This invention relates to a multi-layered engineered roofing structural panel (which can be wood-based, such as, but not limited to, oriented-strand board (OSB), plywood, or other lignocellulosic-based panel) with integrated ventilation.
Current roof assemblies are typically multiple layers of several materials, each performing a single function, that are installed separately on the site in which the building is being constructed. In many roofing systems, there is a deck, an underlayment barrier on top of the deck, covered by a surface layer of shingles (e.g., asphalt, ceramic, metal, and the like). Compatibility between the various layers creates challenges not only for the designer, but also for the installers. In addition, a varied and large amount of materials are required during the installation, as well as during maintenance (e.g., re-roofing).
A central layer in most such assembles in a wood panel product, or an integral composite engineered panel product, including, but not limited to, engineered wood composite products formed of lignocellulosic strands or wafers (sometimes referred to as oriented-strand board, or OSB). Products such as fiberboard and particleboard have been found to be acceptable alternatives in most cases to natural wood paneling, sheathing and decking lumber. Fiberboard and particleboard are produced from wood particles bonded together by an adhesive, the adhesive being selected according to the intended use of and the properties desired for the lumber. Often times, the adhesive is combined with other additives to impart additional properties to the lumber. Additives can include, but are not limited to, fire retardants, insect repellants, moisture resistant substances, fungicides and fungal resistant substances, and color dyes. A significant advantage of fiberboard and particleboard lumber products is that they have many of the properties of plywood, but can be made from lower grade wood species and waste from other wood product production, and can be formed into lumber in lengths and widths independent of size of the harvested timber.
A major reason for increased presence in the marketplace of the above-described product alternatives to natural solid wood lumber is that these materials exhibit properties like those of the equivalent natural solid wood lumber, especially, the properties of retaining strength, durability, stability and finish under exposure to expected environmental and use conditions. A class of alternative products are multilayer oriented wood strand particleboards, particularly those with a layer-to-layer oriented strand pattern, such as OSB. Oriented, multilayer wood strand boards are composed of several layers of thin wood strands, which are wood particles having a length which is several times greater than their width. These strands are formed by slicing larger wood pieces so that the fiber elements in the strands are substantially parallel to the strand length. The strands in each layer are positioned relative to each other with their length in substantial parallel orientation and extending in a direction approaching a line which is parallel to one edge of the layer. The layers are positioned relative to each other with the oriented strands of adjacent layers perpendicular, forming a layer-to-layer cross-oriented strand pattern. Oriented, multilayer wood strand boards of the above-described type, and examples of processes for pressing and production thereof, are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,164,511, 4,364,984, 5,435,976, 5,470,631, 5,525,394, 5,718,786, and 6,461,743, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by specific reference for all purposes.
Roof ventilation is an important part of the building process and service life of a house. A roof without good airflow can result in mold and other wood decay organisms growing under it, due to the increased temperature and moisture content of the environment in the area under the roof, which generates optimal growth conditions for the aforementioned organisms. In contrast, however, a roof with excessive ventilation can cause energy loss by not providing effective temperature regulation (i.e., by letting too much cold and/or hot air escape from the house), thus requiring HVAC and/or AC systems to operate more frequently and increase their energy consumption.
Present methods to ventilate the roof include leaving a gap between the roof sheathing and the edge of the ridge. This gap is then covered with a felt fabric and a ridge cap (some products have the felt integrated with the ridge cap). The ridge cap might have channels to promote air movement. Another method comprises the installers cutting rectangle shaped sections (i.e., exhaust vents) at the ridge of the roof, then covering them with felt and a ridge cap. This latter method relies on the accuracy and experience of the roofer, as the size of the cut off will affect the roof ventilation.
In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention comprises a multi-layer panel for use as integrated structural sheathing on a roof. In one embodiment, the multi-layer panel comprises a wood structural core or panel, such as OSB or plywood. The panel may be coated or treated, during or after the manufacturing process, with a product that provides various properties, such as, but not limited to, weather resistance, fungus resistance, insect resistance, and/or fire resistance. The treatment may be integrated with the material forming the wood structural panel, or may be a coating on one or both surfaces. A weather or water resistive barrier (WRB), or the paper base for a WRB, of some kind is applied to the upper or outward facing surface of the panel, effectively serving as an underlayment. The outer surface of the WRB or paper base is then coated with a polymer, adhesive, and/or asphalt. In turn, it is coated with a granular or solid material (such as, but not limited to, ceramic coated granules, clay, rock, glass, slate, rubber or combinations thereof). In one embodiment, the polymer on the paper overlay base serves as the WRB as well as adhesive for the granular material.
