Roof Ridge Vortex Suppressor Including Opposite-Facing Segments

Abstract

A roof ridge vortex suppressor may include a base portion configured to be attached to a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar first and second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge. An upright member may extend from the base portion and may be configured to extend generally vertically upward and away from the roof ridge. The upright member may include a plurality of perforations. First and second segments may extend away from the upright portion. The first segment may be configured to extend generally horizontally in a first direction, and the second segment may be configured to extend generally horizontally in a second direction facing opposite the first direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/360,668, filed Jul. 1, 2010, entitled “Roof Ridge Vortex Suppressor Including Opposite-Facing Segments,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a roof ridge vortex suppressor and a vortex suppressing system for mitigating wind-generated vortices and wind loads associated with pitched roofs.

BACKGROUND

Conventional building construction practices often include installing pitched roofs. Pitched roofs include sloped or angled surfaces that meet at a ridge. As used herein, the term “ridge” includes a generally horizontal ridge or a sloped ridge (sometimes called a hip).

In many instances, a pitched roof is susceptible to wind-induced damage at both its ridge and perimeter. Pitched roofs tend to generate strong wind vortices along the ridge and subject this area to severe upward suction loads resulting from wind-flows across the ridge. Additionally, the perimeter area of the roof may be damaged by wind-generated vortices and upward pressure loads resulting from wind-flows coming in contact with the roof perimeter and/or building surfaces positioned below the roof perimeter.

One way to mitigate wind-induced damage to a pitched roof is to structurally strengthen the roof by, for example, using more or better fasteners to connect portions of the roof to each other and to the walls or frames of a building. Although such structural strengthening may be well-suited for new construction, it may be costly and ill-suited for retrofits of existing buildings. Moreover, structural strengthening cannot always counteract the large forces resulting from high winds of, for example, hurricanes and blizzards. Thus, even structurally strengthened pitched roofs are sometimes severely damaged and/or blown off of buildings by wind-generated vortices and upward pressure loads resulting from wind.

The disclosed subject matter is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. In other words, these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

The present disclosure is related to a roof ridge vortex suppressor that may include a base portion configured to be attached to a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar first and second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge. The suppressor may include an upright portion extending from the base portion and being configured to extend generally vertically upward and away from the roof ridge. The upright portion may include a plurality of perforations. Additionally, a first segment may extend away from an upper part of the upright portion and may be configured to extend generally horizontally in a first direction, and a second segment may extend away from the upper part of the upright portion and may be configured to extend generally horizontally in a second direction facing opposite the first direction.

In another aspect of the disclosure, either or both of the first segment and the second segment may include perforations.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the perforations may define an open area in the upright portion, which is not less than about 35% of a total area of the upright portion.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a free end of at least one of the first segment and the second segment may include at least one of serrations and undulations.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, the base portion may include first and second base members, the first base member being configured to be attached to the first surface and the second base member being configured to be attached to the second surface. In this aspect, the upright portion may include first and second upright members, the first upright member may extend from first base member to the first segment, and the second upright member may extend from the second base member to the second segment.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the first base member, the first upright member, and the first segment may be integrally defined by a first single piece of material, and the second base member, the second upright member, and the second segment may be integrally defined by a second single piece of material.

In an even further aspect of the disclosure, an angle defined by the first upright member and the first base member may be substantially identical to an angle defined by the second upright member and the second base member.

In another aspect of the disclosure, each of the first upright member and the second upright member may have perforations, at least some of the perforations of the first upright member may be substantially aligned with at least some of the perforations of the second upright member.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a respective angle of about 90° may be defined by the upright portion and each of the first and second segments.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, the roof ridge vortex suppressor may be elongated such that a length of the roof ridge vortex suppressor extends in a length direction of the roof ridge.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a generally horizontal distance from the upright portion to a free edge of the first segment may be about 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance from the base portion to the first segment.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a generally horizontal distance from the upright portion to a free edge of the second segment may be about 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance from the base portion to the second segment.

In one more aspect of the disclosure, a vortex suppressing system may include the roof ridge vortex suppressor and a fascia member attached to a perimeter of the roof, the fascia member extending generally outwardly away from the perimeter of the roof and being generally curved to define a generally arch-shaped cross-sectional shape of an outer face of the fascia member.

In still another aspect of the disclosure, a vortex suppressing system may include the roof ridge vortex suppressor and a screen portion attached to a perimeter of the roof, the screen portion extending generally laterally outwardly away from the perimeter of the roof to a free end of the screen portion, at least part of a top surface of the screen portion being substantially coplanar with the first surface of the pitched roof.

Aside from the arrangement set forth above, the invention could include a number of other arrangements such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain some principles of the invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary vortex suppressing system associated with an exemplary pitched roof;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary roof ridge vortex suppressor of the vortex suppressing system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another exemplary roof ridge vortex suppressor;

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of an exemplary upright member of a roof ridge vortex suppressor;

FIG. 4B is a schematic view of another exemplary upright member having an exemplary top portion;

FIG. 4C is a schematic view of yet another exemplary upright member and top portion;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary fascia member of the vortex suppressing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary vortex suppressing system that includes two of the fascia members of FIG. 5 associated with the pitched roof of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary fascia member;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another alternative exemplary fascia member;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an exemplary windscreen of a vortex suppressing system;

FIG. 10A is a schematic view of an exemplary screen portion of a windscreen;

FIG. 10B is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary screen portion;

FIG. 10C is a schematic view of another alternative exemplary screen portion;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another alternative exemplary vortex suppressing system associated with the pitched roof of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary windscreen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

According to features and principles of the present disclosure, a vortex suppressing system may comprise a roof ridge vortex suppressor for attachment to a pitched roof at or near its ridge. It is contemplated that the vortex suppressing system may be arranged to mitigate wind-generated vortices and wind loads at or near the roof ridge. In some exemplary embodiments, the system may include the roof ridge vortex suppressor in combination with one or more perimeter vortex suppressors attached to the roof at or near its perimeter and arranged to mitigate wind-generated vortices and wind loads at or near the perimeter.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an exemplary building 100 may have a pitched roof 105, a first wall 110a, and a second wall 110b. For example, building 100 may be a residential, commercial, industrial, or other type of building. Regardless of the type of building 100, it is contemplated that pitched roof 105 may include a first sloped, generally planar surface 120a; a second, sloped generally planar surface 120b; a roof ridge 130; a peak 135; a gap 137; structural perimeter 150; bargeboards 155; trim members 157; rafters 160; sheathing 163; and vortex suppressing system 165. The sloped surfaces 120a, 120b, may be defined by a top face of a roof covering (e.g., shingles, tile pieces, metal, or other roof covering) that is normally exposed to natural elements (e.g., wind, rain, and sun). The sloped surfaces 120a, 120b may also define an angle θ. It is contemplated that angle θ is less than 180°, and generally in the range of 60° to 160°.

The sloped surfaces 120a, 120b intersect with one another at a roof ridge 130 of pitched roof 105. This intersecting of the surfaces may be direct or indirect. For example, sloped surfaces 120a and 120b may indirectly intersect with one another via a roof ridge cap 135 of roof ridge 130. Roof ridge cap 135 may overlap sloped surfaces 120a, 120b and may create a water tight seal along roof ridge 130. In embodiments where sloped surfaces 120a, 120b are indirectly joined by roof ridge cap 135, a gap 137 may be formed between sloped surfaces 120a, 120b at roof ridge 130. Roof ridge cap 135 optionally may include a vent (not shown) to provide venting for a building space, such as an attic, below the roof 105. In some instances, the roof ridge cap 135 may extend above the respective planes defined by the generally sloped surfaces 120a and 120b.

Whether or not roof ridge 130 includes roof ridge cap 135, each of sloped surfaces 120a, 120b may extend generally outwardly and slope generally downwardly from roof ridge 130. The sloped surfaces 120a, 120b may extend outwardly beyond a respective wall 110 of building 100 and possibly also extend outwardly beyond a structural perimeter 150 of pitched roof 105. Structural perimeter 150 comprises the outermost surfaces of the portions of pitched roof 105 that are positioned below sloped surfaces 120a, 120b. For example, these portions may include bargeboards 155, trim members 157, rafters 160, sheathing 163, or other portions of pitched roof 105 that are positioned below sloped surfaces 120a, 120b. It is contemplated that bargeboards 155, trim members 157, rafters 160, sheathing 163, or other portions of pitched roof 105 may be conventional building construction materials.

As mentioned above, sloped surfaces 120a, 120b may extend outwardly beyond respective walls 110. It should be understood, however, that sloped surfaces 120a, 120b need not extend outwardly beyond respective walls 110. For example, in some embodiments (not shown), sloped surface 120a or sloped surface 120b may extend outwardly from roof ridge 130 toward another roof ridge (not shown) or another wall (not shown).

Vortex suppressing system 165 may be associated with pitched roof 105 of building 100. Vortex suppressing system 165 may comprise roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 alone or in combination with one or more perimeter vortex suppressors 175. Roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may be positioned at or near roof ridge 130 and may be configured to reduce wind-generated vortices and loads in this area, consequently minimizing the risk of the roof 150 being damaged by high winds. Perimeter vortex suppressor 175 may be positioned along perimeter 150, and may be configured to reduce wind-generated vortices and loads in this area, thereby also minimizing the risk of roof damage caused by high winds. Although FIG. 1 illustrates vortex suppressing system 165 as including two different types of perimeter vortex suppressors 175 (fascia member 175a and windscreen 175b, described in more detail below), it should be understood that vortex suppressing system 165 may include only a single type of perimeter vortex suppressor 175. Moreover, some embodiments of vortex suppressing system 165 may include no perimeter vortex suppressors 175. It is contemplated, however, that combining roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 with one or more perimeter vortex suppressors 175 may maximize the mitigation of wind-generated vortices and wind loads potentially impacting roof 105, since vortices generated from roof ridge and from roof perimeter will both be mitigated such that the roof will be better protected from potential wind damage.

Roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may extend in generally the same direction as a length of roof ridge 130. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may include base portions 180a, 180b; fasteners 185; upright portion(s) 190, 190a, 190b; top portion 195; segments 195a, 195b; upper part 197, and free ends 205a, 205b.

Referring to FIG. 2, one or more base portions 180a, 180b (first base portion 180a and second base portion 180b) of the suppressor 170 may contact pitched roof 105 near roof ridge 130. Each of the base portion 180a, 180b may be shaped to generally conform to respective sloped surfaces 120a, 120b and may be attached to the respective sloped surfaces 120a, 120b using any form of fastening arrangement. Exemplary fastening arrangements may include adhesive, a nail, a screw, tape, a cleat, a wire, a clip, and/or other fastener. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, at least one respective fastener 185 may be used to attach each of base portions 180a, 180b to sloped surfaces 120a, 120b. However, it is contemplated that sloped surfaces 120a, 120b may alternatively be asymmetrical, and tailored for the specific configuration of roof 105 near ridge 130 and/or the prevailing wind direction.

Regardless of the type of fasteners 185 used, base portions 180a, 180b may be attached to sloped surfaces 120a, 120b in a manner that positions the base portions 180a, 180b above the respective sloped surfaces 120a, 120b without causing any substantial risk of water leakage through the sloped surfaces 120a, 120b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the suppressor 170 includes an upright portion 190 that extends away from the base portions 180a, 180b and in a generally vertical, upward direction when the base portions 180a, 180b is/are attached to the respective sloped surface 120a, 120b. An angle α, defined between upright portion 190 and first base portion 180a, may be substantially identical to an angle β, defined between upright portion 190 and second base portion 180b, as illustrated in FIG. 2. These angles are substantially equal to the sum of a right angle (90°) and the roof pitch angle. In this configuration roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may be substantially symmetric about a plane P bisecting an angle defined by sloped surfaces 120a, 120b at roof ridge 130, as illustrated in FIG. 2. It should be understood, however, that the layout and angular disposition of upright portion 190 and base portions 180a, 180b may vary based on, for example, the construction of pitched roof 105, whether building 100 is being retrofitted, or construction cost. It is contemplated that the substantially symmetrical configuration of roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may allow for reduction of wind-generated vortices without being significantly impacted by the particular wind direction. Nevertheless, since some pitched roofs may have different slopes across the ridge, it is contemplated that roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may alternatively be asymmetrical and tailored for the different slopes.

As also illustrated in FIG. 2, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may further comprise a top portion 195 provided at an upper part 197 of upright portion 190. When the suppressor 190 is attached to roof 105, top portion 195 may extend generally horizontally. As illustrated in FIG. 2, top portion 195 may comprise a first segment 195a, extending generally horizontally in a first direction from upper part 197 of upright portion 190 to a first free end 205a of first segment 195a, and a second segment 195b, extending generally horizontally in a second direction facing opposite the first direction to a second free end 205b of second segment 195b. First segment 195a is located above sloped surface 120a and second segment 195b is located above sloped surface 120b. In some embodiments, upright portion 190 and each of first segment 195a and second segment 195b form a respective angle of about 90°. The range of the angle, however, may generally fall within 30° to 165°. It should be understood, however, that the layout and angular disposition of upright portion 190 and top portion 195 may vary based on, for example, the construction of pitched roof 105, whether building 100 is being retrofitted, or construction cost. Additionally, a generally horizontal distance from upright portion 190 to first free end 205a may be in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance along upright member 190 from base portions 180a, 180b to first segment 195a. Similarly, a generally horizontal distance from upright portion 190 to second free end 205b may be in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance along upright member 190 from base portions 180a, 180b to second segment 195b. For example, these distances may fall within a range of about 2 cm to about for the segments 195a, 195b, and a range of about 5 cm to 30 cm for the upright portion 190. It should be understand, however, that these distances are exemplary only and may vary.

It is contemplated that roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may comprise a single, unitary piece of material integrally defining base portions 180a, 180b, upright portion 190, and top portion 195. For example, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may be made of a unitary piece of any durable material that provides mechanical strength and stiffness sufficient to sustain high winds and other weather elements over time. These include, but are not limited to sheet metal, acrylic, fiberglass or carbon-fiber reinforced composite materials, and extrusion molded materials. Alternatively, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may comprise separate pieces (e.g., separate base portions 180a, 180b, upright portion 190, and top portion 195) joined together.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, upright portion 190 may comprise a first upright member 190a extending in a generally vertical direction from first base member 180a to first segment 195a and a second upright member 190b extending in a generally vertical direction from second base member 180b to second segment 195b. It is contemplated that first base member 180a, first upright member 190a, and first segment 195a may be defined by a first unitary piece of material and that second base member 180b, second upright member 190b, and second segment 195b may be defined by a second unitary piece of material, separate from the first piece of material. Although FIG. 3 illustrates the upright members 190a, 190b being slightly spaced apart, the upright members 190a, 190b could either be in direct contact with one another (e.g., joined together along the upright members 190a, 190b) or spaced apart further than the spacing shown in FIG. 3.

It is contemplated that roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may be configured to alter wind flow at or near roof ridge 130. For example, referring now to FIGS. 4A-C, regardless of whether upright portion 190, 190a, 190b comprises a single upright portion 190 or multiple members 190a, 190b, the upright portion 190, 190a, 190b may have perforations 200, which may act to generally reduce vortices of wind flowing over the roof ridge 130. In embodiments including first upright portion 190a and second upright portion 190b, perforations 200 of first upright portion 190a may substantially align with perforations 200 of second upright portion 190b. Perforations 200 may equalize pressure across the upright portion 190, 190a, 190b above the roof ridge 130 through a bleeding or venting effect of wind flow, thereby preventing vortices from forming around and behind the upright portion 190, 190a, 190b. In addition, the upright portion 190, 190a, 190b having perforations 200 may break down the wind flow across the roof ridge 130 to small and unorganized eddies, may increase wind flow entrainment, and may lead to dissipation of kinetic energy.

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of upright portion 190, 190a, 190b having perforations 200. It should be understood, however, that the layout, shapes, and sizes of perforations 200 may vary based on, for example, aesthetic considerations, and/or manufacturing costs. It is contemplated the total open surface area defined by the perforations 200 is not less than 35% of a total area of upright portion 190, 190a, 190b (the surface area defined by the material of the upright portion 190, 190a, 190b, not including the open surface area of the perforations). As shown in FIG. 4A, segment 195a, 195b lack perforation and has a generally straight outer facing free end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, either first segment 195a, second segment 195b, or both may have a respective free end 205a, 205b including serrations or undulations 210, which may be semi-circular (referring to FIG. 4B) or triangular (referring to FIG. 4C). Alternatively, serrations or undulations 210 may be square, semi-elliptical, or other shapes. Although all serrations or undulations 210 may be the same size and shape, it is contemplated that some embodiments may include serrations or undulations 210 of varying size and/or shape. Moreover, it is contemplated that a layout of serrations or undulations 210 may also vary. For example, serrations or undulations 210 having different shapes could be laid out in a particular order or could be randomly distributed along free ends 205a, 205b. It is contemplated that serrations or undulations 210 may disorganize air flow over free ends 205a, 205b, thereby mitigating wind-generated vortices and wind loads near roof ridge 130. Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, perforations 200 may be defined in either first segment 195a, second segment 195b, or both.

As previously discussed, vortex suppressing system 165 may also include a fascia member 175a. As illustrated in FIG. 5, fascia member 175a may be attached to perimeter 150 via a fastening arrangement including, for example, adhesive, a nail, a screw, tape, a cleat, a wire, a clip, and/or other fastener. Fascia member 175a extends generally outwardly away from perimeter 150 and may be hollow or solid. Fascia member 175a may have an outer face 400 with a generally arch-shaped cross-section, and may be positioned adjacent to sloped surface 120a. Specifically, a topmost portion 405 of outer face 400 may be positioned adjacent to an edge 410 of sloped surface 120a and spaced slightly outward from the edge 410 so that the topmost portion 405 and edge 410 define a gap. Such positioning may allow rainwater to flow from the sloped surface 120a into the gap and then into a channel 412 defined by the fascia member 175a below the gap. In addition, the topmost portion 405 may extend vertically no higher than the plane defined by the sloped surface 120a. It is contemplated that the shape of outer face 400 may alter wind flow near structural perimeter 150, and thereby mitigate wind-generated vortices and wind loads near structural perimeter 150.

Although the position of fascia member 175a has been described with reference to sloped surface 120a, it should be understood that fascia member 175a may alternatively or additionally be positioned adjacent to sloped surface 120a (referring to FIG. 1). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, fascia member 175a could extend at least partially along more than one side of perimeter 150, and be positioned adjacent to multiple sloped, generally planar surfaces 120a, 120b of pitched roof 105.

Regardless of the positioning of fascia member 175a, it is contemplated that outer face 400 may be generally curved, but may include substantially flat portions 415 (referring to FIG. 7) and/or step portions 420 (referring to FIG. 8). Substantially flat portions 415 and step portions 420 may be visually appealing, and may be sized so as to avoid altering the functionality of fascia member 175a. For example, substantially flat portions 415 may be sized and positioned such that 180°−α, where α is an angle between two adjacent portions 415, never exceeds 55°. And, generally vertical parts 425 of step portions 420 may be sized such that their vertical heights do not exceed 25% of the total vertical height H of fascia member 175a. These arrangements, as taught herein, may generate small-scale eddies or turbulences that help mitigate generation or formation of larger scale roof edge vortices, which are the main cause of severe uplift wind loads on a roof near roof edges and are what the present invention is intended to mitigate.

As previously discussed, instead of or in addition to fascia member 175a, vortex suppressing system 165 may include a windscreen 175b. As illustrated in FIG. 9, windscreen 175b may include mounting portion(s) 430, a screen portion 435, and an intermediate channel portion 440 joining mounting portion(s) 430 to screen portion 435.

Mounting portion(s) 430, which may be shaped to conform to perimeter 150, may be attached to perimeter 150 by any type of fastening arrangement, which may include, for example, adhesive, a nail, a screw, tape, a cleat, a wire, a clip, and/or other fastener. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, fasteners 445 may be used to attach mounting portion(s) 430 to perimeter 150.

Regardless of how mounting portion(s) 430 is/are attached to perimeter 150, it is contemplated that windscreen 175b may be positioned such that the screen portion 435 extends generally laterally and outwardly away from perimeter 150 with at least a portion of screen portion 435 being substantially coplanar with sloped surface 120b of pitched roof 105. For example, a part of top surface 450 of screen portion 435 may be substantially coplanar with sloped surface 120b, and may extend from intermediate channel portion 440 to a free end 455 of screen portion 435. It is contemplated that an end part of screen portion 435, which includes free end 455, may bend and/or extend generally downward from the plane defined by sloped surface 120b. Alternatively, the end part of screen portion 435 may be substantially coplanar with sloped surface 120b.

Screen portion 435 is configured to alter wind flow near perimeter 150. For example, screen portion 435 may include perforations 460 (referring to FIG. 10A), serrations 465 (referring to FIG. 10B), or both perforations 460 and serrations 465 (referring to FIG. 10C).

FIG. 10A illustrates one embodiment including perforations 460. It should be understood, however, that the layout, shapes, and sizes of perforations 460 may vary based on, for example, aesthetic considerations, and/or manufacturing costs. The open area of the screen portion 435, i.e., the entire area occupied by the open space of the perforations 460 as compared to the total area of top surface 450 (including the solid surface area and the area occupied by the open space of the perforations 460), from about 25% to about 75%, e.g., from about 35% to about 65%, and preferably about 50%. It is contemplated that pressures on opposite surfaces of screen portion 435 may equalize via perforations 460, thereby mitigating wind-generated vortices and wind loads near structural perimeter 150.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10B and 10C, free end 455 may include serrations 465, which may be semi-circular (referring to FIG. 10B) or triangular (referring to FIG. 10C). Alternatively, serrations 465 may be square, semi-elliptical, or other shapes. Although all serrations 465 of free end 455 may be the same size and shape, it is contemplated that some embodiments may include serrations 465 of varying size and/or shape. Moreover, it is contemplated that a layout of serrations 465 may also vary. For example, serrations 465 having different shapes could be laid out in a particular order or could be randomly distributed along free end 455. It is contemplated that serrations 465 may disorganize air flow over free end 455, thereby mitigating wind-generated vortices and wind loads near perimeter 150.

As previously discussed, mounting portion(s) 430 and screen portion 435 may be joined by intermediate channel portion 440. As illustrated in FIG. 9, intermediate channel portion 440 may be generally “V” shaped. Upon installation of windscreen 175b, it is contemplated that the “V” shape may be oriented with its opening facing generally upwards. Further, it is contemplated that intermediate channel portion 440 may be positioned adjacent to edge 470 of sloped surface 120b, and below a gap defined by the edge 470 and an inner end 472 of the screen portion 435. Such positioning may allow rainwater to flow from sloped surface 120b, into the gap and then into channel portion 440. In some embodiments, drain holes (not shown) may be provided in channel portion 440. It is contemplated that channel portion 440 may protect an underside of sloped surface 120b at or near edge 470 from upward wind flow and pressure.

Although the position of windscreen 175b has been described with reference to sloped surface 120b, it should be understood that windscreen 175b may alternatively or additionally be positioned adjacent to sloped surface 120a (referring to FIG. 1). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, windscreen 175b could extend at least partially along more than one side of perimeter 150, and windscreen 175b could be positioned adjacent to multiple sloped, generally planar surfaces 120a, 120b of pitched roof 105.

Some embodiments of windscreen 175b may not include intermediate channel portion 440. In these embodiments, mounting portion(s) 430 may be joined directly to screen portion 435, as illustrated in FIG. 12, and an innermost part 475 of screen portion 435 may be positioned slightly below sloped surfaces 120a, 120b at or near edges 410, 470. Such positioning may allow rainwater to flow off of sloped surfaces 120a, 120b, onto screen portion 435, and off of building 100.

Regardless of what roof ridge vortex suppressors 170 and perimeter vortex suppressors 175 that vortex suppressing system 165 includes, it is contemplated that vortex suppressing system 165 may be installed during initial construction of building 100 and/or during a retrofit of a previously constructed building 100 at some later date. In either case, for example, roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may be installed over roof ridge 130 to suppress wind-generated vortices and wind loads near roof ridge 130. In particular, the installation of roof ridge vortex suppressor 170 may include attaching base portions 180a, 180b to sloped surfaces 120a, 120b, respectively, using any of the fastening arrangements discussed above. Alternatively or additionally, and before or after the installation of roof ridge vortex suppressor 170, fascia member 175a and/or windscreen 175b may be installed to suppress wind-generated vortices and wind loads near perimeter 150. For example, the installation of fascia member 175a and/or windscreen 175b may include attaching fascia member 175a and/or windscreen 175b to perimeter 150 using any of the fastening arrangements discussed above.

