Edge flashing for flat roof with functional surface material

Abstract

Various types of flashing for use at the edge of flat roofs, decking or green roofs are presented. In exemplary embodiments, flashing may be provided at the edge of a roof to retain or provide an edge treatment for an aesthetic and functional surface material, such as, for example, a cast paver, while at the same time allowing for water drainage.

Claims

1. A combination flashing for rooftop patios or green roofs, comprising: a trough with: a first horizontal planar portion configured to, in use, be substantially affixed to at least a portion of a roof material or roof deck, a second planar portion protruding downwards from an edge of the first horizontal planar portion, and being substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal planar portion, a third planar portion protruding outwards from a bottom edge of the second planar portion, and a fourth planar portion protruding upwards from an outer edge of the third planar portion extending past a horizontal plane of the first planar portion and a top edge of the fourth planar portion forming a hem at the top of the fourth planar portion, the second, third and fourth planar portions creating a U-shaped trough; and a perforated cover with: a fifth horizontal planar portion, and a sixth planar portion protruding upwards from the edge of the fifth portion, and being substantially perpendicular to the fifth planar portion, the sixth planar portion having a top edge, the top edge configured to reside within the hem formed by the top edge of the fourth planar portion of the trough.

2. The combination flashing of claim 1, wherein the flashing is made of metal.

3. The combination flashing of claim 1, wherein the perforated cover abuts a portion of the inside of the fourth planar portion of the trough.

4. The combination flashing of claim 1, wherein the perforated cover overlaps a portion of the first horizontal planar portion of the trough.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary of part one of a flashing that works in tandem with proceeding variations of part two shown in FIGS. 2-17, with first horizontal leg, second inner vertical leg extending downwards, third horizontal leg, and fourth leg extending vertically upward past the plane of the first leg with an optional hem at the top.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing, that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a vertical leg with a hem on the upper portion.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprised of part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 2 in tandem provided on a flat roof with part two extending vertically from the lower part of the inner vertical leg of part one and extending past the horizontal leg of part one creating an edge for stone ballast.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a vertical leg, horizontal leg, vertical leg, and inward facing leg.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 4 in tandem provided on a flat roof with pavers installed.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg and vertical leg extending upwards.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 6 in tandem.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg and a vertical leg extending downwards.

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part one of FIG. 8 in tandem.

(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg, vertical leg extending upwards and a leg extending horizontally inwards.

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 10 in tandem provided on a flat roof and edging pavers.

(12) FIG. 12 shows a side view of the exemplary flashing of FIG. 11.

(13) FIG. 13 is a top view of the exemplary flashing of FIG. 11.

(14) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an L-shaped bracket and a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1.

(15) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 14 in tandem with the L-shaped bracket of FIG. 14.

(16) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg with a vertical leg extending down from one side and a vertical leg extending upwards on the other side.

(17) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 16 in tandem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(18) Various exemplary embodiments of novel types of flashing are described. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the flashing can serve as an edging, providing support for an applied surface material on a roof, which in turn provides protection for a roofing membrane. A horizontal (or pitched parallel to the pitch of the underlying roof) leg of the novel flashing can be installed under such an applied surface material, for example, thus augmenting the solidity and longevity of the installation.

(19) Exemplary flashing can, for example, be installed under a roofing membrane using mechanical fasteners, construction adhesive, or the like, or, for example, it can be installed over the roofing membrane using an adhesive flashing tape (e.g., a marginal strip that is compatible with a given roofing membrane) that overlaps both the flashing and the roofing membrane.

(20) In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the flashing creates a decorative edge which hides a lower edge of the installed surface material, any under structure, or drainage system for the installed surface material and roofing membrane.

(21) It is important to note that the International Building Code requires decks, terraces, and balconies to have a guardrail if they are of a height greater than 32″ off the ground. A guardrail present on rooftop patios protects the outer perimeter edge of the roof from foot traffic.

(22) FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary part one of a flashing that works in tandem with proceeding FIGS. 2-17. FIG. 1 has a horizontal leg 110, a second inner vertical leg 114 extending downwards, third horizontal leg 116, and fourth leg 118 extending vertically upward past the plane of the first horizontal leg 110 and with an optional hem 119 at the top.

(23) FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a vertical leg 214 with perforations 213 and a hem 219 on the upper portion.

(24) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprised of part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 2 in tandem provided on a flat roof with vertical leg 214 of part two abutting and extending vertically from the lower part of the inner vertical leg 114 of part one and extending past the horizontal leg 110 of part one creating an edge with a hem 219 for stone ballast 107.

(25) The horizontal leg 110 of part one is laid flat along the rooftop. In this embodiment, it is fastened with mechanical fasteners 113 to the roof deck (substrate) 102. An appropriate construction adhesive may be used to adhere this leg to the roof deck 102 as well. The roofing membrane, marginal strip or material 104 in this embodiment is adhered over the top of the flashing using the appropriate adhesive. An extra piece of membrane or drainage mat 105 is installed over the entire roof.

(26) In practice, part two is attached mechanically or otherwise to at least a portion of the upper part of leg 114 of part one. Part two creates a retaining edge for applied surface material such as ballasts, green roof growing media, or pavers while allowing water to flow into the trough provided by part one.

(27) Water is allowed to pass through the perforations 213 in vertical leg 214 into the trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one, where it can be transported to an outlet such as a downspout and away from the building structure.

(28) FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing with perforations 313 that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a vertical leg 314 transitioning to horizontal leg 316 vertical leg and inward facing leg.

(29) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprised of part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 4 in tandem provided on a flat roof and edging pavers with vertical leg 314 of part two abutting the vertical leg 114 of part one, leg 316 of part one extending horizontally across the trough of part one and being in the same plane as leg 110 or part one, leg 318 protruding upwards and abutting hem 119 on the upper portion of leg 118 of part one, leg 319 extending inwards and abutting pavers 106.

(30) The horizontal leg 110 of part one is laid flat along the rooftop. In this embodiment, it is fastened with mechanical fasteners 113 to the roof deck (substrate) 102. An appropriate construction adhesive may be used to adhere this leg to the roof deck 102 as well. The roofing membrane, marginal strip or material 104 in this embodiment is adhered over the top of the flashing using the appropriate adhesive. An extra piece of membrane or drainage mat 105 is installed over the entire roof.

(31) In practice, vertical leg 314 of part two need not be attached to the inner vertical leg of part one. By abutting the inner portion of horizontal leg 116 of part one it supports the downward pressure of the installed pavers 106. In instances where a guardrail protects the perimeter of the roof from foot traffic and the majority of the weight of the installed surface material or pavers 106 is over the roof deck 102, the vertical leg 318 of part two abutting the vertical leg 118 of part one may not require attachment.

(32) Water flowing over pavers 106 is allowed to flow through perforated horizontal leg 319. Water that flows over and under pavers 106 is allowed to flow through perforated horizontal leg 316 and into the trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one where it can be transported to an outlet such as a downspout and away from the building structure.

(33) FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing with perforations 413 that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg 410 and vertical leg 418 extending upwards.

(34) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprised of part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 6 in tandem with horizontal leg 410 of part two overlapping horizontal leg 110 of part one and extending horizontally across trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one, vertical leg 418 inserted into hem 119 abutting vertical leg 118 of part one.

(35) In practice the hem 119 of vertical leg 118 of part one provides an edging for an installed surface material while water flowing under the installed surface material is allowed to enter via perforations 413 into the trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116 and vertical leg 118 of part one where it can be transported to an outlet such as a downspout and away from the building structure.

(36) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two with perforations 513 of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg 510 and a vertical leg 518 extending downwards.

(37) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprised of part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 8 in tandem with horizontal leg 510 of part two overlapping horizontal leg 110 of part one and extending horizontally across trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one, vertical leg 517 extending downwards and abutting vertical leg 118 of part one.

(38) In practice, the hem 119 of vertical leg 118 of part one provides an edging for an installed surface material while water flowing under the installed surface material is allowed to enter via perforations 513 into the trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one where it can be transported to an outlet such as a downspout and away from the building structure.

(39) Vertical leg 517 of part one can be attached to vertical leg 118 of part one. Vertical leg 517 of part two can also extend down to make contact with the leg 116 of part one enabling it to support installed surface material without being attached.

(40) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg 610, with vertical leg 618 extending upwards and leg 619 extending horizontally inwards.

(41) FIGS. 11-13 (perspective, side, and top views) show an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 10 in tandem provided on a flat roof and edging pavers.

(42) Horizontal leg 110 of the flashing is installed underneath the roofing membrane or material 104 slip sheet 105 and surface material 106. Part one vertical inside leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and outside vertical leg 118 form a rectangular trough allowing for water that flows through the horizontal leg 610 of part two to exit via downspouts, scuppers, rain chains or preferred water outlets. At the same time, the outside vertical leg 118 of part one abuts and can be attached to the vertical upward leg 618 of part two, thus solidifying the assembly. Rivets 611 would be one example of an attachment method in this application.

(43) The top of installed surface material 106 is higher then the abutting inwardly extending leg 619 of part two. Thus the assembly acts as a perimeter edging retainer abutting the surface material 106. At the same time, since part two is perforated 613, water that flows over or underneath the installed surface material is able to flow into the trough of part one and away from the roof.

(44) Most flat roofs require a guardrail (International Residential Code requires a guardrail if a roof or deck is higher than 32″ off the ground). This impedes foot traffic along the perimeter edge of the roof where surface material 106 is installed over the flashing. Surface material 106 provides a degree of protection from unwanted debris entering the trough.

(45) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an L-shaped bracket with horizontal leg 708 and vertical leg 707 and a portion of an exemplary variation of a perforated 713 part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with horizontal leg 716 with symmetric vertical legs 714 and 715 extending downwards to symmetric inward facing horizontal legs 710 and 711.

(46) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprising part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 14 in tandem with the L-shaped bracket of FIG. 14 with legs 710 and 711 of part two supported by leg 708 of the L-shaped strap. Leg 707 of the L-shaped strap is attached to the roof deck (not shown) by a fastener 113 and by rivet 709 to the vertical leg 118 of part one. The hem 119 located at the top of vertical leg 118 of part one abuts the vertical leg 715 of part two.

(47) In practice, vertical leg 714 of part two provides an edging surface for an applied surface material (not shown). Vertical leg 714 and horizontal leg 716 allow water to enter via perforations 713 into the trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one where it can be transported to an outlet such as a downspout and away from the building structure.

(48) Part two is removable which makes cleaning easier. It also provides an edging that can be installed over the roof structure when it's necessary that installed surface material not extend out from the roof structure.

(49) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary variation of a perforated 813 part two of a flashing that works in tandem with part one of FIG. 1, with a horizontal leg 810 with a vertical leg 818 extending down from one side and a vertical leg 812 extending upwards on the other side.

(50) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary flashing comprised of part one of FIG. 1 and part two of FIG. 16 in tandem with horizontal leg 810 of part two overlapping horizontal leg 110 of part one and spanning the trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one, leg 818 extending down and abutting vertical leg 118 of part one, leg 812 extending up and providing an edging for flat roof patios and green roofs.

(51) In practice, a porous drainage trough is created by vertical leg 118 of part one (which could extend higher then shown) and perforated 813 leg 810 and 812 (stone ballast or other media not shown could be installed). Water would be allowed to flow into the trough formed by vertical leg 114, horizontal leg 116, and vertical leg 118 of part one where it can be transported to an outlet such as a downspout and away from the building structure.

(52) In other applications, the flashing can be installed over the roofing membrane instead of underneath it. In such cases, larger holes can be located towards the inner edge of the horizontal leg. These larger holes would augment adhesion of the sandwiched horizontal leg of flashing along the perimeter where the lower roofing membrane and upper slip sheet of roofing membrane may be adhered. Another method of fastening the flashing can be the use of a compatible adhesive flashing tape to adhere the flashing to the lower sheet of roofing membrane.

(53) Other shapes including curved shapes could be incorporated into the design of the flashing.

(54) The flashing can be made out of many different materials preferably resistant to rust or decay. Such materials could include, but wouldn't be limited to, coated (finished, painted) steel or aluminum, copper, stainless steel, plastics, and composites. Any color would be possible, making the flashing a complimentary color accent to homes, buildings, and terraces.

(55) The scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by examples given.

(56) Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the edge flashing for flat roofs provides significant improvements over past devices.

(57) While the above description contains many specificities, these specificities should not be construed as limitations to the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible.