U.S. patent application number 12/283569 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for self-registering roof ventilation system.
Invention is credited to Kirk Thomas Moore.
Application Number | 20100064602 12/283569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42005976 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100064602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; Kirk Thomas |
March 18, 2010 |
Self-registering roof ventilation system
Abstract
A self-registering roof ventilation system comprised of a panel
including flanged lateral edges. At least one flanged lateral edge
has a registration tab for registering with an adjacent panel. The
panel is installed on top of roof framing members prior to the
addition of roof sheathing so that the flanged lateral edges can be
secured between the roof framing members and the roof sheathing.
The panel in combination with the roof sheathing creates a vent
channel for channeling air from soffit vents along the underside of
the roof sheathing and out of the attic through a ridge vent. The
panel may further comprises a baffle flap with a living hinge that
is adjustable to any pitched roof. The baffle flap forms a barrier
to stop insulation from the attic from getting into the eave space
and obstructing the soffit vents. Additional panels can be added to
extend the length of the vent channel.
Inventors: |
Moore; Kirk Thomas;
(Sunderland, VT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas G. Ference
38 Thasha Lane #C6
Essex Junction
VT
05452-4508
US
|
Family ID: |
42005976 |
Appl. No.: |
12/283569 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/95 ; 52/198;
52/745.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/178 20130101;
E04D 13/1625 20130101; F24F 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/95 ;
52/745.06; 52/198 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/17 20060101
E04D013/17; E04D 13/152 20060101 E04D013/152; F24F 7/02 20060101
F24F007/02; E04B 7/18 20060101 E04B007/18 |
Claims
1) A roof ventilation system comprising a panel including flanged
lateral edges, a first end and a second end; wherein at least one
flanged lateral edge has a registration tab for registering with an
adjacent panel; and wherein when said flanged lateral edges are
secured between the top of roof framing members and the roof
sheathing, a vent channel is created between the roof and said
panel.
2) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
registration tab registers with a registration gap in said adjacent
panel.
3) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 2, wherein said
registration tab fits within said registration gap.
4) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
flanged lateral edges include a plurality of said registration
tabs.
5) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 4, wherein said
panel is secured to said roof framing members through said
plurality of registration tabs.
6) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, where said
flanged lateral edges include a plurality of registration gaps.
7) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, further
comprising a baffle flap at said first end.
8) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 7, wherein said
baffle flap is connected to said first end by a living hinge.
9) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 7, wherein the
orientation of said baffle flap can adjust to be secured to the
roof framing members to create a barrier between the attic and eave
space for any slope that the roof has.
10) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
width of said panel is substantially equal the space between roof
framing members plus the thickness of two roof framing members.
11) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, further
comprising an opening having a location that is at least one from
the group including interior and adjacent to said second end.
12) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 11, wherein said
opening is at least one from the group including a slot and a
gap.
13) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 11, wherein said
opening is for interlocking a plurality of said panels to extend
the length of said vent channel
14) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 11, wherein said
opening is for holding said panel during installation.
15) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 11, further
comprising an interlocking tab at said first end.
16) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, comprising a
first panel and a second panel installed along the length of said
roof framing members to extend the length of said vent channel.
17) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 16, wherein said
first end of said second panel is adjacent to said second end of
said first panel.
18) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 17, wherein said
second panel registers with said first panel.
19) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 18, wherein said
second panel has an interlocking tab at said first end that
interlocks with an opening in said first panel.
20) A roof ventilation system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
panels are stackable.
21) A method of forming a roof vent channel comprising; a)
providing (i) a framed roof with exposed roof framing members and
(ii) a panel including flanged lateral edges, wherein at least one
of said flanged lateral edges has a registration tab for
registering with an adjacent panel; b) registering said panel to
said adjacent panel on the roof framing members; c) securing said
panel to the roof framing members; and d) installing roof sheathing
over the roof framing members and said panel to create said roof
vent channel.
22) A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said providing step
further includes providing a registration gap in said adjacent
panel.
23) A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said registering step
further includes registering said registration tab to said
registration gap in said adjacent panel.
24) A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said securing step
further includes that said panel is secured through said
registration tab.
25) A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said providing step
further includes (iii) a baffle flap hinged to a first end of said
panel.
26) A method as recited in claim 24, further comprising adjusting
said baffle flap to the roof framing members prior to step d) to
create a barrier between the eave space and attic.
27) A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said providing step
further includes providing (iii) said panel including openings and
(iv) a continuation component including interlocking tabs.
28) A method as recited in claim 27, further comprising laying said
continuation component along the length of said roof framing
members prior to step d) such that said interlocking tabs interlock
with said openings to extend the length of said vent channel.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a roof ventilation
system. In particular, the present invention is directed to a roof
ventilation system that incorporates an eave component and optional
continuation components, each component comprising a panel
including at least one registration tab for self-registering to an
adjacent panel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Residential and commercial buildings with sloped roofs
typically include an open, unheated attic. The proper use of
insulation and ventilation within the attic space can provide both
energy conservation and help reduce common adverse conditions
associated with moisture build up and extreme temperature
variations. For example, during the summer extreme heat in the
attic can degrade the roofing materials and increase cooling costs
for the space below the attic. Insulation is normally placed in the
ceiling/attic floor assembly to insulate the occupied levels of the
building from the heat that builds up in the attic. A ventilation
system is usually incorporated to reduce heat build-up and remove
moisture from the attic. The ventilation system requires a
combination of soffit vents that bring air into the attic and a
ridge vent that allows air to vent out of the attic. In general,
the air is moved along the underside of the roof sheathing by
thermal convection. Where the soffit vents are located below the
eaves of the roof, it is important to provide an air pathway
between the soffit vent and the underside of the roof sheathing to
allow for this air movement. This air pathway will allow cool air
to enter through the soffit vent, run along the underside of the
roof and exit through a ridge vent to cool the roof and allow
moisture to escape. In cold climates, inadequate insulation and
ventilation at the eaves often results in repeated freezing and
thawing of snow which produces ice dams at the roof eaves. These
dams can cause water to creep up under the shingles and leak into
the building. Lack of ventilation will also cause moisture to
condense on the underside of the roof and within the insulation.
This moisture will degrade both the roof sheathing and reduce the
effectiveness of the insulation. Prolonged moisture can also result
in mold growth in the attic space. This condition can again be
mitigated by providing a continuous and clear air pathway from the
soffit vent along the underside of the roof to a ridge vent. Cool
air entering from the soffit vent will flow through this pathway to
cool the underside of the roof reducing snow melt higher up the
roof that would then flow down the roof and freeze near the eaves
creating an ice dam. The thermal convection of air will also remove
airborne moisture that would otherwise condense on the underside of
the roof or in the insulation.
[0003] It is therefore common in the building industry, and
required by most building codes, to install some form of roof
ventilation system that will provide a vent channel (air pathway)
on the underside of the roof running from the eave space to an
upper portion of the roof. It is also common to install some type
of baffle that fits between roof framing members at the exterior
wall plane to prevent insulation materials from getting into the
eave space and thereby blocking the soffit vents. Most prior art
roof ventilation baffles are designed to be installed after the
roof has been completely sheathed with plywood or some other
substrate. The process of installing and fitting "vent chutes" and
baffles into the narrow, sloped areas where the eave portion of the
roof intersects the exterior wall structure of the building can be
tedious and time consuming. This process can lead to both
ineffective vent formation and increased labor costs when
constructing a building. It is apparent to those skilled in the art
that opportunity exists for providing new and improved ventilation
structures that can create an air passage between the soffit vents
and the attic ridge vent. Such a structure should be one that is
pre-formed, easy to align, does not have to be cut, and can adjust
to any angle roof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a roof
ventilation system comprising a panel that includes flanged lateral
edges. At least one flanged lateral edge has a registration tab for
registering with an adjacent panel. When the flanged lateral edges
are secured between the top of roof framing members and the roof
sheathing, a vent channel is created between the roof and the
panel.
[0005] Another aspect is directed to a method of forming a roof
vent channel comprising the steps of providing a framed roof with
exposed roof framing members and a panel including flanged lateral
edges. At least one of the flanged lateral edges has a registration
tab for registering with an adjacent panel. The method then
includes registering the panel to the adjacent panel on the roof
framing members and securing the panel to the roof framing members.
Roof sheathing is installed over the roof framing members and the
panel to create the roof vent channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0007] FIG. 1a is a cut away, perspective view of a roof
ventilation system in accordance with the present invention showing
eave components secured adjacent to each other on roof framing
members with registration tabs aligned to registration gaps and a
hinged baffle flap oriented to stop insulation from getting into
the eave space;
[0008] FIG. 1b is a sectional, partial cut away, side view of the
roof ventilation system in FIG. 1a, showing the baffle flap, the
formation of the vent channel and how air flows from the soffit
vent through the vent channel and out the ridge vent;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the two eave components
comprising panels laying adjacent to each other and secured to the
roof framing members;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional view perpendicular to two roof framing
members just interior the attic from the eave space showing the
formation of the vent channel and its location relative to
insulation;
[0011] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a first registration
structure in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a second registration
structure in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4c is a perspective view of a third registration
structure in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4d is a perspective view of a fourth registration
structure in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing key features of an eave
component and how multiple eave components may be compactly stacked
for shipping;
[0016] FIG. 6a is a perspective view showing how the incorporation
of a living hinge as part of the eave component, and how this
living hinge allows the user to adjust the baffle flap for any
slope roof;
[0017] FIG. 6b is a perspective view showing the structure of a
living hinge;
[0018] FIG. 6c is a perspective view of the living hinge of FIG. 6b
with the baffle flap now angled to fit the slope of a roof;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing key features of a
continuation component;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a continuation component
with perforations that allow for additional ventilation of
insulation;
[0021] FIG. 9a is a perspective view showing the use of eave
components and continuation components when the building has a
cathedral ceiling;
[0022] FIG. 9b is a perspective view showing the use of eave
components and continuation components when the building has a
finished attic;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing how a continuation
component may be installed in a framing bay in conjunction with an
eave component to extend the length of a vent channel; and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing how a user can hold
the eave components and continuation components during installation
of the self-registering roof ventilation system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIGS. 1-11 illustrate the elements of roof ventilation
system 20 according to the present invention. Roof ventilation
system 20, FIGS. 1a and 1b, is designed to be installed in new or
renovated buildings on top of exposed roof framing members 22 prior
to the installation of roof sheathing 24. Roof ventilation system
20 comprises one or more eave components 21 and optional
continuation components 23 depending on the application. Eave
component 21, FIG. 5, comprises a panel 26 including flanged
lateral edges 28a (a.k.a. first flanged lateral edge) and 28b
(a.k.a. second flanged lateral edge). Panel 26 also includes a
first end 30 and a second end 32. Panels 26 are preferably
rectangular. Panels 26 are nominally 16-inches or 24-inches wide to
fit over roof framing members 22. Roof framing members 22 are
usually spaced at 16-inches and 24-inches on center. Depending on
the application, panels 26 may range from 40-inches to 60-inches in
length. The panels may range in thickness from 0.020-inches to
0.080-inches. Flanged lateral edges 28a and 28b protrude upward and
outward from a substantially flat middle section 34 of panel 26 to
provide a means to secure panel 26 to roof framing members 22. When
in place, the space between the top side of the middle section 34
and bottom side of roof sheathing 24 will create a continuous vent
channel 36 preferably 1.5-inches to 2-inches in depth, FIG. 3.
Although preferably flat, middle section 34 of panel 26 may take on
any shape that creates an appropriate vent channel 36. This may
include, but is not limited to cross-sections that are arcuate,
channeled and ridged. The canted section 38 of each flange allows
for easy positioning and provides for compression/tension
adjustment of panel 26 between pairs of roof framing members 22.
Canted sections 38 also define the side walls of vent channel 36.
Canted sections 38 are sized to generally provide 1.5-inches to
2-inches of unobstructed space between the underside of roof
sheathing 24 and the top side of middle section 34. This sizing
allows for clear air flow and avoids the ends of roofing nails 40
used during roofing to damage panel 26. Vent channel 36 runs the
full width of framing bay 41 bounded by roof framing members 22.
This provides ventilation to 100% of the exposed underside of roof
sheathing 24 versus only a portion of the sheathing as most other
prior art does. The generally flat portion of flanged lateral edges
28a and 28b that extends outward from canted sections 38 and runs
along the length of panel 26 is defined as edge section 42. Canted
section 38 may be at one angle or continuously change angle from
middle section 34 to edge section 42. The bottom side of edge
section 42 is designed for resting on top of roof framing members
22 when installed. Edge section 42 may incorporate or be divided
into one or more registration tabs 44 or registration gaps 46. Edge
section 42 may also extend to rest completely over the top of a
roof framing member 22 and extend to go down the other side of the
roof framing member in sort of a hooked fashion, FIG. 4d. Edge
section 42 is the preferred section of panel 26 through which to
secure the panels to roof framing members 22. Panels 26 may be
secured by nails, screws, staples or other fastening means 43.
Other portions of panel 26, such as canted sections 38, may be used
to secure the panel to roof framing members 22 without deviating
from the scope of the invention.
[0026] Each flanged lateral edge 28a and 28b of eave component 21
has at least one registration tab 44 for alignment to an adjacent
panel. FIGS. 4a-d show several different registration structures
for registration tab 44. When installed each registration tab 44
preferably aligns within a registration gap 46 of an adjacent
panel. It is preferable to have a plurality of registration tabs 44
and registration gaps 46 on each flanged lateral edge 28a and 28b
of panel 26. It is also preferable to have a series of alternating
registration tabs 44 and registration gaps 46 on each flanged
lateral edge 28a and 28b that are approximately equal to the width
of edge section 42. For a given location along the length of panel
26 running from first end 30 to second end 32, the first flanged
lateral edge 28a will have a registration tab 44 and the second
flanged lateral edge 28b will have a corresponding registration gap
46. Further along the length of panel 26 the first flanged lateral
edge 28a will then have a registration gap 46 and the second
flanged lateral edge 28b will then have a registration tap 44. This
structure allows panels 26 to be laid side-by-side adjacent to each
other and have the panels self-register with registration tab 44 in
registration gap 46. It is also preferable to have registration
tabs 44 and registration gaps 46 of relatively equal length with
the gaps equal to or larger than the tabs so that the tabs fit
within the gaps to help aid with registration of adjacent panels
and provide tight alignment tolerances. Overall, registration tab
44 and registration gap 46 alignment tolerances should be
0.25-inches or less. For example, registration tabs 44 are
preferably 57/8 inches long and have an edge section 42 width of
11/2 inches. Registration gaps 46 are preferably 61/8 inches long
and have an edge section 42 width of 11/2 inches.
