SEALING ADAPTOR

Abstract

The present application provides a roofing assembly (300). The roofing assembly (300) comprises: a support frame (310, 320); a window panel (350) supported on the support frame; a roof covering (319, 364) having an inner surface facing the support frame (310, 320) and extending over the support frame (310, 320) to a boundary of the window panel (350); and a sealing adaptor (360) comprising a sealing portion (430) having a sealing surface (432) for forming a seal against the window panel (350), and a retaining portion (410) defining a retaining recess (420) formed to retain an end of the roof covering (319, 364) therein. The retaining portion (410) comprises a lip region (422) for contacting the inner surface of the roof covering (319, 364) when the end of the roof covering (319, 364) is received in the retaining recess (420). The retaining recess (420) is provided between the lip region (422) and the sealing surface (432).

Claims

1. A roofing assembly comprising: a support frame; a window panel supported on the support frame; a roof covering having an inner surface facing the support frame and extending over the support frame to a boundary of the window panel; and a sealing adaptor comprising a sealing portion having a sealing surface for forming a seal against the window panel, and a retaining portion defining a retaining recess formed to retain an end of the roof covering therein, wherein the retaining portion comprises a lip region for contacting the inner surface of the roof covering when the end of the roof covering is received in the retaining recess and wherein the retaining recess is provided between the lip region and the sealing surface.

2. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining recess is substantially parallel to the sealing surface.

3. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof covering is formed from zinc roofing sheets.

4. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing portion defines a plurality of sealing recesses to receive a sealing member.

5. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing portion defines three sealing recesses.

6. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein one or more of the sealing recesses are filled by the sealing member.

7. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing surface comprises an adhesive to adhere the sealing adaptor to the window panel.

8. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the adhesive is to adhere the sealing adaptor to a top surface of the window panel.

9. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing adaptor further comprises a mounting portion extending from the sealing portion to mount the sealing adaptor to the support frame in use.

10. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mounting portion is to mount the sealing adaptor to the support frame using a fastener in use.

11. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mounting portion has defined therein a mounting hole for engagement by a fastener, for example a screw fastener.

12. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the retaining recess extends inwardly from a mouth region defined by an entrance of the recess in a recess direction at least partially towards the mounting portion.

13. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the recess direction is between approximately 0 degrees and 90 degrees away from a plane of the sealing surface.

14. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the recess direction is between approximately 0 degrees and 90 degrees away from a top surface of the window panel in use.

15. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining recess extends inwardly from a mouth region defined by an entrance of the recess, and wherein a depth of the retaining recess from the mouth region is at least 5 millimeters.

16. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein a width of the retaining recess between opposing sides of the mouth region is between 1 millimeter and 4 millimeters.

17. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining recess defines a tortuous path, whereby to retain the roof covering within the retaining recess in use.

18. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the retaining recess is defined by a first surface and a second surface, substantially opposing the first surface, and wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly within the retaining recess.

19. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the plurality of protrusions are distributed over both the first surface and the second surface of the retaining recess.

20. A mounting adaptor for mounting a roof panel within a roof, the roof panel having a top surface, the roof provided by a support frame over which extends a roof covering having an inner surface facing the support frame, the mounting adaptor being an elongate member and comprising: a sealing portion having a sealing surface for forming a seal at a boundary of the roof panel; and a retaining portion formed to define an elongate retaining recess to receive an end portion of the roof covering therein, wherein the retaining portion comprises a lip region for contacting an inner surface of the roof covering when the end of the roof covering is received in the retaining recess and wherein the retaining recess is provided between the lip region and the sealing surface.

21. A kit of parts for mounting a window panel within a roof comprising the sealing adaptor described in claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a roofing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an underlying support frame structure for a roof;

[0030] FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-sections through a diagram of a roofing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a mounting member for use in a roofing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure describes a roof window system capable of being mounted substantially flush within a low-pitched roof. The roof window system is particularly suited to standing seam (long strip) zinc roofing, but it will be understood that the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be used with other sheet roofing materials, for example copper, aluminium, steel, stainless steel, and indeed any coiled sheet metal. FIG. 1 is an illustration of a roofing assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows only the external surface of the roofing assembly 100. The roofing assembly 100 comprises a roof covering in the form of a plurality of roofing sheets 110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117 formed from zinc. The roofing sheets 110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117 each have a length measured in a longitudinal direction down a pitch of the roof and a width measured in a lateral direction along the roof transverse to the length of the roofing sheets. In the present example, each roofing sheet 110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117 is formed from a roll of zinc having a width of 600 millimeters. An outer left roofing sheet 110 covers the length of the roof and is connected to an upper left roofing sheet 112 and a lower left roofing sheet 117 by a standing seam 120 as is well known within the field of zinc roofing. The standing seam 120 is formed by folding adjacent edges of adjacent roofing sheets together such that the adjacent roofing sheets are connected together by a standing seam. A portion of the roofing sheet forming a top part of the standing seam fits over a portion the roofing sheet forming an under part. The two portions are folded over (twice in this example) to create a water resistant mechanical seal. The standing seam 120 is fixed to an underlying roofing structure (not shown) with fixed or sliding clips (also not shown) that restrict or facilitate thermal movement of the roofing sheets as necessary. The standing seam 120 does not permit rain to enter between the roofing sheets. Similarly, the upper left roofing sheet 112 and the lower left roofing sheet 117 are connected to an upper right roofing sheet 113 and a lower right roofing sheet 116 respectively by respective standing seams 122, 126. Each of the upper right roofing sheet 113 and the lower right roofing sheet 116 is connected to a right roofing sheet 114 by a standing seam 124. When assembled in this way a periodicity of adjacent standing seams is approximately 530 millimeters. It will be understood that any periodicity of adjacent standing seams may be provided depending on the height of the standing seams and the width of the rolls of material used to form the roofing sheets. In particular, the periodicity may be 500 millimeters, 600 millimeters, or anywhere between.

[0033] The roofing assembly 100 further comprises a roof panel in the form of a roof window 150 positioned in an opening within the roofing assembly defined between a right edge of the left roofing sheet 110 and a left edge of the right roofing sheet 114 and between a lower edge of each of the upper left roofing sheet 112 and the upper right roofing sheet 113, and an upper edge of each of the lower left roofing sheet 117 and the lower right roofing sheet 116. In this example, the roof window 150 is a roof light arranged in a roof of a building to facilitate passage of light into the building through the roof window 150. The roof window 150 will be described further in relation to FIGS. 3A to 3C below.

[0034] The roofing assembly 100 further comprises a flashing member 128 at the seam 120 to at least partially seal the roof window 150 within the roofing assembly 100. The roofing assembly comprises a further flashing member (not shown) at the seam 124 to at least partially seal the roof window 150 within the roofing assembly 100. The roof window 150 is formed to have a thickness extending within the roof. As such, the upper edge of the lower left roofing sheet 117 and the lower right roofing sheet 116 is located further within the roof than a corresponding location on either the left roofing sheet 110 or the right roofing sheet 114. The lower left roofing sheet 117 and the lower right roofing sheet 116 each have a shallower pitch compared to the left roofing sheet 110 and the right roofing sheet 114 such that a lower edge of each of the lower left roofing sheet 117 and the lower right roofing sheet 116 returns to approximately the same height within the roofing assembly as the a lower edge of each of the left roofing sheet 110 and the right roofing sheet 114. The roof window 150 is sealed within the roof as will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C below.

[0035] In this example, movement of the roofing sheets and standing seams due to thermal expansion or contraction is facilitated by the use of a combination of fixed clips (not shown) and sliding clips (not shown). The fixed clips are typically fitted at a top of a roof or wall (e.g. faade). The sliding clips are typically below the top of the roof (or wall) at approx. 300 mm intervals. The clips are fitted between the two roofing sheets forming the standing seam and nailed or screwed to a deck of the roof support structure. The fixed clips hold the standing seam still, whereas the sliding clips slide with the standing seam. Expansion and contraction of the zinc roofing sheets can typically be 1 mm of movement over 1 m per degree of temperature change.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an underlying support frame structure for a roof. As will be understood, a support frame structure 200 for a roof typically comprises a plurality of rafters 210 each extending from a lower edge of the roof up to an upper edge of the roof. The support frame structure 200 further comprises a plurality of purlins 220 connecting the rafters 210 together. The purlins 220 extend at substantially constant height across the roof, perpendicular to the rafters 210. In this example, the support frame structure 200 comprises separate purlins 220 extending between each pair of adjacent rafters 210. However, it will be understood that the purlins can be formed to extend across a width of the support frame structure 200 and mounted below or above the rafters 210. In this alternative configuration a single purlin may connect several rafters together. With reference to the roofing assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the standing seams 120, 124 are typically positioned directly above the rafters 210. It will be understood that the roof window 150 is typically positioned in a region between rafters 210. In this way, there is typically no rafter located beneath the central standing seams 122, 126 shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams of a roofing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a cross-section through a roofing assembly 300 in the lateral direction of the roof (bridging a plurality of roofing sheets and standing seams). A roof window 350 is supported on a support frame structure of a roof. Specifically, a rafter 310 supports a roof decking member 316, to which the roofing sheets are secured. A support member 312 is supported from the roof decking member 316 via a mounting bracket 314. The roof window 350 is supported on the support member 312 at each end thereof via a thermal insulation angle 308. The support member 312 is typically formed to extend around a boundary of the roof window 350 and support the roof window 350 in the roof. The support member 312 is substantially L-shaped and comprises a leg portion which extends downwardly from the mounting bracket 314. The support member 312 further comprises a foot portion which extends inwardly from a base of the leg portion beneath an underside of an edge of the roof window 350. The foot portion of the support member 312 is connected to a lower surface of the roof window 350 via the thermal insulation angle 308. It will be understood that the thermal insulation angle 308 may be connected to either or both of the roof window 350 and the support member 312 by one or more of fasteners, adhesive or interengaging connectors. Thus, the roof window 350 is securely mounted to the support frame structure of the roof. More particularly, the roof window 350 is mounted to the rafters 310. The support member 312 is welded in this example. The thermal insulation angle 308 is typically formed from a plastics material.

[0038] An inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312 is connected to the mounting bracket 314 at an upper end thereof. The mounting bracket 314 comprises a body portion which extends downwards from and adjacent to the inner surface of an upper end of the support member 312 and an arm portion which extends outwardly away from the roof window 150 at an upper end of the mounting bracket 314. A roof decking member 316 is mounted to the arm portion of the mounting bracket 314. The roof covering in the form on a first roofing sheet 318 is mounted to the roof decking member 316, for example by fixed clips or sliding clips as described previously.

[0039] A mounting member in the form of a roof window sealing member 360 is mounted to an inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312 by a fastener in the form of one or more fixing screws. It will be seen that the body portion of the mounting bracket 314 is clamped between the roof window sealing member 360 and the support member 312. The roof window sealing member 360 is mounted at an upper end of the leg portion of the support member 312 and is arranged to seal an upper surface of the roof window 350. The roof window 350 is therefore mounted between the roof window sealing member 360 and the thermal insulation angle 308. A flashing member in the form of a second roofing sheet 319 is connected at a first end to the first roofing sheet 318 and at a second end to the roof window sealing member 360. The roof window sealing member 360 is formed to provide a substantially weathertight seal between the roof window 350 and the roof covering formed by the first roofing sheet 318 and the second roofing sheet 319. The roof window sealing member 360 is further described with reference to FIG. 4 below. The roof window sealing member 360 defines a recess therein and allows a flashing member formed by the second roofing sheet 319 to slide into the recess in the roof window sealing member 360, even with movement of the roofing sheet due to thermal expansion or contraction of the roof.

[0040] An internal support member 313 is mounted to a lower surface of the foot portion of the support member 312 whereby to provide a fixing point for plasterboard or other wall coverings on an internal side of the roof window 350 within the roof.

[0041] The roof window 350 in this example comprises a lower window pane 351, an upper window pane 352 and a central window pane 356 provided between the lower window pane 351 and the upper window pane 352. An upper vacuum cavity 358 is defined between the upper window pane 352 and the central window pane 356. A lower vacuum cavity 354 is provided between the central window pane 356 and the lower window pane 351. Thus, the roof window 350 in this example is a triple glazed window unit. It will be understood that the roof window 350 can alternatively be another type of window unit, for example a double or single glazed window unit as desired. The upper window pane 352 and the lower window pane 351 are each formed from toughened glass to provide a strong and durable roof window 350.

[0042] FIG. 3B shows a cross-section through a diagram of an upper portion of the roof window 350, the cross-section being in the longitudinal direction of the roof. The roof window 350 is supported on the support frame structure of the roof. Specifically, an upper end of the roof window 350 is supported on the support member 312 via the thermal insulation angle 308. As previously, the internal support member 313 is mounted at an upper surface thereof to the foot portion of the support member 312 bordering the roof window 350. Thus, a rear portion of the roof window 350 is securely mounted to the support frame structure of the roof via the support member 312.

[0043] In the region of the rear portion of the roof window 350, the inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312 is connected to a rear mounting bracket 326 at an upper end thereof. The rear mounting bracket 326 comprises a body portion which extends downwards from an upper end of the support member 312 and an overhang portion which extends inwardly over a boundary of the roof window 350 at an upper end of the rear mounting bracket 326. A roofing under-sheet 364 is mounted to the second rear mounting bracket 326, for example by adhesive.

[0044] A rear spacing member 328 extends rearwardly from an upper end of a rear surface of the support member 312. The rear spacing member 328 is supported on a purlin 320 of the support frame structure of the roof. An upper surface of the rear spacing member 328 is substantially flush with a height of an upper surface of the rear mounting bracket 326. A deck member 330 extends rearwardly from the rear spacing member 328 and provides a support panel on which the roof covering is supported. In this example, the difference between a height of the upper surface of the rear spacing member 328 and the height of the upper surface of the deck member 330 is approximately 6 millimeters. The roofing under-sheet 364 extends from an inward end of the overhang portion of the rear mounting bracket 326 towards the deck member 330. The roofing under-sheet 364 is formed to define one or more surface protrusions away from the rear spacing member 328 and an approximately 180 degree bend outwardly at a first end of the roofing under-sheet 364 whereby to substantially prevent rainwater penetrating within the roof.

[0045] A mounting member in the form of the roof window sealing member 360 is mounted to an inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312 with the body portion of the rear mounting bracket 326 clamped therebetween. The roof window sealing member 360 is mounted at an upper end of the leg portion of the support member 312. The rear portion of the roof window 350 is therefore mounted between the roof window sealing member 360 and the thermal insulation angle 308. The roofing under-sheet 364 is connected at a second end to the roof window sealing member 360. A roofing rear top sheet 363 extends inwardly from an upper portion of the roof, towards the roof window 350. The roofing rear top sheet 363 is bent back around the overhang portion of the rear mounting bracket 326 whereby to substantially prevent ingress of rainwater beneath the roofing rear top sheet 363. The roof window sealing member 360 is formed to provide a substantially weathertight seal between the roof window 350 and the roof covering. In this particular example, the roof covering is provided by the combination of the roofing rear top sheet 363 and the roofing under-sheet 364. As noted previously, the roof window sealing member 360 is further described with reference to FIG. 4 below.

[0046] In the present example, where a width of the roof window 350 is greater than a width of a single roofing sheet forming part of the roof covering, the roof covering may further comprise a standing seam 362 positioned longitudinally upwards of the roof window 350. The standing seam 362 can be folded to lie flat against the roofing rear top sheet 363 in the region of the overhang portion of the rear mounting bracket 326, whereby to maintain the weathertight seal between adjacent roofing sheets.

[0047] Thus it can be seen that many of the same components can be used in different positions during installation of a roof window. In particular a plurality of roof window sealing members 360 can be used for sealing both the lateral sides and the rear portion of the roof window 350 within the roof. In an example, a substantially U-shaped single roof window sealing member can be used to extend from a first lateral side, across the rear portion, and down a second lateral side of the roof window 350. Such a U-shaped roof window sealing member design can be mitred at the corners to maintain a weathertight seal.

[0048] FIG. 3C shows a cross-section through a diagram of a lower portion of the roof window 350, the cross-section being in the longitudinal direction of the roof. The roof window 350 is supported on the support member 312 substantially as described in relation to FIGS. 3A and 3B, with the thermal insulation angle 308 and the internal support member 313. A front spacing member 382 is provided to securely locate the roof window 350 away from an inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312. The front spacing member may be formed from a weathertight material such as silicon.

[0049] The upper window pane 352 comprises a lower overhang portion which extends beyond either of the central window pane 356 or the lower window pane 351 in a longitudinal direction down the pitch of the roof. It will be appreciated that an end member (not shown) is provided to enclose the upper vacuum cavity at the region on the upper window pane 352 corresponding to the length of the central window pane 356 and the lower window pane 351. An end of the upper window pane 352 can be provided with a glazing bead member 370. The glazing bead member 370 defines a drip channel 372 configured to substantially prevent ingress of rainwater beneath the upper window pane 352 of the roof window 350 when the roof window 350 is installed in a roof. As described in relation to FIG. 1, although the upper window pane 352 extends in substantially the same direction as an upper portion of the roof covering before the roof window 350, the roof covering in a lower portion of the roof after the roof window 350 is provided at a lower roof height, and extends at a lower pitch angle. In this way, the lower portion of the roof will recover to meet an underside of the upper window pane 352 or a plane extending from the upper window pane 352. This allows the roof window 350 to sit close to the top of the roof, while still maintaining an effective run off for rain water from the upper portion of the roof and a drain to the lower portion of the roof below.

[0050] It will be seen that an upper surface of the upper window pane 352 is positioned approximately 30 millimeters below a main support surface of the roof. Rainwater can drain from the roof window 350 via the glazing bead member 370 bonded flush to upper window pane 352. The glazing bead member 370 is mechanically fixed (for example by riveting) to the roof window sealing member 360 on the sides of the window. The roof covering in the lower portion of the roof is positioned approximately 45 millimeters below the top surface of the upper window pane 352 at a position on the lower portion of the roof adjacent to the roof window frame. Thus, the roof may be a maximum of 75 millimeters below the main support surface of the roof in a region laterally adjacent to the lower portion of the roof.

[0051] A filter foam member 315 is provided beneath the lower overhang portion of the upper window pane 352 to provide a substantially weathertight seal between a lower roof covering 317 and the roof window 350.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cross-section through an elongate mounting member in the form of a roof window sealing member 360 for use in a roofing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The roof window sealing member is formed from an elongate member 402 comprising a retaining portion 410 defining a retaining recess 420 and a sealing portion 430. The elongate member 402 further comprises a mounting portion 440 extending from the sealing portion 430. The sealing portion 430 comprises a sealing surface 432. The sealing surface defines a plurality of sealing member recesses 436 any number of which can be filled with a resilient sealing material 433, 434. In this example, there are three sealing member recesses 436, each of which are substantially circular and two of the sealing member recesses are filled with a rubber material in the form of neoprene. The neoprene may be affixed to the sealing surface by adhesive. When the roof window sealing member 360 is to be sealed against an external surface 490, for example an upper surface of the roof window described previously, a layer of adhesive 492 can be provided between the external surface 490 and the sealing surface 432 whereby to adhere the roof window sealing member 360 to the external surface 490.

[0053] The mounting portion 440 has defined therein a plurality of mounting holes 450. A fastener (not shown) can be used to mount the roof window sealing member to further components in the roofing assembly. It will be understood that alternative fixing means may be used, for example adhesives.

[0054] Roof window sealing member 360 further comprises an upper lip region 422 at an upper end of the retaining recess 420. A mouth region of the retaining recess is defined by an opening of the retaining recess 420 between the upper lip region 422 and a lower lip region at a lower surface of the retaining recess 420. In use, an end of a roof covering in the form of a roofing sheet is inserted within the retaining recess 420. The roofing sheet is bent back around the upper lip region 422. The roofing sheet comprises an outer surface arranged to be exposed to face substantially outwards on the roof in use, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and arranged to face substantially inwards on the roof in use. The upper lip region 422 is in contact with an inner surface of the roofing sheet when the roofing sheet is bent around the upper lip region 422. The retaining recess 420 is defined between the upper lip region 422 and the sealing portion 430, thereby ensuring a weathertight seal is maintained between the roof window and the roof covering. The retaining recess 420 functions to constrain the roof covering to be retained within the retaining recess 420, whilst allowing movement in an elongate direction along the elongate extent of the roof window sealing member. This is important when the roof covering is formed from a material such as zinc exhibiting thermal expansion and/or contraction when heated or cooled. The roof window can remain sealed in the roof, regardless of the temperature (and corresponding expansion or contraction) of the roof covering.

[0055] The retaining recess 420 is further defined by a plurality of protrusions 424, 426, 428 defined within the internal surface of the retaining recess 420. The protrusions 424, 426, 428 are formed to substantially retain the roof covering within the retaining recess 420. In this example, the protrusions 424, 426, 428 retain the roof covering within the retaining recess 420 when the roof covering is bent back around the upper lip region 422. The protrusions 424, 426, 428 are distributed over both an upper surface of the retaining recess 420 and a lower surface of the retaining recess 420. In this example, the protrusions 424, 426, 428 are elongate protrusions extending substantially the length of the roof window sealing member. The retaining recess 420 is substantially parallel to the sealing portion 430. In this example, the retaining recess has a depth of approximately 11 millimeters. The mounting portion 440 is substantially perpendicular to the sealing portion 430. The mounting portion 440 is substantially perpendicular to the retaining recess 420.

[0056] The roof window sealing members 360 are formed to extend one each along each of the lateral boundaries of the roof window and an upper boundary of the roof window. In this way, the lateral boundaries and upper boundary of the roof window can be substantially weathertight. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that rain water will run off a lower edge of the roof window by gravity.

[0057] The elongate member 402 in the present example is formed from metal, in particular steel, but it will be appreciated that the elongate member 402 may instead be formed from any rigid, water impermeable material, for example plastics or composites.

[0058] Although the present disclosure relates to window panels, it will be understood that the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be used for mounting any type of roof panel in a roof, for example solar heating elements or access panels.

[0059] Although not explicitly described previously, it will be understood that the roof window described herein may be an openable roof light whereby to admit ventilation through the roof.

[0060] In summary, there is provided a roofing assembly (300). The roofing assembly (300) comprises: a support frame (310, 320); a window panel (350) supported on the support frame; a roof covering (319, 364) having an inner surface facing the support frame (310, 320) and extending over the support frame (310, 320) to a boundary of the window panel (350); and a sealing adaptor (360) comprising a sealing portion (430) having a sealing surface (432) for forming a seal against the window panel (350), and a retaining portion (410) defining a retaining recess (420) formed to retain an end of the roof covering (319, 364) therein. The retaining portion (410) comprises a lip region (422) for contacting the inner surface of the roof covering (319, 364) when the end of the roof covering (319, 364) is received in the retaining recess (420). The retaining recess (420) is provided between the lip region (422) and the sealing surface (432).

[0061] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise and contain and variations of them mean including but not limited to, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0062] Features, integers or characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.