It is contemplated that the installation of vortex suppressing system 165 may redefine the exterior shape of pitched roof 105. The redefined shape may prevent accelerated wind-flows across roof ridge 130 and/or perimeter 150. Such modification of the wind-flows may prevent and/or reduce the strength of wind vortices and/or wind loads near roof ridge 130 and/or perimeter 150, thereby minimizing cyclic loads on components of roof 105 resulting from recurring winds, and reducing the chances of damage due to material fatigue.

The embodiments and aspects of the disclosure described above are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. Other embodiments consistent with features and principles are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments including features disclosed in the figures of, and in column 3, line 39, to column 4, line 45; column 4, line 62, to column 5, line 17; and column 5, line 40, to column 6, line 12, of U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,618, which are incorporated herein by reference, are included in the scope of the present invention. Additionally, embodiments including features disclosed in the figures of, and in paragraphs [0025]-[0029] and [0031]-[0033] of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0016130, which are incorporated herein by reference, are included in the scope of the present invention.

In the foregoing description, various features are grouped together for purposes of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects may relate to fewer than all features of any particular embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A roof ridge vortex suppressor, comprising:

a base portion configured to be attached to a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar first and second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge;

an upright portion extending from the base portion and being configured to extend generally vertically upward and away from the roof ridge, the upright portion including a plurality of perforations;

a first segment extending away from an upper part of the upright portion and being configured to extend generally horizontally in a first direction; and

a second segment extending away from the upper part of the upright portion and being configured to extend generally horizontally in a second direction facing opposite the first direction.

2. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first segment and the second segment includes perforations.

3. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein an open area defined by the upright portion is not less than about 35% of a total area of the upright portion.

4. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein a free end of at least one of the first segment and the second segment includes at least one of serrations and undulations.

5. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein:

the base portion includes first and second base members, the first base member being configured to be attached to the first surface and the second base member being configured to be attached to the second surface; and

the upright portion includes first and second upright members, the first upright member extending from first base member to the first segment, and the second upright member extending from the second base member to the second segment.

6. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 5, wherein the first base member, the first upright member, and the first segment are integrally defined by a first single piece of material, and wherein the second base member, the second upright member, and the second segment are integrally defined by a second single piece of material.

7. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 5, wherein an angle defined by the first upright member and the first base member is substantially identical to an angle defined by the second upright member and the second base member.

8. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 5, wherein each of the first upright member and the second upright member has perforations, and wherein perforations of the first upright member are substantially aligned with perforations of the second upright member.

9. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein a respective angle of about 90° is defined by the upright portion and each of the first and second segments.

10. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein the roof ridge vortex suppressor is elongated such that a length of the roof ridge vortex suppressor extends in a length direction of the roof ridge.

11. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein a generally horizontal distance from the upright portion to a free edge of the first segment is about 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance from the base portion to the first segment.

12. The roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1, wherein a generally horizontal distance from the upright portion to a free edge of the second segment is about 0.2 to 1.0 times a generally vertical distance from the base portion to the second segment.

13. A vortex suppressing system associated with a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar first and second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge, the vortex suppressing system comprising:

a fascia member attached to a perimeter of the roof adjacent to an edge of at least the first surface, the fascia member extending generally outwardly away from the perimeter of the roof and being generally curved to define a generally arch-shaped cross-sectional shape of an outer face of the fascia member; and

the roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1.

14. A vortex suppressing system associated with a pitched roof having sloped, generally planar first and second surfaces intersecting with one another at a roof ridge, the vortex suppressing system comprising:

a screen portion attached to a perimeter of the roof adjacent to an edge of at least the first surface, the screen portion extending generally laterally outwardly away from the perimeter of the roof to a free end of the screen portion, at least part of a top surface of the screen portion being substantially coplanar with the first surface of the pitched roof; and

the roof ridge vortex suppressor of claim 1.