[0027] Eave component 21 further includes a baffle flap 48 on first
end 30 of panel 26. Baffle flap 48 is preferably 131/2 inches long,
but the baffle flap may take any length appropriate for the exact
application. Baffle flap 48 is integrated with panel 26 by way of a
living hinge 50. Panel 26 and baffle flap 48 are preferably
fabricated as one integral unit during manufacture. Baffle flap 48
is adjusted down during installation to create a barrier between
attic space 52 and eave space 54. The purpose of baffle flap 48 is
to keep insulation 56, which may be laid or blown between ceiling
framing members 58, from getting into eave space 54. Baffle flap 48
has two baffle flap tabs 60a and 60b that are formed from the
canted sections 38. Baffle flap tabs 60a and 60b are secured by
fastening means 43 such as nails, screws and staples to the sides
of roof framing members 22 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] Baffle flap 48 can adjust for any slope roof by way of
living hinge 50, FIG. 6a. Living hinge 50 is formed as a thinned
region at the first end of panel 26. This thinned region is created
during the manufacture of panels 26 by a press with a blunt heated
blade, contact with a hot wire, partial milling or other means
similar thinning means. A close-up view of the structure of living
hinge 50 is shown in FIG. 6b and 6c. Living hinge 50 extends
continuously across the length of middle section 34 of panel 26 at
first end 30. Where middle section 34 meets canted section 38,
living hinge 50 terminates as a gap in the canted sections of both
flanged lateral edges 28a and 28b. Living hinge 50 is not a
perforated fold line or line that needs to be scored as is the case
in the prior art. Fold lines are subject to creasing and generate
poorly formed folds. Score lines are subject to the user improperly
scoring the baffle and having the baffle not fold uniformly where
needed.
[0029] Eave component 21 may further include one or more openings
60 near second edge 32. Openings 60 may be a gap, a slot or other
appropriately shaped opening. Opening 60 may be positioned adjacent
to or just interior second end 32. The primary function of opening
60 is to accept an interlocking tab 62 from continuation component
23, FIG. 10. Opening 60 also functions to help with
self-registering continuation component 23 to eave component 21.
Furthermore, opening 60 may function as a convenient way to carry
or hold eave component 21 during installation, FIG. 11.
[0030] Continuation component 23 is for extending the length of
vent channel 36 in certain applications. Continuation component 23,
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, comprises a panel 26 including flanged
lateral edges 28a (a.k.a. first flanged lateral edge) and 28b
(a.k.a. second flanged lateral edge). Panel 26 also includes a
first end 30 and a second end 32. Panels 26 are preferably
rectangular. Panels 26 are nominally 16-inches or 24-inches wide to
fit over roof framing members 22. Roof framing members 22 are
usually spaced at 16-inches and 24-inches on center. Depending on
the application, panels 26 may range from 40-inches to 60-inches in
length. The panels may range in thickness from 0.020-inches to
0.080-inches. Flanged lateral edges 28a and 28b protrude upward and
outward from a substantially flat middle section 34 of panel 26 to
provide a means to secure panel 26 to roof framing members 22. When
in place, the space between the top side of the middle section 34
and bottom side of roof sheathing 24 will create a continuous vent
channel 36 preferably 1.5-inches to 2-inches in depth, FIG. 3.
Although preferably flat, middle section 34 of panel 26 may take on
any shape that creates an appropriate vent channel 36. This may
include, but is not limited to cross-sections that are arcuate,
channeled and ridged. The canted section 38 of each flange allows
for easy positioning and provides for compression/tension
adjustment of panel 26 between pairs of roof framing members 22.
Canted sections 38 also define the side walls of vent channel 36.
Canted sections 38 are sized to generally provide 1.5-inches to
2-inches of unobstructed space between the underside of roof
sheathing 24 and the top side of middle section 34. This sizing
allows for clear air flow and avoids the ends of roofing nails 40
used during roofing to damage panel 26. Vent channel 36 runs the
full width of framing bay 41 bounded by roof framing members 22.
This provides ventilation to 100% of the exposed underside of roof
sheathing 24 versus only a portion of the sheathing as most other
prior art does. The generally flat portion of flanged lateral edges
28a and 28b that extends outward from canted sections 38 and runs
along the length of panel 26 is defined as edge section 42. Canted
section 38 may be at one angle or continuously change angle from
middle section 34 to edge section 42. The bottom side of edge
section 42 is designed for resting on top of roof framing members
22 when installed. Edge section 42 may incorporate or be divided
into one or more registration tabs 44 or registration gaps 46. Edge
section 42 may also extend to rest completely over the top of a
roof framing member 22 and extend to go down the other side of the
roof framing member in sort of a hooked fashion, FIG. 4d. Edge
section 42 is the preferred section of panel 26 through which to
secure the panels to roof framing members 22. Panels 26 may be
secured by nails, screws, staples or other fastening means 43.
