ICE BACKING FLASHING SYSTEM
An ice backing flashing layer for a roof including an upper portion attachable to an upper surface of the roof, a lower portion attachable to a fascia portion of the roof, and a bend between the upper and lower portions attachable over an edge of the roof. A roofing system including a first underlayment layer and the ice backing flashing layer adjacent to and above the first underlayment layer. The roof system optionally including at least one of a second underlayment layer adjacent to and above the upper portion of the ice backing flashing layer, a drip edge layer adjacent to and above the second underlayment layer, or a third underlayment layer adjacent to and above the drip edge.
The present invention relates to a preventative roofing system. More specifically, a roofing system which prevents damage to roofs, eaves, and the structures below caused by ice backing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is well known that both ice damming and ice backing can cause significant damage to homes, particularly roofs, in the United States.
The present invention relates to inhibiting and preventing ice backing, the process by which ice grows upward from an existing ice dam and works its way into the gap between the fascia and upper surface or sheathing of the roof, or underneath the roof eaves, shingles/tiles, and fascia of roofs, causing them to separate and crack. When temperatures rise above freezing, ice melt water begins to seep underneath the protective outer layers of the roof. Consequently, once temperatures reach freezing again, the ice continues to grow into the cracks it formed causing water damage, leaks and mold. This process can repeat daily, or several times a day, depending on the weather conditions and/or sun exposure to the roof.
Aside from the physical damage, there are significant costs associated with ice backing. According to an article published on telegram.com in February 2015, titled “How Much Will Snow Damage Cost?,” winter roof damage costs insurance companies a minimum of one billion dollars per year, a cost which has been steadily on the rise since 2013. Most of the damage to roofs from snow results from ice dams.
Some solutions to this problem have been envisioned, such as electrically heated warming panels. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,526 to Taouil discloses a de-icing panel that contains a plurality of channels through which electrical heating elements are dispersed. Although this solution can prevent ice damage to roofs, it is costly, not user-friendly, requires electrical components and wiring, and still requires the separate installation of heating elements to be functional.
Additionally, the existing products, while intended towards the prevention of ice formation, they are not intended to protect damage resultant from ice buildup and ice backing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTherefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and cost-effective roofing system which inhibits ice backing and associated damage to the roofing structure. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a roofing system which prevents ice damage (i.e., ice backing) from occurring without utilizing an electrical framework.
These and other objects are achieved by providing an Ice Backing Flashing system (hereinafter, the “IBF system”) which is comprised of an IBF layer to prevent ice backflow, the process where ice grows underneath the eaves and into the underside of the roof. As such, this system effectively eliminates the ability for ice to work its way back into the roof through the shingles/tiles, eaves and fascia.
In one aspect of the invention, the IBF layer includes an upper portion attachable to an upper surface or sheathing of a roof, a lower portion attachable to a fascia portion of the roof, and a bend between the upper and lower portions attachable over an edge of the roof. The IBF layer may be provided by itself or layered together with a plurality of underlayment layers. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a roofing system is provided including a first underlayment layer and the IBF layer adjacent to and above the first underlayment layer, the ice back flashing layer including an upper portion attachable to an upper surface of a roof, a lower portion attachable to a fascia portion of the roof, and a bend between the upper and lower portions attachable over an edge of the roof. In some embodiments, the system includes a second underlayment layer adjacent to and above the upper portion of the ice back flashing layer, a drip edge layer adjacent to and above the second underlayment layer, and/or a third underlayment layer adjacent to and above the drip edge.
In some embodiments, an adhesive underlayment is already attached to the IBF layer, thereby simplifying installation of the roofing system. In other embodiments, the adhesive underlayment is separate from the IBF layer, providing more flexibility and control in the installation process and choice of materials.
In some embodiments, it is preferable that at least some of the underlayment layers are heat resistant and can withstand various weather conditions/the changing seasons, otherwise the underlayment layers are prone to melting in the heat and cracking in the cold.
In some embodiments, the upper portion of the ice backing flashing layer has at least one fold defining an edge extending at least partially toward the bend between the upper and lower portions. The fold or folds provide additional ice protection and, in some embodiments, may engage or interlock with other layers of the system. The fold may be positioned at a top distal end of the upper portion or one or a plurality of folds may be positioned between the top distal end and the bend between the upper and lower portions. In some embodiments, the bend between the upper and lower portions includes a first bend and a second bend forming a nose portion extending at least partially away from the roof.
In some embodiments, the system includes a gutter secured to the lower portion of the ice backing flashing layer. The lower portion of the ice backing flashing layer may extend below the gutter. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the ice backing flashing layer includes a lip extending outward from the fascia portion of the roof below the gutter.
Further provided is a method of preventing ice backing, including the steps of securing a first underlayment layer to an upper surface of a roof, and securing an ice backing flashing layer to the roof adjacent to and above the first underlayment layer, the ice backing flashing layer including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a bend between the upper and lower portions, wherein the upper portion is secured to the upper surface of the roof and the lower portion is secured to a fascia portion of the roof. In some embodiments, the method includes securing a second underlayment layer adjacent to and above the upper portion of the ice backing flashing layer, securing a drip edge layer adjacent to and above the second underlayment layer, and/or securing a third underlayment layer adjacent to and above the drip edge.
Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description.
A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views. The following examples are presented to further illustrate and explain the present invention. The following examples and materials can be modified based on an individual consumer's specific project, roof, and/or needs and should not be taken as limiting in any regard.
It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such particular features; rather, it discloses the most common embodiments of such features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.
The IBF system 10 according to the present embodiments includes a plurality of layers of material on a roof 20 to prevent ice backflow. The layers generally include an IBF layer 30 situated between other layers of roofing materials such as a drip edge 40 and layers of underlayment described below. In a preferred embodiment, the IBF layer 30 is a metal flashing.
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Between the lower and upper portions 32/34 of the IBF layer 30 is an intermediate bend in the structure which extends around the edge of the roof to assist in inhibiting ice backing. The bend may be a simple bend with an interior angle of at least about 90 degrees, a more complex bend to create a nose or protrusion on the edge of the roof, and/or a series of preformed bend lines to provide different installation options. In preferred embodiments, for the IBF system 10 to work most effectively, like-metal should be used with like-metal; e.g., a copper IBF system should be used with a copper drip edge and copper gutters, similarly an aluminum IBF system should be used with an aluminum drip edge and aluminum gutters. However, in other embodiments, different metals and even different material types may be used.
The upper portion 34 of the IBF layer 30 may, in some embodiments, turn back on itself in the sense that the structure extends in one direction and then is bent at approximately (or slightly less than) 180 degrees and onto itself to create a generally “C” or “V” shaped end 36. The return portion of this “C” or “V” shape created by the bend returns a distance of approximately 0.5 inches, particularly about at least 5% (more particularly at least 10% or more particularly approximately 12.5%) of the length (d) of the IBF layer 30 between the intermediate bend and end of the IBF where the “C” or “V” shape is found. However, in other embodiments, the upper end 36 is flat without a bend back.
The upper end 36 of the IBF layer 30 is opposite to a lower end 38 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown in
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In some embodiments, Carlisle WIP Products' underlayments are used. For example, WIP 300 (i.e., a high-tensile-strength rubberized asphalt underlayment designed to withstand temperatures up to 250° F.) or equivalent is a preferred high-temperature underlayment due to its flexibility and heat resistant properties, while WIP 100 (i.e., a 55-mil flexible rubberized asphalt, fiberglass-reinforced membrane) or equivalent is the preferred ice protection underlayment. In some embodiments, the WIP 100 underlayment can be replaced with the WIP 300 high-temperature underlayment.
The first high-temperature underlayment 50 is the first layer of the IBF system 10 involved in the protection against roof damage and ice backing. The high temperature properties are desired to avoid cracking or degradation of the underlayment 50 over time which can contribute to ice damage.
Roofs often have a gap or space between the fascia 22 and upper surface or sheathing of the roof 24. In a preferred embodiment, the IBF layer 30 is an overhanging structure that seals over the spaces between the fascia 22 and roof 24 and extends down behind the gutter, thereby preventing ice from growing up and into the underside of or between layers of the roof 24.
