U.S. patent application number 13/425005 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-26 for attic conditioning system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lawrence M. Janesky. Invention is credited to Lawrence M. Janesky.
Application Number | 20130247489 13/425005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49210473 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130247489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Janesky; Lawrence M. |
September 26, 2013 |
ATTIC CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a
roof supported by a roof supporting structure. The system has a
barrier isolating the roof supporting structure from an interior
space of the attic. The barrier is sized to substantially cover an
interior surface of the roof, the barrier isolating the interior
surface of the roof from the interior space of the attic. A venting
region is formed between the barrier and the interior surface of
the roof, the venting region venting air from an outside of the
building through the venting region and wherein the barrier
substantially covering the interior surface of the roof prevents
migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the
venting region.
Inventors: |
Janesky; Lawrence M.;
(Middlebury, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Janesky; Lawrence M. |
Middlebury |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49210473 |
Appl. No.: |
13/425005 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/302.1 ;
52/741.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20130101; E04F
17/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/302.1 ;
52/741.4 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/00 20060101
F24F007/00; E04F 17/04 20060101 E04F017/04 |
Claims
1. A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a
roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the system
comprising: a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting
structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and
attic floor; and the barrier covers the bottom of the roof support
structure and an interior surface of the roof so that the barrier
isolates the interior attic space from the interior surface of the
roof and closes the interior attic space from exterior air outside
the building; wherein, the barrier forms a venting region between
the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting
region communicating with exterior air outside the building and
venting exterior air outside the building through the venting
region along the interior surface of the roof, and wherein the
barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space
and the venting region.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the venting region comprises a
void between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the
void having openings communicating with the exterior air outside
the building and effecting natural ventilation through the venting
region, wherein the void contains the roof supporting
structure.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises an
insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the insulating layer comprises
graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on
an interior surface and an exterior surface of the board that form
the radiant barrier layer.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier further isolates a
soffit from the interior attic space of the attic.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the venting region vents air from
a soffit vent through the venting region to at least one of a ridge
vent and a gable vent.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a radiant
barrier layer and an insulation layer, the radiant barrier layer
forming a base layer fastening the insulation layer to the roof
support structure and being disposed between the insulation layer
and the bottom of the roof support structure.
8. A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a
roof deck supported by rafters, the system comprising: insulated
boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an interior attic
space defined by the roof deck and attic floor; the insulated
boards cut and sized to cover an interior surface of the roof deck
substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a top of the
interior attic space, and seals applied to the insulated boards,
the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining edges of
the insulated boards; wherein, the insulated boards and seals
define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space from
exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck from the
interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region between
the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof deck,
the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building
through the venting region, and wherein the sealed barrier prevents
migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting
region.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the venting region comprises a
void between the insulated boards and the interior surface of the
roof deck, the void being substantially open to the exterior air
outside the building and containing the rafters.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the insulated boards have a
radiant barrier.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the insulated boards comprise
graphite infused polystyrene foam boards having a radiant barrier
on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the insulated
boards.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the insulated boards isolate a
soffit from the interior space of the attic.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein the venting region vents air
from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the venting region vents air
from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.
15. A method of conditioning an attic of a building and venting a
roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the method
comprising: covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with
a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting
structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and
attic floor; sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the
interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and
isolating an interior surface of the roof from the interior attic
space; with the barrier forming a venting region between the
barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region
venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting
region; and preventing migration of air between the interior attic
space and the venting region with the barrier.
16. The method of claim 16, wherein the barrier comprises an
insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the barrier comprises graphite
infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an
interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising isolating a soffit
from the interior space of the attic with the barrier.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the venting region vents air
from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the venting region vents air
from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.
21. The system of claim 7, wherein a radiant barrier of the radiant
barrier layer has a reflective surface facing outward.
22. The system of claim 7, wherein a radiant barrier of the radiant
barrier layer has a reflective surface facing inward.
