GB2635751A

GB2635751A - Weatherproof barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2635751A
Application number: GB2317992.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Bishop Samuel
Original assignee: Alumasc Building Products Ltd
Current assignee: Alumasc Building Products Ltd
Priority date: 2023-11-24
Filing date: 2023-11-24
Publication date: 2025-05-28
Also published as: GB202317992D0

Abstract

The weatherproof barrier comprises a first section 10, formed of waterproof material, for positioning on or under a building roof tile. The weatherproof barrier further comprises a second section 20, formed of the waterproof material, extending upwardly away from the first section, for positioning against an upright structure. The weatherproof barrier further comprises a third section 30, formed of the waterproof material, extending downwardly away from the first section to abut the building roof tile to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrier. The weatherproof barrier further comprises a fourth section (40 figure 2), formed of the waterproof material, extending downwardly away from the first section to abut the building roof tile to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrier. At least one of the third section and fourth section are removable or deformable. The waterproof barrier may be made from polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, glass reinforced plastics or sheet metal.

Description

Weatherproof Barrier The invention relates to a weatherproof or weatherproofing barrier and in particular to a weatherproof barrier for diverting water.

Weatherproof barriers are used commonly in housebuilding and more particularly in the roofing of domestic housing and other buildings. They may be used in combination with, or instead of, flashing. Weatherproof barriers may for example also be referred to as soakers or dry soakers. In some arrangements such weatherproof barriers may sit either on top of or under roof tiling and typically provide a waterproof barrier at a corner or join in the roof. For example, where an area of a roof meets an upright chimney stack or abutment wall a weatherproof barrier may be used to channel or defied water away from the corner where the two meet.

In accordance with an example there is provided a weatherproof barrier for diverting water. The weatherproof barrier may comprise a first section, formed of waterproof material, for positioning on or under a building roof tile. The weatherproof barrier may further comprise a second section, formed of the waterproof material, extending upwardly away from the first section, for positioning against an upright structure. The weatherproof barrier may further comprise a third section, formed of the waterproof material, extending downwardly away from the first section to, in use, abut the building roof tile to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrier. The weatherproof barrier may further comprise a fourth section, formed of the waterproof material, extending downwardly away from the first section to, in use, abut the building roof tile to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrier. At least one of the third section and fourth section may be removable.

An advantage associated with the weatherproof barrier as described above is that the barrier may be positioned so that the second section may be positioned against an upright structure, such as an abutment wall or chimney stack, for different arrangements of adjacent roofing. For example, the third section may be removed so that the fourth section is usable to "catch" (abut against) tiles onto which the barrier is placed. In a further example, the fourth section may be removed so that the third section is usable to abut tiles onto which the barrier is placed. In a further example, both of the third and fourth section may be removed so that the barrier may be placed on a flat surface, such as underneath the tiles of a roof and on top of either an insulation layer or rafters.

A region of the waterproof material between the first section and the third section may have a reduced material thickness. The line along which the first section and third section meet may have a reduced thickness to improve ease of removal of the third section.

A region of the waterproof material between the first section and the fourth section may have a reduced thickness. The line along which the first section and fourth section meet may have a reduced thickness to improve ease of removal of the fourth section.

The weatherproof barrier may be made of thermally stable/UV/acid-rain resistant material. As the weatherproof barrier may be used in building roofing, it may increase the useful life of the barrier if the material used is thermally stable and/or ultraviolet radiation resistant and/or acid-rain resistant. The waterproof material may be polypropylene. Other suitable materials may include PVC (polyvinylchloride), GRP (glass-reinforced plastics) or PP (polypropylene). In some examples, the material may be sheet metal.

The weatherproof barrier may be fastened by fasteners and/or adhesive to a building roof. In most instances, the barrier may be sufficiently held in place by either the roof tiles positioned on top thereof, or by the third or fourth sections abutting the tiles and an adjacent overlapping tile, or flashing, covering part of the barrier.

The first section may form a rectangle or trapezium/trapezoid shape. The shape of the first section may be adapted to the roofing or tiling against which it is positioned.

The third section and fourth section may be located on opposite sides of the first section from each other. The third section may for example be located along a first edge of the first section and the fourth section may be located along the opposite, second edge, such that of the four edges of the first section, the second section extends from one edge and the third and fourth section extend from further edges, on either side of the second section. One edge, opposite the edge from which the second section extends, may be free, i.e. have nothing extending therefrom. This edge would likely be located under roofing tiles in situ or lying flat against the top of roofing tiles.

The second section may substantially form a right angle to the first section. Many installations will require the second section to be oriented at a right angle to the first section. However, manufacturing tolerances and small adjustments may lead to slight deviations from a right angle.

The third section may substantially form a right angle to the first section. The fourth section may substantially form a right angle to the first section.

Advantages associated with the disclosed weatherproof barrier include a quick and simple to install device and a low-cost alternative to lead reducing the overall cost of a build and reducing the risk of theft. Further advantages may include a reduction in harmful runoff into water courses, by using stable, lead-free materials.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a weatherproof barrier; Figure 2 is a side view of a weatherproof barrier; -Figure 3 is a perspective view of another weatherproof barrier; and - Figure 4 is a perspective view of multiple weatherproof barriers in situ.

In figure 1, there is an example of a weatherproof barrier 1 for diverting water. Such a weatherproof barrier 1 may be used as part of a system to divert water of the roof of a building. The weatherproof barrier 1 may comprise a first section 10. The first section 10 may be formed of waterproof material. The first section 10 may be positioned either on top of or underneath a building roof tile. The first section 10 may in some examples be positioned to be partially located under a roof tile or positioned to lie partially on top of a roof tile.

The weatherproof barrier 1 may further comprise a second section 20. The second section 20 may be formed of the same waterproof material as the first section 10. The second section 20 may extend upwardly away from the first section, for positioning against an upright structure, such as a chimney stack or an abutment wall, for example.

The weatherproof barrier 1 may further comprise a third section 30. The third section 30 may be formed of the same waterproof material as the first and section sections 10, 20. The third section 30 may extend downwardly away from the first section 10 to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrier 1. For example, if the first section 10 is positioned on top of a tile, the third section 30 may extend downwardly to abut an upper edge of the tile and prevent the weatherproof barrier 1 from moving. The third section 30 may for example be located at an edge of the first section 10 such that the first and third sections 10, 30 together form an L shape.

The weatherproof barrier 1 may further comprise a fourth section 40. The fourth section 40 may be formed of the same waterproof material as the first, second and third sections 40.

The fourth section 40 may extend downwardly away from the first section 10 to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrierl. For example, if the first section 10 is positioned on top of a tile, the fourth section 40 may extend downwardly to abut an upper edge of the tile and prevent the weatherproof barrier 1 from moving. The fourth section 40 may for example be located at an edge of the first section 10 such that the first and fourth sections 10, 40 together form an L shape. In some examples, the first, third and fourth sections 10, 30, 40 together form a U shape.

At least one of the third section 30 and fourth section 40 may be removable or deformable. In some examples, it may be desirable that one or more of the third and fourth sections 30, 40 is removable such that it may be fitted over a flat surface, such as the upper surface of a roof tile or the upper surface of a first section 10 of an adjacent, substantially similarly structured weatherproof barrier 1. In some examples, it may be desirable that one or more of the third and fourth sections 30, 40 is deformable such that it may be bent to lie flat against a flat surface, such as the upper surface of a roof tile or the upper surface of a first section 10 of an adjacent, substantially similarly structured weatherproof barrier 1. The third and/or fourth sections 30, 40 may be removable by being cut off, snapped off, bent-back or may be frangibly attached to the first section 10 to aid removability.

An advantage associated with the described examples includes that the weatherproof barrier 1 includes only a single part (adaptable as described), simplifying installation and building 20 planning.

Figure 2 shows an example of a weatherproof barrier 1 when viewed side-on. As shown, the second section 20 stands upright from the first section 10. In other words, when the first section 10 is horizontal, the second section 20 may be substantially vertical. The third and fourth sections 30, 40 then extend down from the first section 10, again vertically, if the first section 10 is lying horizontally.

The third and fourth sections 30, 40 may be shaped as small tabs or may extend the width of the first section 10. The third and fourth sections 30, 40 may have any suitable shape to provide an abutment against something the first section 10 is positioned on top of.

A region of the waterproof material between the first section 10 and the third section 30 may have a reduced thickness. This may be advantageous as it may assist when removing the third section 30. For example, this may ensure a clean finish following removal at the region where the third section 30 and the first section 10 meet. A region of the waterproof material between the first section 10 and the fourth section 40 may have a reduced thickness and may be similarly advantageous. The waterproof material may have a thickness of 2mm in areas other than the region of reduced thickness, and a thickness of less than 2mm is the region of reduced thickness.

The weatherproof barrier 1 may be made of a material that is at least one of thermally stable, UV resistant and acid-rain resistant. The waterproof material may for example be polypropylene. Other materials are however envisaged.

The weatherproof barrier 1 may be fastened by fasteners and/or adhesive to a building roof. In some examples, no adhesive or fasteners are needed. However, the material may be suitable for a nail or staple to pass through if additional fastening is required. Further, the material may be suitable for use with adhesives.

The first section 10 may form a trapezium/trapezoid shape. In some examples, the first section 10 may have a rectangular shape. However, alternative shapes, such as a trapezium/trapezoid may be used.

The third section 30 and fourth section 40 may be located on opposite sides of the first section 10 from each other. As shown in figure 2, the third and fourth sections 30, 40 may extend from respective opposite edges of the first section 10.

The second section 20 may substantially form a right angle to the first section 10. As described above, a right angle may provide the appropriate fit to direct water from a structure where a roof meets an upright wall, for example of a chimney stack. Other angles are envisaged based on where the weatherproof barrier 1 is to be used.

The third section 30 may substantially form a right angle to the first section 10. Other angles are again envisaged. The fourth section 40 may substantially form a right angle to the first section 10. Similarly, other angles are envisaged. In practice, under various methods of manufacture, the third and first sections 30, 10 may form an angle of approximately 92 degrees. This is considered to form a substantial right angle. Further, the fourth and first sections 40, 10 may similarly form an angle of approximately 92 degrees, due to tooling and manufacturing tolerances.

Figure 3 shows an example in which a fifth section 50 extends from an edge of the third section 30, opposite the edge connecting the third section 30 to the first section 10. The fifth section 50 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first section 10, such that the first section 10, the third section 30 and the fifth section 50 form a C shape.

Further, a sixth section 60 may extend from an edge of the fourth section 40, opposite the edge connecting the fourth section 40 to the first section 10. The sixth section 60 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first section 10, such that the first section 10, the fourth section 40 and the sixth section 60 form a C shape.

The region connecting the third and fifth sections 30, 50 may have a reduced thickness to aid removability, similarly to the region connecting the third and first sections 30, 10, described above. Further, the region connecting the fourth and sixth sections 40, 60 may also have a reduced thickness to aid removability.

The distance the third section 30 extends away from the first section 10 (a height of the third section 30, for example) may be variable to accommodate different types of tiles or other roof features against which it may abut. The third section 30 may also have lines of reduced thickness extending along its length (parallel to the plane of the first section 10), to allow the height of the third section 30 to be adjusted for installation.

The distance the fourth section 40 extends away from the first section 10 (a height of the fourth section 40, for example) may be variable to accommodate different types of tiles or other roof features against which it may abut. The fourth section 40 may also have lines of reduced thickness extending along its length (parallel to the plane of the first section 10), to allow the height of the fourth section 40 to be adjusted for installation.

The height of the third section 30 and/or the fourth section 40 may be adjusted by bending back, snapping off or cutting the sections 30, 40 to the appropriate length, aided by the lines of reduced thickness.

The fifth and sixth sections 50, 60 may similarly include lines of reduced thickness to aid size adjustment.

Figure 4 shows an example of multiple weatherproof barriers 1 positioned in situ on roofing tiles. As shown, the barriers 1 lie over the roofing tiles adjacent the abutment wall, to direct water away from the join between the roof and the abutment wall. Lead flashing may be installed to overlay the second section 20 of the barrier 1.

The following description presents an exemplary embodiment and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description.

Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper and "lower are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction.

The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. In particular, any feature of any claim is combinable with any feature of any other claim.

Claims

CLAIMS: A weatherproof barrier for diverting water comprising: a first section, formed of waterproof material, for positioning on or under a building roof tile; a second section, formed of the waterproof material, extending upwardly away from the first section, for positioning against an upright structure; a third section, formed of the waterproof material, extending downwardly away from the first section to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrier; and a fourth section, formed of the waterproof material, extending downwardly away from the first section to inhibit movement of the weatherproof barrier, wherein at least one of the third section and fourth section is removable or deformable.
2. The weatherproof barrier of claim 1, wherein a region of the waterproof material between the first section and the third section has a reduced thickness; and/or a region of the waterproof material between the first section and the fourth section has a reduced thickness.
3. The weatherproof barrier of any preceding claim, wherein the weatherproof barrier is fastened by fasteners and/or adhesive to a building roof.
4. The weatherproof barrier of any preceding claim, wherein the waterproof material is polypropylene.
5. The weatherproof barrier of any preceding claim, wherein first section forms a trapezium shape.
6. The weatherproof barrier of any preceding claim, wherein the third section and fourth section are located on opposite sides of the first section.
7. The weatherproof barrier of any preceding claim, wherein the second section substantially forms a right angle to the first section.
8. The weatherproof barrier of any preceding claim, wherein the third section substantially forms a right angle to the first section; and/or the fourth section substantially forms a right angle to the first section.