Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Wall – ceiling – floor – or roof designed for ventilation or... – With the vent or drain entirely along at least one...
Patent
1997-07-14
1999-03-30
Canfield, Robert
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Wall, ceiling, floor, or roof designed for ventilation or...
With the vent or drain entirely along at least one...
52604, 52605, 52606, 525921, E04B 500, E04B 700, E04C 139, E04D 324
Patent
active
058873970
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to roof paving systems, and more particularly it relates to an improved protected-membrane roof system which is aerodynamically stable in unusual wind conditions and to ballast blocks for use in such system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recent developments in roof paver technology have resulted in the introduction of single-ply protected-membrane roof systems which are especially suitable for low-sloped roofs and decks. They usually include a single-ply water-impermeable membrane, with or without thermal insulation layers, held in place and protected from the elements by ballast systems of various types and configurations. Basic systems include loose-laid well-rounded stones such as river gravel, standard paving blocks, composite tongue-and-groove board, and lightweight interlocking ballast blocks. In general, ballast systems are often the preferred system of choice in areas where exposure to high wind conditions may be anticipated because they are capable of withstanding greater wind velocities than conventional built-up roofing systems. Studies have also shown that ballast systems which utilize interlocking blocks perform even better under adverse (strong) wind conditions than non-interlocking ballast systems.
The interlocking blocks are usually extruded or pre-cast concrete of flat rectangular shape laid over a roof membrane in a contiguous grid pattern. However, even this construction does not assure dislodgement of the ballast blocks under certain weather conditions. High velocity winds, such as of hurricane-force, passing over irregular or critical roof locations may induce an aerodynamic pressure differential across the blocks to lift them out of place. Instead of simply making ballast blocks heavier and the roof supports stronger, various designs have evolved for resisting the lifting force, such as the aforementioned lightweight ballast blocks secured to each other by interlocking edges. However, despite these design efforts, the net upward aerodynamic loading acting on the ballast blocks may lift them into the airstream like flying missiles and endanger people and other structures in the vicinity as well as expose the underlying roof membrane and substructure to damage.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,468, there is disclosed an improved aerodynamically stable ballast block and roof system providing several features. These features include positive interlocking of the blocks, and complete protection of the roof membrane from ultra-violet radiation. The blocks and system are suited for use in a wide range of geographical areas subject to a wide range of atmospheric conditions.
There may be conditions and applications in which less than all of the advantages of the patented blocks would be required.
For instance, in regions where ultra-violet radiation on the roof membrane is of less concern, block vents which do not provide a labyrinthine flow path across the blocks may be utilized. In other situations, where less than a continuous interlock is adequate, the blocks may be provided with other edge structures which operatively engage one another to resist lifting. The present invention provides blocks and a roof system intended to address these conditions.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a roof paver system and ballast blocks designed and laid to resist lifting out of place under unusual wind conditions. Another object is to provide roof ballast blocks which are suitable for use with adjacent blocks of like construction in a manner that permits air to flow freely between the topsides and bottom-sides of blocks upon exposure to aerodynamically-induced reductions in air pressure above the blocks.
Still another object is to provide ballast blocks which form channels for both equalizing air pressure above and below the laid blocks and permitting fluids to pass through.
A further object of the invention is to provide a roof construction having a unique arrangement of ballast
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