23. The system of claim 3, wherein the radiant barrier layer has a
radiant barrier with a reflective surface facing outward, and
another radiant barrier with a reflective surface facing inwards.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to an attic conditioning
apparatus and method and, more particularly, to an attic
conditioning and roof venting apparatus and method.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of Earlier Developments
[0004] Home or commercial construction often has one or more attics
above living or other suitable spaces. Typical construction may
involve an attic with an insulated floor and an arrangement for
venting the roof, for example, using a combination of soffit and
ridge vents, gable vents or otherwise. Such an attic may be useful,
for example, for storage or to house heating and ventilation
equipment such as duct work, air conditioning units or otherwise.
In the warm summer, a problem arises where the attic space becomes
excessively heated by the sun causing heat to radiate into the
living space below the attic and causing air conditioning systems
to work excessively. In the cool winter, a problem arises where
heat is lost through the attic from the living space resulting in
heating systems running excessively and ice damming from a warm
roof. Accordingly, there is a desire to reduce heating and cooling
losses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary
embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a isometric section view of a building
structure;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a section view of an attic;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a section view of an attic;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a section view of an attic;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a section view of a panel;
[0011] FIG. 5A is a partial view of the attic showing a barrier and
roof support structure in accordance with another aspect of the
exemplary embodiment; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown, an isometric section
view of a building structure 10 incorporating features in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment and method. Although the
present embodiments will be described with reference to the
embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the
present embodiments can be embodied in many alternate forms of
embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of
elements or materials could be used.
[0014] Structure 10 is shown having basement 20, first floor 24,
second floor 26 and attic 28. Structure 10, is illustrated having a
representative configuration, and as may be realized may have any
suitable configuration in alternate embodiments. Basement 20 is
shown for example, housing HVAC (Heating Venting and Air
Conditioning unit) where HVAC unit 22 may distribute conditioned
air through air ducts through the heated or air conditioned spaces
of structure 10, for example through duct work 36 within the
enclosed space of attic 28. HVAC unit 22 may, for example,
condition floors 24 and 26 either alone or in combination. In
alternate embodiments, HVAC unit 22 may be any suitable heating
and/or cooling unit located within or remote with to any portion of
structure 10. Attic 28 is located above the insulation 34 of
ceiling 32 of second floor 26 of structure 10. The building
structure 10B has roof supporting structure or rafters 38 covered
by roof deck 40, 42. The roof deck 40, 42 and supporting structure
38 shall be referred to herein for convenience as the roof 40R.
Rafters 38 may be wood framed, structural steel, trusses or any
suitable structure suitable for supporting roof deck 40, 42. Roof
deck 40, 42 may be have a plywood deck covered with shingles, metal
roof or otherwise. In alternate embodiments, any suitable roof deck
and material may be used. As seen in FIG. 1, the roof 40R, more
specifically the inner surface or bottom 38R of the roof support
structure 38 and the ceiling or top of ceiling 32, which maybe
considered the floor of attic 28, form what may be referred to as
an inner or interior attic space 60 of attic 28. Attic 28 may be
provided with soffits 84 at a lower portion of rafters 38 that
allow air to vent 80 (such as for example effected by natural
circulation through a void 86 between rafters 38 and exit 82
through ridge vents 88 at an upper portion of rafters 38. In the
embodiment shown, system 90 is provided for conditioning an
interior portion 60 of attic 28 of building or structure 10 and
venting roof 40, 42 supported by roof supporting structure 38, for
example, rafters or other suitable structure. Here, system 90 may
condition interior attic portion 60, for example, by transforming
the attic from a vented attic to an unvented interior portion 60
making interior portion 60 conditioned, at least partially as part
of the interior of structure 10 as opposed to the exterior of
structure 10. Although system 90 will be described with respect to
attic 28, the features of system 90 may be used in combination with
any suitable attic space or space enclosed by one or a plurality of
roof surface(s).
