Patent Application
20220403661
This invention relates to gutter guards and protecting gutters from having debris entering a gutter while still allowing water to flow into the gutter.
Rain gutters are generally attached to buildings or structures that have a pitched roof. The gutters are designed to collect and divert rainwater that runs off the roof. The gutter channels the rainwater (water) to downspouts that are connected to the bottom of the gutter at various locations. The downspouts divert the water to the ground surface or underground drainage system and away from the building.
Gutters have a large opening, which runs parallel to the roofline, to collect water. A drawback of this large opening is that debris, such as leaves, pine needles and the like can readily enter the opening and eventually clog the gutter. Once the rain gutter fills up with debris, rainwater can spill over the top and on to the ground, which compromises the effectiveness of the gutter, and can cause water damage to the home and erode surrounding landscapes.
A primary solution to obstruct debris from entering a gutter opening is the use of debris preclusion devices, most commonly known in the public as gutter guards. Gutter guard types abound in the marketplace and the industry is constantly innovating to find more efficient configurations that not only keep debris, such as leaves and pine needles out of the gutter, but also keep out even smaller particles like tiny roof sand grit.
In the roofing industry, a flashing type material commonly known as a “drip edge” is installed at the lowest point of the roof (where most roof structures would have a fascia board attached to the for horizontal edge of the roof) to prohibit water or melting snow ingress into the house. The drip edge is generally made from thin sheeted steel or aluminum and shaped like an “L” and travels up the sloped portion of the roof several inches and down the side of the fascia an inch or more. If the drip edge is compromised or not installed, over time water can wick back up the sloped roof or down the fascia and seep inside the home and potentially cause damage to the home.
If a gutter is attached to the fascia, the drip edge is generally on the inside of the back of the gutter.If the gutter is installed after the drip edge is installed, the back of the gutter would be inserted between the fascia and the drip edge. This way, when water comes down the roof and over the edge of the roof, any water wicked back under the shingles would travel down on top of the drip edge and drop into the gutter. The gutter would then channel the water away from the home.
In some municipalities, the shingles atop the fascia are required by local building codes to be permanently fastened to the fascia or roofing sheeting material. This is because tornadoes, super high winds, hurricanes or other fierce storms can rip unsecured edges of the roofing shingles up and off the roof However, under these codes a gutter debris preclusion device, such as a gutter guard, cannot be installed because the back of the gutter guard cannot be inserted wider the fastened shingles.
Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a roof or fascia attachment system and method that allows for drip edge and gutter guard attachment for high wind code compatibility. Various such system(s) and method(s) are elucidated in the following description and figures.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present sonic concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later,
In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a drip edge with gutter guard support device is provided, comprising: a longitudinal sheet of waterproof material, having a side profile comprising: an angled upper first member; a vertical lower second member, integrally joined to a gutter-side end of the first member to form an angled structure, wherein the first member is configured to be disposed over a roof edge and under a roof shingle and the second member is configured to be secured to a fascia, a lower portion of the second member being configured to be placed over a back end of a prospective gutter; and a plurality of vertically stacked ledges integral to and extending outwardly from a face of the second member into an opening of the prospective gutter, separations between adjacent ledges forming varying height receiving channels for placement of a roof-side end of the prospective gutter guard when the prospective gutter guard is disposed on the prospective gutter, wherein the device is a single piece drip edge and gutter guard fascia-side attachment device.
