U.S. patent application number 12/135641 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for ventilation system for tile roofs.
Invention is credited to Martin J. Rotter.
Application Number | 20080318516 12/135641 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40130172 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080318516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rotter; Martin J. |
December 25, 2008 |
VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR TILE ROOFS
Abstract
A ridge vent for tile roofs is provided having a vent strip
located on each side of a roof ridge. The ridge vent includes a
center water dam having a centering portion and two leg portions,
with the centering portion being located over a ridge board. The
vent strips includes a vent material, formed from a non-woven mat,
including a first surface, which matches a surface of the tile
roof, and a second surface. An upper water barrier is attached to
the second surface of at least one of the vent strips and extends
over the roof ridge. The ridge vent is rollable and can be provided
as one piece or as separate components.
Inventors: |
Rotter; Martin J.;
(Glenside, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600, 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
40130172 |
Appl. No.: |
12/135641 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60942712 |
Jun 8, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23P 19/00 20130101;
E04D 13/174 20130101; E04D 13/176 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/365 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20060101
F24F007/02 |
Claims
1. A rollable roof ventilation system for a tile roof having a roof
ridge, comprising: a center water dam assembly having a centering
portion and two leg portions configured to be located over a ridge
board; a first vent strip comprised of first vent material, and
having a first surface complementary to the tile roof, and a second
surface; a second vent strip located generally parallel to the
first vent strip on an opposite side of the roof ridge, comprised
of second vent material, and having a first surface complementary
to the tile roof, and a second surface; and at least one upper
water barrier connected to at least one of the second surfaces of
the first and second vent strips and extending there from toward
the roof ridge.
2. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
leg portions comprise baffles which are offset from the ridge board
by stand-offs.
3. The roof ventilation system according to claim 2, wherein the
stand-offs are located on the baffles.
4. The roof ventilation system according to claim 2, wherein the
baffles define at least one opening configured to allow air flow
through each of the baffles.
5. The roof ventilation system according to claim 4, wherein the
openings are located in an upper portion of the baffles.
6. The roof ventilation system according to claim 2, wherein the
baffles further comprise flanges on an outer end thereof for
mounting the baffles to a roof.
7. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein a
third vent strip is attached to one of the two leg portions of the
center water dam assembly, and a fourth vent strip is attached to
the other leg portion of the center water dam assembly.
8. The roof ventilation system according to claim 7, wherein a
lower water barrier is attached to each of the third and fourth
vent strips.
9. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one water barrier includes first and second water barriers
attached to the first and second vent strips, respectively, each of
the water barriers extending from a respective vent strip over the
ridge board and toward the other water barrier.
10. The roof ventilation system according to claim 9, wherein a
free end of at least one of the water barriers rests on the ridge
board forming the roof ridge located between the first and second
vent strips.
11. The roof ventilation system according to claim 10, wherein the
first and second water barriers each include free ends which
overlap each other.
12. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one ridge cap tile placed on the roof ridge,
wherein first and second edges of the ridge cap tile rest on
respective portions of the second surfaces of the first and second
vent materials.
13. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
at least one water barrier comprises a single water barrier having
a first end that is attached to the first vent strip, and a second
end that is in contact with the second vent strip.
14. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
at least one water barrier comprises a single water barrier, and a
first end of the single water barrier is attached to the first vent
material, and a second end of the water barrier is connected by an
adhesive to the second vent material.
15. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
vent materials are comprised of a non-woven mesh material.
16. The roof ventilation system according to claim 15, wherein the
non-woven mesh material is a synthetic fiber web treated with at
least one binding agent.
17. The roof ventilation system according to claim 16, wherein the
first and second vent materials are heat treated to promote
expansion and calendered to promote post-installation expansion of
the vent materials.
18. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the
first and second vent materials include contouring on the
respective first surfaces for mating with complementing contouring
of the tile roof.
19. The roof ventilation system according to claim 1, further
comprising a flexible carrier attached between the first and second
vent strips.
