Flashing assembly for use between two roof windows mounted in an inclined roof structure, a group of roof windows mounted using such a flashing assembly, and a method for mounting a flashing assembly between two roof windows

Abstract

A flashing assembly for use between two roof windows mounted in an inclined roof structure, a group of roof windows mounted using such a flashing assembly, and a method for mounting a flashing assembly between two roof windows. In the flashing assembly (1), the first section (71) of the first flashing element (7) comprises two legs (711, 712) extending along the width axis and being located at a distance from each other measured along the height axis thereby forming a pocket (713) between them. The first section (81) of the second flashing element (8) fits into the pocket of the first flashing element.

Claims

1. A flashing assembly for use between two roof windows, which are mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure and which each comprises a frame and a pane element, said flashing assembly comprising a first flashing element configured for extending along a frame member of the frame of a first roof window and a second flashing element configured for extending along a frame member of the frame of a second roof window, each of the first flashing element and the second flashing element comprising a first section and a second section, said first section extending along a width axis of a corresponding flashing element, being configured for extending between the first roof window and the second roof window, and having an interior side configured for facing the inclined roof structure, and said second section extending in an exterior direction along a height axis of a corresponding flashing element and having an interior side configured for facing the frame of one of the first and second roof windows, said second section having a first edge at the first section and a second edge located at a distance from the first section measured along the height axis, the first section of the first flashing element comprises two legs extending along the width axis and being located at a distance from each other measured along the height axis thereby forming a pocket between the two legs, and that the first section of the second flashing element fits into the pocket of the first flashing element.

2. The flashing assembly according to claim 1, where the one of the two legs of the first section of the first flashing element located furthest from the second edge of the second section of the first flashing element has a flange projecting along the height axis in an exterior direction away from the interior side of the first section toward the other of the two legs, and where the first section of the second flashing element has a flange projecting along the height axis in an interior direction.

3. The flashing assembly according to claim 2, where the flanges of the first and second flashing elements each extends at an angle of more than 90 degrees in relation to the width axis so that they project back towards the second section of a corresponding flashing element.

4. The flashing assembly according to claim 1, where both of the first and second flashing elements are made from sheet metal.

5. The flashing assembly according to claim 1, where the first and second flashing elements are side flashing elements configured for extending along a side frame member of a corresponding roof window.

6. The flashing assembly according to claim 1, where the first and second flashing elements are one of the following: (i) top flashing elements configured for extending along a top frame member of a corresponding roof window, (ii) bottom flashing elements configured for extending along a bottom frame member of a corresponding roof window, and (iii) gutter flashing elements configured for use between roof windows arranged above each other.

7. The flashing assembly according to claim 1, where the first section of the second flashing element has a width measured along the width axis from the second section to an edge opposite the second section, where the pocket of the first section of the first flashing element has a depth measured along the width axis from the second section to an edge of the shorter of the two legs, and where said width of the first section of the second flashing element is at least 1.1 times the depth of the pocket.

8. A group of roof windows including at least two roof windows mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure using a flashing assembly according to claim 1.

9. The group of roof windows according to claim 8, where the total width of the first sections of the two flashing elements when the first section of the second flashing element is inserted fully into a pocket of the first section of the first flashing element is smaller than the distance between the two roof windows.

10. A method for mounting a flashing assembly between two roof windows, which are mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure and which each comprises a frame and a pane element, said method comprising: arranging a first flashing element so that it extends along a frame member of the frame of a first roof window with a first section extending between the two roof windows, with an interior side of the first section facing the inclined roof structure, with a second section extending along a height axis in an exterior direction, and with an interior side of the second section facing the frame of the first roof window, arranging a second flashing element so that it extends along a frame member of the frame of a second roof window with a first section extending between the two roof windows, with an interior side of the first section facing the inclined roof structure, with a second section extending in an exterior direction, and with an interior side of the second section facing the frame of the second roof window, wherein the first section of the second flashing element is inserted into a pocket of the first section of the first flashing element, said pocket being formed by two legs extending along a width axis and being located at a distance from each other measured along the height axis.

11. The method according to claim 10, where the first section of the second flashing element is initially inserted fully into the pocket of the first flashing element, and where the flashing elements are subsequently pulled away from each other until the second sections of the first and second flashing elements come into contact with the frame of a corresponding roof window.

12. The method according to claim 11, where the first flashing element is mounted before the second flashing element.

13. The method according to claim 10, where, during the insertion into the pocket, the first section of the second flashing element is bending.

14. The method according to claim 10, where the first section of the second flashing element is inserted fully into the pocket of the first flashing element, and where the second flashing element is subsequently pulled back until the second section of the second flashing element comes into contact with the frame of the second roof window.

15. The flashing assembly according to claim 4, where both of the first and second flashing elements are made from aluminium or copper.

16. The flashing assembly according to claim 2, where the first and second flashing elements are side flashing elements configured for extending along a side frame member of a corresponding roof window.

17. The flashing assembly according to claim 2, where the first and second flashing elements are one of the following: (i) top flashing elements configured for extending along a top frame member of a corresponding roof window, (ii) bottom flashing elements configured for extending along a bottom frame member of a corresponding roof window, and (iii) gutter flashing elements configured for use between roof windows arranged above each other.

18. A group of roof windows including at least two roof windows mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure using a flashing assembly according to claim 2.

19. A group of roof windows including at least two roof windows mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure using a flashing assembly according to claim 3.

20. A group of roof windows including at least two roof windows mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure using a flashing assembly according to claim 5.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of two roof windows mounted side by side with a prior art flashing assembly, adapted by the incorporation of reference numerals corresponding to embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of four windows mounted two by two in a matrix configuration, adapted only by the incorporation of a few reference numerals corresponding to embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 3 is a sketch showing general engagement means by a separate connection piece;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a view of the engagement between flashing elements in an embodiment of the flashing assembly according to the invention;

[0036] FIGS. 5-8 are perspective views depicting steps in a method for mounting a flashing assembly;

[0037] FIG. 9 shows a photograph showing a step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly where the flashing assembly is provided in an assembled state;

[0038] FIG. 10 are perspective views depicting steps in a method for mounting a flashing assembly where the flashing assembly is provided in an assembled state;

[0039] FIG. 11 shows sequential photographs depicting steps of a method for mounting a flashing assembly;

[0040] FIG. 12 shows a photograph depicting a step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly;

[0041] FIG. 13 shows a detail of FIG. 12;

[0042] FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4, representing the attained step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly corresponding to FIG. 12;

[0043] FIGS. 15 and 16 show sequential photographs depicting steps in a method for mounting a flashing assembly;

[0044] FIG. 17 shows a photograph depicting a step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly;

[0045] FIG. 18 shows a photograph of a detail corresponding to the step FIG. 17;

[0046] FIG. 19 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and FIG. 14, representing the attained step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly corresponding to FIG. 17;

[0047] FIG. 20 shows a photograph depicting a step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly;

[0048] FIG. 21 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 4, 14 and 19, representing the attained step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly corresponding to FIG. 20;

[0049] FIG. 22 shows a photograph depicting a step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly; and

[0050] FIG. 23 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 4, 14, 19 and 21, representing the attained step of a method for mounting a flashing assembly corresponding to FIG. 22.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a prior art flashing assembly 1 for use with two roof windows mounted adjacent to each other side by side in a sloped roof structure 3 is shown. It is noted that the prior art figure has been adapted by the incorporation of reference numerals corresponding to embodiments of the present invention. As the construction of the roof windows are not of importance, they are here represented only by two frames 2, each comprising a top frame member 21 and a bottom frame member 22 both extending horizontally in the mounted state and two side frame members 23, 24 extending in a slope direction of the roof structure in the mounted state. Likewise, the roof structure 3 is represented only by a single rafter and a few laths and the slope direction is indicated by the arrow D. For a reference to other orthogonal directions as defined in the present application, namely a width direction W and a height direction H, see FIG. 5.

[0052] The flashing assembly 1 comprises two top flashing elements 11 each configured for extending along a top frame member 21, two bottom flashing elements 12 each configured for extending along a bottom frame member 22, two side flashing elements 13, 14 each configured for extending along a side frame member 23, 24, and a middle gutter flashing element 15 configured for extending between the two roof windows. Common to all flashing elements is that they comprise an outer portion 111, 121, 131, 141, 151 configured for extending substantially in plane with the roof structure and at least one inner portion 112, 122, 132, 142, 152 configured for extending up along a frame member of a roof window.

[0053] The top flashing elements 11 and the bottom flashing elements 12 are provided with corner sections, 113, 114, 123, 124 configured for establishing an overlap with the side flashing elements 13, 14 and the middle gutter flashing element 15, and cover members 16, 17 are provided for interconnecting the corner sections 114 of the top flashing elements above the middle gutter flashing element.

[0054] In FIG. 1, the flashing assembly 1 is configured for use with roof windows mounted deep in a roof structure, and the side flashing elements 13, 14 are configured for use at a left-hand side frame member 23 and at a right-hand side flashing element 14 of a roof window, respectively. The same applies to the two top flashing elements 11 and the two bottom flashing elements 12.

[0055] In FIG. 2 a corresponding flashing assembly for four roof windows mounted in a two-by-two configuration is shown. It includes two middle gutter flashing elements 15 corresponding to the one in FIG. 1 and extending between the two columns of roof windows, and two drainage gutter elements 18 extending horizontally between the two rows of roof windows.

[0056] FIG. 3 shows a sketch of general engagement means between two elements making use of a separate cover member.

[0057] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference numerals as per the above will be applied for components having the same or analogous function. This is not and should not be seen as a concession to such components being identical to components of the prior art.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 4, which shows the principles of the engagement between two flashing elements, the configuration of a flashing assembly 1 in an embodiment of the invention will be described. The flashing assembly 1 is intended for use between two roof windows 2, which are mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure 3 and which each comprises a frame and a pane element. Reference is also being made to FIG. 5 including the indication of the height direction H, the width direction W and the slope direction D. All directional axes are to be referenced to such directions.

[0059] The flashing assembly 1 comprises a first flashing element generally designated 7 and configured for extending along a frame member of the frame of a first roof window and a second flashing element generally designated 8 configured for extending along a frame member of the frame of a second roof window.

[0060] Each flashing element 7, 8 comprises a first section 71, 81 and a second section 72, 82. The first section 71, 81 extends along a width axis of the flashing element 7, 8 in the mounted state of the flashing assembly 1. Thus, the first section 71, 81 is configured for extending between the first roof window and the second roof window. Each first section 71, 81 has an interior side configured for facing the roof structure. Each second section 72, 82 extends in an exterior direction along a height axis of the flashing element 7, 8 in the mounted state. Correspondingly, each second section 72, 82 has an interior side configured for facing the frame of one of the roof windows, said second section having a first edge at the first section and a second edge located at distance from the first section measured along the height axis.

[0061] The first section 71 of the first flashing element 7 comprises two legs 711, 712 extending along the width axis and being located at a distance from each other measured along the height axis thereby forming a pocket 713 between them. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8 fits into the pocket of the first flashing element.

[0062] Further details visible in the embodiment of the flashing assembly 1 shown in FIG. 4 include the feature that the one of the two legs 712 of the first section 71 of the first flashing element 7 located furthest from the second edge of the second section of the first flashing element has a flange 71a projecting along the height axis in an exterior direction away from the interior side of the first section toward the other of the two legs. Correspondingly, the first section 81 of the second flashing element has a flange 81a projecting along the height axis in an interior direction.

[0063] The flanges 71a, 81a of the flashing elements 7, 8 each extends at an angle of more than 90 degrees in relation to the width axis so that they project back towards the respective second sections 72, 82 of the flashing elements 7, 8.

[0064] The material of both flashing elements 7, 8 may be chosen arbitrarily but are in the embodiment shown made from sheet metal, preferably from aluminium or copper.

[0065] Suitable dimensions of the flashing elements of the flashing assembly are given in the following: Where the first section of the second flashing element has a width measured along the width axis from the second section to an edge opposite the second section, where the pocket of the first section of the first flashing element has a depth measured along the width axis from the second section to an edge of the shorter of the two legs, and where said width of the first section of the second flashing element is at least 1.1 times the depth of the pocket.

[0066] While reference numerals 7, 8 have been used to generally designate the first and second flashing elements, it is to be recognised that such flashing elements are generally applicable to flashing elements forming part of the flashing assembly 1.

[0067] Thus, the first and second flashing element may constitute side flashing elements configured for extending along a side frame member 23, 24 of the roof windows. In this way, these flashing elements, and hence the flashing assembly 1 formed by them, may replace middle gutter flashing elements 15 or side flashing elements 13, 14 of the prior art flashing assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the first and second flashing element are top flashing elements configured for extending along top frame member 21 of the roof windows, bottom flashing elements configured for extending along bottom frame member 22 of the roof windows, or gutter flashing elements configured for use between roof windows arranged above each other. Comparing with the prior art flashing assembly, it is thus possible to apply the principles underlying the invention to the top flashing element 12, the bottom flashing element 13 and the drainage gutter element 18.

[0069] Referring now also to FIGS. 5-23, a method for mounting a flashing assembly between two roof windows which are mounted side by side in an inclined roof will be described.

[0070] The steps comprised by the method include: [0071] arranging a first flashing element 7 of the middle gutter flashing element 15 so that it extends along a frame member of the frame 2 of a first roof window with a first section 71 extending between the two roof windows, with an interior side of the first section facing the roof structure, with a second section 72 extending along a height axis in an exterior direction, and with an interior side of the second section facing the frame of the first roof window, [0072] arranging a second flashing element 8 of the middle gutter flashing element 15 so that it extends along a frame member of the frame 2 of a second roof window with a first section 81 extending between the two roof windows, with an interior side of the first section facing the roof structure, with a second section 82 extending in an exterior direction, and with an interior side of the second section facing the frame of the second roof window, [0073] whereby the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8 is inserted into a pocket 713 of the first section 71 of the first flashing element 7, said pocket 713 being formed by two legs 711, 712 extending along a width axis and being located at a distance from each other measured along the height axis.

[0074] The method may be carried out such that the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8 is initially inserted fully into the pocket 713 of the first flashing element 7 (see, for example, FIG. 9), and where the flashing elements 7, 8 are subsequently pulled away from each other until the second sections 72, 82 of the flashing elements come into contact with the frames of the roof windows (see, for example, FIG. 10).

[0075] As is apparent from the illustrations, the first flashing element 7 is generally mounted, i.e., connected to a frame of a first window, before the second flashing element 8, i.e., connected to a frame of a second window (see, for example, FIG. 10, upper left image).

[0076] In some installation conditions, the first section of the second flashing element is bending during the insertion into the pocket.

[0077] To adjust the width to the desired dimension, the first section of the second flashing element may be inserted fully into the pocket of the first flashing element, and where the second flashing elements is subsequently pulled back until the second section of the second flashing element comes into contact with the frame of the second roof window.

[0078] In FIGS. 11-14 a left-hand drainage gutter element 18 is attached to the middle gutter flashing element 15 shown in FIGS. 5-10 by hooking onto the upper leg 711 of the two legs forming the pocket 713 as best seen in FIGS. 11 and 14.

[0079] In FIGS. 15-19 a right-hand drainage gutter element 18 is attached to the middle gutter flashing element 15 shown in FIGS. 5-10 by inserting the first section 181 into the pocket 713 as best seen in FIGS. 18-19. During the insertion into the pocket, the first section is bending as best seen in FIG. 16.

[0080] FIGS. 20-21 show the mounting of a left-hand top flashing elements 11, which is interconnected with a middle gutter flashing element 15 in the same way as described for the left-hand drainage gutter element 18 in FIGS. 11-14, and FIGS. 22-23 show the mounting of a right-hand top flashing elements 11 in the same way as described for the right-hand drainage gutter element 18 in FIGS. 15-19.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0081] 1 flashing assembly [0082] 2 frame [0083] 21 top frame member [0084] 22 bottom frame member [0085] 23 side frame member [0086] 24 side frame member [0087] 3 roof structure [0088] 7 first flashing element [0089] 71 first section [0090] 71a flange [0091] 711 leg [0092] 712 leg [0093] 713 pocket [0094] 72 second section [0095] 8 second flashing element [0096] 81 first section [0097] 81a flange [0098] 82 second section [0099] 11 top flashing element [0100] 111 outer portion [0101] 112 inner portion [0102] 113 corner section [0103] 114 corner section [0104] 12 bottom flashing element [0105] 121 outer portion [0106] 122 inner portion [0107] 123 corner section [0108] 124 corner section [0109] 13 side flashing element [0110] 131 outer portion [0111] 132 inner portion [0112] 14 side flashing element [0113] 141 outer portion [0114] 142 inner portion [0115] 15 middle gutter flashing element [0116] 16 cover member [0117] 17 cover member [0118] 18 drainage gutter element [0119] D slope direction [0120] W width direction [0121] H height direction