A roof vent

Abstract

A roof vent for a pitched glazed roof, comprising a first frame assembly for mounting to the pitched roof. The first frame assembly comprises three or more elongate frame members connected so as to define an aperture for ventilation therethrough. At least one frame member comprises a concavity for receiving the edge of a roof panel of the pitched roof. The vent overcomes issues with leakage in prior art glazed roof vents used in conservatories, orangeries and other glazed roof structures.

Description

FIELD The present teachings relate to a roof vent for a pitched roof, an elongate frame member for a roof vent, a roof including the roof vent and a method of installing the roof vent. BACKGROUND Pitched roofs typically comprise a roof frame structure, onto which one or more panels, such as a glass pane, polycarbonate pane, or a sealed double glazing unit, are mounted. Examples of pitched roofs include lantern roofs, conservatory roofs and orangery roofs. It is known to provide roof vents in a pitched roof to enable the ventilation of air through the roof (e.g. for cooling a space covered by the roof). Figure 1 shows a pitched roof 1 including a conventional roof vent 2. The roof vent 2 consists of an outer frame assembly 3 defining an aperture 4. A glazing unit 6 is movable relative to the frame assembly 3 between a closed condition (not shown) and an open condition (shown in Figure 1) so as to respectively close and open the aperture 4. In the open condition, air can pass through the roof 1 via the aperture 4 for ventilation. In order to install the roof vent 1, sealing strips 8 (often referred to as 'muntins') are used to create a seal between upper and lower sides 3a, 3b of the frame assembly 3 and adjacent roof panels 5. Each strip 8 is formed from one H-section, or two T-sections clipped together, and overlies an exterior surface of the frame assembly 3. A known problem with such sealing strips 8 is that they tend to develop into a weak point susceptible to water ingress and leakage, e.g. as a result of poor installation quality and / or through exposure to poor weather conditions. When a sealing strip 8 fails, rainwater flowing down the pitched roof 2 can pass in between the strips 8 and the exterior surfaces of the frame assembly 3, and reach an interior space covered by the roof 2. This is particularly a problem at the lower side 3b of the frame assembly 3 where rainwater flowing down the roof 1 can more readily flow into gaps formed between the sealing strip 8 and frame assembly 3. An object of the present teaching is to provide a roof vent which overcomes or mitigates problems associated with the installation of known roof vents for glazed roof structures. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a roof vent for a pitched roof, comprising a first frame assembly for mounting to the pitched roof. The first frame assembly comprises three or more elongate frame members connected so as to define an aperture for ventilation therethrough. At least one frame member comprises a concavity for receiving the edge of a roof panel of the pitched roof. Advantageously, the concavity obviates the need for a conventional sealing strip or muntin between the roof vent and the roof panel. Accordingly, installation of the roof vent is simplified and the risk of leakage at the junction of the roof vent and the roof panel is reduced. The at least one frame member may be formed from a metal, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy. The concavity may comprise a channel having opposing first and second (e.g. substantially parallel) internal surfaces for extending over part of the roof panel received therein. Advantageously, such a concavity may help to securely fix the roof panel with respect to the roof vent. The channel may have a transverse width in the range of 4mm-50mm. Advantageously, such a concavity may help to securely fix the roof panel with respect to the roof vent. The at least one frame member may comprise a body, and opposing first and second flanges projecting from the body. The first and second flanges may comprise the first and second internal surfaces respectively. Advantageously, such a configuration of the at least one frame member helps to improve the compactness of the roof vent. The first and / or second flanges may project from the body a distance in the range of 5-50mm. The roof vent may be configured such that one of the at least one frame member forms a lower edge of the roof vent when the roof vent is in an intended orientation for mounting to a pitched roof. Such a frame member may receive relatively more rainwater flow thereover relative to other frame members. The roof vent may be configured such that one of the at least one frame member is nonparallel to a pitch axis of the roof vent when in an intended orientation for mounting to a pitched roof. Such a frame member may receive relatively more rainwater flow thereover relative to other frame members. Said one frame member may be substantially