U.S. patent application number 12/770716 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-03 for above deck roofing ventilation system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Michael L. Bryson.
Application Number | 20110265407 12/770716 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44857033 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110265407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bryson; Michael L. |
November 3, 2011 |
ABOVE DECK ROOFING VENTILATION SYSTEM
Abstract
Disclosed herein are an above deck ventilation system for a
roof, and related methods of installation, having a ventilation
medium sandwiched between a roof deck and a roof covering providing
air channels between the roof deck and the roof covering. In one
embodiment, a roofing system is provided, and may comprise a roof
deck and a roof covering. In addition, the roofing system may
comprise a ventilating medium disposed between the roof deck and
the roof covering, where the ventilating medium may have a
plurality of open air chambers disposed between a top sheet and the
bottom sheet and traversing the length of the ventilation
medium.
Inventors: |
Bryson; Michael L.;
(Independence, MO) |
Assignee: |
BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT
CORPORATION
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
44857033 |
Appl. No.: |
12/770716 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/302.1 ;
52/309.1; 52/528; 52/533; 52/748.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 1/20 20130101; E04D
1/28 20130101; E04D 13/17 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/302.1 ;
52/309.1; 52/533; 52/528; 52/748.1 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/17 20060101
E04D013/17; E04C 2/20 20060101 E04C002/20; E04D 1/30 20060101
E04D001/30; E04B 1/70 20060101 E04B001/70 |
Claims
1. A roofing system comprising: a) a roof deck; b) a roof covering;
and c) a ventilating medium disposed between the roof deck and the
roof covering, wherein the ventilating medium comprises one or more
open air chambers between the roof deck and the roof covering.
2. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the ventilating medium
comprises a structure sufficient to support the roof covering.
3. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the open air chambers may
be in a plurality of layers.
4. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the open air chambers
have a rectangular, circuloid, sinusoidal, or other geometric cross
section.
5. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the open air chambers are
formed from standoffs from one layer or between two layers.
6. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the open air chambers are
formed from at least one layer that is folded or corrugated.
7. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation medium
has a height from about 0.75 to about 2 inches.
8. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation medium
has a width from about 1 feet to about 8 feet, and has a length
from about 1 foot to about 24 feet.
9. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the roof covering
comprises a shingle.
10. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation medium
may be manufactured from the group consisting of: polyethylene,
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); high-density
polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE),
low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene
(LLDPE), polypropylene, low-impact polystyrene, high-impact
polystyrene, acetal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
(poly-)acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyamide, polyester,
polycarbonate, (poly-)styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS),
(poly-)styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), styrene-olefin block
polymers (SEBC), acrylic, nylon, polyether imide (PEI),
polyurethane and or any other suitable thermoplastic or thermoset
plastic.
11. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation medium
has an R-value ranging from about 1 to about 5.
12. A composition roofing shingle, comprising: a first layer
comprising a headlap area, a buttlap area and a common bond area
between the headlap and buttlap areas, the first layer having an
interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein only the exterior
surface of only the buttlap area of the first layer provides at
least an initial portion of an exposure surface of the shingle
while the exterior surface of the headlap and common bond areas of
the first layer are configured to be overlapped by a portion of a
second shingle; and a ventilating medium attached to the first
layer at a top edge of the headlap area that is opposite its common
bond area, and extending across the headlap area of the shingle,
wherein the ventilating medium comprises one or more open air
chambers between the roof deck and the roof covering.
13. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 12, wherein
the first layer comprises a bituminous material.
14. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 13, wherein
the bituminous material comprises asphalt.
15. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 12, wherein
the ventilating medium is attached to the interior surface of the
first layer of the shingle.
16. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 12, wherein
the ventilating medium attached to the headlap area of the first
layer comprises a first thickness of the shingle, wherein the
buttlap and common bond areas of a second shingle being coupled to
the buttlap and common bond area of a first shingle comprises a
second thickness of the shingle, and the second thickness is
substantially equal to the first thickness.
17. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 12, wherein
the open air chambers have a rectangular cross section.
18. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 12, wherein
the open air chambers are formed from at least one layer that is
folded or corrugated.
19. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 12, wherein
the ventilation medium may be manufactured from the group
consisting of: polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE); high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polypropylene,
low-impact polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, acetal, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), (poly-)acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS),
polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate,
(poly-)styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS),
(poly-)styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), styrene-olefin block
polymers (SEBC), acrylic, nylon, polyether imide (PEI),
polyurethane and or any other suitable thermoplastic or thermoset
plastic.
20. A composition roofing shingle according to claim 12, wherein
the ventilation medium has an R-value ranging from about 1 to about
5.
21. A method of installing a ventilated roof, the method
comprising: a) preparing a roof deck of a structure; b) placing a
ventilating medium on the roof deck, wherein the ventilating medium
comprises one or more open air chambers; and c) affixing roof
coverings to a top surface of the ventilating medium.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising placing a roofing
membrane directly on the roof deck, wherein the ventilating medium
is placed on top of the roofing membrane.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising placing a roofing
membrane directly on the ventilating medium, wherein the roof
coverings are placed on top of the roofing membrane.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the open air chambers may be in
a plurality of layers.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the open air chambers have a
rectangular, circuloid, sinusoidal, or other geometric cross
section.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the roof coverings comprise
shingles.
27. The method of claim 21, wherein the ventilation medium may be
manufactured from the group consisting of: polyethylene, ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); high-density polyethylene
(HDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
polypropylene, low-impact polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene,
acetal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
(poly-)acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyamide, polyester,
polycarbonate, (poly-)styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS),
(poly-)styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), styrene-olefin block
polymers (SEBC), acrylic, nylon, polyether imide (PEI),
polyurethane and or any other suitable thermoplastic or thermoset
plastic.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The principles disclosed herein relate generally to
providing a roofing ventilation system, and more particularly to an
above deck roofing ventilation system and related methods of
installing a ventilating roofing system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional roofing absorbs solar energy from the sun and
undesirably transfers the heat to the attic. As the sun heats a
roof, the sun's radiant energy makes the roof hot. A large portion
of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to
the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its
gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the
air ducts and the attic floor. As a result, the attic becomes very
hot during the day, causing higher interior temperatures and
resulting in higher cooling costs. Typical roofing materials can
absorb more than 70 percent of the solar energy that falls on them.
Roofs having dark roofing materials, which tend to absorb more of
the sun's solar energy, may become as hot as 190.degree. F. on a
sunny day. Even lighter colored roofing materials (e.g. white or
green) can become as hot as 175.degree. F.
[0003] Currently, home and building construction encourages the use
of attic space to provide ventilation to help remove attic heat in
the summer months and moisture from the attic in winter months. In
most cases, heat flows through the attic by a combination of
conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction transfers heat
from a hotter location within a material or assembly to a colder
location. Convection occurs when a liquid or gas is heated by a
surface, becomes less dense, and rises (natural convection), or
when a moving stream of air absorbs heat from a warmer surface
(forced convection). Radiant heat travels away from a surface and
heats anything solid that absorbs the incident energy. Radiant heat
transfer occurs because warmer surfaces emit more radiation than
cooler surfaces.
[0004] It is useful, and in many locales a building code
requirement, that the attic area of a building be provided with a
means to permit air exchange. Cooler air is sucked up into the
attic as hot air is vented out through the top of the roof through
roof vents, turbine vents, ridge vents, or power ventilator exhaust
fans. Ventilation prevents undue heat buildup, which can render the
living quarters of the building uncomfortable and impose
unreasonable energy requirements for cooling. Proper ventilation of
the attic area also tends to preserve the structural integrity of
the roof and roof coverings. Some examples of attic vents include
roof ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents.
[0005] In the last few years ventilation studies have shown that
attic ventilation may not be advantageous in all climates. The heat
generated by the roof causes the attic to get hot, which in turn
provides heat load on the cooled building interior spaces. A
ventilation system that moves the ventilation from the attic space
to where the heat is generated would be beneficial. These
principles are described below for removing a significant portion
of the heat absorbed by the roof covering before it can be radiated
to the attic space.
SUMMARY
[0006] Disclosed herein are an above deck ventilation system for a
roof, and related methods of installation, having a ventilation
medium sandwiched between a roof deck and a roof covering providing
air channels between the roof deck and the roof covering. In one
embodiment, a roofing system is provided, and may comprise a roof
deck and a roof covering. In addition, the roofing system may
comprise a ventilating medium disposed between the roof deck and
the roof covering, where the ventilating medium may have a
plurality of open air chambers disposed between a top sheet and the
bottom sheet and traversing the length of the ventilation
medium.
[0007] In one embodiment, a roofing system incorporating the
principles disclosed herein may comprise a roof deck, a roof
covering, and a ventilating medium. The ventilating medium is
disposed between the roof deck and the roof covering, and comprises
one or more open air chambers between the roof deck and the roof
covering.
[0008] In another embodiment, a composition roofing shingle
incorporating the principles disclosed herein may comprise a first
layer comprising a headlap area, a buttlap area and a common bond
area between the headlap and buttlap areas. The first layer has an
interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein only the exterior
surface of only the buttlap area of the first layer provides at
least an initial portion of an exposure surface of the shingle
while the exterior surface of the headlap, and common bond areas of
the first layer are configured to be overlapped by a portion of a
second shingle. In addition, in such an embodiment, the shingle may
also comprise a ventilating medium attached to the first layer at a
top edge of the headlap area that is opposite its common bond area,
and extending across the headlap area of the shingle. In such
embodiments, the ventilating medium comprises one or more open air
chambers between the roof deck and the roof covering.
[0009] In other aspects, methods of installing a ventilated roof
are also disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method may comprise
preparing a roof deck of a structure, which may include placing a
roofing membrane on the roofing deck to help seal the deck. The
method could then include placing a ventilating medium on the roof
deck, wherein the ventilating medium comprises one or more open air
chambers such as those discussed above. Then the method could
include affixing roof coverings to a top surface of the ventilating
medium. Moreover, such a method may include placing the roofing
membrane on the ventilating medium, and the roof coverings on the
membrane. Still further, the installation method could include
placing a roofing membrane both above and below the ventilating
medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a side sectional view of an above deck
ventilation system according to the disclosed principles installed
on a roof.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of an above deck
ventilation system according to the disclosed principles installed
on a roof.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a
ventilating medium.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
a ventilating medium.
[0014] FIG. 2C is a top view of an embodiment of a ventilating
medium.
[0015] FIGS. 3A-3B is an alternate embodiment of an above deck
ventilation system having an integrated ventilated medium and roof
covering.
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4C are temperature graphs for a ventilated attic,
and comparing an embodiment of the above deck ventilation system
according to the disclosed principles to a roof deck without a
ventilating system as disclosed herein.
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5C are temperature graphs for a non-ventilated
attic, and comparing an embodiment of the above deck ventilation
system according to the disclosed principles to a roof deck without
a ventilating system as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In accordance with the disclosed principles, an above deck
ventilation system is provided, see FIGS. 1-2, having a roof 100
with a roof deck 20; a roof covering 30; and a ventilating medium
40 disposed between the roof deck 20 and the roof covering 30. The
roof 100 is constructed from a plurality of rafters supported at
their lower ends, for instance, by front and rear walls of the
building. A roof deck 20 is typically constructed of plywood, or
other suitable panels or materials, to provide an outer sheathing
of the building. The roof deck 20 is secured to the rafters,
extends to the end walls, and forms a ridge, or peak, therebetween.
In some embodiments, the roof 100 also includes eave vents, ridge
vents, or combinations thereof. In alternate embodiments, the roof
100 does not include eave vents and ridge vents.
