Heat reflecting system for roofs

Abstract

The present invention provides a covering for a roof or other surface. The cover reflects solar radiation most notably heat, away from the roof to reduce heat buildup in the attic and in homes or other structures. The reduction of heat will in turn reduce the amount of energy required to cool the home or building structure during the hot summer months. The covering system can be comprised of one or more sections and can be white, light colored, metalized, or be painted or printed with a reflective metallic finish or a combination of finishes. The cover is placed over the roof with the white, light colored or reflective metallic surface facing the sky. The cover also contains slits so that the cover can vent winds that could put excessive stress on the cover or the roof structure. One or more covers can be used on a roof depending on the size of the roof and number of sections. The cover may also be cut or sections can remain uncovered to expose air and plumbing vents, attic fans, chimneys, sky lights, dormers, solar panels, and the like. The cover can be retracted or removed for the cold winter months so that the building structure or home can be warmed by the sun and aide in the reduction of energy used for heating their interiors.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to static, retractable, removable, temporary roof covering or coverings for reflecting solar radiation, specifically heat, away from a roof or similar surface.

BACKGROUND

Dark roofing materials absorb heat especially in summer months. Some of the heat radiates from the roof back into the atmosphere while some of it heats the attic and the home. It should be noted that good insulation and ventilation of roof structures, especially in more recently constructed buildings reduces heat build-up but fans may still be employed to reduce heat inside of an attic or other space. Older structures may not have enough insulation or ventilation to offset heat build-up. In warmer climates, roof shingles or other sheathing that are light in color is used more often and can reflect a portion of the heat away from the building reducing heat build-up inside. However, in the more northern areas dark roofs are more common and can absorb heat during the winter months and can warm the attic or a whole structure. Dark roofs in the non-winter months can burden air conditioning, attic cooling fans, and other cooling systems in homes and buildings that lead to increased energy costs, increased insulation costs, aging of internal and external roof materials, and a possible increase in external environmental temperatures in areas with a high concentration of buildings or homes.

The present invention is a removable/retractable covering that is applied as needed to reflect heat away from the roofs of homes and buildings during the hot summer months and can be retracted during the cold winter months to allow warming of the same structures. Some may refer to the invention as a roof awning or roof canopy system.

Others have developed shingles, coatings, or other roofing systems to permanently cool roofs and buildings.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,975 to Schult, discloses a polymeric web to seal roofs against the penetration of moisture and to reflect solar radiation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,439 to Marek, discloses the use of a water soaked polymeric sheet to cool structures.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,940 to Wiens, discloses heat shielding shingles to be permanently applied to roof structures.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,058 to Patry, describes a flexible material to protect a built-up roof structures from harmful effects of the sun and other elements.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,686 to Backenstow, et al, discloses an impermeable membrane held to a roof deck with fastening systems to resist the high uplift forces of the wind and to repel rain.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,238 to Alderman discloses a combined sheet style insulator with air gap and reflector to be permanently installed in a roof, wall, floor or other structure to aide in cooling of buildings.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,145 to Baka discloses a portable awning assembly attached to the side of a van by adjustable suction cups.

The afore mentioned embodiments are more geared to protecting roofing materials from long term degrading effects of solar exposure and heat. Most embodiments concerning cooling in buildings are concerned with ventilation to prevent heat and moisture buildup in roofing structures. These embodiments are for more permanent or longer lasting solutions and are not practical for use only during hot seasons.

Embodiments relating to awnings generally disclose their uses as temporary tents or umbrellas for use with recreation vehicles, to cover patios, form temporary car ports, and the like.

The present invention prefers but is not limited to spun bound non-woven materials such as white construction grade Tyvek* since it has a reflectance of about 90% compared to common black shingles that are below 10%, and common white shingles that are around 30% (see referenced literature). As an extra benefit Tyvek* also reflects ultraviolet rays which would increase the life of a covered conventional shingles or other roof sheathing. It has been stated in the referenced literature that shading of a building by trees or other means can reduce indoor temperatures up to 20° F. (11° C.).

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof covering system comprising of a material or materials with a means of tying or securing edges; and a means of venting moisture from the roof structure; and a means of venting access wind to minimize stress on the securing system and the roof or building structure to which the cover is secured; and can be cut or customized to fit a specific shape or section of roof.

In use, the cover portions are secured to a roof in a way as to not interfere with the function of the gutter, vents, sky lights, chimneys, solar panels, and the like. This forms a heat reflective covering on the roof. The heat reflective portions overlie the roof, to shade respective portions of the roof. The preferred arrangement provides air and moisture passages through the heat reflector covered roof sections via slits, slots, holes, porosity of the material or film or the like.

The cover or sections of cover would be removed or retracted, folded or rolled, and stored in a bag, box, or an awning type container until needed.

The covers are preferably composed of recyclable porous materials, and/or reflective films with added UV inhibitors and flame retardant chemicals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 1 view of a structure with a one piece roof cover deployed;

FIG. 2 is a view of a structure where roof covers are deployed in sections;

FIG. 3 is a view of a structure where the roof cover has openings for dormers, customized dormer covers, and a magnified view of cut slits that act as vents to reduce wind stress on the cover and the roof.

