Roofing system and self-bridging tape for modular building construction roof joints

Abstract

A membrane roofing system for buildings of modular construction includes a reinforced laminate tape that seals the roof joints between adjacent modular building units. The tape includes a tacky elastomeric adhesive layer with a release strip releasably adhered to the underside thereof to expose a tacky underside surface to be adhered to adjacent edges of the membrane sheets of adjacent building modules, a reinforcing scrim embedded in the tacky elastomer layer and bridging across the gap between the adjacent building modules, and a protective layer covering the outer surface of the tacky elastomer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 423,069 filed Nov. 1, 2002, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 701,153 filed Nov. 3, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein.[0002]Reference to sequence listing, table, or computer program listing appendix submitted on a compact disc: N / A.[0003]Statement regarding federally sponsored research or development: N / A.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of Invention[0005]The present invention relates generally to modular building construction materials and techniques.[0006]More particularly, the invention relates to a membrane roofing system for buildings constructed from modular units, and a reinforced laminate tape to bridge and seal the gap at the roof between adjacent modules.[0007]2. Description of Prior Art[0008]One technique for con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]One preferred roofing system constructed in accordance with the invention includes membrane roofing sheets installed on adjacent building modules, and an elastomeric self-bridging laminate tape pursuant hereto installed across the gap between the roofing sheets of the adjacent modules. The building modules are secured in position adjacent one another, with factory installed membrane roofing sheets covering the modules. Adjacent edge portions of the membrane sheets are cleaned and primed in preparation for installation of the tape. The self-bridging tape is then laid along the roof joint, spanning across the gap and overlapping the adjacent cleaned and prim

Problems solved by technology

However, there are drawbacks and disadvantages associated with such prior construction techniques.

In the latter case, the reinforced outer membrane produces a non-conforming joint that can exhibit poor sealing characteristics.

Consequently, that tape does not readily conform to irregular surfaces, and a high percentage of joints develop leaks, resulting from the imperfect-fitting nature of joints between manufactured modules (e.g., as from manufacturing tolerances), and from inherent uneven edge lifting of adjacent building modules as the modules expand and contract over time.

The seal established with the separate bridging material is al

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