20. A method of improving ventilation to a building comprising:
providing a roof having at least one vent slot disposed along a
roof ridge, the roof having a plurality of mating tiles overlying
the roof, providing a water dam assembly having a centering portion
and two leg portions configured to be located over a ridge board,
applying a first vent strip to the roof, the first vent strip
including a first surface which conforms to the mating tiles and a
second surface having at least a first upper water barrier attached
thereto and extending therefrom, wherein the first vent strip is
aligned generally adjacent to the roof ridge and wherein the water
barrier at least partially bridges the roof ridge; applying a
second vent strip to the roof, the second vent strip including a
first surface which conforms to the mating tiles and a second
surface, wherein the second vent strip is aligned generally
adjacent to the roof ridge on an opposite side from the first vent
strip.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the step of providing
a center water dam assembly and two leg portions includes providing
a center cap with two baffles and standoffs to offset the baffles
from the ridge board.
22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the steps
of: providing a third and a fourth vent strip, attaching the third
vent trip to one of the two leg portions of the center cap,
attaching the fourth vent strip to the remaining leg portion of the
center cap, providing a first and second lower water barrier; and
attaching the first and second lower water barrier to the third and
fourth vent strips respectively.
23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising connecting
a free end of the first water barrier to the second surface of the
second vent strip.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the step of
connecting the free end of the first water barrier includes
attaching the free end of the water barrier to the second surface
of the second vent strip by an adhesive applied to at least one of
the second surface of the second vent strip and the free end of the
water barrier.
25. The method according to claim 20, further comprising connecting
at least one ridge cap tile having first and second ends to the
roof along the roof ridge, wherein the first and second ends of the
ridge cap tile rest on respective portions of the second surfaces
of the first and second vent strips.
26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the step of providing
a roof includes providing a roof with a ridge board, aligned with
the roof ridge and connected to roofing rafters adjacent to the at
least one vent slot, and further comprising connecting the ridge
cap tile to the ridge board.
27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step
of positioning free ends of the first and second upper water
barriers on a ridge board that forms the roof ridge.
28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising the step
of attaching the free ends of the first and second upper water
barriers together.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/942,712, filed Jun. 8, 2007, which is
incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention is related to the general field of attic and
roof ventilation systems. It is particularly related to a roof
ridge ventilating system for tile roofs.
[0003] It has been a long known practice to ventilate attics under
gable roofs by running a vent along the roof ridge. Such vents are
created by an open slot running along the roof ridge, essentially
the length of the roof, which causes ventilation out of the attic
by convection airflow and by suction from wind blowing across the
roof.
[0004] Differences between the various types of ridge vents are
often found in the capping structures used over the vent slot to
exclude water and pests. Various types of ridge vents and capping
structures are known in the art. The present inventor has developed
a number of novel venting configurations for various asphalt, metal
and tile roofs over the years. One early development used a unitary
mat constructed of randomly-aligned synthetic fibers which are
joined by phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to
provide an air-permeable mat with a varying mesh. Cap shingles are
supported by the mat and are nailed directly to the roof through
the mat. However, this arrangement does not prevent the ingress of
moisture through the cap shingles that then travels into the open
ridge slot. The mesh is also subject to various manufacturing
issues. Additionally, this earlier vent was generally only usable
for flat roof types, and can not be used in conjunction with
contoured roofs or with heavy roofing tiles. As used herein, the
phrase "heavy roofing tiles" refers to tiles made from materials
which include, but are not limited to, slate, terra cotta,
concrete, and clay. These tiles are distinguished by their bulk and
weight, as contrasted to the relatively lighter shingles made of
asphalt, wood, fiberglass, polymers and the like.