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The present invention satisfies the need for a simple, cost-effective, non-electrical way to prevent ice backing and associated roof damage. The layering of the various underlayments with the IBF layer 30 creates an effective sealing system which prevents ice from building up and growing into the roof through the fascia, eaves and roofing layers. Additionally, the IBF system 10 can be tailored to fit various roof angles and fascia heights.
As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts. While illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.
Claims
1. A roofing system, comprising:
- a first underlayment layer; and
- an ice backing flashing layer adjacent to and above said first underlayment layer;
- said ice backing flashing layer including an upper portion attachable to an upper surface of a roof, a lower portion attachable to a fascia portion of the roof, and a bend between the upper and lower portions attachable over an edge of the roof.
2. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of said ice backing flashing layer has at least one fold defining an edge extending at least partially toward the bend between the upper and lower portions.
3. The roofing system of claim 2, wherein the at least one fold is positioned between a top distal end of the upper portion and the bend between the upper and lower portions.
4. The roofing system of claim 2, wherein the at least one fold includes two or more folds positioned between a top distal end of the upper portion and the bend between the upper and lower portions.
5. The roofing system of claim 1, further comprising a second underlayment layer adjacent to and above the upper portion of said ice backing flashing layer.
6. A roofing system, comprising:
- a first underlayment layer; and
- an ice backing flashing layer adjacent to and above said first underlayment layer;
- said ice backing flashing layer including an upper portion attachable to an upper surface of a roof, a lower portion attachable to a fascia portion of the roof, and a bend between the upper and lower portions attachable over an edge of the roof;
- a second underlayment layer adjacent to and above the upper portion of said ice backing flashing layer; and
- a drip edge layer adjacent to and above the second underlayment layer.
7. The roofing system of claim 6, further comprising a third underlayment layer adjacent to and above the drip edge.
8. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the bend has an interior angle over the edge of the roof of at least ninety degrees.
9. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein said ice backing flashing layer consists of metal.
10. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein said first layer is adhesively attached to the bottom portion of said ice backing flashing layer.
11. The roofing system of claim 1, further comprising a gutter secured to the lower portion of said ice backing flashing layer, wherein the lower portion of the ice backing flashing layer extends below the gutter.
12. The roofing system of claim 11, wherein the lower portion of said ice backing flashing layer includes a lip extending outward from the fascia portion of the roof below the gutter.
13. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of said ice backing flashing layer includes a curved distal end with a distal edge extending away from the upper surface of the roof.
14. The roofing system of claim 13, wherein the curved distal end is secured to the roof with a plurality of clips.
15. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the bend between the upper and lower portions includes a first bend and a second bend forming a nose portion extending at least partially away from the roof.
16. A method of preventing ice backing, comprising the steps of:
- securing a first underlayment layer to an upper surface of a roof;
- securing an ice backing flashing layer to the roof adjacent to and above said first underlayment layer, the ice backing flashing layer including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a bend between the upper and lower portions, wherein the upper portion is secured to the upper surface of the roof and the lower portion is secured to a fascia portion of the roof;
- securing a second underlayment layer adjacent to and above the upper portion of the ice backing flashing layer; and
- securing a drip edge layer adjacent to and above the second underlayment layer.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
- securing a third underlayment layer adjacent to and above the drip edge.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
- securing a gutter to the lower portion of the ice backing flashing layer,
- wherein the lower portion of the ice backing flashing layer extends below the gutter.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the lower portion of the ice backing flashing layer includes a lip extending outward from the fascia portion of the roof below the gutter.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein the upper portion of the ice backing flashing layer includes a curved distal end extending away from the upper surface of the roof.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the curved distal end is secured to the roof with a plurality of clips.
24. The method of claim 16, wherein the upper portion of the ice backing flashing layer includes a first fold between a top distal end of the upper portion and the bend between the upper and lower portions.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the upper portion of the ice backing flashing layer includes a second fold between the top distal end of the upper portion and the bend between the upper and lower portions.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 29, 2020
Publication Date: Jun 30, 2022
Inventors: Slawomir ZIELINSKI (Stamford, CT), Zachary SETIAN (Greenwich, CT)
Application Number: 17/602,115