Pitch pocket

Abstract

A pitch pocket for sealing a physical penetration of a roof is disclosed. The pitch pocket comprises a semi-rigid annular shaped curb with a base surface, and an opening to allow the passage of the physical penetration of the roof. The curb is further provided with a split in order to allow one to install the curb directly around the physical penetration instead of having to slip it on the penetration from its opened end. Adhesive is applied in the split so as to close the curb and adhesive is also applied to the base surface to secure the curb to the roof. A pourable sealant is then cast in the opening of the curb to form a solid seal of the penetration of the roof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of pitch pockets for sealing a physical penetration in a waterproof membrane covering a roof substrate, and more particularly to a pitch pocket that is made out of a single semi-rigid unit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Pitch pockets are typically known from prior art for sealing physical penetrations in a waterproof membrane covering a roof substrate. [0003] In a typical low slope, a provision must be made for sealing penetrations of the roof by vent pipes, support straps, conduits, guy anchors and similar elements. Generally, a pitch pocket which surrounds the penetrating element is used and a sealant, otherwise known as <<pitch>>, is poured into the pitch pocket, around the penetrating element to seal off the penetration. [0004] An example of a typical pitch pocket is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,827 (Georgeau et al.). The pitch pocket there proposed includes a preformed curb de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a pitch pocket for sealing physical penetrations of roofs that is easier and faster to install. The pitch pocket is made of a single unit that can be opened to surround the penetration, including one where it would be impractical to slip the pitch pocket onto the penetrating element. The pitch pocket is secured to the roof using adhesive and includes a sealant cast within the opening of the curb to form a solid seal around the physical penetration. The invention also provides a method for sealing a physical penetration of a roof using the pitch pocket. The technical effects of the invention are improved sealing and waterproofing of physical penetrations through roofs."

Problems solved by technology

One of the main drawbacks remaining with the use of a pitch pocket known from prior art is that the installation is time consuming and necessitates a lot of manipulation and assembly of the different constituting elements.

The process is thus labor intensive.

Furthermore, the installation of these pockets under field conditions has caused errors in workmanship and improper installations, leading to failure of the seal formed by the sealant contained in the cavity of the pitch pocket.

Failure of the seal formed by the sealant contained between the joint surfaces of the elements forming the curb has also been reported.

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