[0015] The system 90 is shown having barrier 50, 52 separating the
bottom 38B of the roof and its support structure, isolating the
roof supporting structure 38 from an interior attic space 60 of
attic 28. For example, the barrier may be insulated boards 50, 52
fastened to and isolating rafters 38 from interior space 60 of
attic 28. The barrier 50, 52 may be sized to substantially cover an
interior surface 92, 94 of the roof 40, 42, with the barrier
isolating the interior surface 92, 94 of the roof 40, 42 from
interior space 60 of attic 28. The barrier 50, 52 closes the
interior attic space 60 from exterior air outside the building, as
will be described further below. In addition, a similar barrier 54
may be provided on studs of an exterior wall of the attic. Here,
barrier 54 may be applied to gable end walls or other structures or
otherwise as a foam board barrier or other suitable barrier. Here,
barrier 50, 52 may be insulated boards cut and sized to
substantially cover an interior surface of the roof deck 40, 42
with the insulating boards isolating the roof 50, 52 deck from the
interior space 60 of the attic 28. Here, insulated boards 40, 42
may initially be sized as 4 ft. by 8 ft. sheets and cut to size as
needed to form the barrier. Alternately, any suitable sizes may be
provided. Seals 64 may further be applied to the insulated boards
50, 52 with seals 64 arranged to seal seams 62 formed between
adjoining edges of the insulated boards 50, 52. Seals 64 may
further be applied, for example, between insulated boards and roof
and ceiling rafters as required to seal enclosed attic space 60.
Such as from exterior air outside the building. Here venting region
86 is formed between the insulating boards or barrier 50, 52 and
the interior surface of roof 40, 42, the venting region 86 venting
air 80 from an outside of the building 10 through the venting
region 86. In the embodiment shown, the barrier or insulating
boards 50, 52 are shown covering the interior surface 92, 94 of the
roof deck 40, 42, substantially in the entirety of the surface from
attic floor (e.g. ceiling 32) to top 60T of enclosed attic space
60. The barrier 54 thus prevents migration of air between the
interior space of the attic and the venting region 86. Venting
region 86 may comprise a void between the barrier 54 (e.g. boards
50, 52) and the interior surface of the roof 40, 42, the void 86
having openings communicating with the exterior air outside the
building. As may be realized also from FIGS. 2-3, the void(s) of
venting regions 86 may be substantially open so that the exterior
air from outside of the building may ventilate the interior surface
of the roof deck effected for example via natural circulation or
flow of the exterior air through the venting region (forced flow
may be used if desired). As may also be seen in FIGS. 2-3 the void
of the venting regions contain the roof supporting structure or
rafters 38. As will be shown in greater detail below, barrier or
insulating boards 50, 52, 54 may comprise insulated board having a
radiant barrier. Here, the barrier 50, 52 may comprises graphite
infused polystyrene foam insulated boards having a radiant barrier
on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier or
insulated boards 50, 52. As will be shown in greater detail below,
barrier or insulated boards 50, 52 may further isolate a soffit 84
at the lower portion of rafters 38 from the interior 60 space of
the attic 28. Here, the venting region 86 may vent air 80 from a
soffit vent through the venting region 86 to a ridge vent 88 and
exit 82. As seen in FIG. 3, in accordance with another aspect, the
venting region may vent air from a gable vent or otherwise, through
the venting region to a ridge vent or other gable vent, suitable
roof vent or otherwise from the soffit vent to gable vent. In the
embodiment shown, the system may transform a vented attic to a
conditioned and unvented attic 60 (substantially closed from
exterior air outside the building) but with a vented roof 86, 40,
42. The system may be readily installed into existing structures
and performs an attic conversion of interior space 60 from vented
to unvented where a combined thermal and air boundary are provided
at barrier 54 where the barrier is sealed and may be polystyrene,
expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene or other suitable foam
boards or any type of suitable boards or barrier and where boards
50, 52 may have radiant barrier on one or both sides. As will be
also described, the barrier 54 may be a sprayed foam layer (e.g.
Icynene foam, or polyurethane foam) applied over a base layer, such
as radiant barrier layer fastened to the bottom of the roof support
structure (e.g. roof rafters). The air space 86 may be formed
between the top of board or radiant barrier 50 and the bottom 92 of
roof deck 40 where, for example, the bottom of roof deck 40 may be
140.degree. f or otherwise and where air between board/panels 50
and deck 40 forms a thermal barrier air space 86 with panels 50 not
in contact with the lower inner surface 92 of roof deck 40.