In several embodiments, the overlap and underlap of adjacent integrated roofing panels are matched to form an overlapping or shiplap joint, with integrated flashing extending from the overlap end (and over the shiplap joint between the upper and lower adjacent panels when placed on the roofing structure). Flashing is one of the main steps for roofing, where a thin material, such as galvanized steel, is used to protect the sheathing and the outer trusses of the house structure by directing water away from those areas. This step presents a challenge when dealing with an integrated roof panel or plank, as in prior art applications the flashing typically is placed under the water resistance barrier and the asphalt shingles. This invention overcomes that problem by merging the flashing into the integrated roofing panels, thereby reducing installation time.
In several embodiments, the flashing comprises a polymer (which may be rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible) extending outward on one, two, or more sides of the integrated roofing panel. A piece of flashing may have a constant rigidity or flexibility throughout, or the rigidity or flexibility may be variable. In some embodiments, the flashing may have the same or similar color and/or texture as the upper or outward facing surface of the roofing panel, although in some embodiment a different or contrasting color and/or texture may be used.
The present invention applies the flashing, WRB and/or texturizing aggregate to the panel at the manufacturing facility, prior to shipping or installation at a job site (and thereby avoiding the problems noted above). In one embodiment, a fluid or liquid applied membrane is applied via one or more spray nozzles in a manufactured line process. The spray nozzle or nozzles are in fluid communication with one or more storage tanks, and the liquid may be stored without the use of agitators. As the panel travels down a secondary production line, the WRB coating is sprayed on the top face, and in some embodiments, also the edges, of the panel at a minimum thickness of 5-10 mils. If the coating is not sprayed on the edges, the edges are sealed by other means. The asphalt/adhesive and surface layer may be applied in a similar manner, or as part of the WRB application. In other embodiments, the WRB may be a solid layer (e.g., paper overlay) that is applied during the panel manufacturing process.
In several additional embodiments, end pieces of the present system (i.e., the integrated panels that are installed at or adjacent to the roof of the ridge) comprise vents or other ventilation means installed or integrated with the panel at the factory (i.e., during the manufacturing process). The vents are formed by rectangular sections of longitudinal cuts made along the panel or plank. The cuts may be similar to a vented soffit, but the surface of the cut area is coated with a water-resistant finish. The vents may be located along the upper part of the plank (i.e., proximate the ridge of the roof), which permits coverage by felt fabric and ridge cap.
In additional embodiments, the lower (or “downhill”) edge of certain integrated roofing panels, such as those that are “starting planks” comprises an integrated drip edge or “driplap edge” that promotes water evacuation from the roof surface while keeping it away from the walls below the roof edge.
In various exemplary embodiments, as seen in
In the embodiment shown, a weather or water resistive barrier (WRB) 20 of some kind is applied to the upper or outward facing surface of the panel 10, effectively serving as an underlayment. The WRB may be a form of paper overlay, a form of spray-applied or fluid-applied polymer or material (such as silicone), or other form of WRB. In some embodiments, the WRB may include a granular or solid material 40 as a texturizing aggregate or material (such as, but not limited to, ceramic coated granules, clay, rock, glass, slate, styrene, particles of polymeric plastic, or combinations thereof) as a component or part of the WRB itself (e.g., texturizing aggregate or material may be mixed with a liquid polymer WRB). Alternatively, the granular or solid material 40 may be subsequently applied directly to the WRB after the WRB is applied to the plank/panel. In yet a further embodiment, the outer surface of the WRB may be coated with a polymer, adhesive and/or asphalt 30, which is turn is coated with the granular or solid material 40. In some embodiments, the adhesive and/or asphalt may include the granular or solid material as a component or part (e.g., texturizing aggregate or material may be mixed with the adhesive and/or asphalt). In alternative embodiments, an outer polymeric layer also may act as an aesthetics or appearance layer, in which case addition granular or solid material may or may not be present.
