Patent Application
20150354224
This disclosure relates to multi-tile or multi-element roofing or siding systems for attachment to mounting surfaces.
Exterior siding or roofing systems may include a plurality of tiles, panels, or combinations thereof. Generally, tiles simulate one or two individual decorative units and panels simulate a greater number of individual decorative units. For example, tiles or panels may emulate wooden shakes, wooden shingles, or slate tiles. However, the decorative units may be formed to simulate other siding or roofing materials, including stone, ceramics, et cetera.
A multi-element panel system is provided. The panel system is configured for attachment to a mounting surface with a plurality of fasteners. Each of at least two panels includes an upper portion configured to be oriented upward relative to the mounting surface and a lower portion configured to be oriented downward relative to the mounting surface.
The panels have a plurality of faces formed thereon, and a plurality of keyways formed or defined between the faces. The keyways are recessed toward the mounting surface relative to the faces.
The panels further include a water trough and a water channel. The water trough is formed on an exterior side of the upper portion, and has a planar intersection with the faces. The water channel extends between the upper portion and the lower portion of one side of the panel.
The panels also include a side lap extending between the upper portion and the lower portion of the opposite side of the panel from the water channel. The side lap of one of the panels overlaps the water channel of another, horizontally adjacent, panel.
The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the several figures. There is shown in
The roofing system or multi-tile system 10 includes at least a first tile 14, a second tile 16, and a third tile 18. The second tile 16 and the third tile 18 have similar features to the first tile 14, such that they may be referred to collectively or generically as tiles 20.
An exterior side 22 of the tiles 20, which faces outward and away from the mounting surface 12, defines a forward direction or exterior face. An interior side 24 of the tiles 20, which faces downward toward the mounting surface 12, defines a rearward direction or interior face.
While the present subject matter may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize broader applicability. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims, unless stated otherwise. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description.
Referring also to
The tiles 20 include a fastener edge, upper portion, or upper edge 26 defined along one edge, which is shown on the top in
The exterior side 22 includes a face or fascia of the tiles 20. The face may be textured, painted, or surface-treated to simulate the look of different roofing materials. In many configurations of the tiles 20, the face will be configured to simulate the aesthetic look of slate, such that the multi-tile system 10 emulates natural slate roofing. However, the exterior sides 22 of the tiles 20 may also be configured to emulate other materials, such as, for example and without limitation: wooden shakes, wooden shingles, or ceramic tiles.
References to upper and lower directions, regions, or portions are generally defined relative to gravity and elevation as the tiles 20 are intended to be assembled to the mounting surface 12. Therefore, the typical flow direction of water or moisture over the tiles 20 and the structures to which they are mounted (although wind may cause water to move against gravity) is from the upper edge 26 toward the lower edge 28—i.e., top down. Similarly, vertical and horizontal are used descriptively relative to gravity and elevation. Horizontal is generally parallel to gravity and does not involve a change in elevation, while vertical is generally perpendicular to horizontal the horizontal direction and does involve a change in elevation.
At least some portion of the upper edge 26 contacts the mounting surface 12, possibly with an intermediary water barrier disposed therebetween. The upper edge 26 has a plurality of fastener holes 30 or fastener points defined therein.
The fastener holes 30 are configured to mount the tiles 20 to the mounting surface 12 with the fasteners, which may be nails, screws, staples, et cetera. In some embodiments, the fastener holes 30 may not be fully defined through the upper edge 26 but may instead be areas designated or identified for piercing by the fasteners, such that the fasteners at least partially pierce the material forming the tiles 20. Furthermore, the heads of the fasteners may stop at the face of the tile 20, as opposed to plunging into the face of the tile 20 or setting within a recess formed into the face of the tile 20.
The tiles 20 may be formed from different polymeric or composite materials. For example, and without limitation, the tiles 20 may be formed from polymers, reinforced resin, polypropylene, foamed polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. In many configurations, the tiles 20 may be formed as unitary, one-piece components, such that each tile 20 is a single component formed from a single piece of material without subsequent attachment of pieces formed separately. The tiles 20 may be formed via injection molding, compression molding, machining, or other suitable processes.
As best viewed in
A receiving member 32 is formed on the exterior side 22 of the upper edge 26, and a locking member 34 is formed on the interior side 24 of the lower edge 28. When the tiles 20 are assembled to the mounting surface 12, the receiving member 32 of a lower course (such as those on either the first tile 14 or the second tile 16 in
Courses of tiles 20 refer to patterns or sets used during installation. In the example shown in the figures, each horizontal row is a separate course. A first course, which would include the first tile 14 and the second tile 16 in
The receiving member 32 of one tile 20, on the lower course, interlocks with the locking member 34 of another tile 20, on the upper course, to limit movement of the lower edge 28 of the upper tile 20 away from the upper edge 26 of the lower tile 20. Alternatively stated, the locking member 34 of the lower edge 28 is held to, or interlocked with, the receiving member 32 of the upper edge 26.
As used herein, interlocking between the receiving member 32 and the locking member 34 refers to at least some overlap between the receiving member 32 and the locking member 34, relative to the mounting surface 12. The receiving member 32 and the locking member 34 shown include cantilevered or overhanging portions, such that an opposing force resists separation of the receiving member 32 and the locking member 34.
Therefore, even though only the upper edges 26 of the tiles 20 are directly fastened to the mounting surface 12, both the lower edge 28 and the upper edge 26 are restrained to the mounting surface 12. Under wind loads that may otherwise pull the lower edge 28 of the tile 20 away from the mounting surface 12, the interlocking between the receiving member 32 and the locking member 34 helps keep all portions of the tiles 20 restrained to the mounting surface 12. These uplift forces are counteracted at the lower edge 28 without any fasteners driven through the lower edge 28.
Where the lower course of tiles 20, the horizontal row of
In the configuration shown in the figures, the receiving members 32 and the locking members 34 face inward toward each other and toward the center of the tiles 20. However, the receiving members 32 and the locking members 34 could also face outward.
The receiving members 32 and the locking members 34 are illustrated in the figures as formed from a single, continuous piece with the remainder of the tiles 20. However, in other configurations, either of the receiving members 32 or the locking members 34 could be formed as separate components and then subsequently attached to the remainder of the tiles 20. For example, the receiving members 32 could be formed individually, or as part of a larger piece, which are then snapped, adhered, or fastened to toward the upper edge 26.
Alternatively, the receiving members 32 could be formed attached to the upper edge 26 through a living hinge, and then folded to the positions shown. A living hinge may simplify manufacture of the tiles 20 by removing the need for lifters or retractable elements in the mold apparatus, while still maintaining proper draft in the injection-molding process for the tiles 20. The living hinge configuration may include a strip of material encompassing of the receiving members 32, which would then be nailed to the upper portion 26 as the tile 20 is nailed to the mounting surface 12.
The receiving member 32 and the locking member 34 provide continuous vertical adjustment through a vertical range 36, as opposed to incremental adjustment, such as that provided by boss-and-cavity or peg-and-hole systems. The continuous vertical adjustability of the tiles 20 may give the multi-tile system 10 a more-natural appearance, and provides the ability to adjust to different roof shapes, particularly those with multiple horizontal edges at differing vertical heights. The vertical range 36 provides elevational adjustment between tiles 20.
In the multi-tile system 10 shown, the receiving member 32 and the locking member 34 also cooperate to define a horizontal range 38, which provides continuous horizontal adjustment between the tiles 20. The horizontal range 38 is lesser than the vertical range 36, but still allows installers to vary the distance between adjacent tiles 20. Additional horizontal limitations between adjacent tiles 20 are provided by the interaction between the sides of the tiles 20, as discussed herein. Vertical and horizontal adjustability supports maximum and minimum exposure of the tiles 20, particularly vertical exposure, while maintaining proper lap to promote water flow.
The tiles 20 further include a gutter or water channel 40 formed on at least one side of the tiles 10 between the upper edge 26 and the lower edge 28. A side lap 42 is formed on the opposite side from the water channel 40. The side lap 42 is configured to overlap the water channel 40 of an adjacent tile 20. Interaction between the side lap 42 and the water channel 40 further limits the amount of horizontal adjustability between the tiles 20. When multiple tiles 20 are overlapped, the viewable, or exposed, portion of the water channel 40 forms a keyway between horizontally-adjacent tiles 20.
The tiles 20 include a serpentine path or S-path 44 in the side water channel 40. The S-path 44 forces water moving upward through the water channel 40, which may result from wind, to move around a horizontal dam 46. The S-path 44 reduces the likelihood of water reaching the uppermost edge of the water channel 40 and moving over the upper edge 26 onto the mounting surface 12 by forcing the water to move horizontally. The S-path 44 is a change in momentum of water moving through the water channel 40.
The water channel 40 is continuous and does not include any leaks, cracks, or nail points. Therefore, water within the water channel 40 cannot leak out of the water channel 40 without going over a ledge or flowing downward, as intended.
As viewed in
The tiles 20 include a water trough 50 formed or defined on the upper edge 26. The water trough 50 is oriented at a trough angle 52 to the mounting surface 12 or to the exterior side 22 of the tile 20, such that there is no lip or ledge between the water trough 50 and the exterior side 22. The trough angle 52 allows water to flow downward from the water trough 50 onto the face of the exterior side 22 toward the lower edge 28, as opposed to trapping water in the water trough 50. Note that on the tiles 20 illustrated, the fastener points 30 are not formed in, or through, the water trough 50.
The trough angle 52 is configured to be substantially horizontal or flat, relative to gravity, when the tile 20 is assembled to the lowest pitch at which the multi-tile system 10 system is intended to be installed. For example, if the tiles 20 are configured to be installed to a minimum pitch of 3:12, which is three feet of rise per twelve feet of run, the trough angle 52 would be approximately fourteen-degrees. Note that when assembled to a steeper roof pitch, the trough angle 52 will also be steeper relative to gravity and drain more aggressively.
In some configurations of the tiles 20, the water trough 50 may have a flow channel or hole connecting to the water channel 40. This connection may allow water to drain from a least a portion of the water trough 50 into the water channel 40.
The tiles 20 shown include a trough lip 54 at the upper edge of the water trough 50. The trough lip 54 is substantially the full thickness of the tile 20 and may help prevent water, especially wind-blown water, from going over the back or top of the tile 20.
The thickness of the upper edge 26 and the lower edge 28 are substantially equal, such that the tiles 20 shown do not taper. Alternatively, some configurations of the tiles 20 may taper from front to back to reduce the amount of material used in the tile. However, such a taper may limit the depth of the water trough 50 and the height of trough lip 54.
The distance that the water trough 50 extends from the upper edge 26 to the face of the tile 20 may define the maximum vertical exposure of the multi-tile system 10. For example, and without limitation, the tiles 20 may have a vertical height of twelve inches and the water trough 50 may have a vertical length of three inches, such that the maximum vertical exposure of the tiles 20 is nine inches. The tiles 20 of an upper course generally must cover, or lap, the water trough 50 of the course just below.
The trough angle 52 and the height of the trough lip 54—based upon triangle-like geometry—may control the length of the water trough 50 and, therefore, may also control the amount of vertical exposure. Using the examples above, the trough lip 54 would be approximately 0.75 inches from the mounting surface 12 for the fourteen-degree trough angle 52 required for 3:12 roof pitch.
Horizontal adjustability and horizontal exposure may be controlled by the interaction between the water channel 40 and the side lap 42 of adjacent (side lapping) tiles 20. For absolute minimum, the side lap 42 may be pushed all the way through the water channel 40 until the water channel 40 is no longer viewable. However, such minimum exposure would negate the ability of the water channel 40 to emulate the natural keyway between, for example, slate tiles.
The tiles 20 include a channel lip 56 formed on one side of the water channel 40. The channel lip 56 limits the maximum horizontal exposure of the tiles 20 by cooperating with the side lap 42 to prevent pulling the side lap 42 beyond the water channel 40 and leaving a gap between horizontally-adjacent tiles 20.
The channel lip 56 also provides a barrier against which water must move to escape the water channel 40, similar to the function of the trough lip 54. The channel lip 56 and the trough lip 54 illustrated in the figures both provide water barrier features that are substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface, such that they require water to change momentum in order move over the edges of the tiles 20.
In the multi-tile system 10 shown, the tiles 20 include a channel notch 58 formed on the upper portion of the water channel, and a lap notch 59 formed on the upper portion of the side lap 42. The channel notch 58 and the lap notch 59 cooperate to limit the amount of the side lap 42 that can extend or overlap into the water channel 40, and ensure that some portion of the water channel 40 is viewable to simulate the keyway between horizontally-adjacent tiles. Therefore, in the tiles 20 shown, the channel notch 58 and the lap notch 59 define the minimum horizontal exposure by limiting how close adjacent tiles can be properly assembled.
Referring now to
The locking members 34 are shown in dashed lines in both
The locking span 60 is smaller than the first offset 62 and the second offset 64 combined. Therefore, the locking members 34 are spaced at a smaller distance than the receiving members 32 are spaced from the edges of the tile 20, and also a smaller distance than the receiving member 32 of horizontally adjacent tiles 20. However, if the tiles 20 are assembled with proper side lapping, these distances change.
The receiving members 32 of the first tile 14 and the second tile 16, both of which are shown in phantom, are spaced apart by a first effective offset 62′ and a second effective offset 64′. The first effective offset 62′ and the second effective offset 64′ are measured from the centerline of the overlap between the first tile 14 and the second tile 16.
Therefore, as shown in
In
The water channel 40 and the side lap 42 cooperate to define a viewable keyway between horizontally-adjacent tiles 20, such as that viewable between the first tile 14 and the second tile 16 in
The location of the receiving members 32 may be adjusted to the left or right of the upper edge 26 of the tiles 20. In the tiles 20 shown, the receiving members 32 are offset relative to the center of the tile 20, but may alternatively be symmetric about the tiles 20.
Using
The second tile 16 may then be assembled to the first tile 14 by placing the side lap 42 over the water channel 40 of the first tile 14. The second tile 16 is horizontally aligned within the limits imposed by the water channel 40 and the side lap 42. The channel notch 58 and the lap notch 59 cooperate to maintain the minimum horizontal exposure and the channel lip 56 maintains the maximum exposure. Fasteners may then be inserted to lock the second tile 16 to the mounting surface 12.
The third tile 18 may then be aligned to the first tile 14 and the second tile 16. The locking members 34 of the third tile 18 may be interlocked with the receiving members 32 of the first tile 14 and the second tile 16. Note that if the second tile 16 were incorrectly installed, such that the side lap 42 of the second tile 16 does not overlap the water channel 40 of the first tile 14, the receiving members 32 of the first tile 14 and the second tile 16 will be spaced too far apart to allow the locking members 34 of the third tile 18 to interlock therewith.
The horizontal and vertical alignment of the third tile 16 will be limited by the ability of the locking members 34 and the receiving members 32 to interlock. The third tile 16 is oriented such that the first tile 14 and the second tile 16 have nearly maximum vertical exposure. Fasteners may then be inserted to lock the upper edge 26 of the third tile 18 to the mounting surface 12. Interlocking between the locking members 34 of the third tile 18 and the receiving members 32 of the first tile 14 and the second tile 16 will hold the lower edge 28 of the third tile 18 to the mounting surface 12.
Referring to
In many configurations of the panel 110, the faces 122 will be configured to simulate the aesthetic look of a plurality of natural slate tiles; such that the panel 110, or a number of panels 110 assembled to the mounting surface, emulates natural slate roofing. Therefore, the keyways 124 simulate the aesthetic look of the gaps (or keyways) between individual slate tiles in each horizontal course. However, the exterior sides of the panel 110 may also be configured to emulate other materials, such as, for example and without limitation: wooden shakes, wooden shingles, or ceramic tiles.
The panel 110 includes a fastener edge, upper portion, or upper edge 126 defined along one edge, which is shown toward the top in
References to upper and lower directions, regions, or portions are generally defined relative to gravity and elevation as the panels 110 are intended to be assembled to the mounting surface. The upper edge 126 and the lower edge 128 are also defined relative to the slope of the mounting surface, such that the upper edge 126 is higher, relative to gravity, when installed and the lower edge 128 is lower, relative to gravity, when installed. Therefore, the typical flow direction of water or moisture over the panels 110 and the structures to which they are mounted (although wind may cause water to move against gravity) is from the upper edge 126 toward the lower edge 128—i.e., top down.
Similarly, vertical and horizontal are used descriptively relative to gravity and elevation. Horizontal is generally parallel to gravity and does not involve a change in elevation, while vertical is generally perpendicular to the horizontal direction and does involve a change in elevation.
As shown in
The keyways 124 may be located along the panel 110 based upon an algorithm designed to result in the appearance of randomized locations between variable-width, natural state tiles or wooden shakes. In a roofing system of multiple panels 110, several different panels 110, having different patterns or locations of the keyways 124 between the faces 122, may be used to further simulate the look of natural elements hand-selected and assembled to the mounting surface. Furthermore, the width of the keyways 124 may be varied based upon an algorithm to simulate the spacing between natural state tiles or wooden shakes.
At least some portion of the upper edge 126 contacts the mounting surface, possibly with an intermediary water barrier disposed therebetween. The upper edge 126 has one or more fastener hems or fastener strips 130 or fastener points defined therein.
The fastener strips 130 are configured to mount the panel 110 to the mounting surface with a plurality of fasteners (not shown), which may be nails, screws, staples, et cetera. In some embodiments, the fastener strips 130 may be areas designated or identified for piercing by the fasteners, such that the fasteners at least partially pierce the material forming the panel 110. Furthermore, the heads of the fasteners may stop at the face of the panel 110, as opposed to plunging into the face of the panel 110 or setting within a recess formed into the face of the panel 110. As shown in
The panel 110 may be formed from different polymeric or composite materials. For example, and without limitation, the panel 110 may be formed from polymers, reinforced resin, polypropylene, foamed polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. In many configurations, the panel 110 may be formed as unitary, one-piece components, such that each panel 110 is a single component formed from a single piece of material without subsequent attachment of pieces formed separately. The panel 110 may be formed via injection molding, compression molding, machining, or other suitable processes.
The underside of the faces 122, the keyways 124, and the fastener strips 130 are viewable in
The panels 110 are configured to be sufficiently rigid to resist wind uplift forces, particularly at the lower edge 128, without an interlock between vertically-adjacent panels 110 and without any fasteners driven through the lower edge 128. Therefore, only the upper edge 126 includes fasteners driven through the fastener strips 130. The keyways 124, and particularly the walls thereof, provide additional structural rigidity by acting as ribs on the underside of the panels 110, as viewed in
The panels 110 further include a gutter or water channel 140 formed on at least one side of the panels 110 between the upper edge 126 and the lower edge 128. A side lap 142 is formed on the opposite side of the panel 110 from the water channel 140. The side lap 142 is configured to overlap the water channel 140 of an adjacent panel 110. In
Interaction between the side lap 142 and the water channel 140 limits the amount of horizontal, and possibly vertical, adjustability between the panels 110. When multiple panels 110 are overlapped, the viewable, or exposed, portion of the water channel 140 forms a keyway between horizontally-adjacent panels 110.
The panels 110 force a serpentine path or S-path in the side water channel 140. The S-path forces water moving upward through the water channel 140, which may result from wind, to move around a horizontal dam 146. The S-path reduces the likelihood of water reaching the uppermost edge of the water channel 140 and moving over the upper edge 126 onto the mounting surface by forcing the water to change momentum and move horizontally before reaching the upper edge of the water channel 140.
The water channel 140 is continuous and does not include any holes, cracks, or nail points. Therefore, water or moisture within the water channel 140 cannot leak out of the water channel 140 without going over a ledge or flowing downward, as intended. Instead, water flows downward through the water channel 140 onto the face 122 of a lower panel 110 or off of the edge of the mounting surface.
As viewed in
The panels 110 include a water trough 150 formed or defined on the upper edge 126. The water trough 150 is oriented at a trough angle 152 to the mounting surface or to the exterior side of the panel 110, and there is no lip or ledge between the water trough 150 and the exterior side. The water trough 150 is substantially planar and has a planar intersection abutting to the faces 122, such that water simply has to flow over the linear edge connecting the water trough 150 to the faces 122 and the keyways 124, and is not trapped within the water trough 150.
The trough angle 152 allows water to flow downward from the water trough 150 onto the faces 122 of the exterior side toward the lower edge 128, as opposed to trapping water in the water trough 150. On the panels 110 illustrated, the fastener strips 130 are raised slightly above the water trough 150, which provides further protection against moisture moving upward on the panel 110 from reaching holes around the fasteners.
The trough angle 152 is configured to be substantially horizontal or flat, relative to gravity, when the panel 110 is assembled to the lowest pitch at which the multi-tile system 110 system is intended to be installed. For example, if the panels 110 are configured to be installed to a minimum pitch of 3:12, which is three feet of rise per twelve feet of run, the trough angle 152 would be approximately fourteen-degrees. Note that when assembled to a steeper roof pitch, the trough angle 152 will also be steeper relative to gravity and drain more aggressively.
A plurality of weeping channels 153 are formed through the fastener strips 130 to link the water trough 150 and the lower portions of the panels 110. The weeping channels 153 allow water to drain from the water trough 150 to the either the faces 122 or the keyways 124.
The weeping channels 153 shown are substantially aligned with the keyways 124. However, the weeping channels 153 may also be located with consistent spacing along the horizontal length of the panel 110, such as the average shingle distance.
In some configurations of the panels 110, such as that shown in
The panels 110 shown include a trough lip 154 at the upper edge 126 of the water trough 150. The trough lip 154 is substantially the full thickness of the panel 110 and may help prevent water, especially wind-blown water, from going over the back or top of the panel 110.
The thickness of the upper edge 126 and the lower edge 128 are substantially equal, such that the panels 110 shown do not taper. Alternatively, some configurations of the panels 110 may taper from front to back to reduce the amount of material used in the panels 110. However, such a taper may limit the depth of the water trough 150 and the height of trough lip 154.
The distance that the water trough 150 extends from the upper edge 126 to the face 122 of the panel 110 may define the maximum vertical exposure of the multi-tile system 110. The trough angle 152 and the height of the trough lip 154—based upon triangle-like geometry—may control the length of the water trough 150 and, therefore, may also control the amount of vertical exposure.
Exposure refers to the amount of any panel 110 that is viewable after installation in the roofing system. Maximum exposure results in more of each panel 110 being visible and requires relatively fewer panels 110 to cover the same space. Minimum exposure results in less of each panel 110 being visible and requires relatively more panels 110 to cover the same space.
Horizontal adjustability and horizontal exposure may be controlled by the interaction between the water channel 140 and the side lap 142 of horizontally adjacent (side lapping) panels 110. For absolute minimum, the side lap 142 may be pushed all the way through the water channel 140 until the water channel 140 is no longer viewable. However, such minimum exposure would negate the ability of the water channel 140 to emulate the keyway, which may be visually similar to one of the keyways 124, between natural elements.
The panels 110 include a channel lip 156 formed on one side of the water channel 140. The channel lip 156 limits the maximum horizontal exposure of the panels 110 by cooperating with the side lap 142 to prevent pulling the side lap 142 beyond the water channel 140 and leaving a gap between horizontally-adjacent panels 110.
The channel lip 156 also provides a barrier that water must move over to escape the water channel 140, similar to the function of the trough lip 154. The channel lip 156 and the trough lip 154 illustrated in the figures both provide water barrier features that are substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface, such that they require water to change momentum and move against gravity in order move over the edges of the panels 110.
In the multi-element panel roofing system shown, the panels 110 include a lap spacer 160 formed on the upper portion of the side lap 142. When two panels 110 are assembled together, the lap spacer 160 cooperates with the horizontal dam 146 of the adjacent panel 110 to limit the amount of the side lap 142 that can extend or overlap into the water channel 140, and ensures that some portion of the water channel 140 is viewable to simulate the keyway between horizontally-adjacent tiles. The lap spacer 160 also cooperates with the trough lip 154 to limit the maximum exposure of the water channel 140.
If the lap spacer 160 were not formed on the interior side of the panels 110, the minimum exposure would allow the water channel 140 to be completely blocked from view and the maximum exposure would allow the whole water channel 140 to be viewable. Therefore, in the panels 110 shown, the lap spacer 160 defines both the minimum and maximum horizontal exposure of properly assembled panels 110.
Uplift at the lower edge 128 creates torque about the connection, at the fastener strips 130, between the panel 110 and the mounting surface. As shown in
A plurality of fastener ribs 164 may provide support against the loads introduced by fasteners driven through the fastener strips 130. The fastener ribs 164 may also provide torsional rigidity by horizontally linking the keyways 124.
Referring to
During installation of the roofing system, a first panel 110a may be attached to the mounting surface (not numbered). A second panel 110b may then be aligned to the right of the first panel 110a and also attached to the mounting surface with a plurality of fasteners. The first panel 110a and the second panel 110b are part of a first course of panels that are generally aligned along a horizontal row. A third panel 110c may then be aligned and assembled in a row above the first panel 110a and the second panel 110b.
The third panel 110c covers the water trough 150 of the panels 110 over which it is installed. In the illustration shown in
As viewed in
During installation, the side lap 142 of the second panel 110b is laid over the water channel 140 of the first panel 110a, such that portions of the side lap 142 extend into, and direct water flow to, the water channel 140. The lap spacer 160 of the second panel 110b is shown with a dashed line in
The lap spacer 160 of the second panel 110b may abut the horizontal dam 146 of the first panel 110a for minimum horizontal exposure and may abut the trough lip 156 of the first panel 110b for maximum horizontal exposure. The panels 110 are illustrated in
If the lap spacer 160 were not formed on the interior side of the panels 110, the minimum horizontal exposure would allow the water channel 140 to be completely blocked from view and the maximum exposure would allow the whole water channel 140 to be viewable. Therefore, in the panels 110 shown, the lap spacer 160 defines both the minimum and maximum horizontal exposure of properly assembled panels 110.
The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the invention, but the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed subject matter have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the invention defined in the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/008,427, filed Jun. 5, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62008427 | Jun 2014 | US |