Further, panels 50 may be provided with a reflective barrier facing
out and toward roof deck 40 but may be also a radiant barrier
facing in toward interior region 60 where a radiant barrier may be
provided on both sides of board 50 to reflect heat as desired.
Here, the system results in providing an unvented attic interior
space 60 with a vented roof 40, 42 resulting in a cooler attic and
roof deck in the summer and a warmer attic and cooler roof deck in
the winter maintaining cool air under the roof in the winter. Here,
the interior region 60 may be an interior substantially air tight
attic region with access for storage or other suitable use being
substantially air tight to ambient air where the system
substantially eliminates issues of insulation effectiveness while
allowing attic access to an attic with an existing insulated floor
34 or otherwise. As the effective cross section for venting flow 80
may be reduced as compared to an attic without panels 50, an
increased effective flow against the interior of roof 40 in the
volume 86 between the barrier 50 and the roof 40 as the similar
vent and volumetric flow through a smaller volume/cross section
results in greater turn around within the volume and results in
cooler more effective removal of heat from the roof. In alternate
embodiments, any suitable combination of panels or barrier may be
provided isolating a venting region and forming an interior region
of attic 28 may be provided.
[0016] System 90 converts the interior portion 60 of attic 28 into
a clean and comfortable place making building 10 more comfortable.
Here, system 90 reduces heating and cooling bills, and extends the
life of the roof 40, 42 and makes attic 28 useful for storage.
System 90 may for example make a home 10 warmer in winter and
cooler in summer and reduces drafts. System 90 converts the attic
28 from a hot in the summer, cold in the winter vented attic to a
comfortable unvented attic 90 while keeping a vented 86 roof. In a
traditional vented attic, the attic floor is insulated with the
ducts sealed but with air leaking into the attic interior space.
Here, without system 90, the air and insulation boundary is at the
attic floor. With system 90, the attic becomes part of the
conditioned home as the air and insulation boundaries are on the
bottom of the roof instead of the attic floor. Panels 50, 52, 54
may for example use Silverglo.TM. expanded polystyrene foam
insulation board infused with graphite and having a radiant barrier
on both sides to create an energy force field under the roof and
above the attic interior space. In addition to the features above,
system 90 reduces outside noise from traffic, weather or otherwise,
provides a cleaner and brighter attic for storage. With the system
90, improved comfort results whereas without the system 90,
temperature in the attic works against HVAC equipment 22 and ducts
36, for example, when the blower comes on in the hot summer or cold
winter, air blows into the house and the equipment has to work
longer and harder to overcome the temperatures. With the system 90,
an overall improvement in the comfort of the home results
particularly upstairs. System 90 facilitates the saving of energy,
eliminating hostile attic temperatures in the winter and summer
putting a cut into the amount of energy required to make a home
comfortable. For example, the 4 way force field from the attic
system may reduce heating and cooling costs by 30 percent or more.
The system results in longer roof life and fewer repairs. For
example, heat and moisture destroy equipment and building materials
but system 90 extends the life of the roof by locating insulation
along the bottom of the roof rafters instead of against the attic
floor, the cooling effect of soffit, ridge and/or gable vents is
maintained and an attic barrier combined with proper roof
ventilation defends against damaging ice dams. Here, maintaining
ventilation within region 86 extends the life of shingles and
roofing material. Here, system 90 may generally provide a 4 way
force field: (e.g. air sealing reduces stack effect of conditioned
air rising through structure 10 and prevents air migration between
interior attic space and outdoors; sealed insulation barrier 54
isolates the attic from the thermal effects from outdoors; radiant
layer of barrier reflects the heat back; ducts 36 are no longer in
hostile territory). With the use of system 90, attic floor air
seals may be avoided; sealed can lights with air tight boxes may be
avoided; attic hatch/door/scuttle seals may be avoided; any or
additional attic floor insulation may be avoided; additional
separate radiant barriers may be avoided or other suitable
structure may be avoided.