[0005] The prior known vent structures useable with such heavy
roofing tiles generally included structure to support the capping
elements, which are frequently heavy ridge cap tiles of same or
similar shape and construction as the roof tiles, for example, as
provided in the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,318. However,
the construction of an assembled support from bent-up sheet metal
and porous vent material requires shipment in fixed lengths. The
cost for making and shipping this type of vent would therefore be
high. Additionally, if the roof tiles and cap tiles were "mudded"
into position with cement to close the gaps between the overlapping
cap tiles, as well as the gaps between the bottom of the cap tiles
and the valleys of the roof field tiles along the roof ridge, these
gaps, which were intended to remain open for venting in such prior
known systems, would likely be filled with cement in accordance
with customary roofing practices to prevent leaks, and therefore
block any air flow that the vent was intended to provide.
[0006] A contoured roof ridge ventilation system for metal roofs
has also been developed by the present inventor, and is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,953. This system is intended for use with
metal roof panels having a contoured surface, and provides a
contoured ventilation strip covered with a flat cap that is nailed
to the roof structure. This does not address tile roofs, in which
not only the field of the roof is contoured, but also the cap is
cylindrical shaped and tiled, such that the bottoms of the cap
tiles do not present an even surface, and in which rain driven
parallel to the roof ridge may penetrate between the cap tiles.
[0007] In the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,476, many of
these issues are addressed by another type of roof vent that is
specifically adapted to tile roofs, but which can still be provided
in roll form that is easily cut to length by the roofer and allows
for simple installation. However, it would be desirable to ensure
that no wind driven rain can penetrate the ridge vent, even in
hurricane conditions.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention is directed to a novel roof ridge
ventilation system which is designed for use with heavy ridge
tiles, and to a method of venting such tiled roofs with this novel
system. In particular, it is designed for typical tile roofs,
wherein the tiles have a generally semi-circular section profile,
and are laid in rows alternatingly inverted and overlapped with the
preceding row to form an undulating sequence of crests and gutters.
The same or similar shaped tiles are then laid along the ridge and
affixed to the ridge pole to cap over the vent slot and to impart a
rounded appearance to the ridge. In another aspect, the ridge vent
can also be used for tile roofs having flat field tiles.
[0009] The present invention provides a ridge vent for tile roofs.
The vent comprises a center baffle that is installed over the ridge
pole and a vent strip located on each side of the ridge. Each vent
strip includes a vent material, preferably formed from a non-woven
mat that includes a first surface, which can be flat or is
contoured to a profile to match a profile of the tile roof, and a
second surface. An upper water barrier is attached to the second
surface and extends over the roof ridge. In an alternate embodiment
of the present invention, the center baffle may be replaced with a
center water dam assembly which includes additional strips of vent
material located adjacent to either side of the ridge pole, as well
as a lower water barrier attached to each side of the addition vent
strips. The ridge vent pieces can be provided separately or can be
connected together for simpler installation.
[0010] In one assembled embodiment, the center baffle or water dam
is connected to a flexible holder that is used to connect the vent
strips to one another. The flexible holder allows the positions of
the vent strips to be independently adjusted for alignment with the
roof tiles on either side of the ridge. The upper water barrier
overlaps both vent strips. The upper water barrier directs any
moisture that passes through the cap tiles away from the vent slots
through the roof structure. The vent assembly is rollable for easy
transport, storage and use on the roof.
[0011] In another embodiment where at least some of the pieces are
provided as separate pieces, the center baffle or water dam, which
is rollable, is first installed on the ridge pole, preferably using
a temporary adhesive and/or nails. After the last course of tiles
is set up to the ridge vent slot, the strips of vent material are
separately installed. The upper water barrier can be provided
separately, or can be connected to one or both of the strips of
vent material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention will be explained in more detail in
connection with the drawings in which presently preferred
embodiments are shown.
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a
roof ridge vent arrangement for tile roofs in accordance with the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 of a
second embodiment of a roof ridge vent arrangement for tile roofs
in accordance with the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flat pattern view of the center baffle used in
the first and second embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1
and 3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a stand-off molded into
the center baffle taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of the
assembly of the roof ridge vent arrangement of FIG. 1 for tile
roofs with a generally flat profile.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of the
assembly of the roof ridge vent arrangement of FIG. 1 for tile
roofs with a curved profile.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flat pattern view of a flexible carrier for the
vent strips used in the embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a
roof ridge vent arrangement for tile roofs in accordance with the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of
a roof ridge vent arrangement for tile roofs in accordance with the
present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 11-12a and 12b are views of a commercial embodiment of
the invention similar to FIG. 6.
