Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Processes – Assembling exposed modules
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-26
2001-06-19
Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Processes
Assembling exposed modules
C052S543000, C052S551000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247289
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the securement of a shingled roof to withstand the destructive forces of wind and/or rain, and in particular to a reinforcing strap which is installed in overlying relation to the shingles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Property damage occurs on a daily basis due to extreme weather conditions such as wind gusts, hurricanes or the like weather systems that produce high winds. Such events cause the loss of personal property when a roof covering is destroyed, exposing both the building interior and its contents to the same elements that caused the loss of the roof. Numerous attempts have been made to eliminate or limit the damage to the roofs due to high winds and/or heavy rains, however, such attempts have largely proven to be unsuccessful or not commercially feasible.
For instance, it has been proposed to partially remove existing roofs to allow installation of mechanical fastening systems to provide roof reinforcement, however, such methods are extremely labor intensive and in view of the associated cost have not met with a great deal of success. Additionally, heavier gauge and/or reinforced shingles have been produced, but are also costly due to required removal and reinstallation.
A problem with conventional shingles is that strong winds are capable of generating strong uplift forces in excess of 100 lbs./sq. ft., resulting in the tearing or shearing of shingles from their underlying support members. The use of mechanical fasteners, such as nails or screws do not provide a broad enough area of resistance to withstand such forces. The heads of the fasteners tear through the shingle in random fashion resulting in shingle loss and subsequent damage to the structure. Reinforcement with glues and various adhesives and the inclusion of additional standard mechanical fasteners have helped, but fail to provide viable protection when exposed to high wind speeds including hurricane-force winds. Use of adhesive on older roofs is again costly and the required movement of a shingle for placement of adhesive can cause damage to the shingles in and of itself. During a storm, should one or more of the shingles become torn from the support members, the entire roof covering or a large portion thereof can be easily torn from the structure. The exposed interior of the building, along with its contents, are then subject to water and wind damage, resulting in extensive loss.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
U.S. Pat. No. 2,161,440 is drawn to a shingle having a reinforcing strip integral therewith for strengthening and reinforcing the upper ends of the openings between the tabs to provide a reinforced area for nailing and to reduce the tendency of the shingles to tear at the upper ends of the openings between the tabs. This patent fails to teach a device for retrofitting an existing roof to prevent uncontrolled tearing of the shingles due to wind generated uplift.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,460 teaches a roof securing system utilizing an elongate strap for reinforcing the attachment of underlying sheathing members to the truss structure of the roof. The system can not be retrofit to an existing, intact roof. Furthermore, the patent does not address the problems related to shingle uplift.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,212 is drawn to the use of retaining clips for roof tiles. This patent focuses on retention of the lower end of a shingle to prevent the shingle from lifting and being removed by heavy winds. Such a system suffers from an inability to maintain the shingles in place during exceedingly strong winds. At some point, the force of uplift is greater than that which can be borne by the clips and the entire tile is lost.
The prior art fails to provide a method or device which augments an existing and intact roof's ability to withstand high wind exposure. The instant invention describes an apparatus and a method for its use which facilitates shearing off of a particular portion of a shingle(s) due to high wind exposure while maintaining the remainder of the roof covering in an intact condition thereby mitigating water and wind intrusion and their subsequent damage.
The instantly disclosed invention provides a means for reinforcing and securing the shingles of a building against uplift forces such as those encountered in hurricanes, and particularly describes a method and device useful in the retrofitting of existing building structures so as to provide for a controlled tearing at a predetermined location, thereby satisfying a long felt need in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention teaches a method and a device for reinforcing and securing the shingles on a roof by particular placement of straps over individual shingles in a manner effective to provide controlled separation of shingles while maintaining overall roof integrity. The disclosed placement of the shingle straps allows a roof structure to withstand extreme wind forces, such as those encountered in a hurricane. The-method and device may be used to retrofit existing buildings, without requiring partial or total removal of the roof.
The present invention relates generally to an improved roofing system; and more particularly, to the use of shingle straps as an adjunct device overlying existing roofing shingles to provide roof reinforcement which exhibits superior strength and durability characteristics for extended periods of time, e.g., in order to withstand high wind events.
The invention is for use with most every type of shingle now in use. Such shingles are exemplified by, but not limited to, shingles made with a substrate of either organic fiber saturated with asphalt or chopped glass fiber with a urea-formaldehyde binder. For example, a typical shingle consists of a substrate first coated with a mixture of asphalt and fillers such as limestone, sand or stone dust. The coated substrate then is covered with colored granules to give aesthetic appeal to the front of the shingles. In some instances, a parting agent may be applied to the back of the substrate so that the packaged shingles do not stick together. Additionally, an asphalt sealant may be placed on the granulated side of the shingles to enhance adhesion to the back of covering shingles in the final applied configuration. Although shingles manufactured in this manner are affordable and generally perform well in a wide variety of applications, such shingles will not withstand extreme weather conditions and are characteristic of one of the weakest types of shingles. The instant invention operates independently of the particular shingle, despite its own structural strength, providing universal applicability to a wide range of roofing situations. Because the strap is not a part of the shingle, the instant method may strategically position the strap to aid in controlling shearing of the shingle free end at a desired location.
The most recognized tests used by industry to quantify the performance of roof structures, and shingled roofs especially, are those conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The UL tests include fire resistance and wind resistance up to 60 mph.
Additionally, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has testing requirements for both organic and fiberglass shingles. However, these standards relate mainly to the raw materials used in shingles, or to limited performance characteristics of the finished product. With regard to organic shingles, for example, there are no requirements for physical performance except that events like shingle cracking or sticking together be avoided. See ASTM Standard D-225. With reference to fiberglass-based shingles, the ASTM standards include performance requirements as to fire resistance, wind resistance, fastener pull-through and tear strength. See ASTM Standard D-3462. There is no ASTM requirement as to tensile strength.
The ultimate reliability of shingled roofs when exposed to adverse and extreme weather conditions has come under close scrutiny, with attention being paid to shingle performance during high wind events. Despite manufacturer claims that their products meet t
McHale & Slavin
Wilkens Janet M.
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