Roof venting system

Abstract

A roof venting system for removing warm and moist air from the interior of a building to the outside through a vent opening in the roof. The system includes a vent, cover member for placement over the vent opening and two foam members through which the indoor warm and moist air must pass when the air flows from the building interior to the outside. The foam members may be provided with a convoluted surface to facilitate close engagement to the roof profile, and a single piece foam may be used instead of the usual two. The foam and cover members may be flexible, reticulated polyurethane treated with one or more substances to enhance fire resistance and protect from heat / cold adverse weather.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to metal roof systems and shingle roof systems that are used in both commercial and residential buildings and, more particularly, to vent coverings which allow for airflow and prevent foreign contaminants such as insects, birds, small animals and excess water from entering a roofing system by forming a partial seal. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] The life span of any roof will be increased if adequate ventilation is provided along the top vent of the roof. Ventilation is needed to allow air to flow through and out of the roof interior and out of the vent which is located along the top of the roof where the two slopes of the roof nearly meet. Having adequate airflow that uses roof ventilation is a proven construction technique that is used in both new construction and remodeling existing structures. Ventilation of the roof has been historically accomplished through the use...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to enhance the outward flow of air from the region beneath the roof and at the same time inhibit the inward passage of moisture and insects.

[0009] Yet another objective of the present invention to provide a vent cover which engages a pair of laterally spaced open cell members so that air can freely flow outwardly therethrough while the entry of moisture and insects in a reverse direction is inhibited.

[0010] Still another objective of the present invention to provide foam members having a multiplicity of interconnected open pores so that maximum airflow is achieved and at the same time an optimum restriction to moisture and insects in an reverse direction is realized even when the moisture is in the form of wind-driven rain.

[0011] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a roof venting system that is readily conformable to the slope of the roof to which it is attached.

[0014] Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a system having hydrolytic stability.

[0016] Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive roof vent system which will be virtually maintenance-free.

Problems solved by technology

While this material solved numerous problems, it still had several troubling shortcomings such as shrinkage, early deterioration, insufficient strength, low ultraviolet resistance, low tear resistance, density and low fire retardancy.

Different materials were tested, but no acceptable version was identified until a few years ago when it was determined that reticulated polyurethane had the essential characteristics needed for a successful venting system.

Later it was determined that this material when used would quickly begin to degrade because of poor ultraviolet resistance, poor hydrolytic stability, and the inability to meet building codes as a fire-retardant material used in construction.

Images