[0025] FIGS. 13-14a and 14b are views of a commercial embodiment of
the invention similar to FIG. 1.
[0026] FIGS. 15-16a and 16b are views of another commercial
embodiment of the invention similar to FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a commercial embodiment of
the invention similar to FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a commercial embodiment of
the invention similar to FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not considered limiting. Words such as
"front", "back", "top" and "bottom" designate directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the
words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of
similar import. Additionally, the terms "a" and "one" are defined
as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically
noted.
[0030] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawing figures where like numerals
represent like elements throughout.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, a ventilation system 10 for a tile
roof 12 is shown. The tile roof 12 includes a roof structure formed
from roof rafters 14 that are connected to a ridge pole or beam 16.
Sheathing 18 may be applied over the rafters 14, as shown, and a
gap or slot 20 is left on each side of the ridge pole 16 for the
ridge vent. Nailer boards 19 may be located along the slots 20 for
engaging the last course of tiles. Alternatively, purlins or other
support structures can be utilized. The ridge pole 16 extends above
the sheathing 18, or is built up to a desired height, so that the
cap shingles 30 for the tile roof 12 can be affixed to it. Roofing
felt or another water barrier 22 is applied over the sheathing 18.
The roof tiles 32 are then placed in position on the roof until the
final, uppermost row of tiles 32 ends at a point below the slots
20.
[0032] In a first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the
ventilation system 10 is comprised of a center baffle 24 that
extends over the top of the ridge pole 16 and down both sides. The
center baffle 24, which is shown in a flat pattern in FIG. 4,
includes a center holding strip 25 that is centered over the ridge
pole 16. Adhesive material 48 can be pre-applied to the center
holding strip 25 to assist in assembly on the roof (FIGS. 6 and 7).
Alternatively or in addition, nails can be driven through the
center holding strip 25 into the ridge pole 16.
[0033] Baffles 26 are located on each side of the center holding
strip 25, and are connected to it by connector strips 27, which
generally have a width of less than 0.25 inches and preferably have
a length of at least one inch. A fold line 28 is formed near the
outer edge of each of the baffles 26, and a flange 29 is formed
across the fold line 28 as an integral extension of each of the
baffles 26. The fold line preferably forms a pre-fold of about
45.degree.; however, the material of the center baffle 24 is
preferably flexible so that the angle can be adjusted to the
particular pitch of the roof at installation. Stand-offs 31 are
located on, formed in, or attached to the baffles 26. As shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, the stand-offs 31 preferably have a depth "X" of at
least 0.75 inches, and more preferably have a depth X greater than
or equal to one inch. The stand-offs 31 are preferably located in
each of the baffles 26, and are spaced apart in a longitudinal
direction (the direction of the roof ridge) between 6 and 15
inches, and more preferably between 9 and 12 inches. Preferably the
center baffle 24 is made of a polymeric material, such as PVC or
polyethylene, and the stand-offs 31 are formed or heat pressed
therein. The connector strips 27 are formed by punching out the
intermediate pieces of material. The entire center baffle 24 is
flexible and rollable, allowing it to be easily carried onto a roof
for installation and cut to the proper length so that seams can be
avoided.
[0034] The center baffle 24 is preferably installed over the ridge
pole 16 with the baffles 26 extending down generally parallel to
and offset from the ridge pole sides due to the stand-offs 31. The
flanges 29 are then preferably located on top of the sheathing 18
and water barrier 22, and held in place with the uppermost nailer
boards 19, adjacent to the ridge vent slots 20.