FIG. 4 is a view of a structure with customized covering panels with cutouts for a chimney, skylight, and a plumbing vent along securing methods between panels, around the eves, and gutter.

FIG. 5 shows cover panels that wrap around the gutter with cutouts to allow water drainage into the gutters. The panels are secured below the gutter most preferably anchored directly to the eves or to a roller. Rollers can be situated on the top of the roof, on the sides of the roof, or in the eves of the structure. The rollers can be manually operated or motorized or both to deploy or retract roof covers.

FIG. 6 is a view of a printed or applied decoration to a roof cover. Decorations or the like can be applied to a cover or cover panels.

FIG. 7 is a view of a cover with edging applied as a decoration or as a means to block the sun from a portion of the structure or openings such as windows, doors or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a portion of a roof cover 10 is shown overlying the roof 12 of a building 14 to reduce the amount of heat from the sun that is transferred to the interior of the building via the roof 12. The cover 10 has been deployed on one or both sides of the roof. If trees shade one side of the roof the roof cover may only have to be deployed on one side of the structure. The cover does not have to blanket the entire roof.

As illustrated, FIG. 2 shows a number of cover sections 11 arranged side by side to shield one side of roof 12. FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrate that covers 10 and panels 11 have been customized or manufactured to have openings for dormers 13 or other protrusions from roof 12, where FIG. 3 shows smaller covers 15 on the dormers.

To provide good heat dissipating characteristics the roof cover can be perforated with cuts 16 as an example or can be very porous or both to allow air passage through the covered portion of the roof thereby cooling roof 12 and preventing the build-up of moisture in and on the roof. With the perforations 16, both air and water may flow through freely.

As illustrated, FIG. 4 shows that cover sections 11 can include a number of connecting means 17 to secure adjacent covers 11 relative to one another and other types of connecting means 18 to covers to building 14 when they are arranged in rows or singularly on roof 12.

The cover 10 or panels 11 are preferably composed of one or more materials. These materials may also include UV inhibitors to improve the resistance of the cover to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and flame retardants to prevent combustion from hot rooting materials exposed to the sun and chimney exhaust.

The covering is flexible to allow it to be retracted, or unsecured, from the roof and rolled-up, or folded for storage when not in use. FIG. 5 depicts a possible arrangement of the roof covering and a device or mechanism for its deployment, retraction, and storage.

In other alternative arrangements the roof cover may be attached to one or several rollers for ease of deployment and retraction from the roof. The roller can be manual, motorized, or both with the cover deployed from beneath the gutter, from upon the apex of the roof, or from the side of the roof or building structure or from the ground depending on the design of the roof.

As illustrated, FIG. 6 shows a decorated or printed roof covering if desired for aesthetic purposes or advertising. It should be noted that any colorations may reduce the reflective efficiency of the covering.

FIG. 7 depicts a designed component added to one or more edges of the covering system for aesthetic as well as functional purposes. It has been noted in literature that about 40% of unwanted heat that builds up in a house comes in through windows. Added designed parts can be used to shade windows and for other purposes. Decorations and design components can also be combined to achieve a desired appearance and desired functions.

It should be also understood that the roof cover system can also be used on structures with flat or slightly sloping roofs. The securing means may differ depending on the roof structure and the drainage system employed.

Temperature and wind indicators can be used with automated forms of this invention to automatically deploy or retract roof covers or cover panels.

While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roof covering composed of a white, light colored, metalized, or reflective metal coated surfaced film, woven, or non-woven, porous or non-porous material, or a combination thereof, and comprising:

a flat sheet with a means of securing all or some of the edges; and

a means of venting wind and moisture to minimize stress on the securing system and the structure to which the cover is secured; and

can be cut or customized to fit specific shapes, or sections of roof, skylights, chimneys, dormers, roof vents, other projections and the like; and

is preferably made out of but not limited to a reusable UV (ultraviolet) treated flame retardant reinforced fabric such as Tyvek* or similar spun bound tear resistant material; and

can be slightly lifted off of the roof with spacers, tubes, or other means to form an air space under the cover if desired; and

can be decorated, printed, painted and ornamented with customized edgings for decoration or advertising if desired.

2. A cover in accordance with claim 1 wherein the edge portions are affixed to a building or structure along one, or more sides including a means of securing other covers if desired; and

is configured to provide air movement though a multitude slits, slots, cuts, or holes to reduce stress on the roof structure by venting wind; and

can be secured to a roof structure in preparation for the hot seasons and removed in preparation for the cold seasons; and

has edge portions that include finishing films, materials or fabrics that protect the edges from the heat of exposed roofing shingles or panels; and

can be cut to expose existing roof vents, sky lights and chimneys; and

can be cut or customized to allow rain to flow or filter into gutters; and

can be retracted using electric motors, manually, or both through mechanical or manual means if desired.