 1 wherein: the building material is
selected from the group consisting of asphaltic roofing shingles,
non-asphaltic roofing, siding, shake shingles, and decking.
5. The fungus strip of claim 1 wherein: the strip has a width of
from about 1/16.sup.th to 12 inches, and a thickness of from about
1/64.sup.th inch to about 2 inches.
6. A fungus strip comprising: a strip that releases ions
deleterious to biological growth fixed to a building.
7. The fungus strip of claim 6 wherein: the strip comprises a metal
selected from the group consisting of copper, lead, zinc, iron,
cuprous oxide, cuprous bromide, nickel, bromate, and mixtures and
compounds thereof.
8. The fungus strip of claim 6 wherein: the strip is positioned as
a flashing on a building, or the strip is positioned on a flashing
on a building.
9. The fungus strip of claim 6 wherein: the strip comprises tin,
zinc, or tin and zinc.
10. The fungus strip of claim 6 wherein: the strip has a width of
from about 1/16th to 12 inches, and a thickness of from about
1/64th inch to about 2 inches.
11. A roof covering comprising: a ridge vent; and, a fungus strip
adjacent to the ridge vent for releasing ions deleterious to fungus
and algae when precipitation falls on the ridge vent and flows down
on the strip and on to a roof.
12. A roof covering as in claim 11 wherein: the ridge vent
comprises a unitary panel of plastic material having a length and a
width and top and bottom faces and being flexible in a lateral
direction so as to be adjustable to the slope of the roof; support
structures in the bottom face of the unitary panel to prevent
collapse or warping over the roof; ventilation means allowing the
flow of air from the space below the panel to the exterior; and,
exterior baffles integral with the unitary panel.
13. A roof covering as in claim 11 wherein: the strip comprises a
metal selected from the group consisting of copper, lead, zinc,
iron, cuprous oxide, cuprous bromide, nickel, bromate, and mixtures
and compounds thereof.
14. The roof covering of claim 11 wherein: the ions are of zinc or
tin.
15. The roof covering of claim 11 wherein: the strip has a width of
from about 1/16th to 12 inches, and a thickness of from about
1/64th inch to about 2 inches.
16. The roof covering of claim 11 wherein: the fungus strip is
positioned on a flashing that is positioned adjacent to the roof
ridge vent.
17. The roof covering of claim 11 wherein: the fungus strip is
integral with the flashing, or the fungus strip is integral to the
ridge vent, or the fungus strip is integral to the baffle.
18. A method of preventing the build-up of algae and fungus on a
building comprising: providing a strip on a building material for
releasing ions deleterious to fungus and algae when precipitation
falls on the strip.
19. A method as in claim 18 wherein: the strip is positioned
adjacent to a roof ridge vent for releasing ions when precipitation
falls on the roof ridge vent and flows down on the strip and onto a
roof.
20. A method as in claim 18 wherein: the strip comprises a metal
selected from the group consisting of copper, lead, zinc, iron,
cuprous oxide, cuprous bromide, nickel, bromate, and mixtures and
compounds thereof.
21. A method as in claim 18 wherein: the ions are of zinc or
tin.
22. A method as in claim 18 wherein: the strip is positioned on a
flashing, or the strip is integral with the flashing.
23. A method as in claim 18 wherein: the strip has a width of from
about 1/16th to 12 inches, and a thickness of from about 1/64th
inch to about 2 inches.
24. A method as in claim 18 wherein: the building material is
selected from the group consisting of asphaltic roofing shingles,
non-asphaltic roofing, siding, shake shingles, and decking.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to strips capable of reducing
discoloration and deterioration in roof shingles. More
particularly, the invention relates to strips comprising copper,
tin or zinc attached to a building material such as roofing or
adjacent to vents to reduce or eliminate the growth of algae and
fungi.
[0003] 2. Reported Developments
[0004] Roofing granules are extensively used in roll roofing and
asphalt shingle compositions. The roofing granules are embedded in
the asphalt coating on the surface of the asphalt-impregnated base
material, the granules thus forming a coating that provides an
adherent, weather-resistant exterior roofing surface.
[0005] While the problem exists in many climates, in warm and humid
climates discoloration and deterioration of asphalt roofing
compositions by the growth of algae, fungi and other biological
growth is of particular concern. Roofing materials, such as
shingles, frequently comprise a fiberglass substrate with a filled
asphalt coating. The filler in the asphalt coating acts to make the
roofing materials more fire resistant; but it has also been partly
responsible for the increase in microbial growth-induced
staining.
[0006] An organism responsible for the microbial growth-induced
staining of roofing materials is a cyanobacterium, known as
blue-green algae. Other bacterium species are also known to cause
discoloration primarily by secreting a mucilaginous biofilm around
their cells.