[0035] For contoured tile roofs, vent strips 38, which are formed
from a contoured strip of vent material 40, are installed after the
final course of roof tiles 32 have been placed. The vent material
40 is preferably a non-woven synthetic material that has a high net
open free area to allow for air passage therethrough, while acting
as a filter to prevent ingress by bugs or debris. The material also
generally prevents moisture permeation, such as wind driven rain,
while still allowing air flow for attic ventilation. A preferred
material is disclosed in the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No.
5,167,579. However, other suitable mesh materials, whether woven or
non-woven may be utilized.
[0036] The vent material 40 has a first surface 42 which is
contoured with a complementary profile to the roof tiles 32, and a
second surface, generally opposite to the first surface that is
generally flat. The vent material 40 preferably has a thickness
that is greater than a depth of the valleys in the roof tiles 32 so
that it can be contoured and remain in one piece. The material 40
may be formed as a single piece, or may be made of a plurality of
pieces of material that are connected together, such as by
adhesives, sewing, heat staking, heat or friction welding or
fusion.
[0037] The vent material 40 is preferably adhered to the roof tiles
32 by an adhesive 52 applied to at least one of the vent material
40 and the roof tiles 32. The adhesive 52, is preferably
pre-applied on the roof side of the vent strips 40. The adhesive 52
may include a fluid or semi-solid substance applied to at least one
of the vent strips 38 and the roof tiles 32 during the installation
process. Alternatively, the adhesive 52 may include adhesive
strips, of the type known in the art, supplied pre-attached along
the roof-facing surface of each vent strip 38, 38'. These adhesive
strips preferably include a release strip which, when removed,
reveals an adhesive such as acrylic or silicone.
[0038] An upper water barrier 44 is affixed to the second surface
of the vent material 40. For contoured tile roofs, the upper water
barrier 44 is wide enough so that it will extend over the ridge
pole 16 in the installed position, and at least partially overlaps
the upper water barrier 44 extending from the other strip of vent
material, as shown in FIG. 7. This allows the two vent strips 38 to
be adjusted in the longitudinal direction to match the contour of
the tiles on each side of the roof.
[0039] The upper water barrier is preferably made of a closed cell
foam material or a polyvinyl chloride or other polymeric sheet
material, but may be made from any suitable water resistant
material that can be adhered to or affixed to the vent material 40,
such as by an adhesive, heat staking, sewing, solvent or heat
welding, or by any other suitable means. An adhesive material 46
may be applied to one or both sides of the free ends of the upper
water barriers 44, so that upon installation, the upper water
barriers 44 from the vent strips 38 overlap and can be adhered to
one another. However, this is not required. As shown in FIG. 1,
preferably the upper water barrier 44 has some stiffness and is
bowed outwardly, toward the underside of the ridge cap tiles
30.
[0040] For flat tiles, as shown in FIG. 6, the vent strips 38' do
not need to be contoured, and a single upper water barrier 44' can
be used with one vent strip being connected to each longitudinal
edge. Adhesive material 46 is preferably provided in the center
area for connection onto the center holding strip 25 of the center
baffle 24.
[0041] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIG. 3, the profiled vent strips 40 are connected to a separate
flexible carrier 50. The carrier 50, shown in FIG. 8, has a
centering strip 54 which allows assembly with the center baffle 24
and the upper water barrier 44'. The connector strips 56 end in
attachment strips 58 along the longitudinal edges for attachment to
the profiled vent strips 40. Connector strips 56 are provided with
a length which is sufficient to allow the contour of each of the
profiled vent strips 40 to be aligned with the roof tiles 32. The
connector strips 56 are preferably at least 3 inches long and
preferably less than 0.25 inches wide. The strips 56 are preferably
spaced apart by at least 6 inches and more preferably are 12 to 15
inches apart. Preferably, the flexible carrier 50 is made of a
stamped or punched PVC sheet. However, other materials can be
utilized. The center baffle 24, the carrier 50 with the profiled
vent strips 40, and the water barrier 44 can be pre-assembled by
gluing or heat staking along the center section that attaches to
the ridge pole 18. The entire assembly remains rollable due to the
flexibility of the materials.
[0042] In reference to FIG. 9, a ventilation system 110 according
to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.