[0017] Without system 90 in winter, the heating system runs more as
compared with system 90 installed. For example, with outside
temperature at about 25.degree. F. or less, the lower floor 24 may
be 65.degree. F. and drafty. As volumes of air leak out of the top
of structure 10, equal amounts of new air must be drawn in at the
bottom of structure 10. The second floor 26 may be 68.degree. F.
and drafty. In attic 28, ducts 36 are in a very cold attic and heat
from the ducts are lost; fiberglass insulation 34 is wind washed
from cold ventilation air diminishing its ability to insulate
dramatically. Ice damming occurs from a warming roof. In contrast,
with system 90 installed in building 10, the lower floor 24 may be
at about 70.degree. F. and far less drafty as far less air is
leaking out of the attic 28 and far less air leaks in the bottom of
structure 10 to replace it. Second floor 26 may be about 72.degree.
F. and comfortable with no drafts. In the enclosed attic space 60
of attic 28, ducts 36 are in a warm attic where heat from the ducts
are not lost; radiant heat is reflected and insulation resists heat
flow with no gaps. Stored items in the interior region 60 of attic
28 are clean and do not freeze. The roof is cold with no ice
damming from attic heat. The roof vents the roof and not the attic
resulting in lower fuel bills.
[0018] Without system 90 in summer, the air conditioning system
runs more and still can't keep up with the top floor 26 heat. For
example, in the basement 20, there is more humidity and
condensation. Outside temperature may be 85.degree. F. where the
sun heats the roofing to 150.degree. F. and lower floor 24 may be
humid and about 79.degree. F. Here, warm humid air leaks in and
relative humidity is increased as air is cooled making the space
uncomfortable. The upper floor 26 may be about 85.degree. F. and
hot and very uncomfortable for sleeping. The drywall ceiling 32
heats up and heat from the attic 28 radiates into the rooms 26. The
attic 28, may be about 130.degree. F. and air conditioning ducts 36
in the attic are baking where air from the ducts leaks in and is
lost. Heat form the roof 40, 42 radiates into the attic. In
contrast, with system 90 in summer, there is less humidity and
condensation in the basement 20. Lower floor 24 may be about
72.degree. F. with less drafts and more comfortable as less air
leaks out of the top. Less humid air leaks in with cooler less
humid air making the space more comfortable. Upper floor 26 may be
about 74.degree. F. degrees and where cooler rooms are much more
comfortable for sleeping. The drywall ceiling 32 is much cooler.
The inter region 60 of attic 28 may be about 77.degree. F. with the
ducts 36 in a much cooler environment where cool air from duct
leaks is not lost. Cooler air vents the excess heat out where only
the space between the roof and the rafters is vented as opposed to
the entire attic. Stored items in the interior region 60 of attic
28 do not get baked dusty and ruined and the attic can be used for
storage. Sun heats roofing to 150 degrees but lower electric bills
result.
[0019] Referring again to FIG. 2, there is shown a section view of
an attic 100. Attic 100 is generally similar to attic shown in FIG.
1, and is supported for example by insulated 102 wall 106 and
enclosed by insulated 108 ceiling 104 that forms the floor of the
attic. Rafters 114 support roof deck 112 and roofing 110. Soffit
vent 124 is shown at the base of rafters 114 while ridge 115 vent
128 is shown at the top of rafters 114. The barrier 115, is similar
to barrier 54 in FIG. 1, comprises panels 116 that are mated and
sealed at seams 118 with a seal made by tape, foam, or other
suitable sealant. As seen in FIG. 2, the barrier panels are seated
against and may be fastened to the bottom of the rafters 114.
Soffits 124 may be blocked and sealed between ceiling rafters 104
with barrier panels 120 and 122. Thus, as may be realized, the
sealed barrier venting region is formed between barrier panels 116,
120 and 122 and roof deck 112 isolating the venting region from a
conditioned interior attic space 140 of attic 100 with ambient air
venting intake 126 at soffit 124 and exhaust 130 at ridge vent 128.
In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of vent(s) may
be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable wall or other
surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to enclose interior
space 140.
