ROOFING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF
Roofing systems, articles, and methods are discussed herein that can incorporate multiple features, including energy saving features. Ventilation and wind uplift resistance can be provided by features incorporated into roofing units described herein. Other features described herein can provide for easy positioning of roofing units, or allow spacing for thermal expansion. Features of the roofing units can facilitate the removal and replacement of damaged parts.
This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/403,715, filed on Sep. 20, 2010, entitled “Ventilated Interlocking Roof System with Wind Uplift Resistance and Being Removable” and mailed Sep. 20, 2010, under Express Mail label number ED 341782132US, signed Sep. 19, 2010, and received Sep. 21, 2010. The entirety of the above-noted application is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDOf all components of building structure, none is as problematic as the roof. The problems are daunting: UV degradation, wide temperature deviation, rain, sleet, hale, snow, and ice. These weather conditions cause thermal expansion, leaks and material degradation. Mechanical challenges include wind, snow load, occasional movement of the earth, fire, and the possibility of unknown projectiles. Yet the most significant commercial factor is cost, both in labor and materials.
Roofing systems that purport to solve one problem often are offset by the creation of a different problem, and can lead to increased material costs, or more complex, time consuming and costly installation. In many situations, material may be breakable or not walkable, and may have insufficient wind resistance, poor resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or degrade relatively rapidly. Additionally, with many roofing systems, replacement of a damaged tile necessitates removal and replacement of the entire row, increasing maintenance costs.
Further, many traditional roofing materials such as clay, slate, asphalt, etc. have limited recyclability and can contribute additional waste to the environment when removed or replaced.
SUMMARYThe following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the innovation or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a roofing system. The roofing system can include at least one starter that can include one or more first attachment mechanisms (e.g., tee slots, etc.). Additionally, the system can include at least one roofing unit that can include one or more first attachment mechanisms and one or more second attachment mechanisms (e.g., bosses, etc.). Each of the second attachment mechanisms can be configured to attach with any of the first attachment mechanisms.
In other aspects, the innovation can comprise a method that includes the act of securing one or more starters to a roof. Each starter can include one or more tee slots. The method can also include the act of securing one or more roofing units to a roof. Each roofing unit can include one or more tee slots and one or more bosses. Additionally, the method can include the act of engaging each of the one or more bosses with one of the one or more tee slots.
In accordance with one embodiment discussed herein, the innovation can include a roofing unit (e.g., roofing tile, shingle, etc.) that can be at least one of ventilated or interlocking with other similar units. Optionally, roofing units discussed herein can provide resistance to wind uplift in addition to other features and advantages discussed herein. Moreover, these roofing units can be readily replaceable.
In aspects, the exposed surface of roofing units of the subject innovation can be highly reflective of sunlight and can be easily cleaned by normal rainfall. Features discussed herein can contribute to this, including an optional smooth matte surface. Rain channels can be added across the surface (e.g., diagonal channels, curved channels, etc.), which can provide multiple features, such as cleaning (e.g., the rain channels can act as waterways, moving rain water and foreign particles to the gutters), as well as aesthetic options, such as the ability to customize the appearance of the roofing units. Moreover, although installers need to exercise caution in conditions where dew is on the roof (this is always true with any system), the addition of rain channels (e.g., diagonal, etc.) can give the installer an edge to step on, although some conditions will require caution.
Another advantage of embodiments of the subject innovation is increased resistance to wind uplift (e.g., via a mechanical attachment mechanism, etc.). In aspects, this increased wind resistance can be accomplished via an attachment (e.g., by a boss on the bottom of the overlapping unit which is engaged with (e.g., via a tee slot, etc.) in the adjoining under-lapped unit.
In aspects, systems, methods, and articles discussed herein can employ a method of attachment to the substrate which enables removal of individual units in the event of damage (or other reasons for replacement, as discussed herein, etc.). In one embodiment, tines at the upper area of the unit can be used as the location of fasteners which secure the unit to the substrate. The open ends of the tines can permit easy removal of the unit, while still retaining the wind resistance and other advantages discussed herein.