perpendicular to said pitch axis. The roof vent may further comprise a roof panel unit movable relative to the first frame assembly between closed and open conditions so as to respectively close and open the aperture. Advantageously, provision of the roof panel unit enables closure of the aperture when ventilation is not required. The roof panel unit may be pivotable relative to the first frame assembly between the closed and open conditions. The roof panel unit may comprise a second frame assembly, and a roof panel held within the second frame assembly. The second frame assembly may move relative to the first frame assembly between the closed and open conditions. The second frame assembly may abut against the at least one frame member in the closed condition. The second frame assembly may be spaced from the at least one frame member in the open condition. The roof vent may comprise a sealing arrangement configured to form a seal between the second frame assembly and the at least one frame member in the closed condition. The roof panel may be transparent or translucent. The roof panel may comprise one or more panes of glass. The roof panel may comprise a double glazing unit or a triple glazed sealed unit. The at least one frame member may have a constant profile along the majority or all of the length of the frame member. The concavity may include a stop, such as an internal step and / or shoulder, for limiting the degree of insertion of the further roof panel into the concavity. Advantageously, provision of the stop may help to simply assembly of a roof comprising the roof vent. The at least one frame member may comprises a thermal insulating material (e.g. a thermal insulating foam material) arranged so as to inhibit thermal transfer across the frame member. Advantageously, the thermal insulating material helps to inhibit thermal bridging across the frame member. The thermal insulating material may be arranged for abutment with the roof panel received in the concavity. Advantageously, the thermal insulating material may help to inhibit thermal bridging between exterior and interior external surfaces of the roof vent. The at least one frame member may comprise first and second structural sections defining the concavity, and a connector section. The first and second structural sections may be connected via the connector section. Advantageously, such a configuration of the frame member helps to simplify assembly of a roof including the roof vent. The connector section may be formed from a more thermally insulative material relative to the first and second structural sections. Advantageously, such a connector section helps to inhibit thermal bridging across the frame member. One or both of the first and second structural sections may be formed from a metal material, such as aluminium or an aluminium alloy. According to a second aspect of the present teachings, there is provided an elongate frame member for use in a roof vent frame assembly defining an aperture for ventilation therethrough. The frame member is configured to partially define the aperture when connected to other frame members of the roof vent frame assembly. The frame member comprises a concavity for receiving the edge of a roof panel for a pitched roof. Advantageously, the concavity obviates the need for a conventional sealing strip or muntin between the roof vent frame assembly and the roof panel. Accordingly, installation of a roof vent including the roof vent frame assembly is simplified and the risk of leakage at the junction of the roof vent and the roof panel is reduced. The frame member may be formed from a metal, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy. The concavity may comprise a channel having opposing firstand second (e.g. substantially parallel) internal surfaces for extending over part of the roof panel received therein. The channel may have a transverse width in the range of 4mm-50mm. The frame member may comprise a body, and opposing first and second flanges projecting from the body. The first and second flanges may comprise the first and second internal surfaces respectively. The first and / or second flanges may project from the body a distance in the range of 5mm-50mm. The frame member may have a constant profile along the majority or all of a length of the frame member. The concavity may include a stop, such as an internal step and / or shoulder, for limiting the degree of insertion of the roof panel into the concavity. The at least one frame member may comprise a thermal insulating material arranged so as to inhibit thermal transfer across the frame member. The thermal insulating material may comprises a foam material. The thermal insulating material may be arranged for abutment with the roof panel received in the concavity. The frame member may comprise first and second structural sections defining the concavity, and a connector section. The first and second structural sections may be connected via the connector section. The first and second structural sections may be spaced apart. The connector section may be formed from a more thermally insulative material relative to the first and second structural sections. One or both of the first and second structural sections may be formed from a metal, such as aluminium or an aluminium alloy. At least one of the first and second structural sections may comprise a void. According to a third aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a roof comprising the roof vent according to the first aspect, or the elongate frame member according to the second aspect. The roof may be a pitched roof (e.g. a variable pitch roof). According to a fourth aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a method of installing a roof vent in a pitched roof structure, the method comprising: providing a roof vent having a frame assembly comprising three or more elongate frame members connected so as to define an aperture for ventilation therethrough, wherein one of the frame members comprises a concavity for receiving the edge of a roof panel of the pitched roof structure; and connecting the frame assembly to a sloped side of the pitched roof structure such that the frame member comprising the concavity forms a lower edge of the roof vent. The roof vent may be in accordance with the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a roof including a prior art roof vent; Figure 2 is an isometric view of part of a pitched roof according to an embodiment; Figure 3 is a plan view of a roof vent of the pitched roof of Figure 2; Figure 4a is a view along section A-A of Figure 2 in a closed condition; Figure 4b is a view along section A-A of Figure 2 in an open condition; Figure 5a is a view along section B-B of Figure 2 in a closed condition; Figure 5b is a view along section B-B of Figure 2 in an open condition; Figure 6a is a view along section C-C of Figure 2 in a closed condition; and Figure 6b is a view along section C-C of Figure 2 in an open condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) Figure 2 shows a portion of a pitched roof 100 according to an embodiment, including a roof frame structure 102. The roof frame structure 102 supports at least one panel 104a, 104b, 104c, and a roof vent 105. The pitched roof 100 of this embodiment is a conservatory roof, however in alternative embodiments the pitched roof 100 may be, for example, a lantern roof or an orangery roof. Roofs 100 of this type are typically used in domestic buildings. It is therefore desirable that the roof 100 meets the necessary requirements for thermal insulation, sealing against water ingress, draughts etc. One or more of the panels 104a-c may be transparent or translucent. For example, each panel 104a-c may include one or more panes of glass (e.g. a double glazing unit, or a triple glazed sealed unit) or be formed from a transparent or translucent plastic, such as polycarbonate. Alternatively, one or more of the panels 104a-c may be formed from an opaque plastic, wood, aluminium or other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 104a, 104b are double glazing units. Typically, the roof frame structure 102 is constructed from a ridge beam 106, one or more eaves beams (not shown) and one or more rafters 108a, 108b. In the illustrated embodiment, the pitched roof 100 is a variable pitch roof, by which it is intended to mean that components of the roof frame structure 102, such as the ridge beam 106, are adjustable to accommodate two or more different roof pitch angles. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 100 may be adjusted so as to have a pitch angle in the range of 2 to 38 degrees relative to the horizontal. In alternative embodiments, the pitch of the roof 100 may not be adjustable, and so may be considered a fixed pitch roof. As discussed more in the following, the roof vent 105 is configured to selectively open and close an aperture 113 in the roof 100, so as to respectively enable and inhibit ventilation air flow through the roof 100 via said aperture 113. The term "roof vent" is used to cover any selectively openable and closable aperture in a roof, such as a skylight, a roof window etc. With further reference to Figure 3, the roof vent 105 includes a first frame assembly 110 and a roof panel unit 109. The first frame assembly 110, which shall also be referred to as the "outer frame assembly", is mounted to the frame structure 102, as will be discussed more below. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer frame assembly 110 includes four elongate outer frame members 112a-d arranged so as to define a rectangular aperture 113. The outer frame members 112a-d includes two opposing substantially parallel lateral frame members 112a, 112b, and opposing substantially parallel upper and lower frame members 112c, 112d. The upper frame member 112c is so-called since it is uppermost when installed in the roof 100, and so forms an upper side of the roof vent 105. Likewise, the lower frame member 112d is lowermost when installed in the roof 100, and forms a lower side of the roof vent 105. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the outer frame assembly 110 may include three, or more than four, frame members arranged so as to define a (e.g. three sided, five sided etc.) aperture 113. Each pair of adjacent outer frame members 112a-d are connected at a mitred corner joint via a cleat of the type described in EP3604728B1 to the present Applicant, but other known connectors for mitred corners may also be employed. The lateral frame members 112a, 112b are substantially parallel to a pitch axis X (represented by a dashed line in Figure 2) of the roof vent 105 (i.e. a line of maximum slope of the roof vent 105 relative to the horizontal) which in the illustrated embodiment, corresponds to the pitch axis of the roof 100. The rafters 108a, 108b shown in Figure 2 are substantially parallel to the pitch axis X. The upper and lower frame members 112c, 112d are substantially perpendicular to said pitch axis X. It will be appreciated that rainwater (or other precipitation) flowing down the roof 100 will flow predominantly parallel to the pitch axis X. As such, there is the potential for relatively more rainwater to flow over the upper and lower frame members 112c, 112d relative to the lateral frame members 112a, 112b. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper frame member 112c is sheltered from rainwater by the ridge beam 106, as will be discussed more below. However, the lower frame member 112d is exposed, and so receives more rainwater relative to the other outer frame members 112a-c. In alternative embodiments (not shown), at least one of the frame members 112 may be arranged obliquely relative to said pitch axis X. The roof panel unit 109 is movable relative to the outer frame assembly 110 between a closed condition (shown in Figures 2, 3, 4a, 5a, and 6a) and an open condition (shown in Figures 4b, 5b and 6b) so as to respectively close and open the aperture 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof panel unit 109 is pivotable relative to the outer frame assembly 110 between the closed and open conditions (e.g. via a conventional hinge arrangement). The roof 100 is configured such that, in the closed condition, air is inhibited from passing between the roof panel unit 109 and the outer frame assembly 110, e.g. so as to reduce heat loss from a space covered by the roof 100. In the open condition, an opening 115 formed between the roof panel unit 109 and the outer frame assembly 110 allows air to pass through the roof 100 for ventilation. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof vent 105 is on a sloped side of the roof 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof vent 105 is adjacent the ridge beam 106. Being adjacent the highest part of the roof 100 helps to increase the ventilation of hot air from a space covered by the roof 100. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the roof vent 105 may be spaced from the ridge beam 104 (e.g. via one or more panels 104). As shown in Figure 3, the roof panel unit 109 incudes a second frame assembly 150, and a roof panel 104c. The second frame assembly 150 shall also be referred to as the "inner frame assembly" since it is inner with respect to the outer frame assembly 110. The roof panel 104c is held within the inner frame assembly 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner frame assembly 150 includes four elongate inner frame members 152a-d arranged so as to define a rectangular enclosure, within which the roof panel 104c is held. In other embodiments in which the outer frame assembly 110 has less than or more than four outer frame members, the inner frame assembly 150 may have a corresponding number of inner frame members. The inner frame members 152a-d includes two opposing substantially parallel lateral frame members 152a, 152b, and opposing substantially parallel upper and lower frame members 152c, 152d, similar to the outer frame assembly 110. Adjacent inner frame members 152a-d may be connected in a similar manner as the outer frame members 112a-d. Figures 4a and 4b show views along section A-A in Figure 2 in closed and opened conditions of the panel unit 109 respectively. As shown in these figures, the lower frame member 112d includes a concavity 114 receiving an edge 117 of the roof panel 104b. The roof panel 104b is held within a frame formed by the lower frame member 112d, a pair of rafters (including the rafter 108b) and an eaves beam (not shown), such that the roof panel 104b is mounted to the roof vent 105 and the roof structure 102. The concavity 114 is on an opposed side of the lower frame member 112d to the aperture 113. Advantageously, the concavity 114 obviates the need for a conventional sealing strip or muntin between the roof vent 105 and the roof panel 104b. The lower frame member 112d effectively includes an integrated muntin. Accordingly, installation of the roof vent 105 in the roof 100 is simplified and the risk of leakage at the junction of the roof vent 105 and the roof panel 