Other portions of panel 26, such as canted sections 38, may be used
to secure the panel to roof framing members 22 without deviating
from the scope of the invention.
[0031] Each flanged lateral edge 28a and 28b of continuation
component 23 has at least one registration tab 44 for alignment to
an adjacent panel. FIGS. 4a-d show several different registration
structures for registration tab 44. When installed each
registration tab 44 preferably aligns within a registration gap 46
of an adjacent panel. It is preferable to have a plurality of
registration tabs 44 and registration gaps 46 on each flanged
lateral edge 28a and 28b of panel 26. It is also preferable to have
a series of alternating registration tabs 44 and registration gaps
46 on each flanged lateral edge 28a and 28b that are approximately
equal to the width of edge section 42. For a given location along
the length of panel 26 running from first end 30 to second end 32,
the first flanged lateral edge 28a will have a registration tab 44
and the second flanged lateral edge 28b will have a corresponding
registration gap 46. Further along the length of panel 26 the first
flanged lateral edge 28a will then have a registration gap 46 and
the second flanged lateral edge 28b will then have a registration
tap 44. This structure allows panels 26 to be laid side-by-side
adjacent to each other and have the panels self-register with
registration tab 44 in registration gap 46. It is also preferable
to have registration tabs 44 and registration gaps 46 of relatively
equal length with the gaps equal to or larger than the tabs so that
the tabs fit within the gaps to help aid with registration of
adjacent panels and provide tight alignment tolerances. Overall,
registration tab 44 and registration gap 46 alignment tolerances
should be 0.25-inches or less. For example, registration tabs 44
are preferably 57/8 inches long and have an edge section 42 width
of 11/2 inches. Registration gaps 46 are preferably 61/8 inches
long and have an edge section 42 width of 11/2 inches.
[0032] Continuation component 23 may further comprise at least one
interlocking tab 62 at first end 30 for interlocking with a second
continuation component 23 or an eave component 21. Continuation
component 23 may further include one or more openings 60. Openings
60 may be a gap, a slot or other appropriately shaped opening.
Opening 60 may be placed adjacent to or just interior second end 32
of panel 26. The primary function of opening 60 is to accept an
interlocking tab 62 from a second continuation component 23.
Opening 60 also functions to help with self-registering a first
continuation component 23 to a second continuation component 23.
Furthermore, opening 60 may function as a way to conveniently carry
or hold continuation components 23 during installation.
[0033] Eave component 21 and continuation component 23 may include
perforations 64 as shown in FIG. 8. Perforations 64 provide a way
for moisture to escape from insulation 56, enter vent channel 36
and be carried away by the flowing air. Spray foam insulation
requires no perforations 64; while fiberglass, cellulose and open
cell spray foam require the perforations. Perforations 64 may range
in diameter from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch and the perforations are
spaced from 1-inch to 3-inches apart depending on the
application.
[0034] Eave components 21 and continuation components 23 can both
be fabricated using several methods. These methods include, but are
not limited to stamping, extrusion, thermal molding and injection
molding. The preferred fabrication material is a plastic such as
PVC, ABS, HDPE, LDPE, polystyrene or other plastic compound.
However, non-plastics such as corrugated cardboard, thin metal
sheets and other composite materials may be used. Cost, weight,
strength, structural rigidity over the expected environmental
temperature range and fabrication costs all determine which
material is appropriate for a given application. Since each type of
component (eave component 21 or continuation component 23) is
substantially flat and each type has the same shape, components of
the same type can be easily stacked and packaged in groups of 10-24
units at a time as shown in FIG. 5. These packages can then be
easily shipped to the work site.
[0035] Eave components 21 and continuation components 23 of roof
ventilation system 20 are designed to be installed on top of
exposed roof framing members 22 just prior to applying roof
sheathing 24. This installation can occur in new building
construction or when a roof structure is being renovated. The
overall roof structure at installation is similar to that shown in
FIG. 1a. Installation occurs without roof sheathing 24 and without
shingles 66 in place. The roof structure comprises roof framing
members 22 typically spaced at 16-inches or 24-inches on center.
Ceiling framing members 58 are secured to roof framing members 22
and wall top plate 68. Ceiling 70 is secured to the bottom of
ceiling framing members 58. The slope of roof framing members 22
may be any slope as defined by the building design. Where roof
framing members 22 overhang the edge of the building they create
eave 72. Eave 72, facia 74, soffit 76 and exterior wall 78 of the
building create eave space 54. Soffit vents 80 are provided
continuously or at intervals along soffit 76 as fresh air 77
intakes. As shown in FIG. 2, a first panel 26a (in this case an
eave component) is laid on roof framing members 22 and living hinge
50 is aligned with the face of exterior wall 78. Baffle flap 48
overlaps top plate 68 of the exterior wall 78 of the building. Top
plate 68 and exterior wall 78 may or may not be covered with
plywood 79. Registration tabs 44 are then fastened to the top of
roof framing members 22 as required to hold in place, using
fasteners 43, for example staples. Baffle flap tabs 60a and 60b are
then secured to roof framing members 22 by appropriate fasteners
43, again for example staples. A second panel 26b is then laid
adjacent to first panel 26a between the next two adjacent roof
framing members 22. Registration tabs 44 of second panel 26b are
then placed within and registered to registration gaps 46 of first
panel 26a. First panel 26a and second panel 26b are now
self-registered. The result of registering first panel 26a to
second panel 26b causes the two panels to be aligned to each other.
Baffle flap 48 of second panel 26b is then adjusted and secured to
roof framing members 22. This process continues with successive
panels until the entire eave side of the roof structure is fitted
with eave components. Once the eave components are in place, roof
sheathing 24 and shingles 66 are installed over roof framing
members 22 and panels 26, FIGS. 1a and 3. This process completes
the formation of vent channels 36. Insulation 56 can then be blown
or laid around the edges of attic space 52 without worry of the
insulation getting into eave space 54 and clogging soffit vents 80.
Once roof ventilation system 20 is complete, fresh air 77 enters
through soffit vents 80, flows through channel vent 36 and exits
through ridge vent 82, FIG. 1b.
[0036] In certain applications such as cathedral ceilings 84 (FIG.
9a) or finished attics 86 (FIG. 9b) eave components 21 may require
the use of continuation components 23 to extend the length of vent
channel 36. FIG. 10 shows for a single framing bay 41 how
continuation component 23 may be added to eave component 21.
Because each component comprises a panel 26, this structure
includes a first panel added adjacent to a second panel along the
length of roof framing members 22. Interlocking tabs 62 of
continuation component 23 fit within openings 60 of eave component
21. Interlocking tabs 62 help register the two components in place.
Additional continuation components 23 can be added in a similar
manner to the structure to continue the extension of vent channel
36 as required.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 11, openings 60 at the second end 32 of
panels 26 provide for a complete installation system 88 for
installing roof ventilation system 20. Openings 60 can be used as a
method of holding panels 26 by a panel hanger 90 while they are
being installed by the worker 92.
[0038] The invention provides a simple and inexpensive way to
create a roof ventilation system with air pathways along the bottom
side of a roof The ventilation system is easy to install by
including self-registering tabs and gaps. Furthermore, the
ventilation system can be used in numerous roof ventilation
applications by incorporating multiple components comprising panels
that register and interlock together.
[0039] The invention is not limited to the embodiments represented
and described above but includes all variants notably those
concerning the materials used to form the eave and continuation
components, the exact shape and spacing of registration tabs and
gaps, and the cross-sectional shape used to form the vent channel.
Nothing in the above specification is intended to limit the
invention more narrowly than the appended claims. The examples
given are intended only to be illustrative rather than
exclusive.
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