Aspects of the subject innovation can be used to permit daylight entry into the building structure, for example by manufacturing a section of units from a translucent or transparent material (e.g., a resin, polymer, etc.) to created a day-lighted section. As discussed further herein, ceiling structures under the day-lighted section can be framed to accommodate light entry into the building, which can occur without penetrating the roofing units, thereby providing the advantages of natural lighting (e.g., via a skylight) with other advantages discussed herein (e.g., wind resistance, ease of installation and repair, etc.).
Additionally, embodiments of the subject innovation can be designed to accommodate thermal expansion of a plurality of roofing units. A gap to accommodate thermal expansion can be incorporated into the shape, and the alignment of other portions of the roofing unit (e.g., the bosses and tee slots) can assure the appropriate gap is maintained.
Further, the roofing units discussed herein can provide the option to customize the appearance of a roof or other structure comprising the roofing units. For example, the location of bosses and tee slots can allow for engagement of overlapping units at a range (e.g., ¼, ⅓ or ½, etc.) of the lateral distance of the under-lapped unit. The ability to select the extent of overlap, coupled with the rain channels (or other patterning, treatment, etc. of the surface) can provide a number of different appearances, such as geometric patterns, non-repeating appearances, etc. For example, if diagonal channels are used, a ¼ overlap can cause the rain channels to give a diamond appearance, while a ½ overlap can creates a herringbone appearance.
In aspects of the roofing systems, methods, and articles discussed herein, the roof facing surface or bottom of the system can be ventilating, thereby increasing life of the system and reducing heat gain in the attic. Moreover, this feature can be used in combination with others discussed herein, such that a single roofing unit can provide: ventilation, alignment, self cleaning, solar reflectivity, wind up-lift resistance, ease of replaceability, appearance customizability, daylight accommodation, and energy efficiency, along with other advantages that will be apparent to a person of skill in the art in light of the teachings herein. These roofing units can be interconnected as described herein and overlapped to form an efficient roofing system.
To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation can be employed and the subject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the innovation.
In aspects, the innovation includes systems, methods, and articles that can provide roofing systems with numerous advantages, such as improved wind resistance, ventilation, ease of installation and replacement, enhanced lifespan, and other features and advantages discussed herein.
Turning to the figures,
While, for purposes of illustration, example roofing units (as well as starters, drip edges, and other aspects of the innovation in the following discussion) is shown simultaneously incorporating multiple innovative features discussed herein, it is to be appreciated that various embodiments could incorporate only some or all of the features discussed herein. Additionally, while specific choices were made (e.g., diagonal channels, patterning for ventilation, dimensions, etc.) in order to illustrate an example for purposes of the following discussion, other options such as those discussed herein and those that would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein are also possible and included within the innovation discussed herein.
Referring now to
Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the innovative methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
The illustrated aspects of the innovation may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.
Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
With reference again to
The system bus 1708 can be any of several types of bus structure that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1706 includes read-only memory (ROM) 1710 and random access memory (RAM) 1712. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory 1710 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer 1702, such as during start-up. The RAM 1712 can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
The computer 1702 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1714 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1714 may also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1716, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette 1718) and an optical disk drive 1720, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1722 or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1714, magnetic disk drive 1716 and optical disk drive 1720 can be connected to the system bus 1708 by a hard disk drive interface 1724, a magnetic disk drive interface 1726 and an optical drive interface 1728, respectively. The interface 1724 for external drive implementations includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of the subject innovation.
The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer 1702, the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and further, that any such media may contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods of the innovation.
A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1712, including an operating system 1730, one or more application programs 1732, other program modules 1734 and program data 1736. All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1712. It is appreciated that the innovation can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.
A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1702 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1738 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1740. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 1704 through an input device interface 1742 that is coupled to the system bus 1708, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.