The invention thus effectively combines a structural sheathing panel, WRB layer or polymer, and texturizing aggregates or materials, if present (e.g., surface layer, shingles, metals, or other roof surface materials), as separately applied in the prior art, into one multi-layer panel product, which is less reliant on skilled labor for installation at a job site and reduces installation time by eliminating the separate sequential application of a WRB system and a surface layer in the installation process. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the WRB may be a separate layer, or it may be integrated with the texturizing aggregate/surface layer.
In several embodiments, the texturizing aggregate or top surface layer may be one or more flexible rolls of material, which may be applied by unrolling the material across the panel during manufacture (or, in some embodiments, at the job site). The roll may have a self-adhesive layer on one side. In one embodiment, the surface layer rolls may comprise one or more rolls of one-sided or two-sided construction tape (i.e., with strong, permanent adhesive on one or two sides). One side of the tape adheres to the panel, while the other side contains the surface material. The tape may be applied to the panel at the factory, or otherwise prior to installation at the job site.
Some or all of the respective faces of the shiplap joint may be covered with the WRB polymer layer 22.
An integrated sealant or adhesive material, such as the WRB polymer 22 or other form of sealant or adhesive, is applied to one face (or both faces) of corresponding overlap and/or underlap sections. Where the WRB polymer is used as a sealant, the two surfaces coated with the polymer are placed in contact with each other. Nails or similar fasteners used to affix the planks/panels to the roofing structure may be used in the joint area to keep the surfaces in contact (and apply a level of pressure thereto) to cause the polymer-covered surfaces to self-seal.
In an additional embodiment, as seen in
“Starter” roofing pieces 110 are shown in
During installation, a course or row of “starter” roofing pieces 110 is affixed along the bottom edge of the roofing, with the underlap section on the top edge. A course of standard roofing pieces 100 is then applied, with the overlap section on the bottom edge overlaying the underlap section of the lower course to form a shiplap joint that is airtight and watertight. A number of standard roofing piece courses are then added in sequence up the roof to near the top, with the number determined by the size (height) of the roof. A course or row of “crown” roofing pieces 120 is then added as the final topmost course, with the overlap section on the bottom edge overlaying the underlap section of the lower course, as described above.
In several embodiments, the lower or bottom edge (“downhill” edge) of certain integrated roofing panels, including “starter” roofing pieces (“starting planks”) comprises an integrated “driplap edge” 6 that promotes water evacuation from the roof surface while keeping it away from the walls below the roof edge. Prior art drip edges for roofing installations typically are made of aluminum and installed over the sheathing and covered with shingles or metal roofing. This is not possible with the integrated roofing panels as described herein, due the integration of the surface layer in the panel during the manufacturing process. Accordingly, an angle 6a is machined or milled along the horizontal bottom edge of the starting plank 110 (i.e., the piece used at the beginning of the roof assembly). This process may be performed at a factory as part of the manufacturing process. In several embodiments, the angle 6a between the face of the edge and the upper surface 110a of the starting plank 110 is acute. In some embodiments, the angle is 25 degrees or approximately 25 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the angle is approximately 25 degrees, +/−2 degrees, or approximately 23 to 27 degrees. This angle allows for water to be evacuated from the roof away from the house at any roof pitch (as well as reducing installation steps, as the installation of separate drip edges at the job site is eliminated, thereby allowing a reduction in time and cost of installation). This machined angle allows for water evacuation from the roof surface while keeping it away from the walls. It also does not allow water to migrate under the roof, thereby effectively avoiding any potential leak/water damage to the adjacent structural elements in contact with the starting plank
The right and/or left ends of the plank/panel may be sealed with the WRB or a sealant. As discussed above, one form of sealant may be double-sided tape 28. Alternatively, an “end cap” may be applied to cover the ends.
