Roof device and insulating and draining building panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a roofing device (10) incorporating a protective and draining layer (14) comprising, on the one hand, construction panels (1) each having a plate-shaped body (1'), this body (1') incorporating means for draining liquid on the surface, underside and / or through, and on the other hand, a layer (1") of porous material, disposed on the plate-shaped bodies (1'), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier, at least substantially continuous, to the passage of insects, in particular those the size of tiger mosquitoes, at the level of the upper faces (2) of said plate-shaped bodies (1') and at the level of the lateral joint areas (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of building, more particularly to construction panels used for the construction of flat roof structures, such as roof terraces, especially those covered with a continuous and waterproofing system.

[0002] The invention relates to a roofing device comprising a layer made of insulating panels.

[0003] US document 5,067,298 A discloses a roof with a waterproofing layer, panels, and a porous and permeable layer.

[0004] As is known, buildings with flat roofs, called "roof terraces", whether accessible or not, are covered with a continuous and waterproof membrane or system allowing the buildings to be watertight.

[0005] However, a lack of flatness in the roof terrace leads to the formation of areas of stagnant liquid, or "puddles", which is conducive to the growth of insect species considered "harmful" to humans, particularly small flying insects.

[0006] Among these species, we will mention in particular the "tiger mosquito" (genus Aedes, subgenus Aedes or Stegomyia, species albopictus), whose increased development, particularly in regions with a temperate climate, is not desired, or even actively fought, in particular to avoid the risk of bites and the transmission of diseases.

[0007] Indeed, to reproduce, the female tiger mosquito lays her eggs on solid surfaces located a few millimeters above existing stagnant water. These eggs can then survive for several months without water. However, as soon as the solid surface where the eggs were laid becomes a stagnant pool, for example following a weather event such as rain, snow, etc., the larval development of the tiger mosquito begins. In fact, tiger mosquito larvae only need one centimeter of stagnant water for five days to develop.

[0008] Thus, following a rainy episode, a flat roof, especially a roof terrace, with irregularities or defects in flatness generates the appearance of wet areas, such as puddles or stagnant water, which are accessible to tiger mosquitoes, or to harmful flying insects of the same type, and sufficient to allow their increased proliferation, in particular the development of larvae.

[0009] In order to limit, or even avoid, the growth of tiger mosquitoes or similar insects, following the appearance of wet areas on flat roofs covered with an existing waterproofing system, there is a strong demand, or even a regulatory obligation in some countries, to find a solution eliminating the possibility of stagnant water forming on this type of roof and / or preventing these insects from accessing it.

[0010] The invention's main objective is therefore to minimize, or even completely prevent, liquid stagnation on a flat roof covered with an existing waterproofing system, and simultaneously to prevent access by harmful insects, such as the tiger mosquito or similar flying insects, to this surface prone to stagnation, all while allowing the existing waterproofing system to be retained. Furthermore, the proposed solution should not significantly increase the roof's weight, should advantageously provide an additional benefit (for example, additional thermal insulation), and should also be able to support a sufficient load to make the covered surface accessible (compatible with the installation of a system such as paving slabs on pedestals). Finally, the solution should compensate for local irregularities and unevenness, providing a flat upper surface.

[0011] To meet at least the main requirements set out above, the present invention has as its first object a roofing device having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0012] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an accessible roof terrace system incorporating a protective layer with drainage properties according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 [ ] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a protective and draining layer according to a first embodiment of the invention, which may form part of a device as shown figure1 ; Fig. 3[ ] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an accessible roof terrace system similar to that of the figure 1 , but incorporating a protective layer and drainage properties according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view from the top of a panel body according to a first embodiment of the invention, which may form part of the protective and draining layer shown in any one of the figures 1 to 3 , this body comprising a network of grooves on its upper and lower faces, said grooves being parallel to each other and to one of the lateral edges of said body; Fig. 5 ] is a partial top view of a panel body according to another embodiment of the invention, comprising on its upper face two superimposed parallel groove networks forming a set of intersecting and obliquely oriented grooves, creating a diamond-shaped grid pattern; Fig. 6 ] is a partial top view of a panel body according to a third embodiment of the invention, comprising on its upper face two superimposed parallel groove arrays forming a set of intersecting grooves oriented perpendicularly, creating a grid pattern of squares; [ Fig. 7 ] is a perspective view from the top of the panel body of the figure 6 , comprising on its underside a network of unidirectional grooves parallel to one of the lateral edges; Fig. 8 ] is a perspective view of a prefabricated composite construction panel according to another embodiment of the invention, this panel comprising a body according to the figure 4 and an added flank of porous material, extending over two adjacent or contiguous edges of the body; [ Fig. 9 ] is a partial cross-sectional view (along a plane perpendicular to the grooves) and at another scale of the panel of the figure 8 ; Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a prefabricated composite construction panel according to another embodiment of the invention, this panel comprising a body according to the figures 6 And 7 and an added flank of porous material, extending over two adjacent or contiguous edges of the body; [ Fig. 11 [ ] is a partial, detailed, cross-sectional view of the lateral joint area between two abutting panels (of the type shown figures 8 And 9 ), illustrating a variant embodiment of the invention implementing recovery means; [ Fig. 12 ] is a detailed, cross-sectional view of the lateral joint area similar to that of the figure 11 illustrating another variant of the panel bodies comprising, in addition to surface drainage means in the form of grooves on the upper and lower faces, also through drainage means in the form of channels or through holes; [ Fig. 13] is a detailed, cross-sectional view, similar to those of Figures 11 and 12 , of the lateral joint area between two abutting panels, illustrating another embodiment of the invention implementing cooperative engagement means, and, [ Fig. 14 ] is a detailed, cross-sectional view, similar to those of figures 11 to 13 , of the lateral joint area between two abutting panels, illustrating a fourth embodiment of the invention, one of the panels incorporating covering means similar to those of the Figures 11 and 12 , and the body of the other panel includes spacing means.