In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above device is provided, wherein the first member is at least 0.5 inches long, the, second member is at least 0.5 inches long and the ledges are at least 0.25 inches long, and the separations between adjacent ledges is at least 0.25 inches; and/or further comprising a water ramp, the water ramp being disposed on a bottom terminal end of the second member; and/or wherein the water ramp is multiply-angled; and/or wherein at least one of the water ramp and second member contains an arc, the arc acting to press against a top end of a prospective gutter under the water ramp; and or wherein at least two of the ledges are parallel to each other and at least one of perpendicular, inclined or declined from the second member; and/or wherein a first ledge is of a different width than a second ledge; and/or wherein at a thickness of at least one of the first member and second member is non-uniform; and/or wherein alternating ledges are of equal width; and/or wherein the separations between adjacent ledges are of unequal distances; and/or wherein the separations between adjacent ledges are at least 0.5 inches; and/or wherein an angle of the angled structure is at least 90 degrees; and/or wherein the second member is longer than the first member; and/or wherein a topmost ledge of the plurality of ledges is proximal to an intersection of the first member to the second member; and/or wherein the device is constructed from one of a sheeted, extruded, coiled aluminum, steel, metal or plastic.
In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a drip edge with gutter guard support device is provided, comprising: a longitudinal sheet of waterproof material, having a side profile comprising: a vertical member configured to be placed inside and over a back end of a prospective gutter; and a plurality of vertically stacked longitudinal ledges extending outwardly from a face of the vertical member into an opening of the prospective gutter, separations between adjacent ledges forming varying height receiving channels for placement of a roof -side end of the prospective gutter guard when the prospective gutter guard is disposed on the prospective gutter.
In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above device is provided, wherein a topmost ledge is of a greater width than a bottommost ledge; and/or wherein the device is constructed from one of a sheeted, extruded, coiled aluminum, steel, metal or plastic.
In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a drip edge with glitter guard support device is provided, comprising: a longitudinal sheet of waterproof material having an L-shaped side profile comprising: a vertical member configured to be placed inside and over a back end of a prospective gutter; and a horizontal gutter guard attachment member integral to and extending outwardly from a top of the vertical member into an opening of the prospective gutter, a water ramp integral to a bottom end of the vertical member, extending into the prospective gutter at an acute angle from a plane of the vertical member; and a longitudinal screw trough disposed in the vertical member above the water ramp.
In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above device is provided, wherein the device is constructed from one of a sheeted, extruded, coiled aluminum, steel, metal or plastic.
In various embodiments, a drip edge device is devised that has a built-in bracket or sleeve for receiving a roof-side end of a gutter guard. The configuration is referred herein as a “Drip Edge with Gutter Guard Support” (DEGGS). The DEGGS solves the problem of having to install a drip edge and a separate gutter support bracket by combining the elements into one design, one product instead of two. Roofing contractors could install the exemplary DEGGS as a traditional functioning drip edge then later install a gutter guard into the DEGGS.
It should be appreciated that a DEGGS can be widely used in any type of gutter-to-roof scenario, not just on roofs where the shingles must be fastened tightly along the front horizontal edge of a rootline required by building codes in certain regions of the US or elsewhere,
The DEGGS 100 can be shaped as a single angled piece having an angled first member 110 and vertical second member 120, sharing a longitudinal common edge 115. First and second members 110 and 120 may be rectangular in shape and formed from a unitary material. First member 110 forms a roof-directed leg while second member 120 forms a fascia-directed leg of the DEGGS 100. The angle of the respective members is such to allow the DEGGS 100 to be easily fitted to roof edge 112 and fascia 170. For most applications, the angle will be greater than 90 degrees,
Second member 120 may further have water ramp 125 at its lower terminal end, which operated to draw water to a more central position within the gutter 60. Second member 120 further includes an integral guard support member 130 disposed in the second member120. Guard support member 130 can be in the form of a plurality of parallel ledges (shown here as two ledges 132, 134 vertically separated from each other) so as to provide a receiving channel for a gutter guard (not shown). One or more ledges of guard support member 130 may run longitudinally an entire length of the DEGGS 100 or may run partially as segments. That is, in some embodiments, the guard support member 130 may only exist for a limited length, understanding that in some implementations, an entire “matching” length of the guard support member 130 may not be necessary to allow for attachment of a gutter guard, Guard support member 130 can be disposed on the upper surface of the second member 120 as shown in this FIG. at the junction of the first member 120 and second member 120 or on a lower portion of the second member 120.