[0020] Referring again to FIG. 3, there is shown a section view of
an attic 200 in accordance with another aspect of the exemplary
embodiment. Except as noted, attic 200 is similar to attic 28 shown
in FIG. 1 and supported by uninsulated knee wall 220 and insulated
216 wall 212 and enclosed by insulated 218 ceiling 214 that forms
the floor of the attic. Rafters 228 support roof deck 226 and
roofing 224. Soffit vent 240 is shown at the base of rafters 228
while gable vent 246 is shown just below the top of rafters 228. In
this aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the barrier 254 (similar
to barrier 54 in FIG. 1) may comprise panels 234, 230, 236 that are
mated and sealed at seams 232 where a seal made by tape, foam, or
other suitable sealant. Similar to panels 116 shown in FIG. 2, the
panels 230, 234, 236 of barrier 254 may be seated against and
fastened to the bottom of the support structure such as rafters
228. In the exemplary embodiment shown, panels 234 may be seated
against and fastened to the bottom of collar ties that form the top
of the enclosed interior attic space 260. Here, a roof with no
ridge vent may be accommodated by using gable vents 246 while
adding soffit vents optionally. Alternately, a ridge vent may be
added, for example, to enhance venting by creating a vented plenum
at the top. Soffits 240 may be blocked (with respect to interior
attic space 260) and sealed between ceiling rafters 214 and rafters
228 with panel(s) 220. A venting region is formed between panels
234, 230 and 236 and roof deck 226 isolating the venting region
from a conditioned interior attic space 260 of attic 200 with
ambient air venting intake 242 at soffit 240 and exhaust 248 at
gable vent 246. In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination
of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable
wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to
enclose interior space 260.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a section view of an
attic 300. Attic 300 is generally similar to attic 28, 100
described before and supported by insulated 318 wall 310 and
enclosed by insulated 314 ceiling 312 (e.g. attic floor) where wall
310 and ceiling 312 may be enclosed with sheetrock or other
suitable wall board 320, 316. Rafters 324 support roof deck and
roofing 326. Soffit vent 330 is shown at the base of rafters 324
while a ridge vent or other suitable vent may be provided to vent
air through vent region 332. Panels 334 of barrier 354 (generally
similar to barriers 254, 54 described previously) are mated and
sealed at seams where a seal made by tape, foam, or other suitable
sealant. Soffits 330 may be blocked and sealed between ceiling
rafters 312 with panels 336, 338 as shown closing the interior
attic space from outside air. Here panels 336, 338 or other
suitable panels may be sealed against other panels, framing or
other structural materials, sheetrock 316 or otherwise to make the
interior space of attic 300 sealed with respect to venting region
332 and outside air. Ceiling vents 328 may further be provided. A
venting region 332 is formed between panels 334 and 326 and roof
deck 326 isolating the venting region from a conditioned interior
space of attic 300 with ambient air venting intake at soffit 330
and exhaust an exhaust vent. In alternate embodiments, any suitable
combination of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments,
any suitable wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable
panels to enclose the interior space of attic 300. In the
embodiment shown, attic 300 may further be finished, for example
with sheet rock or any suitable panels 342. Here, furring strips
340 may be applied on the interior surface of insulating panels
334, for example, with screws through panel 334 into rafter 324 or
otherwise. Furring strips 340 create a space, for example, 1/2 inch
or otherwise, between the drywall 342 and foam board 334. Here, a
radiant barrier on the interior surface of foam board 334 may
reflect winter heat inward. In alternate embodiments, the entire
attic or selective portions of the attic may selectively be
finished.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a section view of a
panel 360 of barrier 54, 115, 254, 354. Panels 360 may use
Silverglo.TM. expanded polystyrene foam insulation board 362
infused with graphite and having a radiant barrier 364, 366 on both
sides to create an energy force field under the roof and above the
attic interior space. In alternate embodiments, any suitable
barrier, panel or insulating material may be provided with one or
more radiant barrier or without a radiant barrier. Referring also
to FIG. 5A, there is shown a partial section view of an attic 300A,
having an interior attic space 360A formed by a barrier system 90A
and barrier 354A, as generally described previously for interior
attic space 60, 140, 260. In accordance with another aspect of the
exemplary embodiment, the barrier 354A is disposed in a similar
arrangement to the sealing barrier described before, seated against
and fastened to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g.
rafters 312A) and closing the interior attic space from exterior or
air outside the building. The barrier 354A is sealed, isolating the
inner surface of the roof deck (not shown) and the roof support
structure 312A from the interior attic space as previously
described, the barrier also defines the roof venting regions 332A
also similar to roof venting described before. The interior attic
space isolation barrier 354A may comprise an insulating layer 370A
and a radiant barrier layer 372A. The radiant barrier layer 37A may
be any suitable radiant film(s) or foil(s) that may be applied in
sheets or strips. The radiant barrier layer 372A, as seen in FIG.
5A, may form a base layer of the barrier, and may be fastened (with
fastening means such as staples or bonded (e.g. chemical adhesives)
to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g. rafters, ties,
wall studs, etc.) thus forming the ventilation voids. The radiant
barrier sheet(s) of the radiant barrier layer may be placed with
its reflective surface 373 facing outward, toward the roof deck. In
accordance with another aspect, the radiant barrier(s) of the
radiant barrier layer may be placed with its reflective surface
373' facing inward, towards the interior of the attic space. In
accordance with yet another aspect, if desired the radiant barrier
layer may include more than one radiant barrier sheet(s), disposed
for example one over the other. In such a case, one of the radiant
barrier sheet(s) may be positioned with the reflective surface
facing outward, and another of the radiant barrier sheet(s) may be
positioned with a reflective surface facing inwards, such as may be
similarly disposed on foam boards forming the insulating barrier.
The insulation layer 370A may be sprayed foam (such as Icynene
foam, polyurethane foam, etc.) sprayed onto or against the radiant
barrier layer. As may be realized, a suitable matrix, such as a
mesh or other desired surface, may be provided on the radiant
barrier layer to assist in maintaining the sprayed foam insulation
layer on the radiant barrier layer. Insulating panels, such as
previously described, may be used in combination with or in
adjoining areas to layers 370A, 372A as part of barrier 354A for
example to close soffit areas or at the top of the barrier (similar
top 260T of barrier 254 in FIG. 3).
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a process flow
diagram 400. The process converts vented attic into a sealed attic
with a vented roof. Block 402 provides to block and seal soffits.
Block 402 provides to cover the rafters or supporting structure of
the roof deck with Silverglo.TM. panels or other suitable barrier.
Block 406 provides to air seal all seams, including seams between
panels, panels and other structure or materials or otherwise seal
the seams to form a sealed attic space with respect to the vented
roof space. Block 408 provides for venting the roof through the
void formed between panels and the roof deck. Here, in the
exemplary method 400, a method is shown for conditioning an attic
of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting
structure. The method comprises providing 402, 404, 406 a barrier
isolating the roof supporting structure from an interior space of
the attic; isolating and interior surface of the roof from the
interior space of the attic; forming a venting region between the
barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region
venting air from an outside of the building through the venting
region; and preventing migration of air between the interior space
of the attic and the venting region with the barrier. The method
may further have where the barrier comprises insulated board having
a radiant barrier. The method may further comprise where the
barrier comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a
radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of
the barrier. The method may further comprise isolating a soffit
from the interior space of the attic with the barrier. The method
may further comprise where the venting region vents air from a
soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. The method
may further comprise where the venting region vents air from a
gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. In alternate
embodiments, any suitable structure or methods may be provided.
[0024] In accordance with one aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a
system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof
supported by a roof supporting structure is provided. The system
has a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting structure
from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor.
The barrier covers the bottom of the roof support structure and an
interior surface of the roof. The barrier isolates the interior
attic space from the interior surface of the roof and closes the
interior attic space from exterior air outside the building. The
barrier forms a venting region between the barrier and the interior
surface of the roof, the venting region communicating with exterior
air outside the building venting exterior air outside the building
through the venting region along the interior surface of the roof,
and wherein the barrier prevents migration of air between the
interior attic space and the venting region.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary
embodiment, a system for conditioning an attic of a building and
venting a roof deck supported by rafters is provided. The system
has insulated boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an
interior attic space defined by the roof deck and attic floor. The
insulated boards are cut and sized to cover an interior surface of
the roof deck, substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a
top of the interior attic space. Seals are applied to the insulated
boards, the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining
edges of the insulated boards. The insulated boards and seals
define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space from
exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck from the
interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region between
the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof deck,
the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building
through the venting region and wherein the sealed barrier prevents
migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting
region.
[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary method, a
method of conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof
supported by a roof supporting structure is provided, the method
comprising: covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with
a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting
structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and
attic floor sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the
interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and
isolating and interior surface of the roof from the interior attic
space; with the barrier forming a venting region between the
barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region
venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting
region; and preventing migration of air between the interior attic
space and the venting region with the barrier.
[0027] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment a system for conditioning an attic of a building and
venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the system
comprising a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting
structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and
attic floor. The barrier covers the bottom of the roof support
structure and an interior surface of the roof so that the barrier
isolates the interior attic space from the interior surface of the
roof and closes the interior attic space from exterior air outside
the building wherein, the barrier forms a venting region between
the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting
region communicating with exterior air outside the building and
venting exterior air outside the building through the venting
region along the interior surface of the roof, and wherein the
barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space
and the venting region.
[0028] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment wherein the venting region comprises a void between the
barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the void having
openings communicating with the exterior air outside the building
and effecting natural ventilation through the venting region,
wherein the void contains the roof supporting structure.
[0029] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a
radiant barrier layer.
[0030] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment wherein the insulating layer comprises graphite infused
polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior
surface and an exterior surface of the board that form the radiant
barrier layer.
[0031] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment wherein the barrier further isolates a soffit from the
interior attic space of the attic.
[0032] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent
through the venting region to at least one of a ridge vent and a
gable vent.
[0033] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment wherein the barrier comprises a radiant barrier layer
and an insulation layer, the radiant barrier layer forming a base
layer fastening the insulation layer to the roof support structure
and being disposed between the insulation layer and the bottom of
the roof support structure.
[0034] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment wherein a system for conditioning an attic of a building
and venting a roof deck supported by rafters, the system comprising
insulated boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an
interior attic space defined by the roof deck and attic floor. The
insulated boards cut and sized to cover an interior surface of the
roof deck substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a top
of the interior attic space, and seals applied to the insulated
boards, the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining
edges of the insulated boards; wherein, the insulated boards and
seals define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space
from exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck
from the interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region
between the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof
deck, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the
building through the venting region, and wherein the sealed barrier
prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the
venting region.
[0035] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the venting region comprises a void between the
insulated boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the
void being substantially open to the exterior air outside the
building and containing the rafters.
[0036] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the insulated boards have a radiant
barrier.
[0037] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the insulated boards comprise graphite infused
polystyrene foam boards having a radiant barrier on an interior
surface and an exterior surface of the insulated boards.
[0038] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the insulated boards isolate a soffit from the
interior space of the attic.
[0039] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent
through the venting region to a ridge vent.
[0040] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent
through the venting region to a ridge vent.
[0041] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, a method of conditioning an attic of a building and
venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the method
comprising covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with
a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting
structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and
attic floor; sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the
interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and
isolating an interior surface of the roof from the interior attic
space with the barrier forming a venting region between the barrier
and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting
exterior air from outside the building through the venting region;
and preventing migration of air between the interior attic space
and the venting region with the barrier.
[0042] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a
radiant barrier layer.
[0043] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment,wherein the barrier comprises graphite infused
polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior
surface and an exterior surface of the barrier.
[0044] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, further comprising isolating a soffit from the interior
space of the attic with the barrier.
[0045] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent
through the venting region to a ridge vent.
[0046] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed
embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent
through the venting region to a ridge vent.
[0047] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. For example, some or all of the
disclosed embodiments above may use voice control. By way of
further example, some or all of the embodiments disclosed may
operate in an automatic, semi automatic or manual power assisted
mode. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all
such alternatives, modifications and variances.
* * * * *