Roof shield

Abstract

The present invention presents a solution to prevent damage caused by ice dams in the form of a roof shield that includes a plurality of panels in which each panel is secured to at least one other adjacent panel. At the sides of the roof, a single panel on each side is secured to a vertical side surface of the underlying structure. At the front of the roof, each of the panels, or some of the panels are secured to a vertical front surface of the underlying structure. The adjacent panels can be overlapped or contiguous at their ends. To cover the entire span of the roof some adjustment or cutting of a panel may be necessary. This adjustment is accomplished either by altering the overlap amount on adjacent panels, or by custom fitting an end panel to the underlying structure. It is desirable that each of the individual panels overhang the bottom edge of the roof and in the event that the structure includes attached gutters to surpass any gutters and also to provide some flexing that facilitates snow and ice build up drop off. The installation of the roof shield also provides for ease of disassembly at the end of season thereby preserving the integrity and appearance of the structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to structural roofs and, more particularly, to an apparatus that prevents damage caused by snow and ice buildup on a structural roof. BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION [0002] Every year, snow and ice buildup on structural roofs causes damage due to snow melting and having no where to go because of ice dams formed at the bottom portion of a sloped roof. The melted snow then runs up under the roof shingles and in a continuous cycle freeze which causes progressive leakage and damage to the roof and to ceilings and walls in the structure. [0003] Snow pans are known in the art and are nailed to the bottom portion of the roof prior to installation of the shingles. The snow pans are designed to form a shield up from the bottom edge of the roof so that backed up melted snow does not contact the shingles and instead freezes back to ice. On a warm day, the ice dam simply slides off of the snow pan, hopefully not on someon...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a roof shield that can protect the roof from damage caused by ice buildup at the bottom of the roof. The shield is quickly installed and can be easily disassembled during the warmer months. The panels of the shield are secured to each other to form a continuous surface. The panels can be overlapped or contiguous at their ends, and each panel should overhang the bottom edge of the roof to facilitate the drop off of snow and ice."

Problems solved by technology

The snow pans are an unsightly permanent installation.

In addition, these snow pans are very difficult, if not impossible, to install on an existing shingled roof.

When the ice dams falls from the snow pans, the gutter is usually destroyed because of the substantial weight of the ice dam pulling down on the gutter.

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