In this embodiment, the gutter 160 is attached to the fascia 170, a top portion of the back of the gutter 160 being, disposed behind second member 120. If rainwater gets under the roofing shingles 180, the DEGGS's first member 110 will divert the water over guard support member 130 down onto second member 120, over optional water ramp 125 and into the gutter 160. DEGGS 100 is generally attached to the roof R by using nails or other types of fasteners (not shown). In most roofing installations, roofing cover material 185 would be placed under the shingles 180 and over the first member 110 of the DEGGS 100. DEGGS's guard support member 130 is where the back end of a gutter guard (not shown) would connect to, whereas the front of the gutter guard would be attached to the front lip 165 of gutter 160.
Thus, various materials can be used to make the DEGGS 100 such as sheeted, extruded, coiled aluminum, steel or other similar metals. Plastic, or other stiff materials can also be used, if so desired. A DEGGS 100 can be of varied lengths such as to be less than several inches and spaced apart at the back of the gutter at sufficient distances to support a gutter guard. Typically, however, the DEGGS 100 will be many feet long and may abut next to other sections to span the entire back of a gutter. Typically, the length of exemplary DEGGSs will be about four feet (or to match standard gutter guard lengths). Alternatively, exemplary DEGGSs can be made in longer than four-foot lengths. When installed, the exemplary embodiments can be spaced apart at the back of the gutter so as to provide sufficient support for a gutter guard or alternatively they can be abutted against one another and span along the entire gutter length.
In various prototype embodiments, individual lengths of the first or second members ranged from 0.5 to 4 inches. And individual thicknesses of the first or second members ranged from 0.01 to 0.13 inches. Also, in various prototype embodiments, individual lengths of the ledges ranged from 0.25 to 2 inches, and distances between the respective ledges (e.g., channel width) ranged from 0.25 to 1 inch. It is expressly understood these values are representative of the prototype embodiments and therefore they may vary being greater or smaller for other embodiment types.
In this embodiment, the upper and lower ledge widths 133, 135 are about the same dimension, it is understood the term “width” in the context of the ledges refers to the amount of “extension” from the face of the second member 120. In a prototype embodiment, width 133 was approximately 2 inches and its angle from the second member 120 was approximately 90 degrees (perpendicular). Similarly, width 135 was approximately 2 inches and its angle from the second member 120 approximately 90 degrees (perpendicular). Of course, it is understood that these dimensions and angles may vary, according to design preference.
Towards the end of the second member 120 is a water ramp 230 that is angled away from the plane of the second member 120. The water ramp angle 232 may be an acute angle or even “curled,” if so desired. Moreover, the water ramp 230 may be shorter or longer than depicted, as well as may be composed of multiple angled or curled portions, or even be substituted with an outward “bump” on a non-terminal end of the second member 120. If rainwater travels down the second member 120, it can be deflected by the water ramp :230 away from the back of the gutter and fascia (not shown). If the DEGGS 100 is installed prior to the gutter being: installed, this water ramp 230 also provides for easier insertion of the back of a gutter between the DEGGS 100 and the fascia.
FIG. $ is a side view illustration of another exemplary DEGGS 600 with a 90-degree angle between the first and second members 610, 620. A receiving channel 635 is located along the second member 620 of DEGGS 600, however is substantially lower than a plane of the first member 610. As evident, the receiving channel 635 may be located at different heights on the second member 620. This configuration allows for gutter-to-roof scenarios where roofing shingles may protrude further into the gutter (not shown) or overhang the edge of a roof. The lowered location of the receiving channel 635 provides sufficient separation for easier access and fitment of a gutter guard (not shown) into the receiving channel 635.