In this embodiment, the center baffle is replaced with a center
water dam assembly 124. The center water dam assembly 124 includes
a ridge pole cap 125, vent strips 160, and lower water barriers
162. Attached to the outward facing sides of the ridge pole cap 125
are vent strips 160, preferably comprised of a non-woven synthetic
material similar to that described above with respect to the first
preferred embodiment. The vent strips 160 are preferably attached
to the ridge pole cap 125 by an adhesive, or adhesive strip,
applied to at least one of the vent strip 160 and the ridge pole
cap 125. The lower water barriers 162 are secured to the vent
strips 160 on an upper portion 164 thereof, preferably by an
adhesive. The water barriers 162 may also include a down-turned or
hooked portion on an end of the upper portion 164 in order to more
effectively prevent in ingress of moisture and debris. The lower
water barriers 162 are preferably formed of a flexible material,
such as stamped or punched PVC sheet, so that the angle of the
flanges 166, formed in the lower water barrier, can be adjusted to
fit the particular pitch of a roof.
[0043] For installation, the ridge pole cap 125 is placed over the
ridge pole 116 and preferably is fixed thereto by an adhesive
material, nails, screws, or other suitable fastening means. The
flanges 166 are placed on top of the sheathing 118, and held in
place with the nailer boards 119, adjacent to the ridge vent slot
120, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] Vent strips 138 are placed on either side of the ridge vent
slots 120 and are preferable adhered to roof tiles 132 in the
manner described above with respect to the first embodiment.
Similarly, the vent strips 138 may be joined with at least one, and
preferably two, upper water barrier 144 in the manner described
above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. The separate flexible carrier
described in the second embodiment may also be utilized to connect
the vent strips 138.
[0045] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, show in
FIG. 10, a ridge riser bracket 170 is utilized in conjunction with
the water dam assembly 124 described above with respect to the
third preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the ridge pole has been replaced with a ridge riser
board 171. The ridge riser bracket 170, used to support the ridge
riser board 171, includes a ridge riser board opening 172, leg
portions 174, and flanges 176. The ridge riser bracket 170 is
configured to be fitted into the water dam assembly 124, with the
ridge riser board 171 located in the ridge riser board opening
172.
[0046] Similar to the connector strips 27, 56 described in the
first and second embodiments, the leg portions 174 and the flanges
176 of the ridge riser bracket 170 preferably comprise spaced apart
strips with a width of preferably less than 0.25 inches, which
permit air flow through the ridge riser bracket 170, and into the
ridge gap 120. Preferably, the ridge riser bracket 170 is formed
from metal. The flanges 174 are preferably secured to the roof to
provide a ridge pole to connect the cap tiles.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, for installation of the first
and second preferred embodiments, the center baffle 24 is first
installed over the ridge pole 18. After the field tiles on the roof
have been laid up to the upper course (below the vent slots 20),
for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the individual profiled
vent strips 40 with the attached upper water barriers 44 are then
installed. The contoured surface 42 of each strip 38 is aligned
with the complementary projections and recesses of the roof tiles
32, with the upper water barriers 44 overlapping one another over
the ridge pole 16. For the embodiment of FIG. 6, for flat tiles,
the upper water barrier 44' with the non-profiled vent strips 40'
is installed as a single piece over the ridge pole. The cap tiles
30 can then be placed to complete the installation.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the vent material 40 is partially
compressed by the cap tiles 30 so that the gaps (indicated at 50 in
FIG. 2) created by overlapping cap tiles 30 are filled.
Additionally, in a preferred embodiment where the vent material is
at least partially formed of a non-woven synthetic fiber matting as
described, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,579, the vent
material 40 is preferably heated so that it "lofts" or expands and
is then calendered down to a specific thickness prior to the
profiles being cut to match the roof contours. Since the material
40 is calendered, it can also expand somewhat due to sun generated
heat on the roof after installation in order to further fill the
gaps 50 to prevent the ingress of insects or debris.