[0019] The roof covering 30 may be shingles or similar exterior
building materials and are secured to the roof deck 20 to finish
sloping portions of the roof 100 in accordance with conventional
construction practices. The roof covering 30 may be shingles or
roll roofing. Shingles and roll roofing are designed to withstand
exposure to weather and the elements. In some embodiments, the roof
covering may be, but is not limited to, asphalt shingles, metal
shingles, polymer based shingles, wood shingles, cement tile
shingles, clay tile shingles or any suitable roof covering. Asphalt
shingles and roll roofing generally contain the same basic
components which provide protection and long term wear associated
with asphalt roofing products. Asphalt shingles are typically
manufactured as strip or three tab shingles, laminated shingles,
interlocking shingles, and large individual shingles in a variety
of weights and colors. Asphalt shingles may include an organic felt
or fiberglass mat base on which an asphalt coating is applied. The
organic felt or fiberglass mat base gives the asphalt shingle the
strength to withstand manufacturing, handling, installation and
servicing activities, and the asphalt coating provides resistance
to weathering and stability under temperature extremes. An outer
layer of mineral granules is also commonly applied to the asphalt
coating to form a weather surface which shields the asphalt coating
from the sun's rays, adds color to the final product, and provides
additional fire resistance.
[0020] In some embodiments, the ventilating medium 40 has a bottom
sheet 24 for engaging a surface of the roof deck 20, a top sheet 26
for engaging the roof covering 30, and sides 28 that form
longitudinally-extending side edges of the ventilating medium 40.
Moreover, the upper and/or lower surfaces of the ventilating medium
40 may include means for hold the ventilating medium 40 to the roof
deck, and/or a mechanism for helping to hold the roof coverings to
the top of the ventilating medium 40. For example, the ventilating
medium 40 may comprise protrusions extending on the upper and/or
lower surfaces. In other embodiments, the ventilating medium 40 may
include adhesive on its upper and/or lower surfaces. Of course any
such mechanism may be employed on the ventilating medium 40.
[0021] A plurality of cell walls 23 are provided between the top
sheet 26, the bottom sheet 24 and sides 28 in fixed positions. The
cell walls 23 form cells 22 creating paths of ventilation extending
longitudinally from a first end 32 of the ventilating medium 40 to
a second opposing end 34. The cells 22 are sandwiched between the
top sheet 26 and bottom sheet 24 and sides 28. The cells 22 provide
an insulating space generally containing air. In some embodiments,
the cell walls 23 can be made of an air impermeable material, such
as plastic, cardboard, metal, or the like, or of an air permeable
material. If an air impermeable material is utilized, perforations
can be made through the cells 22 to provide ventilation
passageways. Alternatively, the cell walls 23 can be provided as
discontinuous, spaced-apart strips that provide a path of
ventilation there between. Permeable cell walls 23 can include
those made of a plastic or metal mesh material or fabric material
such as a non-wicking hydrophobic material or a non-woven fabric.
Preferably, the permeable cell wall 23 materials provide a
multiplicity of closely spaced openings permitting a flow of air
therethrough, but preventing the infiltration of weather, insects
and the like.
[0022] In some embodiments, the cells 22 are located in
side-by-side relation. In other embodiments, the cells 22 are
located in a two layer stacked relation (double wall), one on top
of the other. In some embodiments, the cells 22 may be formed in a
regular array or in an irregular array. The shape of the separate
cells 22 or cavities of the ventilation medium 40 may be of any
shape, including for instance, square (see FIG. 2A), triangular
(see FIG. 2B), rectangular, diamond, hexagonal, circular and oval
shapes. In other embodiments, the cells 22 may be in a single
(single wall), triple (triple wall), quadruple (quadruple wall) or
any number layer stacked relation. In alternate embodiments, the
ventilating medium 40 may be a corrugated zigzag sheet. In other
embodiments, the corrugated zigzag sheet can be combined into a
double wall, or more, roof element. In some embodiments, the
ventilating medium 40 may include a top sheet and legs that hold
the top sheet on the roof deck 20 to form the cells 22. IN other
embodiments, the bottom sheet 24 is not required to form the cells
22. In other embodiments, the ventilating medium 40 may be a
corrugated plastic having a flat top layer that the roof covering
30 would be applied to. In other embodiments, the ventilating
medium 40 may be any manufactured component which provides
ventilation passageways between the roof deck 20 and the roof
covering 30.
[0023] The ventilating medium 40 is of sufficient thickness to
allow the heat from the roof covering 30 to be transferred by air
out of the roof 100 without the heat being radiated into the attic
space. In some embodiments, the height of the ventilating medium 40
ranges from about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches, more preferably
from about 0.75 inches to about 2 inches. In a preferred
embodiment, the ventilating medium 40 is a panel having a width
ranging from about 1 to about 8 feet, more preferably 4 feet and a
length ranging from about 1 to about 24 feet long, more preferably
about 8 feet. If sold in panels, the ventilating medium 40
preferably is sold in standard construction sizes. In other
embodiments, the ventilating medium 40 may be sold in a roll form.
In some embodiments, the ventilating medium 40 has an R-value (an
indication of it's resistance to heat flow) ranging from about R1
to about R10, more preferably from about R2 to about R5.
[0024] The ventilating medium 40 should not affect the fire
resistance performance of the roof covering 30. The roof covering
preferably meets the UL790 and/or ASTM E108 roofing fire
performance standards. The ventilating medium 40 may be made out of
any material with sufficient strength to support a roof covering in
all kinds of weather conditions such as: polyethylene, ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); high-density polyethylene
(HDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
polypropylene, low-impact polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene,
acetal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
(poly-)acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyamide, polyester,
polycarbonate, (poly-)styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS),
(poly-)styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), styrene-olefin block
polymers (SEBC), acrylic, nylon, polyether imide (PEI),
polyurethane and or any other suitable thermoplastic or thermoset
plastic. Rigid cellulosic reinforced plastic or similar materials
may also be used. In some embodiments, the ventilating medium 40
has a composite strength in compression sufficient to support the
overlying roof covering 40.
[0025] In some embodiments, the ventilating medium 40 may be
multi-wall polycarbonate panels used in the construction of
greenhouses, such as those sold under the name Unitrex.RTM. SUNLITE
manufactured by H & F Manufacturing, Solexx.TM. manufactured by
Adaptive Plastics Inc., or Lexan.RTM. manufactured by G.E.
Plastics.
[0026] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a
ventilated shingle 100 constructed in accordance with the disclosed
principles. The novel shingle 100 has a ventilating medium 40
attached to, or formed as part of, the interior surface of an outer
layer across a substantial portion a headlap area of the shingle,
typically equal to the surface area of the exposure surface of the
shingle (i.e., the portion of the shingle exposed to the
environment when properly installed on a roof deck with another
single overlapping to headlap and common bond area of the first
shingle). Specifically, the ventilating medium 40 is located behind
the headlap area, which is defined for the disclosed purposes as
the area of a shingle above (i.e., not including) the designed
environmental exposure area on the front of the shingle. This area
extends from the shingle's common bond area (the area joining the
headlap and buttlap portions of a shingle, which may be the double
(or greater) thickness area if a multi-layer shingle is being
employed) to its top edge and extends the width of the shingle. The
buttlap area of such a shingle is defined as the lower portion of
the shingle (once installed) extending from the common bond area to
the front edge of the shingle, and is typically the portion of the
shingle exposed to the environment once all the shingles have been
properly installed and are properly overlapped as designed. In
addition, as discussed in further detail below, the ventilation
material may also be used to provide the headlap portion of the
shingle, rather than be attached or integrated with it.
[0027] The illustrated exemplary shingle 100 includes a first
shingle layer 110 providing the overall length and width of the
shingle 100. Although a single layer shingle 100 is illustrated,
any type of shingle may be employed with the disclosed principles,
such as double layer strip shingles, or three-layer composite
shingles. In addition, the term "layer" as used here does not
necessarily mean that each layer is manufactured separately and
later adhered together. Instead, the shingle 100 may be of a single
final piece, manufactured of first and second laminate layers (or
even more) making the shingle 100 appear as if it is distinct
adhered layers.
