Abstract: Apparatus (10) for the application and even spreading of flowable roofing materials such as bituminous mastics which includes an elongated, hollow delivery bar (14) adapted to be pulled across a roofing surface and having a plurality of material delivery openings (40) along the underside thereof, as well as a material spreader (16) positioned adjacent the bar (14). The spreader (16) includes first and second elongated, generally side-by-side brooms (42, 44) in trailing relationship to the bar (14). The first broom (42) is generally concave, whereas the second broom (42) is substantially rectilinear). A tubular handle (32) is coupled with the bar (14) for delivery of heated material thereto. A temperature gauge (36) is mounted on the handle (32) in close adjacency to the bar (14), allowing the user to closely monitor material temperatures at the point of application. An alternate delivery bar (14a) has individual nipple-valves (82) affording better material flow control.

Abstract: An improved torch assembly (10) designed for use in the formation of roof lap joints even in cold weather is provided which includes an elongated handle (12) having a low profile torch head assembly (17) secured thereto. The assembly (17) has a drag shoe (14) adapted to receive a torch head (16) and direct combustion products through a rearward outlet opening (54). Minimal torch head assembly height is provided so as to avoid cracking of stiff lap weld material during cold weather use, and is achieved through use of an elongated, rectangular in cross-section torch head (16) which fits between upper and lower walls (24, 32) forming a part of shoe (14); the head (16) has a number of large area air inlets (74) owing to its rectangular configuration, allowing generation of sufficient heat to give lap welds of high integrity. In an alternative configuration, a carriage assembly (76) is coupled with the torch head assembly (17) for supporting a roll (77) of roofing material above the torch head (16).

Abstract: A built-up roofing structure (10) is provided which is characterized by low dead weight, enhanced fire retardancy, and ease of construction. The structure (10) includes a lowermost deck (12) with integrated, insulative sections (24) applied thereover and adhered in place by a novel fire retardant mastic (27); the sections (24) each include a preformed expanded foam layer (14) covered by a roofing board (16). A modified bitumen membrane (18) is applied over and completes the roofing structure (10). The improved mastic includes asphalt, low volatility mineral spirits and a fire retardant additive such as an intumescent glass, and particularly a borosilicate glass. The mastic is advantageously applied using a spreader apparatus (30) having an elongated, tubular, apertured mastic delivery bar (32, 58) and spreading means (46, 62) with a plurality of separate, spaced apart, lightweight trailing spreader chains (48).

Abstract: A torch assembly for use in fabricating and repairing roof joints includes an elongated handle presenting a forward upper end and a lower rearward end, and a torch supported adjacent the lower end for directing a flame away from the handle. A roll of bituminous material is supported on the apparatus so that the material may be dispensed from the roll in a rearward direction as the apparatus is pulled forward by the handle. An elongated shoe is supported on the handle and includes upper and lower wall sections which are connected together at the rear end of the shoe, and at least one side wall section which extends between the upper and lower wall sections and defines a flame-receiving cavity for substantially surrounding the flame directed by the torch. The shoe diverts the flame in the flame-receiving cavity upward and rearward toward the bituminous material being dispensed from the support means so that the bituminous material is heated as it is applied along the roof joint.

Abstract: A built-up roofing structure (10) is provided which is characterized by low dead weight, enhanced fire retardancy, and ease of construction. The structure (10) includes a lowermost deck (12) with integrated, insulative sections (24) applied thereover and adhered in place by a novel fire retardant mastic (27); the sections (24) each include a preformed expanded foam layer (14) covered by a roofing board (16). A modified bitumen membrane (18) is applied over and completes the roofing structure (10). The improved mastic includes asphalt, low volatility mineral spirits and a fire retardant additive such as an intumescent glass, and particularly a borosilicate glass. The mastic is advantageously applied using a spreader apparatus (30) having an elongated, tubular, apertured mastic delivery bar (32, 58) and spreading means (46, 62) with a plurality of separate, spaced apart, lightweight trailing spreader chains (48).

Abstract: A built-up roofing structure (10) is provided which is characterized by low dead weight, enhanced fire retardancy, and ease of construction. The structure (10) includes a lowermost deck (12) with integrated, insulative sections (24) applied thereover an adhered in place by a novel fire retardant mastic (27); the sections (24) each include a preformed expanded foam layer (14) covered by a roofing board (16). A modified bitumen membrane (18) is applied over and completes the roofing structure (10). The improved mastic includes asphalt, low volatility mineral spirits and a fire retardant additive such as an intumescent glass, and particularly a borosilicate glass. The mastic is advantageously applied using a spreader apparatus (30) having an elongated, tubular, apertured mastic delivery bar (32, 58) and a spreader means (46, 62) with a plurality of separate, spaced apart, lightweight trailing spreader chains (48).

Abstract: A mastic spreading device (68) is provided for even application of roofing mastic to metal decks or other roofing surfaces. The device (68) includes an elongated, apertured delivery bar (70) equipped with a plurality of laterally spaced apart, nipple-type valve members (88) operatively associated with corresponding delivery bar openings (86). In preferred forms, the bar (70) is equipped with elongated outlets (80) which are received within the confines of respective valve members (88). The valve members (88) are operable to prevent inadvertent flow of mastic from the bar (76).

Abstract: An improved torch assembly (10) especially designed for use in the formation of roof lap joints is provided which includes an elongated handle (12) having a shoe element (14) coupled to the lower end thereof and equipped with a rearwardly extending, marginal barrier wall (18). A torch (16) is secured within the shoe element (14) and is oriented for delivery of flame downwardly through the open end of the shoe element (14) and at an oblique angle relative to the barrier wall (18). Preferably, the handle (12) is in the form of an elongated tubular body (20) which is coupled to a cup-like torch head (52) secured within the confines of shoe element (14). In another embodiment, torch (10b) is provided having shoe (14b) and an adjustably positioned diverter (80) carried by the shoe (14b) for directing flame downwardly beyond the trailing edge of bottom wall (36b) of shoe element (14b).

Abstract: An improved torch assembly (10) especially designed for use in the formation of roof lap joints is rovided which includes an elongated handle (12) having a shoe element (14) coupled to the lower end thereof and equipped with a rearwardly extending, marginal barrier wall (18). A torch (16) is secured within the shoe element (14) and is oriented for delivery of flam downwardly through the open end of the shoe element (14) and at an oblique angle relative to the barrier wall (18). Preferably, the handle (12) is in the form of an elongated tubular body (20) which is coupled to a cup-like torch head (52) secured within the confines of shoe element (14).

Abstract: A method of treating asphaltic membrane covered roofs for inhibiting the formation of blisters therein and reducing blisters that have formed therein comprises applying to the blistered portions and surrounding areas of the membrane a quantity of selected liquid hydrocarbon. The selected hydrocarbon is miscible with the asphalt of the membrane to instill self-healing qualities therein.

Abstract: A low-cost, movable guardrail post especially adapted for temporarily supporting safety railings during roofing work and the like is provided which is braced against unintentional tipping for insuring that the integrity of the safety railing is maintained at all times. In preferred forms the post includes a concrete base having an upright steel post member detachably mounted thereon, with a pair of elongated bracing arms connected to the assembly and extending to a point adjacent the support surface and being coupled to a pair of metal stick clips secured to the support surface; in this manner the posts can be quickly mounted adjacent a roof edge, for example, by partially burying the stick clips under a layer of roofing asphalt or pitch and operatively coupling the brace members thereto. When the roofing work is completed, the guardrail posts can be removed by trimming the upstanding portions of the stick clips and transporting the concrete blocks and posts to another work site.