[0013] As seen as non-exhaustive examples on the Figures 1 And 3The present invention relates, according to the invention, to a roofing device (10) substantially flat and horizontal or with a low slope, in particular an accessible roof terrace device, comprising at least one surface support (11), incorporating or equipped with means (12) for evacuating liquids, and a layer or waterproofing complex (13) covering entirely said support (11) by being attached directly or not to the latter.

[0014] The surface support (11) may consist, for example, of a concrete roof slab or a wooden or metal roof floor.

[0015] According to a particular non-limiting embodiment, the means (12) for evacuating liquids consist, for example, of channels, siphons or the like connected to gutter-type pipes or remote overflow, for the evacuation of liquids, in particular rainwater, outside the roof structure.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing complex (13) consists, for example, of a continuous, water-impermeable sealing membrane.

[0017] It is also planned that: said waterproofing complex (13) is covered by a protective and drainage layer (14) comprising side-by-side construction panels (1), each of which comprises or consists of a plate-shaped body (1'), preferably rectangular, with lateral edges (3, 3') and formed of at least one layer of self-supporting material with compressive strength properties, preferably of essentially hollow or alveolar constitution, each body (1') structurally integrating: i) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid to at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which means (4, 4') is present on at least the upper face (2) of said body (1') and, optionally, also on the lower face (2'), and / or, at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1') and ii) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid to at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'),which is present on at least the lower face (2'), and said protective and draining layer (14) also comprises a layer (1") of porous material, arranged on the plate-shaped bodies (1'), permeable to liquids.

[0018] Each body (1') may thus include a drainage means (4, 4') on its upper face and / or on its lower face (2'). Similarly, at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1') may or may not be provided, depending in particular on any other possibilities for the passage of water from the upper face to the lower face of the protective and draining layer (14).

[0019] In accordance with the invention, said protective and draining layer (14) constitutes a barrier, at least substantially continuous, to the passage of insects, in particular those of the size of tiger mosquitoes or larger, at the level of the upper faces (2) of said plate-shaped bodies (1') and at the level of the lateral joint areas (6) resulting from the approach or contact of the lateral edges (3, 3') between neighboring bodies (1').

[0020] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, arising from the figures 1 and 2 , the layer of porous material (1") consists of continuous bands of porous material covering, with a parallel arrangement of said bands and with partial lateral overlap between two adjacent bands, the upper faces (2) of the bodies of the panels.

[0021] In this case, the panel bodies (1') and the porous material strips are delivered separately to the site to be carried out and the operator first installs the said bodies (1') on the sealing complex (13) so as to form a first layer, then unrolls and positions the porous material strips, to constitute a continuous layer of porous material (1") with lateral overlap between strips.

[0022] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, arising from the figure 3 and partially of figures 8 to 14 The layer of porous material (1") consists of flanks (8) of porous material covering the upper faces (2) of the panel bodies, these flanks (8) partially overlapping in strip-like areas extending along the lateral sides of said flanks (8). Naturally, the overlap between flanks (8) is arranged to form a continuous layer of porous material (1") with lateral overlap between flanks.

[0023] In accordance with the invention, the porous material forming said porous barrier layer (1"), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects such as tiger mosquitoes or similar flying insects, is a flexible material such as a grid, mesh, non-woven fabric, felt, or geotextile, which advantageously has an average pore opening diameter of less than 250 µm. This results in advantages in terms of ease of handling, cost, lightness, ease of implementation, and effectiveness as a barrier against insects, particularly small, harmful flying insects such as tiger mosquitoes.

[0024] Thanks to the combination of specific features mentioned above, the invention addresses the main requirements outlined in the introduction and provides a solution for preventing the development of harmful insects on roofs, particularly mosquitoes and especially the tiger mosquito. This objective is achieved, firstly, by promoting water drainage (and thus eliminating damp areas) and, secondly, by making it difficult, or even preventing, insects (up to at least the size of the tiger mosquito) from accessing the area above the waterproofing membrane (an area conducive to egg-laying and the development of a new generation of mosquitoes), and also by making it difficult, or even preventing, any potential new generation from leaving this area.

[0025] Thus, the roofing device (10) simultaneously allows i) to ensure efficient drainage of liquids outside the roof, to avoid the formation of stagnant liquid points conducive to the larval proliferation and development of insects such as mosquitoes, in particular tiger mosquitoes and ii) to prevent the access of the latter under the layer (14), and also where appropriate to keep them trapped under this layer (also in their juvenile form).

[0026] IlIt should be noted that, unlike inert and passive objects (such as mineral particles) subject only to the laws of physics (gravity, water drag), mosquitoes, as living beings endowed with a certain form of basic intelligence, acquired and innate faculties and great mobility properties (muscular structure), are able to search for, identify and exploit one or more passages (just one is enough), sometimes far from their original position and to slip through these interstices, either to access the underside, or to return to the surface.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the term "flat roof" does not require that the roof be perfectly flat; it may be "substantially flat" with a slight inclination from a horizontal position substantially parallel to the ground.

[0028] The term "self-supporting material layer," which forms the bodies (1'), refers to a layer that maintains structural stability, rigidity, and mechanical strength properties under the effects of gravity as well as external stresses, particularly rain, even on an uneven surface. Advantageously, the self-supporting material layer presents no significant risk of disintegration or brittleness in the face of external stresses.

[0029] Advantageously, in order to retain its drainage functions and its structural constitution, said self-supporting layer shall have compression resistance properties and shall preferably be of alveolar constitution in order to also present properties of lightness and thermal insulation.

[0030] Preferably, said self-supporting layer is substantially incompressible in its implementation conditions within the framework of the invention, so as to be able to support the weight and pressure of liquids, for example in heavy rain, and the weight of human subjects.

[0031] In order to limit the quantities of materials and to have a structure that is both rigid and lightweight, the constituent material of the body (1') is advantageously of cellular constitution, with advantageously a density of at least 12 kg / m 3,< and preferably between 25 and 45 kg / m 3< , in application of standard EN 1602.

[0032] Said self-supporting layer of bodies (1') advantageously has a compressive strength at 10% strain (CS (10 / Y)) greater than or equal to 80 kPa, and preferably between 150 and 350 kPa, in application of standard EN826, and preferably a density of at least 12 kg / m 3< , in application of standard EN1602.

[0033] Advantageously, said porous barrier layer (1") does not form a significant obstacle to the passage of liquids from the top of the layer (14) to the bottom (liquids whose circulation and evacuation is facilitated via the drainage means 4, 4' and, where appropriate, the drainage means passing through 7), while simultaneously preventing the passage of insects, in particular tiger mosquitoes, from the top to the bottom, and vice versa.

[0034] The porous barrier layer (1") therefore prevents the larval proliferation of insects, particularly tiger mosquitoes, at the lateral joint areas (6) or at the lower face (2') of the panel bodies (1').

[0035] Even if, by some extraordinary circumstance, an egg were to penetrate the porous barrier layer (1") and the protective, drainage layer (14), particularly at the lateral joint areas (6), and then develop into an insect after the larval stage, this insect would be physically trapped beneath the porous barrier layer (1") without any possibility of escaping from under the protective, drainage layer (14), and therefore unable to survive. Thus, a barrier is provided to their passage in both directions: towards the underside of the panels to prevent egg-laying, and towards the surface for young insects from the few unavoidable egg deposits. The solution proposed by the invention is therefore a long-term solution for limiting the development and proliferation of insects, particularly tiger mosquitoes, especially in the context of flat roofs.

[0036] Advantageously, in accordance with this second embodiment, each side (8) of porous material may be associated with a plate-shaped body (1'), optionally being joined to the upper face (2) of the latter to form a prefabricated composite construction panel (1), said side (8) extending laterally beyond said body (1') on two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3') to form cantilevered lateral strips (51) of sufficient width to ensure the continuity of the layer of porous material (1") at the lateral joint areas (6) between adjacent panel bodies (1') abutting within the protective and drainage layer (14). Preferably, these strips (51) have a width adapted to extend over the side (8) of the adjacent panel (1) with sufficient overlap to ensure the closure of the joint areas with the porous material.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of panel 1, particularly for use on a roof terrace, the self-supporting layer forming each body (1') consists of a layer of thermally insulating cellular material, preferably hydrophobic, such as EPS or XPS.

[0038] According to the invention, "thermally insulating material" means a material that provides thermal insulation, preferably having a thermal conductivity coefficient λ, declared at 10°C, of ​​less than 60 mW / m / K (milliwatt per meter-Kelvin) measured according to standard EN12667.

[0039] Preferably, the self-supporting layer of insulating material is hydrophobic and can correspond to any material known to those skilled in the art, especially for roofing applications, which exhibits both thermal insulation and structural strength, even in the presence of water and moisture.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, to meet the self-supporting hydrophobic insulating properties of the layer, polystyrene, preferably alveolar polystyrene, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), will be chosen as the material for the body (1').

[0041] According to another advantageous embodiment, the total thickness of the panel body (1') is greater than or equal to 10 mm, preferably between 20 and 45 mm.

[0042] A body (1') with a constitution such as mentioned above also makes it possible to compensate for the flatness defects of the support on which it rests and to absorb the local inequalities of small dimension and thus to provide a flat upper surface.

[0043] The porous material forming the barrier layer is highly beneficial, with an average pore size ranging from 80 µm to 150 µm in diameter. This prevents the passage of insects, particularly small flying insects, and significantly blocks insects such as the tiger mosquito or similar species. At the same time, it remains sufficiently permeable to water (suitable for efficient rainwater drainage, especially during storms). Furthermore, with a diameter within this range, it is also possible to prevent newly hatched mosquitoes from emerging onto the underside of the surface (a two-way barrier), for example, after laying eggs through the porous material.

[0044] Preferably, said water-permeable porous material is a non-woven material of synthetic fibers bonded by needle punching and heat-sealed, the pore size of which does not allow the passage of insects, in particular of the tiger mosquito type.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, said porous barrier layer (1") consists for example of geotextile or felt.

[0046] Advantageously, said porous material has a weight greater than or equal to 50 g / m²; preferably a weight between 100 and 200 g / m², in order to maintain sufficient structural cohesion and to be able to form a barrier of sufficient resistance for the purpose sought.

[0047] As illustrated on the figures 1 to 14For each panel body (1'), said or each liquid drainage means (4, 4') to at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3') comprises a set of grooves (4, 4'). This type of drainage means facilitates, depending on the face on which it is located, the direction of liquids towards the relevant lateral edge(s) for drainage at the lateral joint areas (6) or for drainage from the underside of the relevant body (1').

[0048] Advantageously, and according to a preferred embodiment, manufacturing and machining method easy to implement, the grooves (4, 4') are straight profiled grooves with a constant section, preferably with a square, triangular or round section.

[0049] Preferably, the grooves (4, 4') are parallel unidirectional grooves, as seen on the figure 4 , or intersecting bidirectional grooves, as seen on the figures 5 to 7, each groove connecting two different contiguous or opposite lateral edges (3, 3').

[0050] The aforementioned grooves form drainage channels that facilitate and direct the evacuation of liquids, particularly water, away from the body (1'). The evacuation, via grooves 4, occurs primarily at the upper surface (2) of the body (1'), thus preventing water stagnation that would promote larval proliferation and the growth of insects, including tiger mosquitoes.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, visible on the figures 1 to 14, each body (1') incorporates grooves (4) on its upper face (2) and grooves (4') on its lower face (2'), so as to create drainage channels for liquids both on the upper face (2) and the lower face (2') of the body (1'), preventing water stagnation and limiting larval proliferation at the level of each of the two faces (2 and 2') of the body (1'), therefore above and below the panel (1).

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the grooves (4, 4') form at least one network of grooves parallel to each other and to one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the body (1'), advantageously the longest edge (3) and where appropriate with a similar orientation, or not, for the grooves (4) of the upper face (2) and the grooves (4') of the lower face (2').

[0053] In this configuration, the grooves (4, 4') drain the liquids towards one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the body (1') and therefore of the panel 1, so that they can be easily removed from a single location on said body and panel.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the panel body (1'), each face (2 or 2') has between 10 and 60 grooves per meter, so as to allow sufficient drainage of liquids at the level of the face concerned (avoiding uncontrolled overflow), by creating open channels on the upper face (2) and closed channels at the level of the lower face (the body 1' resting on a support during the placement of the panel on site).

[0055] In the sense of the invention, a network of grooves (4, 4') is formed by a set of several grooves (4 or 4') parallel to each other and belonging to the same face (2 or 2') of the body (1') concerned.

[0056] As seen on the figures 4 ,8 And 9 The grooves (4, 4') of each assembly (upper or lower) can be unidirectional and parallel to each other, forming a network of unidirectional grooves parallel to the edges (3) – for example, the longer ones – of the rectangular body (1') in question. This network of grooves (4, 4') then allows liquids to be evacuated towards the edge(s) (3') – here the shorter ones, possibly depending on the slope – and outside the limits of the body (1'), and therefore of the corresponding panel (1).

[0057] Advantageously, a network of parallel unidirectional grooves allows liquids to be concentrated and recovered easily on a single lateral edge of the body (1') and is sized to be able to achieve controlled evacuation even in the event of a storm.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the figures 5 to 7 And 10,the grooves (4, 4') of the same face (2, 2') comprise at least two superimposed networks of parallel grooves, the grooves (4, 4') of the two networks being mutually intersecting so as to form a grid pattern on one and / or the other of the upper and lower faces (2, 2'), with intersections between the grooves (4, 4') of the two superimposed networks, either at right angles to form a straight grid pattern, or at acute or obtuse angles to form a diamond pattern, the grooves (4, 4') of at least one of the two networks nested with each other being possibly parallel to one of the lateral edges (3, 3').

[0059] In these construction variants with an upper and / or lower set of grooves featuring a configuration of two superimposed groove networks, the flow of liquids is advantageously achieved simultaneously in two different directions and towards at least two contiguous or opposite edges (3 and 3'). For a given quantity of liquid arriving on the body (1'), distributing the liquid flow in two different directions increases the drainage velocity of the liquids away from panel 1. This embodiment also eliminates the need for a specific installation direction imposed by a shallow roof slope, thus optimizing and facilitating the installation of the panels.

[0060] As can be seen in the aforementioned figures, the grooves (4, 4') define two superimposed networks of parallel grooves, the grooves (4, 4') of the first network intersecting the grooves (4, 4') of the second network to form a grid pattern of intersecting bidirectional grooves. This grid pattern allows liquids to be evacuated from the surface of the body (1') in question at at least two adjacent or opposite lateral edges (3, 3').