[0028] The shingle 100 includes the buttlap area 130 and headlap
area 150 mentioned above, as well as the common bond area 140 of
the shingle 100 between these two areas. As a result, the first
shingle layer 110 includes the buttlap area 130, the common bond
area 140, and the headlap area 150 of the shingle 100. The exterior
surface of the first shingle layer 110 provides a large portion of
the exterior surface of the shingle 100, and typically includes
predetermined decorative shapes cut into the buttlap area 130.
[0029] In addition, the exemplary shingle 100 also includes the
ventilating medium 40 located in the headlap area 150, adjacent to
the common bond area 140 on the interior surface of the first
shingle layer 110. In accordance with the disclosed principles, the
ventilating medium 40 may be adhered to the headlap area 150. In
addition, however, the ventilating medium 40 may alternatively be
formed into and/or as part of the first shingle layer 110.
Providing the ventilating medium 40 to the back of an asphalt
shingle provides resistance to the thermal transfer of heat from
the shingle to the roofing deck, which when then be transferred to
the building's attic space. As is well known, lower attic
temperatures reduce the load on air-conditioning equipment, which
in turn reduces overall utility costs for the building.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the ventilating medium 40 is
provided in sheet form, and is adhered to the backside of an
asphalt shingle 100 headlap area 150 starting at a top edge of the
headlap area 150 that is opposite its common bond area 140
(typically the nail zone for shingle installation), and extending
across the headlap area 150 an amount substantially equal to the
exposure surface of the shingle 100. For example, such a
ventilating medium 40 could be from just a few millimeters thick to
1'' or more thick depending on the shingle design an desired
application. Of course, any advantageous ventilation thickness may
be employed, for example, up to several inches thick if desired.
Accordingly, no limitation to any particular thickness is intended
or should be implied.
[0031] Still further, in some embodiments, a roofing membrane may
also be incorporated into a roofing system or method of
installation in accordance with the disclosed principles. For
example, a roofing membrane may be placed directly on the roof
deck, and then the ventilating medium placed on top of the roofing
membrane. Alternatively, a roofing membrane may be placed directly
on the ventilating medium, and then the roof coverings placed on
top of the roofing membrane. In still other embodiments, a membrane
may be used on both sides of the ventilating medium 40.
[0032] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an exemplary roof
installation 300 using energy saving ventilating shingles 100
constructed according to the disclosed principles. In the exemplary
configuration, two exemplary shingles 100a, 100b are illustrated
overlapping one another on a roof deck 20. In addition, as the
shingles 100a, 100b are overlapped, the ventilating medium 40a, 40b
on each of the shingles 100a, 100b is shown adjacent to each other
(end-to-end) once the shingles 100a, 100b have settled on the roof
deck 20.
[0033] As in other embodiments discussed above, the shingles 100a,
100b in FIG. 3B have a headlap area that is greater than the
shingles' 100a, 100b exposure surface once all shingles 100a, 100b
are properly installed on the roof deck 20. However, the
ventilating material 160a, 160b is installed only on a portion of
the headlap areas that are substantially equal to the designed
exposure surface of the shingles 100a, 100b, but limiting to such
coverage is not required. Any shingle that uses a headlap area that
is greater than the shingle's final exposure surface will benefit
from the ventilating shingle design disclosed herein. This is
because a shingle's buttlap area is covered by the headlap area of
a shingle installed in the next applied course. Also as mentioned
above, however, the ventilating medium 40 may cover the entirety of
the headlap areas, and thus overlapping ventilating medium 40 among
the shingles 100a, 100b will be present, if desired.
[0034] In advantageous embodiments of the disclosed shingles 100a,
100b, the length of the ventilating medium 40a, 40b from the top
edge opposite the common bond area should typically not be more
than 0.5 inch less than the shingle's final exposure after the roof
installation is complete (i.e., with the overlap of other installed
shingles). With this shingle design and overlay during
installation, the ventilating medium 40a, 40b will substantially
abut each from shingle to shingle, thereby allowing the ventilating
chambers, which are oriented from the top edge of the shingle down
to the common bond area, to align in order to allow ventilation
from shingle to shingle across the roof deck 20. In this manner,
the ventilating medium 40a, 40b will completely cover the roof deck
20, and thereby increases the insulation R-value of the overall
shingled roof. It should be noted that the shingles 100a, 100b
illustrated in FIG. 3B are shown fully seated against and sealed to
one another. This is because of the shingles' 100a, 100b flexible
material, such as asphalt, and thus allows the second shingle 100b
to curve down after installation to seat against the first shingle
100a.