In several embodiments, as seen in
The present invention applies the WRB and texturizing aggregate (either integrated or as separate layers) to the plank/panel at a manufacturing facility, prior to shipping or installation at a job site (and thereby avoiding the problems noted above with regard to prior art installations). In one embodiment, a fluid or liquid applied membrane is applied via one or more spray nozzles in a manufactured line process. The spray nozzle or nozzles are in fluid communication with one or more storage tanks, and the membrane liquid may be stored without the use of agitators. Nozzles apply the membrane coating at a constant pressure until reaching the desired wet film thickness. As the plank/panel travels down a secondary production line (typically on a form of conveyor belt), the WRB coating is sprayed on the top face, and in some embodiments, also the edges, of the plank/panel at a minimum thickness of 5-10 mils. If the coating is not sprayed on the edges, the edges are sealed by other means. The asphalt/adhesive and/or surface layers, if separate from each other and from the WRB layer, may be applied in a similar manner. In other embodiments, the WRB may be a solid layer (e.g., paper overlay), as seen in
In some embodiments, the present invention is produced through a curtain coating method. A storage tank containing the membrane liquid is positioned above the secondary production line. The tank has a longitudinal aperture that allows the membrane liquid to flow from the tank onto the plank/panel as it passes beneath the tank. The width of the aperture is adjusted so the amount of liquid flowing onto the plank/panel is the correct amount to achieve the desired wet film thickness of the coating. In other embodiments, the present invention is produced through a roll coating method. As seen in
In several embodiments, the texturizing surface and/or shingle layer may be one or more flexible rolls of material, and applied by unrolling the material across the plank/panel. The roll may have a self-adhesive layer on one side. In one embodiment, the shingle layer rolls may comprise one or more rolls of one-sided or two-sided construction tape (i.e., with strong, permanent adhesive on one or two sides). One side of the tape adheres to the panel, while the other side contains the shingle material. The tape may be applied to the panel at the factory, or otherwise prior to installation at the job site.
In the embodiments seen in
“Starter” pieces with flashing 314, 316 are shown in
In a further embodiment, a radiant barrier layer 50 may be applied to the underside of the panel. Radiant barrier sheathing, typically used for roof and attic sheathing, has become a de facto standard in high solar radiation environments. Radiant barriers are installed in homes and structures, usually in attics, primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. Radiant heat travels in a straight line away from any surface and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy. Most common insulation materials address conductive and convective heat flow, not radiant heat flow. In contrast, a radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the heated roofing materials to other surfaces in the attic, thereby reducing the cooling load of the house.
A layer of aluminum (typically aluminum foil) is commonly used as the reflective material, as it is efficient at not transmitting radiant energy into the attic environment. The aluminum foil used in radiant barriers must be very pure to achieve a low emittance surface. The thickness of the aluminum does not affect performance; the aluminum only needs to cover the surface of the sheathing material. Typically, very thin foils (approximately 0.00025 inches thick) are used. As this foil is too thin (and thus too fragile) to be applied to wood structural panels directly, it may be attached and bonded to another substrate, most often Kraft paper, for support. The combined overlay is then laminated to one side of a wood structural panel face to make the radiant barrier sheathing. As an alternative to foil, a very thin layer of aluminum (or similar metal) can be deposited via vapor deposition manufacturing processes onto a polyethylene sheet (PET) to form a metallized PET sheet. Like foil, the metallized PET sheet can be laminated to Kraft paper, and the combined overlay is laminated to one side of a wood structural panel face to make the radiant barrier sheathing.
In several additional embodiments, end pieces 400 of the present system (i.e., the integrated panels that are installed at or adjacent to the roof of the ridge) comprise vents 410 or other ventilation means installed or integrated with the panel at the factory (i.e., during the manufacturing process). In the embodiment shown, the vents are formed by rectangular sections of longitudinal cuts made along the panel or plank. The cuts may be similar to a vented soffit, but the surface of the cut area is coated with a water-resistant finish. The vents may be located along the upper part of the plank (i.e., proximate the ridge of the roof), which permits coverage by felt fabric and ridge cap.
Installation of the end piece may be done to match the edge of the ridge. The integrated ventilation system saves time and labor, as it allows installers to simply place the end piece by the ridge without leaving gaps (which would need to be measured) or being sawn. The factory-installed vents also create a more controlled and energy efficient roof ventilation system.
In one exemplary embodiment, as seen in
The silicone coating typically has a shiny, rubber-like appearance 122 that can be a detriment due to this unaesthetic appearance. The present invention solves this problem by embossing 124 the silicone during manufacturing. The silicone 120 is applied to the surface of the roofing panel or plank, and then is placed on a plastic surface or plaque 120 with a pattern (or the plastic surface or plaque with the pattern is applied to the silicone), while the silicone is still at least semi-fluid and not fully cured.