[0007] This condition can also arise with other building materials
such as Modified Bitumen APP Membranes, Modified Bitumen SBS
Membranes, TPO, PVC and EPDM membranes, vinyl, fiber cement, wood
and other siding materials.
[0008] To prevent such discoloration the prior art proposed the use
of metallic algaecides and fungicides incorporated into roofing
granules that are effective in retarding the biological growth of
algae and fungi. The biological growth-preventive compounds
include: metallic chips, such as copper, lead, zinc, and iron;
zinc-containing compounds such as ZnO and ZnS; cuprous oxide and
cuprous bromide; zinc, copper, nickel and mixtures thereof;
bromate; and cuprous oxide and zinc sulfide. The metallic
algaecides and fungicides are deleterious to algae and fungi
thereby curtailing their growth on roof shingles and other building
materials and preventing discoloration.
[0009] The above referred-to compositions incorporated in roofing
granules are essentially designed for new roof coverings made by
manufacturers of roof shingles. Alternatively, a cleaning procedure
may be used which comprises a gentle application of dilute chlorine
bleach and trisodium phosphate to avoid roof damage and
discoloration. Roof material cleaning by gentle application of
chlorine bleach and trisodium phosphate is only temporarily
effective. To eliminate the problem the roof shingles may also be
replaced with asphalt shingles containing algaecides and
fungicides. Such replacement is costly, cumbersome and economically
undesirable.
[0010] The present invention provides algaecidal and fungicidal
designs for asphalt and non-asphalt roof shingles and other
building materials accomplished by a simple, economically
advantageous design which does not require replacement of roof
shingles on existing buildings and/or can be used in new roof
construction, and does not require roofing or siding containing
algaecidal or fungicidal compounds or compositions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides for an algae and
fungi-retardant apparatus comprising a strip attached to the
building material on a side, roof or attached below and adjacent to
a roof ridge vent. The strip has one or more lengths to cover a
length of a roof or side; preferably a width of from about 1/16th
to 12 inches but maybe several feet; and preferably a thickness of
from about 1/64th to 2 inches or more. The strip can be secured to
an asphaltic or non-asphaltic roof covering in a position designed
to provide for precipitation to flow over the strip and over the
roofing material. The strip can be positioned adjacent to the
external baffle of a roof ridge vent and secured thereto by the use
of adhesives, nails, screws or other known methods. Alternatively,
the strip may be used as a flashing, attached to a flashing, and
any combination of the above. The strip can further be positioned
on a building side that is exposed to precipitation flowing over
it. As precipitation flows over the strip, the ions released from
the strip flow over the building material and reduce or eliminate
the growth of algae and fungi on the building material.
[0012] The present invention is convenient and economical for use
on existing asphalt shingles with and without algaecidal and
fungicidal compositions incorporated therein, it may also be used
on new shingles covering newly constructed roofs with or without
algaecidal and fungicidal compositions incorporated therein. The
present invention may also be used on non-asphaltic roofs,
including single ply-membranes, roofing tiles, roll roofing, built
up roofing, commercial cap sheets, modified bitumen cap sheets,
shakes and sidewalls. Further, the invention may be used on
different siding materials. Besides the materials already
mentioned, this invention may be used with any building material
susceptible to fungus and mold growth including but not limited to
modified bitumen APP (Atactic Polypropylene) membranes, modified
bitumen SBS (Styrene butadiene styrene) membranes, TPO
(Thermoplastic olefin membrane), PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), and EPDM
(Ethylene propylene diene terpolymers) membranes, vinyl, fiber
cement, and other siding materials.
[0013] The fungus strip may be used with any type of roof and with
a variety of ridge vents. However, when used on a ridge vent it is
preferred to use the strip with a specific plastic ridge vent that
is described hereunder. Other ridge vents include but are limited
to those embodied in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,924,761; 4,957,037;
5,095,810; 5,704,834; 5,772,502; and 6,227,963.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a plastic ridge vent
attached to a roof;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a plastic
ridge vent attached to a roof;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plastic ridge vent
mounted on a section of a building roof;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic ridge vent
and one embodiment of the fungus strip;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic ridge vent
and a second of the fungus strip;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic ridge vent
and a third embodiment of the fungus strip.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of fungus strip applied to a
shingled roof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a
plastic ridge vent 10 attached to a roof 12 to which fungus strip 1
is secured. The fungus strip 1 is positioned longitudinally and
parallel to the plastic ridge vent which comprises external baffles
50 and 50'. Fungus strip 1 terminates in ends 2 and 2' projecting
at about 90.degree. therefrom. Preferably, the fungus strip can be
bent and secured to roof 12 underneath the external baffles 50, 50'
by nails or glue. Preferably, the fungus strip comprises tin or
zinc. The thickness of the strip is typically 1/16.sup.th to 2
inches or more.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a
plastic ridge vent 10 attached to a roof 12 to which fungus strip 1
is secured. The fungus strip 1 is positioned longitudinally and
parallel to the plastic ridge vent which comprises external baffles
50 and 50'. Fungus strip 1 terminates in ends 2 and 2' projecting
at about 90.degree. therefrom and has a vertical portion and a
horizontal portion that are not necessarily 90.degree. from each
other. In a preferred embodiment, the fungus strip 1 is marked with
nail or glue points 5 on its horizontal portion to aid
installation. Preferably, the fungus strip comprises tin or zinc.