[0061] Thus, a pattern of intersecting bidirectional grooves (4, 4') on one face (2, 2') increases the number of lateral edges (3, 3') for liquid drainage. Therefore, in the case of a large quantity of liquid present on the upper face of the layer (14), a pattern of intersecting bidirectional grooves (4, 4') will exhibit a greater drainage velocity of liquids away from the bodies (1') than a pattern of unidirectional grooves (4, 4').

[0062] It can be provided that the grooves (4, 4') of at least one of the two interlocking networks can be parallel to one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), so as to facilitate the adjacent placement of several panel 1s on the same support without worrying about the orientation of the panel bodies (1').

[0063] Indeed, when several bodies (1') or panels (1) are juxtaposed on a dedicated support, a pattern of intersecting bidirectional grooves (4, 4'), in the form of two superimposed networks on the same face (2, 2'), does not require any concern about the angle of orientation of the placement of said bodies or panels: indeed, all the orientations of placement of a panel body with a pattern of bidirectional grooves (4, 4') allow a continuity of the liquid drainage channels.

[0064] Advantageously, groove networks (4, 4'), originating from molding of the body (1') or machined in the latter, are present at least on the upper face (2), preferably on the upper face (2) and on the lower face (2'), exhibiting similar or different network patterns, orientations and groove dimensions.

[0065] According to another embodiment visible on the Figures 5 And 12, in order to further increase the liquid drainage capacities, in particular the liquid drainage speed and the volumetric quantities drained, and possibly to eliminate the need for surface liquid drainage towards one of the lateral edges, each body (1') can structurally integrate at least one means of draining liquid through (7) the thickness of said body (1'), this alternatively or in association with at least one means of draining (4, 4') liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which is present on the lower face (2'), at least or exclusively.

[0066] In a preferred manner, said drainage means (7) passing through the thickness of the body (1') concerned is in the form of a plurality of holes or straight channels (71) passing through the thickness of said self-supporting layer forming the body (1') by connecting the upper face (2) and the lower face (2'), these channels opening preferably at the bottom of the grooves (4, 4') of the face concerned (2, 2') when the latter are present.

[0067] The through holes (71) serve to increase the drainage capacity of liquids outside the upper face (2) of the body (1'), either as an alternative to or in addition to liquid evacuation towards the lateral edges via the surface drainage means (4). Liquid circulation then occurs both through the thickness of the body (1') and at the lower face (2') via the grooves (4'), and possibly additionally at the upper face (2) via the grooves (4) when present.

[0068] The through holes or channels (71) preferably open at the bottom of the grooves (4, 4') so as to allow immediate drainage of the liquid arriving on the face concerned (2, 2') to increase the drainage speed of the liquid flow outside the limits of the body (1') considered.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the body all the holes (71) are straight, perpendicular to the faces of the body (1') concerned, and of identical diameter and dimensions.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the through channels or holes (7) are distributed over the surface of the body (1'), advantageously with a higher surface concentration in the central region of said body (1'), these holes preferably having a diameter which is greater than or equal to 5 mm, preferably between 10 and 20 mm.

[0071] A higher surface concentration of holes or channels (71) in the central region of the body (1') allows for greater drainage capacity through the body (1') away from the lateral edges, providing a shorter drainage path for the liquid in this region of the upper surface (2). This configuration increases the flow rate of liquid transfer under the body (1') and promotes its rapid drainage.

[0072] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the holes or channels (71) of the central region of the body (1') may have a larger diameter than the holes of the peripheral region of the body (1').

[0073] According to another possible feature of the invention, arising for example from the figure 14, at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the plate-shaped bodies (1'), preferably two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), are provided with spacing means (9) such as, for example, single-piece protruding formations, intended to guarantee the formation of lateral joint zones (6), between adjacent bodies (1') abutting in the protective layer and with drainage properties (14), presenting a minimum interstitial passage width.

[0074] Ensuring a minimal gap between mutually abutting bodies (1') facilitates their regular installation, automatically creates joint zones (6) (guaranteeing drainage at the relevant edge), and allows for structural mechanical dynamics between several juxtaposed bodies (1') or panels (1). This arrangement also contributes to a certain structural flexibility and adaptability of the layer made up of such panels (1), promoting resistance to wear over time, so as to obtain a ventilated roofing system (10) that is conducive to air circulation and the natural drying of residual moisture.

[0075] Furthermore, by ensuring a minimal gap between two adjacent bodies (1'), the spacing means (9) formed on the relevant lateral edge (studs, ribs, pins, etc.) facilitate the juxtaposition of the bodies (1') and panels (1) on a roof. The spacing means (9) allow for easy and efficient alignment of the grooves (4, 4') of two adjacent bodies (1') so as to generate continuity in the flow of liquids from one panel to the other. Controlling the placement of mutually adjacent bodies (1') and panels (1) by means of the spacing means (9) also makes it possible to cover the entire roof, across its entire surface, with a uniform porous barrier layer (1"), particularly when the layer (14) is formed of prefabricated construction panels (1).

[0076] Furthermore, these spacing means (9), particularly when continuous (profiled formations), constitute an additional physical barrier to the passage of insects, which cannot reach the underside (2') of the body (1') potentially including a zone of residual moisture.

[0077] According to another variant of the embodiment visible on the Figure 10, it may be provided that each plate-shaped body (1') has on at least one lateral edge (3, 3'), preferably on two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), engagement means (5') of the profiled formation type and on the opposite side(s) respectively complementary engagement means (5"), also of the profiled formation type, the two engagement means (5' and 5") being configured to cooperate by conjugation of form when two panels (1) are joined at the edges (3 and 3') concerned, so as to constitute a barrier to insect passages, of the chicane type, preventing in particular the passage of tiger mosquitoes, at the level of lateral joint zones (6) between neighboring bodies (1') joining in the protective layer and with drainage properties (14).

[0078] Thus, these engagement means (5', 5"), for example male / female type and assembled by interlocking, also act as a barrier to the passage of insects through the joint areas (6), particularly the tiger mosquito. Insects therefore cannot reach the underside (2') of the body (1') of the panel (1) to breed.

[0079] Furthermore, the engagement means (5', 5") facilitate the placement of the bodies (1') and panels (1), which can then be juxtaposed side by side through simple mutual engagement of the complementary engagement means (5' and 5") of the abutting panels. In addition, layer (14) gains structural coherence.

[0080] Consequently, even in the absence of a porous barrier layer (1") at the joint areas (6), external insect-type elements cannot reach the lower face (2') of the bodies (1'), under the layer (14): indeed, the baffle-type barrier, formed by cooperation of the complementary engagement means (5' and 5"), prevents them from doing so.

[0081] In addition, the two complementary engagement means (5' and 5") ensure the cohesion of the assembly when two bodies (1') or panels (1) are joined together, while allowing the circulation of air or water conducive to the drainage of flows between the upper face (2) and the lower face (2') of the bodies (1').

[0082] Preferably, with the roofing device (10) of the invention, the panels (1) and the bodies (1') are arranged in such a way, to form the protective and draining layer (14), that at least the grooves (4') of the upper face (2) and / or the grooves (4) of the lower face (2') are oriented to promote the circulation of liquid, present on the upper face (2) and / or under the lower face (2') of the body (1') concerned, towards said means (12) of evacuation of the support (11), so as to evacuate the liquids outside the roofing device (10) and to avoid the formation of wet areas of stagnant liquid.

[0083] Thus, this particular assembly configuration of the bodies (1') and panels (1) of the protective layer with drainage properties (14) allows the liquids to be directed and concentrated near the drainage means (12), so as to evacuate them through a continuous flow and movement of liquids in the grooves (4, 4') forming the drainage channels. The formation of stagnant liquid areas, conducive to the proliferation and development of insects, is no longer possible.

[0084] In addition to promoting the drainage of liquids, this particular configuration facilitates assembly: simply follow the orientation of the grooves (4, 4') to assemble the bodies (1') and the panels (1) together in the correct orientation.

[0085] According to the invention, the roofing device 10 visible on the Figures 1 And 3, the layer (1") of porous material forming the upper face of the protective layer and with drainage properties (14) is covered with means (15) constituting an accessible and walkable surface, such as for example the components of a slatted floor or a slab floor (151) on pedestals (152).

[0086] Users can move easily on the roofing device (10) via the means (15), without coming into direct contact with the protective, drainage layer (14). Furthermore, the supports can advantageously be provided with a large base area to distribute the loads on said layer (14).

[0087] The means (15) is a first protective barrier for the draining protective layer (14) against possible degradation by users or any other possible external environmental constraints, although passable by insects.

[0088] Advantageously, a slab floor (151) on pedestals (152) as a means (15) will have the advantage of distributing the pressure forces involved applied to the protective layer with drainage properties (14) only at the location of the pedestals (152), which will also limit its degradation and the formation of low points which can constitute stagnation zones (which can nevertheless be dried out if necessary by providing through drainage means 7).

[0089] The protective layer with drainage properties (14), although covered, is easily accessible to small insects, such as mosquitoes, and therefore directly exposed to attempts at intrusion by them.

[0090] The invention also addresses the requirements mentioned in the introduction and achieves the desired objective by providing a drainage-function construction panel (1), particularly for water, of the type used as a roofing panel for flat roofs. This panel (1) comprises a plate-shaped body (1'), preferably rectangular, with opposing upper (2) and lower (2') faces and four lateral edges (3, 3'). For the purposes of this invention, a "drainage-function construction panel" is defined as a plate-type panel, particularly a parallelepiped-shaped plate, used in the construction of buildings, houses, and similar structures, which allows for the drainage and evacuation of liquids, particularly rainwater.

[0091] As examples show, figures 8 to 14 This panel (1) also has the following characteristics: the body (1') is formed of at least one layer of material, self-supporting, with compressive strength properties, preferably of essentially hollow or alveolar constitution, said body (1') structurally integrates i) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which means (4, 4') is present on at least the upper face (2) of said body (1') and, optionally, also on the lower face (2), and / or, ii) at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1') and at least one means for draining liquid (4, 4') towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which is present on at least the lower face (2'), said body (1') comprises, along at least two contiguous or consecutive lateral edges (3, 3'), covering means (5) and / or engagement means (5', 5"),arranged and configured to cooperate each with an adjacent similar panel (1) so as to constitute a barrier to the passage of insects, in particular those the size of tiger mosquitoes, at lateral joint zones (6) formed by butting the edges (3, 3') of the body of said panel (1) with those of the bodies of similar panels (1) in order to constitute a protective layer with drainage properties (14), said panel (1) also comprises at least one layer (1") of porous material, permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects, in particular those the size of tiger mosquitoes, said porous layer (1") being applied to the upper face (2) of the body (1') and covering at least the lateral drainage means (4, 4') present on the upper face (2), and where applicable the openings (71) opening at the level of the upper face (2) of the through drainage means (7) possibly present,and the porous material forming said porous barrier layer (1"), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects of the tiger mosquito type or similar, is a flexible material of the grid, mesh, non-woven, felt or geotextile type, which has an average pore opening of diameter less than 250 µm.

[0092] Such a panel (1) is particularly suitable for forming, by cooperation with other identical panels (1), by butted juxtaposition, a protective layer with drainage properties (14), forming a barrier against tiger mosquitoes and preventing their reproduction and proliferation, in particular in a roofing device (10) according to the invention.

[0093] The covering means (5) and the engagement means (5', 5") mentioned above act as barriers to prevent the passage of external elements that could enter the joint areas (6) and potentially clog them or the drainage means (4') on the underside. In particular, the covering means (5) are configured to act as barriers to the passage of insects, especially tiger mosquitoes.

[0094] According to the invention, said covering means (5) consist of portions of a porous filtration layer permeable to water but acting as a barrier to the passage of insects or other larger elements, particularly gravel, leaves, sand, etc., which may be carried away by rainwater. The porous material forming these covering means (5) is of the type previously mentioned in relation to the layer (1") of porous material forming the upper surface of the protective layer and having drainage properties (14).

[0095] Preferably, and as shown for example by figures 3 And 8at 14, each covering means (5) consists of an extension of a side (8) of flexible porous material covering the upper face (2) of the body (1') and forming said porous barrier layer (1"). These covering means (5) thus consist of two lateral bands (51) of the side (8) which extend laterally from the body (1') and extend along and beyond the two relevant lateral edges (3 and 3'), with a sufficient overhang to constitute a barrier at the level of lateral joint zones (6) formed by the abutment of said lateral edges (3 and 3') of said panel (1) considered with lateral edges (3 and 3'), without such covering means (5), of similar neighboring panels (1).

[0096] Thus, these covering means (5) prevent tiger mosquitoes from passing through the joint areas (6) and prevent their migration to the underside (2'). These covering means therefore help to stop the development and larval proliferation of the insects on the underside of the body (1)' of the panel (1) installed on site and forming part of a layer (14).

[0097] The side (8) can be fixed to the upper face (2) of the body (1') by gluing / welding (by strip or by spots) or stapling, for example. Similarly, the strips of flexible porous material, forming means (5) of covering the openings on the surface of the joint areas (6) between adjacent panels (1), can optionally be fixed at the level of the neighboring abutting panels which they cover at the edge (cf. figures 3 And 11 à 14 ), by gluing, welding or stapling.

[0098] The porous material constituting the flank (8) has the characteristics of the porous material described previously in relation to the porous barrier layer (1") and the body (1') of the panel (1) those of the body (1') described above.

[0099] Preferably, this porous material of the flank (8), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects of the tiger mosquito type, is a flexible material of the geotextile type, which advantageously has an average pore opening of diameter between 80 µm and 150 µm, so as to prevent the passage of insects, in particular small flying insects, in particular substantially guaranteeing a prohibition of passage to insects of the tiger mosquito type or similar, while being sufficiently permeable to the passage of water.

[0100] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the attached drawings.

Claims

1. Substantially flat and horizontal or low-pitch roof device (10), in particular an accessible roof terrace device, comprising at least one surface support (11), incorporating or equipped with means (12) for removing liquids, and a sealing layer or complex (13) covering said support (11) in its entirety, by being directly or indirectly fitted on the latter, said sealing complex (13) being covered by a protective layer (14) that has draining properties and comprises construction panels (1) arranged side by side, each of which comprises or consists of a body (1') in the form of a plate, which is preferably rectangular, with lateral edges (3, 3') and formed of at least one self-supporting layer of material with compressive strength properties, preferably of essentially hollow or cellular construction, each body (1') structurally incorporating: i) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which is present on at least the upper face (2) of said body (1'), and / or at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1'), and ii) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which is present on at least the lower face (2'), and said protective layer (14) with draining properties also comprising a layer (1") of porous material, which is arranged on the bodies (1') in the form of plates and is permeable to liquids, said roof device (10) being characterized in that the layer (1") of porous material forms a substantially continuous barrier to the passage of tiger-mosquito sized or larger insects, at the upper faces (2) of said bodies (1') in the form of plates and at the lateral joining regions (6) resulting from the lateral edges (3, 3') between adjacent bodies (1') being brought closer or into contact, in that the layer of porous material (1") consists either of continuous strips of porous material covering, with a parallel arrangement of said strips and with partial lateral overlap between two adjacent strips, the upper faces (2) of the bodies of the panels, or of flanks (8) of porous material covering the upper faces (2) of the bodies of the panels, these flanks (8) partially overlapping at regions in the form of strips extending along lateral sides of said flanks (8), in that the porous material forming said porous barrier layer (1"), which is permeable to liquids and forms a barrier to the passage of tiger mosquitoes, is a flexible material of the grid, mesh, nonwoven, felt or geotextile type, which has an average pore aperture with a diameter of less than 250 µm and in that the protective layer (14) with draining properties is covered with means (15) forming an accessible and walkable surface, such as components of a slatted floor or a floor made from slabs (151) on pedestals (152).

2. Roof device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that each flank (8) of porous material is associated with a body (1') in the form of a plate and is optionally secured to the upper face (2) of the latter to form a prefabricated composite construction panel (1), said flank (8) projecting laterally from said body (1') over two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), in order to form cantilevered lateral strips (51) of sufficient width to ensure the continuity of the layer of porous material (1") at the lateral joining regions (6) between bodies (1') of adjacent panels (1) abutting in the protective layer (14) with draining properties.

3. Roof device (10) according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the porous material forming said porous barrier layer (1"), which is permeable to liquids and forms a barrier to the passage of insects of the tiger-mosquito type, is a flexible material of the geotextile type, which advantageously has an average pore aperture with a diameter of between 80 µm and 150 µm, so as to avoid the passage of tiger mosquitoes or similar insects, while at the same time being permeable to the passage of water.

4. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the self-supporting layer forming each body (1') consists of a layer of thermally insulating, preferably hydrophobic, cellular material, such as EPS or XPS.

5. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, for each panel body (1'), said or each means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3') comprises a set of grooves (4, 4'), advantageously profiled rectilinear grooves of constant cross section, preferably parallel monodirectional grooves or mutually intersecting bidirectional grooves, each groove connecting two different contiguous or opposite lateral edges (3, 3') of the respective body (1').

6. Roof device (10) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the grooves (4, 4') form at least one network of grooves that are parallel to one another and to one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the respective body (1'), advantageously the longest edge (3) and optionally with a similar or non-similar orientation, for the grooves (4) of the upper face (2) and the grooves (4') of the lower face (2').

7. Roof device (10) according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the grooves (4, 4') of a given face (2, 2') of a body (1') comprise at least two superposed networks of grooves that are parallel to one another, the grooves (4, 4') of the two networks intersecting one another so as to form a grid pattern on one and / or the other of the upper and lower faces (2, 2'), with intersections between the grooves (4, 4') of the two superposed networks, either at right angles in order to form a straight grid pattern, or at acute or obtuse angles in order to form a diamond pattern, the grooves (4, 4') of at least one of the two intermeshed networks optionally being parallel to one of the lateral edges (3, 3').

8. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that networks of grooves (4, 4'), which are moulded together with the body (1') or machined into the latter, are present at least on the upper face (2), preferably on the upper face (2) and on the lower face (2'), having similar or non-similar network patterns, orientations and groove dimensions.

9. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drainage means (7) passing through the thickness of said body (1') is in the form of a plurality of rectilinear holes or channels (71) extending through the thickness of said self-supporting layer forming the body (1') and connecting the upper face (2) and the lower face (2'), these channels preferably opening out at the bottom of the grooves (4, 4') of the respective face (2, 2') when the respective grooves are present, and in that these through-channels or through-holes (71) are distributed over the surface of the body (1'), advantageously with a higher surface concentration in the central region of said body (1'), these holes or channels preferably having a diameter that is greater than or equal to 5 mm, preferably of between 10 and 20 mm.

10. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the bodies (1') in the form of plates, preferably two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), are provided with spacing means (9) such as, for example, integral protruding formations intended to ensure the formation of lateral joining regions (6) between adjacent bodies (1') abutting in the protective layer (14) with draining properties, having a minimum interstitial passage width.

11. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each body (1') in the form of a plate has, on at least one lateral edge (3, 3'), preferably on two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), engagement means (5') of the profiled formation type and, on the one or more respectively opposite sides, complementary engagement means (5"), which are also of the profiled formation type, the two engagement means (5' and 5") being configured to cooperate in a form-fitting manner when two panels (1) abut at the respective edges (3 and 3'), so as to form a barrier to the passage of insects, of the baffle type, preventing in particular the passage of tiger mosquitoes, at lateral joining regions (6) between adjacent bodies (1') abutting in the protective layer (14) with draining properties.

12. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the panels (1) and the bodies (1') are arranged in such a way, in order to form the protective layer (14) with draining properties, that at least the grooves (4') of the upper face (2) and / or the grooves (4) of the lower face (2') are oriented so as to promote the circulation of liquid, which is present on the upper face (2) and / or beneath the lower face (2') of the respective body (1'), towards said removal means (12) of the support (11), so as to remove the liquids from the roof device (10) and to prevent the formation of wet regions of stagnant liquid.

13. Roof device (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the layer (1") of porous material forming the upper face of the protective layer (14) with draining properties is covered with a ballast material forming an inaccessible surface, in particular a mineral layer of gravel type, or means (15) forming an accessible and walkable surface, such as the components of a slatted floor or a floor made from slabs (151) on pedestals (152), for example.

14. Roof device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that each body (1') structurally incorporates at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1').

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