[0049] With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the entire venting
assembly, including the center baffle 24, carrier 50 with profiled
strips and upper water barrier 44', is attached to the ridge pole
16, preferably with adhesive and/or nails. The flanges 29 of the
center baffle 24 are connected to the sheathing 18, over the water
barrier 22. The roof field tiles 32 are laid in the usual manner
and the vent strips 40 and upper water barrier 44' are flexed
upwardly to allow the final upper course of tiles 32 to be laid up
to a position adjacent to the vent slots 20. The profiled vent
strips 40 can then be longitudinally adjusted to match the contour
of the roof tiles due to the length and flexibility of the
connector strips 56. The upper water barrier 44' remains in place,
and the cap tiles 30 can ten be installed in the usual manner
[0050] In use, the upper water barriers 44, 44' prevent any
moisture which may permeate the seams between the overlapping ridge
cap tiles 30 from penetrating the roof structure through the slots
20. Any wind driven moisture that is driven up the roof slope is
stopped by the vent material 40, 40' or the baffle 26, which
returns any water that permeates the vent material 40, 40' back
down the roof. Air flow occurs over the baffles 26 through the
spaces between the connector strips 27, and in the embodiment of
FIG. 3, also between the connector strips 56. This provides a high
net free area for ventilation with superior resistance to the
ingress of moisture from wind driven rain in a rollable
product.
[0051] With respect to the third embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 9, the center water dam 124, including the
ridge poll cap 125, vent strips 160, and the lower water barriers
162, is attached to the ridge pole 116, preferably with adhesive
and/or nails. The flanges 166 of the lower water barriers 162 are
connected to the sheathing 118 over the water barrier 22. The
individual vent strips 138 and upper water barrier 144 are then
installed in the same manner as described above with respect to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] The fourth embodiment of the present invention, shown in
FIG. 10, is installed in a similar fashion. The ridge riser board
171 is fitted into the ridge riser bracket 170. The center water
dam assembly 124 is then fitted over the ridge riser bracket 170
and the ridge riser board 171. The flanges 166, 176 of the lower
water barriers 162 the ridge riser bracket 170 are connected to the
sheathing 118 over the water barrier 22. The installation of the
vent strips 138, the remaining roof tiles 132, and the cap tiles
130, is similar to that which is described above with respect to
the first embodiments of the present invention.
[0053] In use, the third and fourth embodiments prevent moisture
and debris from entering the roof slot 120 in much the same manner
as the previous embodiments. The upper water barrier 144 prevents
any moisture which may permeate the seams between the overlapping
ridge cap tiles 130 from penetrating the roof structure through the
slots 120. Wind driven moisture driven up the roof slope is stopped
by the vent strips 138 and 160, or the lower water barrier 162. In
the third embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, air flow occurs through
the slots 120 and passes through the center water dam assembly 124
through the vent strips 160, and continues through the vent strips
138. In the fourth embodiment, air flow occurs again through the
slots 120, continues through the openings between the leg portions
174 and the flanges 176 of the ridge riser bracket 170, enters the
water damn assembly 124 through the vent strips 160, and proceeds
through the vent strips 138.
[0054] FIGS. 11-12a and 12b show a commercial version of the
embodiment of FIG. 6. The water dam provided by the center baffle
25 includes additional stand-offs 31a for better positioning on the
ridge beam.
[0055] FIGS. 13-14a and 14b show a commercial version of the
embodiment of FIG. 1, with the extra standoffs 31a on the center
baffle 25.
[0056] FIGS. 15-16a and 16b show a third commercial embodiment
similar to FIGS. 1, 13-14a and 14b. Here, the vent strips 40 have a
deeper profiling to match the roof field tiles.
[0057] FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of a commercial embodiment of
the embodiment of FIG. 9. The subassembly of the center water dam
124 as a separate part is clearly visible.
[0058] FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of a commercial embodiment of
the embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0059] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, the invention is not limited to these specific
embodiments described above which should be considered as merely
exemplary. Further modifications and extensions of the present
invention may be developed and all such modifications are deemed to
be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *