Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLASHING STRUCTURE
Field of the invention;
The present invention relates to a flashing structure. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a flashing structure used primarily buff not
exclusively
for the installation of roofing shingles and roofing panels on residential and
commercial property roofs.
Background of the invention:
Metal roofing systems and the flashings used therewith, as well as the
installing thereof, are very well known in the art. Indeed, as better shown in
Figure 1, it is customary to use metal flashings on the perimeter of a roof
surface
to reinforce and protect the same against wind damage and uplift, as well as
to
use flashings on roof edges and the transitions thereof to protect the same
against water infiltration, for example. The flashings are generally supplied
by the
manufacturer of the roofing system, but can also be formed on site by the
installers of the roofing system in order to adapt the flashings to the
specific
roofing situation at hand.
It is also well known in the art that over the years, flashing structures have
evolved, partly driven by the economics of installation costs, partly driven
by
esthetic concerns, but mostly driven as a result and in response to failures
of
previous flashing structures, either due to wind damage andlor water
infiltration,
for example.
Known in the art are three main ways that a panel or shingle may be joined
to a piece of flashing. Briefly explained, these three ways are the following:
a) a
folded shingle or panel over a lip of a flashing, as better shown in Figure 2;
b) the
insertion of a shingle or panel ihto a groove or open lock in a flashing, as
better
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shown in Figure 3; and c) the insertion of a shingle or panel into a thin
groove or
slip-lock in a flashing, as better shown in Figure 4.
Indeed, it is already common practice to create a first drainage channel or
"gutter" on the flashing by adding a return bend (for example, a 180 degree
bend), at the end of the flashing, underneath the shingle or flashing secured
thereon, as better shown in Figures 3 and 4. This return bend is intended to
prevent water in the gutter from moving from the flashing surface and onto the
roof. However, this method is not fool-proof with the slip-lock type flashing
shown
in Figure 4, for example, as debris often builds up in the crevice and the
gutter,
and consequently can cause blockage of the gutter and this result in the
deflection of water onto the roof surface, which is very undesirable for
obvious
reasons.
The first two methods shown in Figures 2 and 3 are fairly reliable but
require care and expertise by an installer in order to be properly performed.
Namely, for the flashing illustrated in Figure 2, the installer must trim the
shingle
or panel to typically provide an "overhang" of about 1.5 to 3 cm, which is
then
hand-bent over the lip and crimped, resulting in a fairly strong and
relatively
water-proof joint. When properly done, it results in a substantial even and
clean
appearance, and a fairly secure attachment to the supporting flashing.
However,
this type of flashing requires extensive training, experience and care from an
installer in order to be properly installed, and thus may not be readily
installed by
a "do-it-yourself' person.
The flashing structure shown in Figure 3 requires the shingle or panel to be
inserted into an open lock channel, and trimmed in such a way that the shingle
generally has a 90 degree bend, typically with a 1.5 to 2 cm riser, which then
fills
up the vertical gap, and touches the back of the open lock channel. Done
properly, this type of flashing makes it very difficult for water to work its
way
around the riser and into the gutter. However, it has been found in the art
that
many installers do not take care to measure the riser properly, andlor
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inadvertently improperly measure the same, resulting in that the riser on the
shingle is often too short and far from the back of the channel, thus allowing
the
water to easily move past the riser and into the channel, which is also very
undesirable for obvious reasons.
The flashing structure of Figure 4 is easier for an installer to install, as
it
involves trimming the shingle so that it fits under the securing lip of the
flashing,
but often fails due to water infiltration as described in the preceding
paragraph.
This type of flashing is used by a number of manufacturers who claim that
anyone with little or no roofing experience can install the system, but end up
having to face frequent complaints by customers in regards to leakage,
resulting
from design and installation flaws of this type of flashing structure.
It is also known in the art that another issue that effects the integrity of a
roofing installation is that the installers often do not measure carefully the
amount
of penetration of the shingle under the slip-lock of the flashing, with the
result that
some shingles that are "rough-trimmed" have very little material under the
slip-
lock. As a result thereof, in winter typically, when cold weathers cause
contraction
of the metal shingles, the shingles may pop out of the slip-lock, as well as
be
damaged by wind, snow, and/or ice, which is also very undesirable. In worst
cases, such loose shingles may be blown away or swept off the roof surface and
therefore result in severe damages to the roofing system, resulting in water
infiltration and/or poor covering of the roof structure.
Also known in the art is the use of a valley flashing which is typically used
to protect the valleys of a roof, that is, two adjoining roof sections meeting
on a
slope. These valleys present the most amount of potential problems as this is
where the water is typically concentrated, and where ice andlor snow can
accumulate. Debris such as leaves, pine needles, and the like, often
accumulate
in these valleys and may cause water flowing off the roof to be diverted off
course, thus resulting in leaks. The traditional practice in metal roofing has
been
to use "open" valleys, with built-in lips along both sides of the valleys to
provide
~ CA 02467944 2004-05-20
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anchoring points and water deflection points for securing the shingles and/or
flashings. However, to secure the shingles and/or panels to the valley in.
this
manner requires extensive skill, specialized equipment and substantial time,
thus
resulting in considerable installation costs. Furthermore, it has been found
in the
art that many installers often try to "cut corners" and thus produce an end
result
which often leaks, which is also very undesirable.
Some companies have used "closed" valleys, which incorporate the sEip-
lock method of fastening the shingles, to speed up the installation, but they
accumulate debris in the narrow junction between the shingles/panels and the
lips of the flashing, and in winter they also ice up, causing water to
overflow the
drainage gutter and thus cause a leak, which is undesirable.
There are also valley flashing designs in existence which try to deal with
the potential blockage of the pockets holding the ends of the shingles with a
drainage system that directs the water to a central channel. These designs are
typically of a two-piece construction, and the upper piece can be dislodged by
the
pressure and movement of ice and/or snow on the roof, causing the pocket
holding the shingles to be lost.
Also known in the art are several documents describing different types of
roofing systems and the flashing structures used therewith. Indeed, known to
the
Applicant are the following documents: US patent Nos. 1,685,524 (Dow);
3,024,573 {McKinley); 3,264,790 (Beats); 3,680,269 (Fischer, Jr. et al.);
4,071,987 (Hickman); 4,241,549 (Hall, III et al.); 4,403,458 {Lolley);
4,592,176
(van Herpen); 4,598,507 (Hickman); 4,780,999 (Webb et al.); 4,858,406 (Lane et
al.); 5,115,603 {Blair); 5,927,023 {Kittilstad); and 5,960,591 (Schluter);
Swiss
patent No. 279,556; and French patent application No. 2,275,121.
However, none of the above-mentioned documents seems to teach,
illustrate or even suggest a flashing structure which overcomes the above-
discussed prior art problems.
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Hence, in light ofi the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved
flashing structure which, by virtue of its design and components, would
overcome
some of the aforementioned problems.
5 Summary of the invention:
The object of the present invention is to provided a flashing structure which
satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and which is thus an improvement
over the flashing structures known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved by
a flashing structure for mounting onto a roof surface and used for receiving
at
least one shingle, the flashing structure comprising:
a first drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure;
a securing lip positioned over the first drainage channel and extending
along the same, a gap being defined between the securing lip and , the first
drainage channel, said gap being shaped and sized for receiving said at least
one
shingle; and
a second drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure, said second drainage channel being fluidly connected to the first
drainage channel.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided
a flashing structure for mounting onto a roof surface and used for receiving
at
least one shingle, the flashing structure comprising:
a first drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure, the first drainage channel comprising a channel floor having
opposite
first and second longitudinal edges, the first and second longitudinal edges
of the
first drainage channel being each provided with a bend;
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a first supporking lip being operatively connected to the channel floor of the
first drainage channel via the bend provided on the second longitudinal edge
thereof;
a securing lip operatively connected to the channel floor of the first
drainage channel via the bend provided on the first longitudinal edge thereof,
the
securing lip being positioned over the first drainage channel and extending
along
the same, a gap being defined between the securing lip and the supporting lip,
said gap being shaped and sized for receiving said at least one shingle;
a second drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure, the second drainage channel comprising a channel floor having
opposite first and second longitudinal edges, the first and second
longitudinal
edges of the second drainage channel being each provided with a bend, the
second drainage channel being fluidly connected to the first drainage channel;
and
a second supporting lip being operatively connected to the channel floor of
the second drainage channel via the bend provided on the second longitudinal
edge thereof, the second supporting lip being provided with a nailing flange
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided
a flashing structure for mounting onto a roof surface and used for receiving
at
least one shingle, the flashing structure comprising:
a first drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure, the first drainage channel comprising a channel floor having
opposite
first and second longitudinal edges, the first and second longitudinal edges
of the
first drainage channel being each provided with a bend;
a first supporting lip being operatively connected to the channel floor of the
first drainage channel via the bend provided on the second longitudinal edge
thereof;
a second drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure, the second drainage channel comprising a channel floor having
opposite first and second longitudinal edges, the first and second
longitudinal
edges of the second drainage channel being each provided with a bend, the bend
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provided on the second longitudinal edge of the channel floor of the second
drainage channel being integral to the bend provided on the second
longitudinal
edge of the channel floor of the first drainage channel, the second drainage
channel being fluidly connected to the first drainage channel; and
a securing lip operatively connected to the channel floor of the second
drainage channel via the bend provided on the first longitudinal edge thereof,
the
securing lip being positioned over the first drainage channel and extending
along
the same, a gap being defined between the securing lip and the bend provided
on
the first longitudinal edge of the channel floor of the first drainage
channel, said
gap being shaped and sized for receiving said at least one shingle.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a flashing 'structure for mounting onto a valley of a roof surface
and
used for receiving at least one shingle, the flashing structure comprising:
a pair of first drainage channels extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure;
a pair of securing lips, each of the securing lips being positioned over a
corresponding first drainage channel and extending along the same, a gap being
defined between each of the securing lips and said corresponding first
drainage
channel, each of the gaps being shaped and sized for receiving at least one
shingle; and
a pair of second drainage channels extending longitudinally along the
flashing structure, each of the second drainage channels being fluidly
connected
to a corresponding first drainage channel.
Aocording to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a roof comprising at least one flashing structure used for receiving
a
plurality of shingles, said at least one flashing structure comprising:
a first drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure;
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a securing lip positioned over the first drainage channel and extending
along the same, a gap being defined between the securing lip and the first
drainage channel, said gap being shaped and sized for receiving shingles; and
a second drainage channel extending longitudinally along the flashing
structure, said second drainage channel being fluidly connected to the first
drainage channel.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification
only
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the various edges and
transitions of a typical roofing system.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to a
first
embodiment of the prior art, said flashing structure being shown mounted onto
a
roof structure and cooperating with a shingle.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to a
second embodiment of the prior art, said flashing structure being shown
mounted
onto a roof structure and cooperating with a shingle.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to a
third embodiment of the prior art, said flashing structure being shown mounted
onto a roof structure and cooperating with a shingle.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to a
first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, said flashing structure being
shown mounted onto a roof structure and cooperating with a shingle.
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Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flashing structure shown in Figure
5,
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said flashing structure
being shown mounted onto a valley and cooperating with a shingle.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the flashing structure shown in Figure
8.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the flashing structure shown in Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a female component of the flashing
structure shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said flashing structure
being shown mounted onto a valley and cooperating with a shingle.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to yet
another preferred embodiment of, the present invention, said flashing
structure
being shown mounted onto a roof structure and cooperating with a shingle.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said flashing structure
being shown mounted onto a roof structure and cooperating with a shingle.
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Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to yet
5 another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a flashing structure according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
10 Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. The embodiments shown in Figures 5-17 are preferred.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use
with a roofing system, it could be used in different fields for other
purposes, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as
"roof'
andlor "shingle" and any other references andlor other expressions equivalent
thereto should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and
include all other objects and all other purposes with which the present
invention
could be used and may be useful.
Moreover, although the preferred embodiments of the flashing structure 1
as shown comprises various components such as a return bend, first and second
supporting lips, a nailing flange, an abutment flange, a rim, a drip-edge,
etc., and
although the preferred embodiments of the flashing structure 1 consists of
certain
geometrical configurations as briefly explained and illustrated herein, not
all of
these components and geometries are essential to the present invention and
thus
should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to
limit
the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent
to a
person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations
thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be
used
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for the flashing structure 1 and corresponding parts according to the present
invention, as briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom,
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Moreover, expressions such as "roof' and "surface", as well as any other
equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used
interchangeably in the context of the present description. The same applies
for
any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "shingle" and "panel" for
example, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Broadly described, the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings is a flashing structure 1 for mounting onto a roof surface 3 and used
for
receiving at least one shingle 5. The flashing structure 1 comprises a first
drainage channel 7 extending longitudinally along the flashing structure 1.
The
flashing structure 1 further comprises a securing lip 9 positioned over the
first
drainage channel 7 and extending along the same, a gap 11 being defined
between the securing lip 9 and the first drainage channel 7, said gap 11 being
shaped and sized for receiving said at least one shingle 5, as shown in
Figures 5-
17. The flashing structure 1 further comprises a second drainage channel 13
extending longitudinally along the flashing structure 1, said second drainage
channel 13 being fluidly connected to the first drainage channel 7, as also
shown
in Figures 5-17. The flashing structure 1 is preferably made of a single piece
and
made of a single material, that is, as will be briefly explained hereinbelow,
all the
components of the flashing structure 1 are preferably made integral to one
another. Preferably also, the flashing structure 1 is shaped and sized for
receiving
a plurality of shingles 5 along the gap 11.
Thus, also broadly described, the present invention couples the ease-of-
installation of a slip-lock method, and the convenience and strength of a
single-
piece flashing 1, with the creation of built-in drainage channels 7, 13, and a
configuration that minimizes the chance of debris clogging these channels 7,
13.
There are different ways of creating such channels 7, 13, and some examples
are
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illustrated in the accompanying drawings and are briefly explained
hereinafter. In
addition, as better shown in Figure 5, the outside edge of the flashing 1
preferably
has a hidden locking lip that, when hooked under a securing lock flashing,
will
prevent the potential failure of the flashing system by wind uplift. As a
result of the
above-mentioned innovative features, the present invention allows any do-it-
yourself handyperson to install a roofing system without the need for
specialized
tools andlor training, and to achieve results comparable to those installed by
trained professional installers.
The accompanying drawings show the main components and features of
the flashing structure 1 according to the present invention. Since these
features
can be used in various types of flashings 1, the features are primarily
discussed
for one particular type of flashing 1 (e.g. gable-end), for sake of
simplicity, with
other variants and types of flashings 1 described briefly hereinbelow.
Indeed, as aforementioned, the features of the present flashing structure 1
can be used in various types of flashings 1, but the features of the present
invention will be mainly discussed in reference to one general example, namely
the gable-end type flashing structure 1, better illustrated in Figures 5 and
6, with
other variants and types of flashings 1 according to the present invention
shown
in the subsequent figures. As well, it should be noted that each flashing type
can
be created in various ways, as for example by bending sheet metal on a brake,
or
by roll-forming the flashing 1, or by creating the flashing 1 by extrusion, or
by any
other suitable technique, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
As aforementioned, the type of flashing 1 used to better illustrate the
present invention is a "gable-end flashing" which is typically applied to the
edge
15 of the roof (also known as the gable) and runs from the ridge to the eave
along
the roof 3. Its main purpose is to provide a secure anchor at the gable-end
roof
edge 15 to the shingles 5 and panels that cover the roof surface, and to
divert
any water that works its way around the shingles 5.
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As better shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first drainage channel 7 preferably
comprises a channel floor 17 having opposite first and second longitudinal
edges
19, 21, and the second drainage channel 13 also preferably comprises a channel
floor 23 having opposite first and second longitudinal edges 25, 27.
Preferably,
the primary drainage channel 7 cavity is sufficiently large to allow water to
flow
even if some debris makes its way past the shingle insertion point. The back
portion of the primary hidden cavity is sufficiently high to allow adequate
space
for water drainage. Preferably also, the second drainage channel 13 acts as an
overflow backup to the main first drainage channel 7, and is thus fluidly
connected thereto.
Preferably, the first longitudinal edge 19 of the channel floor 17 of the
first
drainage channel 7 is provided with a bend 29, as better shown in Figure 6.
Typically, the distance between the channel floor 17 of the first drainage
channel
7 and the securing lip 9 is selected so as to have suitable dimensions in
order to
have an appropriate drainage, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Preferably also, the channel floor 17 of the first drainage channel 7 and the
securing lip 9 are operatively connected to one another via the bend 29.
Preferably also, the second longitudinal edge 21 of the channel floor 17 of
the
first drainage channel 7 is provided with a bend, and this bend 31.
As better shown in Figure 6, the flashing structure 1 preferably further
comprises a first supporting lip 33, said first supporting lip 33 being
operatively
connected to the channel floor 17 of the first drainage channel 7 via the bend
31
provided on the second longitudinal edge 21 thereof. Preferably, it is
typically
formed to be a very tight bend. This supporting lip 33 has the dual role of
supporting the inserted shingle 5, holding it tightly against the upper lip 9,
and at
the same time leaving a cavity which allows drainage of water.
Preferably also, the second longitudinal edge 27 of the channel floor 23 of
the second drainage channel 13 is provided with a bend 35, and the flashing
structure 1 preferably comprises a second supporting lip 37, said second
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supporting lip 37 being operatively connected to the channel floor 23 of the
second drainage channel 13 via the bend 35 provided on the second longitudinal
edge 27 thereof, as also better shown in Figure 6. This bend 37 is also
typically
very tight, and has two main functions: to hold the shingle 5 away from the
underlying drainage channel 13, in order to keep enough space to allow the
cavity to be formed and to push shingle 5 up against the slip-lock lip 9 so
that the
gap 11 be as small as possible.
As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the first longitudinal edge 25 of the
channel floor 23 of the second drainage channel 13 is preferably operatively
connected to the second longitudinal edge 21 of the channel floor 17 of the
first
drainage channel 7 via the first supporting lip 33.
Preferably also, the second supporting lip 37 is provided with a nailing
flange 39, and the securing lip 9 is provided with an abutment flange 41
projecting perpendicularly therefrom. As better shown in Figure 5, a fastener
43,
such as a nail, a screw, a clip, or the like, is inserted through the nailing
flange 39
and into the roof sheathing 45 for securing the flashing structure 1 onto the
roof
surface 3. This sheathing 45 may be covered by membrane or underlayment.
In the case of a gable-end type flashing 1, as better shown in Figures 5
and 6, the abutment flange 41 preferably projects downwardly and is preferably
provided with a longitudinal drip-edge 47, said longitudinal drip-edge 47
being
removably connectable onto a corresponding hook 49 provided on a side edge of
the roof surface 3. In the gable-end flashing 1, the abutment flange 41 is the
part
covering the fascia of the gable-end or rake. The drip-edge 47 directs water
away
from the fascia.
In the case of an end-wall type flashing 1, as better shown in Figure 7, the
abutment flange 41 preferably projects upwardly and may be provided with a
longitudinal rim 51, when the flashing structure 1 is employed as an end-wall
flashing 1.
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The gable-end flashing 1 shown in Figure 5 is the same as in Figure 6, and
also shows how the flashing 1 is positioned on the roof edge 15. This flashing
1 is
preferably secured in two ways: a nail through the nailing flange 39 portion
of the
5 flashing 1 secures the flashing 1 to the roof sheathing 45, and the drip-
edge 47
which is held by the lip of the securing flashing 15, which in turn is
preferably
nailed to the fascia with a nail 43. Once the flashing 1 is secured in this
manner, it
becomes a strong point of anchoring the shingles 5.
10 Preferably, the shingle 5 is cut so that it fits under the slip-lock, and
enters
the flashing at gap 11. The shingle 5 extends preferably under the slip-lock
all the
way to the back of the channel 7, preferably at a suitable distance past the
insertion point. It should be clear that if the installer has not trimmed the
shingle 5
carefully, as long as it is inserted at an appropriate minimal distance, under
the
15 slip lock lip 9, there will be little possibility of the shingle 5 hopping
out later, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. The extra margin of error that a wide
slip-
lock affords the installer allows for easier and quicker installation.
One aspect which is important to the invention is that once the shingle 5 is
inserted into the slip-lock lip 9, there is very little space between the
shingle 5 and
the slip-lock lip 9 to allow the entry of roof debris. A second important
element of
the invention is that any debris that does manage to work its way into the
flashing
1 between the shingle and the slip-lock, will find itself in the primary
drainage
cavity 7, which is designed to be large enough to allow rain to wash out the
debris. Compared to the current state of the art, this combination of features
allows for a much more reliable flashing 1 from the point of view of
protecting the
roof from water infiltration. ,
Indeed, as a precaution, there is the secondary drainage channel 13 which
is intended to act as a backup in the event the primary drainage channel 7
overflows. The lip 37 forming it is designed to push up against the inserted
shingle 5, so that it makes a tight fit with the slip-lock lip 9, as better
shown in
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Figure 5, and also creates a drainage cavity large enough to drain water. This
is
another important aspect of the invention, in the sense that it creates a
specific
configuration of elements which act together to achieve the purpose of the
invention. The securing lip 9 is the slip-lock which holds the shingle in
place. It is
designed to be very close to or even touching the primary channel lip 33. With
the
shingle 5 inserted into under this lip 9, there will be very little space
available to
allow the entry of debris, as can be easily understood. This is the point at
which
the shingle 5 is held by the lip 9 of the slip-lock. Note that the shingle 5
is
expected to extend to the back of the primary drainage cavity. The actual
opening
is designed to be very tight to prevent the debris from entering the internal
hidden
drainage channels.
As can be easily understood, the wide securing lip 9 of the slip lock allows
an installer to trim the shingle 5 approximately (as opposed to precisely),
and the
lock will still secure the shingle 5. This allows an installer to work quickly
and to
use only basic tools (such as snips and a hammer for example) to carry out the
installation.
Since the slip-lock will still trap debris, the addition of the secondary
drainage channel 13 provides for a water outlet that avoids water buildup in
the
hidden gutter which can overflow the return.
At the outside edge, it is traditional practice to secure the fascia portion
of
the flashing with a few finishing nails. However, in high wind situations,
these
often do not provide sufficient holding power against wind uplift, and wind
damage can occur. Hence, the addition of a hidden securing flashing which can
be held by many nails (typically, one nail every 6 inches) according to the
present
invention provides for a much more secure fastening method, without the
unsightly marks using nails can create, as better shown in Figure 5.
There are several flashing types in which the present invention may be
integrated. The gable-end flashing 1 has been briefly described hereinabove.
The
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17
other two common flashing types are the end-wall flashing 1 and the valley
flashing 1.
Indeed, as explained earlier, an end-wall flashing is used to protect the
junction between the roof and a wall. It is the current practice to use either
the
full-lock or the slip-lock methods of securing the shingles 5 with these
flashings.
According to the prior art, the full-lock takes time, skill, and special tools
to
perform correctly, and therefore is often not done to the required standard.
The
slip-lock is installed quickly, but has problems with water diversion and
backup.
In contrast, the incorporation of the features according to the present
invention into the end-wall flashing 1, as better shown in Figure 7, creates
hidden
drainage channels 7, 13 in the slip-lock form of the flashing 1 allowing for
both
fast and easy installation, and assurance that water diversion caused by
either
debris accumulation, or icing conditions does not occur.
In the end-wall flashing 1 shown in Figure 7, the abutment flange 41 is the
portion of the flashing 1 that runs up the wall, either underneath the siding
on the
wall, or over the wall covering. The rim 51 is designed to hold a caulking
bead if
the flashing 1 is installed on the outside of the wall covering.
Figure 8 shows a flashing structure 1 according to another embodiment of
the present invention, the flashing structure 1 being now used as a valley
flashing
1. Figure 8 illustrates the attachment nails 43 of the flashing 1 to the roof
3, and
the location of the shingle 5 which is inserted into the slip-lock at point.
Note that
the shingle 5 is held away from the bottom of the flashing 1 by the lips,
allowing
the drainage channels to function, and tight fit of sliplock lip 9 against the
shingle
5 minimizes the entry of debris.
Another point worth noting is that even if there is strong pressure by snow
or ice against the slip-lock lip either laterally or vertically, the hidden
channel will
continue to function.
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When expressed in the form of the valley flashing, as shown in Figures, 8-
11, it is clear that the slip-lock which forms the roof of the primary
drainage
channel 7 will maintain its integrity even when subjected to the pressure of
accumulated snow and ice. Unlike the prior art where two separate components
are generally used to deal with the water flow and avoiding the problems
caused
by debris accumulation, the pressure and movement of snow and ice does not
create a failure point by allowing the two components to be separated. By
constructing the valley flashing 1 as a single integral component, and by
using
the configuration of elements, this valley flashing 1 deals with the issues of
water
flow, debris accumulation, potential lack of skill of installers, pressure by
ice and
snow accumulation in a reliable and effective manner, allowing this type of
flashing 1 to be used by relatively inexperienced workers, while still
delivering
professional results.
As a practical matter, flashings are usually produced in 8-foot or 10-foot
lengths, and often have to be joined together to cover roof sections that are
greater than 10 feet in length. To allow the different sections to be joined
without
creating a potential leakage point, one end of each section is preferably made
somewhat wider, so that an adjacent section can slip into it with an
appropriate
distance overlapping, so that water running down the drainage channel in the
higher section finds itself in the drainage channel of the lower section at
the
junction point. This wider part of the flashing 1 is referred to as the
"female" end,
and is better shown in Figure 11.
Indeed, sections of flashings 1 are typically no longer than 10 or 12 feet,
and have to be joined together if the section of roof 3 to be protected by the
flashing 1 is longer than this. Due to the presence of the built-in channels
7, 13,
the present invention also covers the method of joining the different sections
of
flashings 1 to allow a leak-proof installation.
Figure 11 illustrates the "female" end of the valley flashing 1 and
illustrates
the tapered shape needed to allow two sections of flashings 1 to be joined.
The
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19
"male" end of the flashing 1 is preferably cut straight across (not tapered),
and the
two .primary drainage channels are inserted into the corresponding female ends
first. Next, the flashing surface formed by the exposed part of the valley of
the
"male" end is slipped over the corresponding surface on the "female" end, and
finally the lips forming the secondary drainage channel on the "male" end are
slipped into the cavity on the "female" end. This configuration allows any
water in
the upper part of the flashing 1 (above the joint) to drain directly into the
corresponding drainage channels in the lower flashing 1 (below the joint), as
apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Figures 12-14 show other embodiments of the flashing structure 1
according to the present invention which include all the features of the
invention,
namely first and second drainage channels 7, 13, but does not have a nailing
flange 39 for example. It is worth noting that the first and second drainage
channels 7, 13 may be positioned differently within the flashing structure 1
according to the present invention so long as they are fluidly connected to
one
another and operate in the manner described herein.
Indeed, as can be now easily understood, an important feature of these
particular embodiments of the present invention resides in the additional
drainage
channel 13 which now becomes the primary drainage channel 7, and the
configuration of the slip-lock lip in very close proximity to the underlying
primary
channel 7. This configuration allows the blocking of the majority of debris
from
entering the internal drainage channels 7, 13, and the size of the debris that
can
get through will be washed out with the next rain.
Figure 14 shows the end-wall flashing 1 according to another embodiment,
incorporating the invention, and having all the key elements described in
Figure 5.
Figures 15 and 16 show two cross-sections of a gable-end type of flashing
1 which have different ways of creating the drainage channels 7, 13. In Figure
15,
a second fold has been created to support the shingle 5 or panel, while still
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creating a drainage channel 13. In Figure 16, the securing lip 9 has a second
fold
to provide a tighter joint for the slip lock, and as well creates a more open
drainage channel 13.
5 These additional variations on the basic hidden drainage channels 7, 13
can be produced to satisfy specific technical conditions, and are considered
variations on the basic invention. Indeed, according to the present invention,
the
incorporation of the hidden drainage channel in the slip-lock form of the
flashing 1
allows for both fast and easy installation, and assurance that water diversion
10 caused by either debris accumulation, or icing conditions does not occur.
It is
worth mentioning that there are several other ways such a hidden channel can
be
formed. Two such methods are shown in Figures 15 and 16, as discussed
previously. Furthermore, Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a gable-end
flashing 1 having been fabricated as an extrusion.
As may now be appreciated, the creation of a hidden drainage channel 13
in roofing flashings 1 according to the present mvennon anuw5 ~V~ Cd~y
installation and give a higher level of security and protection than existing
methods and practice. Furthermore, the addition of a hidden securing lip on
the
fascia side of the gable-end flashing 1 provides for a much more secure method
of fastening the outside edge of this type of flashing compared to existing
methods, while at the same time addressing esthetic concerns. This method is
also applicable to any flashing which has a fascia-face exposure, such as the
starter flashing.
As may now also be appreciated, the roof flashing 1 incorporates a
drainage channel hidden underneath a securing locking lip 9, and a hidden
locking lip for the exposed portion of the flashing. This design is adapted
with
these features to various flashings used in the metal roofing industry,
including,
but not limited to gable-end flashings 1, end-wall flashings 1, and valley
flashings
1, and all other related flashing structures.
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21
As explained hereinabove, key advantages of the flashing according to the
present invention are a much easier installation of shingles 5 compared to
traditional methods; a hidden channel allowing drainage 13 even under severe
weather conditions, unlike traditional flashing systems which can back up and
allow water infiltration; and a hidden locking edge preventing wind uplift,
thereby
allowing system to resist wind damage for all but the most exceptional cases.
The present invention is applicable to the installation of roofing shingles 5
and roofing panels on residential and commercial property roofs. The shingles
5
and panels will usually be metal (e.g, steel, aluminum, copper, etc.),
although
other suitable materials may be used, such as polymers and/or composites for
example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
The present invention addresses the ease of installation with a design that
allows the slip-lock method of securing the shingles 5 or panels to the
flashing,
while at the same time providing hidden drainage channels 7, 13 that traps any
water infiltration and drains it away.
According to the present invention, the flashing system design for roofing
applications incorporates interconnected and concealed drainage channels 7, 13
located underneath a securing locking lip 9, and may be adapted to various
flashings 1 used in the roofing industry, including, but not limited to gable-
end (or
rake) flashings; end-wall flashings; and valley flashings.
The current invention addresses the ease of installation with a design that
allows the slip-lock method of securing the shingles or panels to the
flashing,
while at the same time providing several hidden drainage channels 7, 13 that
trap
any water infiltration and drain it away.
The invention couples the ease-of-installation of the slip-lock method, with
the creation of several built-in drainage channels 7, 13 in a one-piece
flashing 1
that will avoid the problems associated with blockage of water flow by debris,
and
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will continue to function reliably even under the harsh conditions of winter.
There
are different ways of creating such channels, and several examples are
illustrated
in the enclosed drawings.
As may now be appreciated, the present invention is a substantial
improvement over the prior art in that the flashing structure 1, by virtue of
its
design, enables for a much easier and reliable installation of shingles 5 when
compared to traditional methods. Indeed, the preferred one-piece flashing 1
according to the present invention is designed so as to simplify installation
because it reduces the number of parts that need to be handled. Moreover, the
present invention is also advantageous in that the main first drainage channel
7 is
devised to allow a drainage even under severe weather conditions, unlike
traditional flashing systems which can back-up and allow water infiltration to
the
roof. Moreover, the present invention is also advantageous in that the
addition of
a secondary drainage channel 13 acts as a back-up to the primary first
drainage
channel 7 in case of extreme water flow rates resulting from precipitation.
Furthermore, the present invention is also an improvement over the prior art
in
that, as explained herein, the flashing structure 1 is so constructed so as to
impede the entry of debris into the hidden channels, allowing them to function
without danger of blockage. Moreover, unlike previous designs, the present
invention is also a substantial improvement over the prior art in that its
features
may be integrated to various different types of flashing designs, namely
valley,
gable-end, end-wall, and other related types of flashings 1. Moreover, the
flashing
structure 1 according to the present invention is also advantageous in that
the
extended runs of flashing are easily connected to one another using a
sequential
insertion joining method.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in
the
appended claims.