The width of the horizontal portion is typically 1/16.sup.th to 12
inches or more, the height of the vertical portion may be
1/16.sup.th to 4 inches, while the thickness of the strip is
typically 1/16.sup.th to 2 inches or more.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plastic ridge vent 10
mounted on a section of a building roof 12. Building roof 12
comprises a plurality of crossbeams 14 and 14' joined together at
16 to form the structural support for building roof 12. Plywood
decking 18 and 18' are laid over the cross-beams. The plywood
decking is covered with shingles 20 and 20'. The plywood decking
and covering shingles on the plywood decking do not completely
cover the roof; at the ridge of the roof there is an opening or
ridge slot 22 that serves as an vent for air from space below the
ridge 24. The ridge slot exists between each pair of cross-beams
defining a continuous space under the peak of the roof so that the
attic air can be vented to the outside. While the ridge slot
provides for ventilation of the attic space, it also allows entry
of rain, snow, insects and debris to enter into the attic space. To
prevent such entry, as well-known in the art, a ridge vent covers
the ridge slot and at least partially overlaps the plywood deck and
shingles of the roof. The overlap ensures that precipitation does
not migrate toward the peak of the roof and enter the attic space
or space below the ridge.
[0024] The ridge vent 10 covers a slot at the peak of the roof and
provides for proper ventilation of attic space 24 while preventing
entry of moisture, insects and other elements thereinto without
substantially affecting the maximum ventilating capability of the
gap if left uncovered.
[0025] The plastic ridge vent comprises a unitary panel 26 that is
disposed over the ridge of the roof. The vent can be contoured to
the configuration of the roof angle, which can be of about
10.degree. to 45.degree. or more since the plastic material of
which the panel is made can be contoured to any desired angle on
the roof. While the unitary construction is preferred, the panel
may be constructed of two isometric panels joined together at the
peak of the roof or other suitable means. Accordingly, the plastic
ridge vent has a top face and bottom face. The vent is bent at
central point line 28 so that the panel conforms to the peak of the
ridge. To obtain a smooth configuration, plastic ridge vent 10 can
be bent not only at central point line 28 but also at linear point
lines 30 and 30'. The fungus strip 1 is applied to the external
baffles 50 and 50' of the ridge vent 10.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fungus strip 1,
nailed 55 to the baffle 50 of the ridge vent 10 (the ridge vent
partially shown). In FIG. 4 the strip terminates at the top 60 and
bottom 62 of the baffle 50 and is the approximate width and contour
of the baffle.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fungus strip 1
nailed to the roof 12 by nail 55 which also secures the ridge vent
10 (partially shown). In this embodiment the fungus strip 1 is a
continuous strip from the top of the baffle 60 under the louvers 32
of the louver portion of the ridge vent 10 and beyond the nail
portion 64 of the ridge vent 10.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the fungus strip 1 nailed to the roof 12 by nail 55 which also
secures the ridge vent 10 (partially shown). In this embodiment the
fungus strip 1 is substantially planar and is of a width such that
it extends beyond the baffle 50 at one end and beyond the nail
portion on the other end.
[0029] It is not necessary that the fungus strip follow the contour
of the baffle, it may be substantially planar and it may also rise
above or below the baffle top 60.
[0030] In FIG. 7 the fungus strip 1 is applied to a shingled roof
100 without a ridge vent. The strip may be applied to any part of
the roof without regard to a vent or venting system. Additionally,
the strip may be applied to a non-asphaltic roof. The strip may be
attached to the roof through known means including adhesives,
double sided tape, and fasteners including nails and screws.
Further, the building materials may be in various forms including,
for example, asphalt roofing shingles, non-asphaltic roofing
shingles, roofing tiles, roll roofing, commercial cap sheets,
modified bitumen cap sheets, shakes and sidewalls.
[0031] Accordingly, it should be readily appreciated that the
device and method of the present invention has many practical
applications. Additionally, although the preferred embodiments have
been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled
in the art that various modifications can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention. Such modifications are
to be considered as included in the following claims.
* * * * *