A monitor 1744 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 1708 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1746. In addition to the monitor 1744, a computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
The computer 1702 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1748. The remote computer(s) 1748 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer 1702, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1750 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1752 and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1754. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which may connect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1702 is connected to the local network 1752 through a wired and/or wireless communication network interface or adapter 1756. The adapter 1756 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1752, which may also include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter 1756.
When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1702 can include a modem 1758, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN 1754, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 1754, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1758, which can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1708 via the serial port interface 1742. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1702, or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1750. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.
The computer 1702 is operable to communicate with any wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11(a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.
Systems, methods and articles of the subject innovation provide multiple potential advantages in various embodiments. For example, ventilation can be incorporated into the design of the roofing units, obviating the need for multiple layers that are necessary to add ventilation in prior systems. Cost savings can thus accrue from both labor and material. Additionally, a matte surface that is highly reflective of solar radiation can be readily applied to roofing units of the subject innovation, which (alone or when coupled with ventilation) can greatly reduce heat entry into the attic of the structure. Moreover, the surface can be patterned to include rain channels as described herein, such that rain more freely flows without trapping particles as in a granular roof, resulting in a cleaner roof as compared with conventional systems. These features can contribute to a cool roof rating being maintained much longer than with prior systems.
In other aspects, the inclusion of attachment mechanism (e.g., the mechanism of interlocking the bosses with tee slots, etc.) can greatly enhance wind uplift resistance. The attachment mechanism described herein (e.g., the interlocking boss and tee slot mechanism) is very fast to install due to the guiding mechanism (e.g., declivities), which facilitate easy locating and positioning of roofing units.
Moreover, as described herein, in the event of damage to a roofing unit (or other reasons necessitating replacement), it can be removed without requiring removal of any other roofing units. In other aspects, translucent or transparent roofing units can be used to constructs skylights by laying these translucent or transparent units in a pattern and framing the area underneath.
Additionally, systems, methods, and articles of the subject innovation can use recycled materials (e.g., recycled plastics, recycled aluminum, etc.) for construction of roofing units, spacers, and other articles disclosed herein. Materials of construction used to construct these articles may be any acceptable composite that has sufficient UV resistance to degradation. The use of recycled materials for fabrication of articles of the subject innovation can reduce the environmental impact of roofing, providing a green alternative to conventional systems.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPEAccordingly the reader will see that, in various embodiments, systems, methods, and articles are provided that have numerous advantages over conventional systems in terms of construction, wind resistance, reduced cost in labor and materials, as well as the ability to minimize the impact on the environment. Multiple advantageous and innovative features disclosed herein can be incorporated into a single roofing unit, or into a single roof comprising one or more of roofing units such as those disclosed herein, starters such as those disclosed herein, or drip edges such as those disclosed herein.
Further, systems, methods, and articles of the subject innovation comprise multiple features or aspects that can have a positive environmental impact in the following ways. For example, material may be at least partially composed of recycled plastics, metals, etc. Ventilation channels can be included in the roofing units, which will have a cooling effect in the attic, thereby reducing air conditioning load and its corresponding environmental impact. Additionally, solar reflectance will be higher than conventional roofs and may be considerably higher, depending on selection of materials and properties (e.g., color, finish, etc.). Also, in some aspects, the non-toxic roof can be utilized to allow the collection of rain water, which can be used for a variety of purposes.
Systems, methods, and articles of the subject innovation, in various aspects, provide numerous advantages and features not present in conventional systems. For example, a mechanical hold down near the front edge (e.g., via an attachment mechanism, such as the boss and tee slot, etc.) can give very high wind uplift resistance. Additionally, attachment mechanism discussed herein, such as the locator bosses and tee slots, can allow for quick installation and accurate alignment. Further, gaps can be incorporated into the alignment of the roofing units discussed herein, and thus can provide for thermal expansion between roofing units. Moreover, in aspects, the method of securing the roofing units can enable the removal of single roofing units in the event of damage, without necessitating the removal of adjacent roofing units. Replacement of a single roofing unit can also be easily accomplished by means of the features and methods discussed herein for securing and fastening roofing units.
Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teaching of the various embodiments and aspects discussed herein. For example, since different pigments may be used, this system may be manufactured in a variety of colors. Translucent colors may be used for applications involving commercial awnings.
In other words, what has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
Claims
1. A roofing system, comprising:
- at least one starter that comprises one or more first attachment mechanisms; and
- at least one roofing unit that comprises one or more first attachment mechanisms and one or more second attachment mechanisms, wherein each of the second attachment mechanisms is configured to attach with any of the first attachment mechanisms.
2. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the first attachment mechanisms are tee slots, the second attachment mechanisms are bosses configured to engage with any of the tee slots.
3. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one roofing units further comprises one or more guidance mechanisms that aligns the one or more first attachment mechanisms with the one or more second attachment mechanisms.
4. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one starter and the at least one roofing each comprise an underside, wherein the underside comprises patterning defining one or more ventilation channels.
5. The roofing system of claim 4, wherein the underside of each of the at least one roofing units comprises an offset inner edge and an outer edge, wherein each of the inner edges is configured to align with each of the outer edges.
6. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one roofing units comprises rain channels configured to direct water from the at least one roofing unit.
7. The roofing system of claim 1, further comprising a drip edge, wherein the drip edge facilitates alignment of the at least one starter.
8. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one starter or the at least one roofing unit comprises recycled material.
9. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one roofing unit comprises a matte finish.
10. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one roofing unit comprises a plurality of tines that facilitate at least one of installation or removal of the at least one roofing unit.
11. A method, comprising:
- securing one or more starters to a roof, wherein each starter comprises one or more tee slots;
- securing one or more roofing units to a roof, wherein each roofing unit comprises one or more tee slots and one or more bosses; and
- engaging each of the one or more bosses with one of the one or more tee slots.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein securing the one or more roofing units comprises creating one or more ventilation channels, wherein the one or more ventilation channels are created based at least in part on a pattern on an underside of a subset of the one or more roofing units.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein securing the one or more roofing units comprises applying one or more fasteners through tines of each of the one or more roofing units.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising aligning the one or more starters with a drip edge.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein securing the one or more roofing units comprises aligning an offset inner edge of each of the one or more roofing units with an outer edge, wherein the outer edge is one or more of an outer edge of another of the one or more roofing units or an outer edge of one of the one or more starters.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more roofing units comprise at least one translucent or transparent roofing unit, and securing the one or more roofing units comprises creating a skylight based at least in part on arranging the one or more translucent or transparent roofing unit.
17. A method, comprising:
- breaking one or more bosses that secure a first roofing unit to a lower unit below the first roofing unit, wherein the first roofing unit is secured to an upper roofing unit above the first roofing unit, and wherein the first roofing unit is secured to a roof by one or more fasteners;
- detaching the first roofing unit from the upper unit; and
- removing the first roofing unit by pulling the first roofing unit outward.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein detaching the first roofing unit from the upper unit comprises:
- pulling the first roofing unit outward; and
- lifting the upper unit until one or more upper bosses of the upper unit are free of the first roofing unit.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein removing the first roofing unit comprises sliding the first roofing unit outward until each of the one or more fasteners are free of a tined portion of the first roofing unit.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
- sliding a portion of a second roofing unit under the one or more fasteners;
- aligning one or more upper bosses of the upper unit with one or more tee slots of the second roofing unit; and
- securing the second roofing unit, wherein securing the second roofing unit comprises resetting the one or more fasteners.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 19, 2011
Publication Date: Mar 22, 2012
Inventors: Michael J. Thompson (Westerville, OH), Allen E. Preuss (Piqua, OH), Fredrick R. Schneider (Piqua, OH), Brian A. Pierson (Santa Cruz, CA), James J. Pingor (Cleveland, OH)
Application Number: 13/236,128
International Classification: E04D 13/04 (20060101); E04B 1/38 (20060101); E04B 7/00 (20060101); E04D 1/34 (20060101); E04B 1/70 (20060101);