The silicone coating may be applied in a thickness of approximately 5 to approximately 30 mils. The thickness may depend on the intended use. Panels for use with storage sheds or the like, for example, may have a silicone thickness of from approximately 10 to approximately 20 mils, or preferably approximately 14 to approximately 15 mils. For residential or light commercial use, in contrast, the panels may have a silicone thickness of from approximately 20 to approximately 25 mils. In some embodiments, waterproof materials such as acrylics or fiberglass may be used in place of silicone.
Several embodiments of a novel and unique process for manufacturing an integrated roofing panel coated with silicone (applied to portions, such as the top and sides, of the roof sheathing) are described below.
In the exemplary embodiments shown in
The number and orientation of the planks as cut may be based on the wood grain orientation in the panel. For example, the planks may be cut so that the wood grain orientation with respect to the long side of the panel is maintained with respect to the long side of the planks. The opposite orientation may be desired for some applications. Each blank is then subjected to further processing, as described below.
Next, the planks cut from the blank panels are coated with a silicone-based coating 730 on one or more sides and/or edges. Uncoated planks are conveyed on a conveyor belt or line under a coating applicator or extruder 732. Silicone is a waterproof and durable material after it is applied, but the application of silicone is significantly different and more difficult in this process. In particular, the spray application of silicone, as is known in the art, is difficult in this manufacturing environment. Instead, in one embodiment of the present invention, the silicone is either curtain coated on the planks from the cut blank panel, or extruded (slot die) as a flat sheet, which is laid on the planks cut from the blank panel passing underneath the extruder on a processing line or belt. Excess silicone may be recycled and reused in the process.
After coating the planks from the cut blank panel with silicone, aggregate, sand or similar texturizing material 740 is applied to the outer or upper surface of the silicone on the plank. The aggregate, sand or similar texturizing material provides an appealing surface texture, reduces gloss, and increases the grip or traction of the surface. The material may be applied with a feeder, a shaker, or a screen applicator 742. In a preferred embodiment, fine grit sand or aggregate in a range between approximately 10 mesh to approximately 40 mesh is used for providing texture while remaining in the visible area of the surface.
After application of sand/aggregate, the coated planks are cured in a high humidity, moderate temperature oven 750. In one exemplary embodiment, the oven operates between 100-125 degrees F., and from 50 to 90% relative humidity. In order to prevent condensation on the surface of the silicone, the product may be heated during a warm-up period before high humidity is provided. If the relative humidity has to be below 95%, the warm-up period can be avoided. Curing time is approximately 10-45 minutes. In one embodiment, the curing time is approximately 30-45 minutes.
Finally, the cured product is graded, packaged, stored and/or shipped 760. Typical processes known in the art for similar products may be used.
After preheating, the planks are cross-transferred 890 to a second production line for coating 910 and the addition of aggregate (e.g., granules, sand) 920. At the coating station 910, the planks are coated, as described above, with a silicone-based coating formulation on one or more sides and/or edges in a humidity-controlled environment. Coating techniques include, but are not limited to, curtain coating, spray coating, slot-die coating, extrusion coating, slide coating, rolling coating, and dip and brush conformal coating methods. These methods facilitate the application of binders in the coating on the engineered roofing structural panel.
Binders are a part of the coating's makeup as used in the present invention, and include organic polymers and/or inorganic geopolymers to hold the pigments or colorants in place and bind all the ingredients together to provide a coated roof system with excellent waterproofing and weatherproof properties. Organic polymers in the coating may comprise resins or adhesives, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, alkyd, acrylic, urethane, silicone, phenolic, silicone—epoxy hybrid resin, fluoropolymer, acrylic—fluoropolymer mixtures, and the like. Geopolymers in an inorganic binder system may comprises sodium silicate, potassium silicate, aluminosilicates, zinc phosphate, and similar materials. In several embodiments, the coating formulation may use a resin or adhesive other than a silicone resin.
Binder (e.g., silicone resin as applied here) may be supplied in totes, mixed before feeding, pumped to a day tank with mixing and heat blankets, and pumped to the coating station (e.g., curtain coater) with a recirculation pump. As discussed above, this binder preparation process should be enclosed in a humidity-controlled environment.
Various colorants added into or with binders provide coatings with excellent appearance, aesthetics and functionality. A non-limiting example is adding carbon black into the binder system to provide better hiding power, color stability, solvent resistance, abrasion resistance, acid and alkali resistance, as well as thermal stability.