[0035] Moreover, ventilating medium 40a provided at substantially
the same width as the shingles' 100a, 100b exposure surface also
allows shingle sealant to be kept uncovered while being stored in
the bundle before application. This sealant is typically present on
the bottom surface of the second shingle 100b (i.e., the underside
of the buttlap area of shingle 100b) to allow its adherence to the
exposed headlap surface of the shingle 100a below it. Thus, the
ventilating medium 40a, 40b present on the back/underside of the
headlap area above the common bond area still allows the upper
shingle 100b to be applied and fastened in a normal fashion over
the lower shingle 100a. Thus, the ventilating medium 40a, 40b does
not interfere with the fastening area or the shingles 100a, 100b
sealing to one another after installation. Even further, the
ventilating medium 40a, 40b itself may include an adhesive or other
sealant, which may also be used to adhere the shingles 100a, 100b
to the roof deck 20.
EXAMPLES
[0036] To simulate a ventilated attic, two (2) 2'.times.2' roof
decks were constructed at 1:1 slope, with fully enclosed attic
spaces insulated on all sides with RU20 foam board. Slots,
approximately 1'', were cut at the eave and ridge of the attic to
simulate attic ventilation. One roof deck was outfitted with black
asphalt shingles applied directly to deck. On the other roof deck
to simulate a deck having the disclosed invention, a ventilating
medium 40 was installed directly to the deck with the black asphalt
shingles applied on top of the ventilating medium 40. The
ventilating medium 40 was 1'' (25 mm) thick clear Unitrex.RTM.
Polycarbonate SUNLITE panels from H & F Manufacturing
(www.hfmfgcorp.com). Thermocouples were placed at the following
locations of both decks: a) shingle surface; b) roof deck surface
(exterior); c) roof deck surface (interior; attic space); and d)
center of attic space. A final thermocouple was placed to measure
ambient temperatures. The roof decks were exposed to daytime
climate conditions by situating the roof decks in an orientation to
maximize sun exposure. For these simulated ventilated attics, one
with a ventilating medium 40 and one without, data was collected at
10 minute intervals for several days. See FIGS. 4A-4C.
[0037] To simulate a non-ventilated attic, the same two (2)
2'.times.2' roof decks discussed above had the attic ventilation
openings blocked. The roof decks were again exposed to daytime
climate conditions by situating the roof decks in an orientation to
maximize sun exposure. For these simulated attics with no
ventilation, one deck with a ventilating medium 40 and one without,
data was collected at 10 minute intervals for several days. See
FIGS. 5A-5C.
[0038] After reviewing the data gathered using the examples set
forth above, and in accordance with the disclosed principles, the
data revealed that the ventilating medium 40 removes a significant
portion of the heat absorbed by the roof covering 30 before it is
radiated into the attic. Importantly, the ventilating medium 40 has
reduced the temperature at all areas of the roof and attic.
Furthermore, this was the case whether the attic itself was
ventilated or not. In some embodiments, the thickness of the
ventilating medium 40, color of the roof covering 30 and type of
roof covering 30 may determine the amount of heat reduction in the
attic space
[0039] While various embodiments in accordance with the disclosed
principles have been described above, it should be understood that
they have been presented by way of example only, and are not
limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention(s) should
not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments,
but should be defined only in accordance with the claims and their
equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above
advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but
shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes
and structures accomplishing any or all of the above
advantages.
[0040] Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for
consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise
to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or
characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue
from this disclosure. Specifically, a description of a technology
in the "Background" is not to be construed as an admission that
technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure.
Neither is the "Summary" to be considered as a characterization of
the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any
reference in this disclosure to "invention" in the singular should
not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty
in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according
to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this
disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s),
and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all
instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their
own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be
constrained by the headings herein.
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