It can be appreciated that a ratio of gutter guard angles can be established when considering the distance from the front lip 775 of the gutter 760 to the height 780 of the edge of the roofline 772 and the particular receiving channel being used. The “RATIO OF GUTTER GUARD ANGLES” charts below detail the optional angles available according to the layout in
RATIO OF GUTTER GUARD ANGLES (with 1 inch of roof height over front lip of gutter)
RATIO OF GUTTER GUARD ANGLES (with 2 inches of roof height over front lip of gutter)
As an example, if a gutter guard is installed in receiving channel 873, at an upward angled slope from the front lip of a glitter. (not shown), because ledge 879 is shorter than ledge 878, the end of a gutter guard is less constrained and can be inserted farther within the receiving channel 873 closer to its rear 884. This allows the upper ledge 878 to cover more of the gutter guard, which allows it to be more secure against severe weather storms or heavy debris dropping. The farther the back of a gutter guard can be inserted into the receiving channel the more secure the gutter guard will be connected to the DEGGS.
It should be appreciated that while the various embodiments described herein show ledges that are approximately 90 degs extended outward from the supporting second member, it is understood that the extension angle may be less than or greater than 90 degs. For example, it may be desirable to have one or more ledges at an acute (or obtuse) angle so as to provide a greater ledge surface area for the rear of the gutter guard to sit on top of This would provide more stability to the gutter guard, could reduce debris collecting areas and in some cases allow fasteners to connect the muter guard to the ledges more easily.
A DEGGS with multiple receiving channels, whether it has a first member or not, provides multiple gutter guard installation advantages. For example, the gutter guard contractor has options of which angle the gutter guard can be installed at. If the building structure has many trees near the roof and gutters. Whereby large amounts of leaves, pine needles or other tree debris are a concern, the back of the gutter guard can be installed at the highest receiving channel to optimize the greatest inclination angle for the gutter guard to help shed debris more easily off. Conversely, if there is less concern for roof-top debris (e.g., low growing shrubs or trees), the gutter guard contractor could install the back of the gutter guard in the lowest receiving channel.
Additionally, with a DEGGS having multiple receiving channels, for areas or sections on the gutter that experience heavier water flow, the back of the gutter guard could be installed on a lower receiving channel so the gutter guard is less inclined. When the gutter guard is less inclined, water that would tend to flow over the gutter guard will fall into the gutter. For example,
A similar problem can occur for downspouts in a multi-elevation glittered building.
There may be times the gutter contractor installed the gutter guard at too shallow an angle to appropriately shed debris. A steeper angle would help to more easily remove debris from the gutter guard. The only way to obtain a steeper angle on a conventionally installed gutter guard system, is to uninstall the entire gutter system and downspouts. Then the gutter is reinstalled at a lower position and the gutter guard reinstalled. This conventional process is very labor intensive and therefore expensive. Using the exemplary DEGGS embodiments, the above can be easily achieved by repositioning the gutter guard into a higher receiving channel without needing to lower the gutters or downspouts.
Another benefit of the exemplary DEGGSs, is when trees in the area may have grown taller or denser causing an increased amount of debris. Therefore, while a prior gutter guard inclination angle may have been suitable for the limited debris at the time of installation, it may no longer be suitable for the later increased debris. Simply by reinstalling the gutter guard into a higher receiving channel will provide a means for addressing the increased debris.
In some embodiments, a DEGGS can also have just one ledge and not have a receiving channel or a first member. For example,
The second member of any DEGGS configuration can also have one or more relief troughs 1435 (or alternatively called screw trough) disposed longitudinally in the second member 1420. The purpose of the relief trough(s) 1435 is to provide a means for reducing screw wobble or skip when screwing into the second member 1420 when securing the DEGGS to a fascia. Specifically, gutter contractors can place the tip of a screw into the relief trough 1435 which will “anchor” the screw allowing it to better penetrate the DEGGS when fastening it to the fascia. As stated above, multiple relief troughs can be disposed about the second member.
In some situations a screw or adhesion means is not necessary to fasten the end of a gutter guard to the top plate of a DEGGS. For example, as shown in
The present disclosure is not to be limited m terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, implementations, and realizations, which can, of course, vary it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.