After coating, an aggregate (e.g., granules, sand) is distributed on the binder surface by an applicator, such as a vibratory feeder 920. The granules or sand are mixed separately, and placed in a collection or supply bin. A screw feeder feeds the granules or sand to the vibratory feeder located above the plank(s). Excess granules or sand that do not adhere to the binder surface are collected and return conveyed to a collection bin, and may be reused.
Subsequently, the planks are wet cross-transferred 930 to a curing system 940 to cure the silicone-based coating. In general, the curing system comprises a humidity-controlled drying oven or light-based (e.g., UV ray) curing apparatus. Curing methods include thermal curing with heat, heating in conjunction with in-process adding or post-adding of curing agents and hardeners, visible light (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) rays in the 350-380 nm range), moisture curing (humidity and atmospheric curing), hybrid curing under heat at different levels of moisture, and similar techniques. The curing techniques used are dependent on the type of binder formulation and system used.
After curing, the planks are graded at a grading station 950. Planks that do not meet the grading standard (i.e., “off-grade”) are sent to an off-grade stacker 252 for later processing. Planks that meet the requisite grade are send to a mini-bundle stacker 954, where a suitable number of planks are bundled together in a stack. The stack is then shrink-wrapped 960, and sent to a unit stacker 970 where multiple shrink-wrapped bundles are combined to form a unit. The stacked bundles forming the unit are then strapped 980 together, and transported by a fork-lift or other transport machinery to a storage location for further processing and shipping.
In several embodiments, as described above, the integrated roofing planks or product overlaps with adjacent planks along one or more edges. For example, the upper edge of a plank may form the underlap of a lap joint, while the lower edge then forms the overlap element. In several additional embodiments, a sealing D-gasket 1010 is placed on the overlap element. When the overlap joint is formed, the D-gasket 1010 seals the joint, thereby preventing potential water intrusion.
While the D-gasket 1010 may be placed on the overlap element before or after general coating of the roofing plank, in a preferred embodiment it is affixed to the overlap element prior to coating. The D-gasket may be adhesively affixed, such as by an adhesive backing or an adhesive tape with a liner. The D-gasket may be applied in the factory production line.
After the D-gasket is set in place, the roofing plank may then be coated as described above, such as with silicone. The coating may be applied to the gasket as well, as this improves the attachment of the gasket to the roofing plank as well as providing an additional seal against water intrusion. A further advantage of coating the gasket with silicone is that this generates a bond with the matching silicone-coated face of the underlap element of the adjacent panel, providing yet additional sealing against water intrusion after installation.
Yet another advantage is that the D-gasket allows for immediate transportation of a structure with a roof (such as a shed) or a portion or section of a roof, as the D-gaskets help seal the roofing panels and material in place. Standard roofing shingles adhesively affixed to a similar structure would require substantial curing time under heat before the structure could be moved or transported.
While the D-gasket has been described above as being placed on the overlap element, it may also be placed on the underlap element. In some embodiments, a gasket may be placed on both elements.
A novel and unique process for manufacturing an integrated roofing panel with a D-gasket and coated with silicone (applied to the top and sides of the roof sheathing) is described below.
First, blank panels are manufactured. Blank panels are defined as uncut or oversized panels produced by an engineered wood manufacturing process, as described in the references above. Each blank is cut into multiple roofing planks. Each plank may be cut with a specific profile, which can be applied to the roof of a structure (e.g., house or shed). The specific profile includes an underlap element and an overlap element along opposite edges. Planks may be cut with saws or other tools according to the standard wood remanufacturing processes as known in the art.
Second, a D-gasket (e.g., D-bulb EPDM, silicone or similar materials) is affixed to the face of the overlap or underlap element on each plank. While the distance from the edge may vary, in one element embodiment the D-gasket is installed ⅛″ from the outer edge of the lap element.
Third, after installation of the D-gaskets, the cut blank panels are coated with silicone. Silicone is a waterproof and durable material after application, but application is significantly different and difficult in this context. In particular, spray application of silicone is difficult in the manufacturing environment. In the present invention, the silicone may be curtain coated on the cut blank panel, or extruded (slot die) as a flat sheet, which is laid on the cut blank panel passing underneath the extruder on a processing line or belt. Excess silicone may be recycled and reused in the process.
Fourth, after coating the cut blank panel with silicone, aggregate, sand or similar texturizing material may be applied to the outer or upper surface of the silicone. The aggregate, sand or similar texturizing material provides an appealing surface texture, reduces gloss, and increases the grip or traction of the surface. The material may be applied with a feeder, a shaker, or a screen applicator. In a preferred embodiment, fine grit sand or aggregate in a range between approximately 10 mesh to approximately 40 mesh is used for providing texture while remaining in the visible area of the surface.
Fifith, after extrusion and application of sand, the coated panel is cured in a high humidity, moderate temperature oven. In one exemplary embodiment, the oven operates between 100-125 degrees F., and from 50 to 90% relative humidity. In order to prevent condensation on the surface of the silicone, the product may be heated during a warm-up period before high humidity is provided. If the relative humidity has to be below 95%, the warm-up period can be avoided. Curing time is approximately 10-45 minutes. In one embodiment, the curing time is approximately 30-45 minutes.
The product may then packaged, stored and/or shipped. Typical processes known in the art for similar products may be used. Alternatively, the product may be installed directly in the factory to a product such as a pre-manufactured shed, dog-house, or the like. In the later case, the roofing products are installed to form shiplap joints: the first row of panels are screwed or fastened into place, then the second row (with the bottom overlap element overlapping the first row), and so on. Each panel or plank is screwed or fastened into place during installation, which places enough pressure on the D-gasket to push the gasket down and cause it to flatten, thereby produce a complete, water-resistant seal.
Curing time may be up to 4 hours. If a catalyst is used, curing time may be approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
While the above has described the gasket as a D-gasket (e.g., D-bulb EPDM, silicone or similar materials, the seal/gasket shape and/or material can comprise other shapes and materials. For example,
The present invention possesses several advantages over the prior art. It provides a superior barrier system that does not allow air movement between the panel face and the applied WRB, and allows a savings in time and labor. Further, coating the panels in a controlled setting (e.g., manufacturing facility), allows the thickness of the coatings to be consistently applied, and allows the coating the opportunity to fully bond with the panel or adjacent layer. More specifically, the coatings can fully cure independent of weather conditions, and be applied without interference from construction-related dirt, debris or humidity. Further, the mineral granules or other texture-providing material may be included to increase the aesthetic appeal of the product, as well as to serve as a cooling agent in some cases, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.
Further, the WRB material also may provide an aesthetic effect, in appearance or texture, or both. The aesthetic effect may include color. In several embodiments, a double coating may be applied to provide a textured or aggregate-like appearance.
Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples described herein have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/068,712, filed Oct. 12, 2020, which claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/914,306, filed Oct. 11, 2019, App. No. 62/962,240, filed Jan. 17, 2020, and App. No. 62/988,849, filed Mar. 12, 2020; this application also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/200,648, filed Mar. 12, 2021, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/988,849, filed Mar. 12, 2020, and U.S. Provisional App. No. 63/001,563, filed Mar. 30, 2020; this application also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/685,048, filed Mar. 2, 2022, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 63/155,343, filed Mar. 2, 2021; this application also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/858,591, filed Jul. 6, 2022, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 63/218,587, filed Jul. 6, 2021; this application also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/944,933, filed Sep. 14, 2022, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 63/243,806, filed Sep. 14, 2021; this application also claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 63/326,208, filed Mar. 31, 2022. All of the above-identified patent applications and provisional applications are incorporated herein in their entireties by specific reference for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63326208 | Mar 2022 | US | |
62914306 | Oct 2019 | US | |
62962240 | Jan 2020 | US | |
62988849 | Mar 2020 | US | |
62988849 | Mar 2020 | US | |
63001563 | Mar 2020 | US | |
63155343 | Mar 2021 | US | |
63218587 | Jul 2021 | US | |
63243806 | Sep 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 17068712 | Oct 2020 | US |
Child | 18129803 | US | |
Parent | 17200648 | Mar 2021 | US |
Child | 17068712 | US | |
Parent | 17685048 | Mar 2022 | US |
Child | 17200648 | US | |
Parent | 17858591 | Jul 2022 | US |
Child | 17685048 | US | |
Parent | 17944933 | Sep 2022 | US |
Child | 17858591 | US |