104b is reduced. Figure 4a shows a path R (represented as a dashed arrowed line) of rainwater flowing down the roof 100, and over the roof vent 105. In contrast to the conventional roof vent 2 shown in Figure 1, the junction between the roof vent 105 and the lower roof panel 104b includes only a single joint (i.e. between the concavity 114 and the panel 104b). The joint between the lower sealing strip 8 and the conventional roof vent 2 has been eliminated. Moreover, since the concavity 114 faces towards the bottom of the sloped roof 100 (i.e. in substantially the same direction as the rainwater), rainwater is less likely to penetrate the joint between the lower frame member 112d and the panel 104b, relative to the joint that has been eliminated. In the illustrated embodiment, the concavity 114 includes a channel 116 having opposing first and second internal surfaces 118, 120 extending over part of the roof panel 104b. The channel 116 may have a transverse width between the internal surfaces 118, 120 in the range of 4mm-50mm, for example 20-30mm for a double glazed unit or 40-50mm for a triple glazed unit, or lower widths for individual sheets of glass or plastics material. Abutment of the internal surfaces 118, 120 with corresponding surfaces of the panel 120b inhibits relative movement between the lower frame member 112d and the panel 104b in at least one transverse direction (i.e. in a direction transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lower frame member 112d). In alternative embodiments (not shown), the concavity 114 may have any suitable form, such a bore (e.g. for receiving a corresponding protrusion of the panel 104b). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second internal surfaces 118, 120 are substantially parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the internal surfaces 118, 120 may be non-parallel (e.g. they may converge or diverge in a direction towards the panel 104b). The internal surfaces 118, 120 may be substantially parallel with a major plane of the panel 104b, and / or a major plane of a panel 104c of the panel unit 109. The channel 116 extends along all of the length of the lower frame member 112d. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 116 has a constant profile across the length of the lower frame member 112d, but may have a varying profile in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower frame member 112d is formed via an extrusion process, but may be formed via any suitable manufacturing process (e.g. moulding, milling etc). In the illustrated embodiment, the lower frame member 112d includes a body 122, and opposing first and second flanges 124, 126 projecting from the body 122. The first flange 124 includes the first internal surface 118. The second flange 126 includes the second internal surface 120. The first and / or second flanges 124, 126 may project from the body 122 a distance in the range of 5-50mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 124, 126 project from the body 122 by the same distance, but may not do so in alterative embodiments. As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the first flange 124 has an external surface 128 including a chamfer 130 at a free end of the first flange 124. The chamfer 130 assists in rainwater run-off, as illustrated by the rainwater path R. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower frame member 112d includes first and second structural sections 132, 134, and a connector section 136 (represented via hatched shading in Figures 4a and 4b). The combination of the first and second structural sections 132, 134 defines the concavity 114 (i.e. both are required to define the concavity 114). The first and second structural sections 132, 134 are spaced apart, and connected via the connector section 136. Such a configuration of the frame member 112d helps to simplify assembly of the roof vent 105 and the roof 100. Each section may be formed as a single monolithic piece of material (e.g. via an extrusion or moulding process). In alternative embodiments (not shown), the lower frame member 112d may include only a single section or more than two sections (e.g. connected by more than one connector section). The first structural section 132 is outboard of the second structural section 134. In the illustrated embodiment, an external surface 132a of the first structural section 132 forms part of an exterior of the roof 100 in contact with the external environment. An external surface 134a of the second structural section 132 forms part of an interior of the roof 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second structural sections 132,134 are formed from a metal material, such as aluminium or an aluminium alloy, but may be formed from any suitable material. The connector section 136 is formed from a more thermally insulative material relative to the first and second structural sections 132, 134, such as polyamide, or PVC. As such, the connector section 136 helps to inhibit thermal bridging across the frame member 112d. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second structural sections 132, 134 have a constant profile across their lengths. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the structural sections 132, 134 may instead have a constant profile across only part (e.g. a majority of) or none of their lengths. The connector section 136 engages projections and / or recesses formed on the first and second structural sections 132, 134 so as to connect the structural sections 132, 134 together. The connector section 136 may be formed in situ by injecting or pouring e.g. a foaming liquid material (e.g. polyisocyan urate (PIR), polyurethane, or polyamide) into a void formed between the first and second structural sections 132, 134, which cures to become a solid connector section. Alternatively, the connector section 136 may be formed separately and then inserted into said void so as to engage the projections and / or recesses (e.g. via sliding the connector section 136 into the void in a direction parallel to longitudinal axes of the structural sections 132, 134). In the illustrated embodiment, the lower frame member 112d includes a thermal insulating material 142 (represented by dotted shading in Figures 4a and 4b), arranged so as to inhibit thermal transfer across the frame member 112d (i.e. between its interior and exterior external surfaces). In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal insulating material 142 may be a foam material (e.g. polyisocyanurate (PIR), polyurethane, or polyamide), but in alternative embodiment, any suitable thermal insulating material may be employed. The thermal insulating material 142 may be formed in the body 122 of the frame member 112d in situ in a similar manner as described forthe connector section 136, or may instead be inserted into the body 122 and held there, for example, via an interference fit, push fit, one or more fasteners, and / or bonding. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal insulating material 142 is provided as two pieces of material 142a, 142b. The first piece 142a is push fitted with a recess 143 in the frame member 112d. The second piece 142b overlies the first piece 142a. Both pieces of material 142a, 142b are fixed with respect to the frame member 112d via the panel 104b. Providing the thermal insulating material 142 as the two pieces 142a, 142b helps simplify manufacture and assembly of the roof vent 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal insulating material 142 is provided in the base of the concavity, and arranged for abutment with the roof panel 104b. Advantageously, the thermal insulating material 142 helps to inhibit thermal bridging from an exterior surface of the panel 104b and an interior surface of the lower frame member 112d. Moreover, the thermal insulating material 142, being formed from foam provides a cushion between the panel 104b and the lower frame member 112d. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal insulating material 142 and connector section 136 together fill the majority of the space formed between the first and second structural sections 132, 134, helping to minimise thermal transfer across the lower frame member 112d. The thermal insulating material 142 extends from the edge 117 of the panel 104b to the connector section 136. As such, heat flow from the second structural section 134 to the first structure section 132 must pass through the panel 104b or one of the thermal insulating material 142 and connector section 136. Since the panel 104b of the illustrated embodiment is a double-glazing unit, heat transfer across the lower frame 112d is minimised. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the connector section 136 and the thermal insulating material 142 may be combined and, for example may be formed as a single monolithic piece of material (e.g. in situ as previously described, or formed separately and then inserted into a void between the first and second structural sections 132, 134.) In the illustrated embodiment, the second structural section 134 is hollow, and includes a void 138. The void 138 provides an air gap, which may help to inhibit thermal bridging across the frame member 112d. The second structural section 134 further includes projections 140 within said void 138 for supporting the cleat for connecting adjacent outer frame members previously discussed. The concavity 114 includes a stop 144 for limiting the degree of insertion of the panel 104b into the concavity 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 144 includes an internal step 144a, and a shoulder 144b, but may include one of the internal step 144a or shoulder 144b, or any suitable stop, in alternative embodiments. A layer of the thermal insulating material 142 is interposed between the edge 117 of the panel 104b and the stop 114 to act as a cushion. In the closed condition shown in Figure 4a, the lower inner frame member 152d abuts against the lower outer frame member 112d. In the open condition shown in Figure 4b, the lower inner frame member 152d is spaced from the lower outer frame member 112d. The roof vent 105 includes a sealing arrangement 154 configured to form a seal between the inner and outer frame assemblies 150, 110 in the closed condition. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing arrangement 154 includes two sealing members 156 (e.g. lip or bubble seals) mounted in suitable recesses 160 and arranged so as to be sandwiched between the lower outer and inner frame member 112d, 152d in the closed condition, so as to form a seal therebetween. Each sealing member 156 may be formed from a flexible (e.g. polymeric material of known type). The sealing arrangement 154 thus inhibits air and water passing through the roof 100 via the aperture 114 in the closed condition, and thus helps inhibit unwanted heat loss and water ingress through the roof 100. The sealing members 156 are mounted to the lower outer frame member 112d and arranged to abut against corresponding abutment surfaces 158 of the lower inner frame member 152d in the closed condition. In other embodiments, the arrangement may be reversed. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower inner frame member 152d includes a canopy 153 covering the junction between the lower outer and inner frame members 112d, 152d, as shown by the rainwater path R. As such, the canopy 160 inhibits rainwater from flowing toward said junction, and thus inhibits unwanted water ingress through the roof 100 via the aperture 113 if the seal members 156 were to fail. Figures 5a and 5b show views along section B-B in Figure 2 in closed and opened conditions of the panel unit 109 respectively. As shown in these figures, the upper inner frame member 152c is movable relative to the upper outer frame members 112c between the closed and open conditions. The sealing arrangement 154 includes two sealing members 156 arranged similarly to the lower frame members 112d, 152d. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper outer frame member 112c is a substantially identical construction and shape to the lower frame member 112d except that the flanges 126 and 128 are omitted. The upper frame member 112c is mounted to the ridge beam 106 via a push fit of the first and second structural sections into a corresponding mouth of the ridge beam, which is dimensioned to receive a roof panel of similar thickness. In alternative embodiments in which the upper outer frame member 112c is connected to a roof panel 104, similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the upper outer frame member 112c may include such a concavity 114 for receiving said roof panel. The ridge beam 106 includes a canopy 160 covering an upper part of the roof vent 105 for sheltering said part from precipitation. In the illustrated embodiment, the canopy 160 covers the upper outer frame member 112c and, the junction between the upper outer and inner frame members 112c, 152c, as shown by the rainwater path R shown in Figure 5a. As such, the canopy 160 inhibits rainwater from flowing toward said junction, and thus inhibits unwanted water ingress through the roof 100 via the aperture 113. Figures 6a and 6b show views along section C-C in Figure 2 in closed and opened conditions of the panel unit 109 respectively, and in particular show profiles of one of the lateral outer frame members 112b, and one of the lateral inner frame members 152b. The other lateral outer frame member 112a, and other lateral inner frame member 152a have similar profiles to those shown in Figures 6a and 6b but mirrored about a vertical plane with respect to the figures. Both lateral outer frame members 112a, 112b have essentially the same construction and shape as the upper frame member 112c, and similar sealing arrangements 154. The lateral outer frame members 112a, 112b are mounted to rafters 108b by being lowered into place on an abutment of a lower section Illa of the rafter, and then being held in place by having an upper section 111b of the rafter clipped on to the top. In alternative embodiments (not shown), in which the lateral outer frame member 112b is connected to a roof panel 104, the lateral outer frame member 112b may include such a concavity 114 for receiving said roof panel. It will be appreciated that in Figures 6a and 6b, rainwater flowing over the roof 100 will predominantly travel in a direction out of the page, but any flowing to the side is directed to a drainage channel 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lateral outer frame members 112a-c have substantially identical profiles. The profile of the lower outer frame member 112d differs from that of the upper and lateral outer frame members 112a-c only in that the lower outer frame member 112d includes the flanges 126, 128 and is therefore wider than the other outer frame members 112a-c. To simplify manufacture, the lower outer frame member 112d is connected to the adjacent lateral outer frame members 112a, 112b at mitred corners cut at an approximately 45 degree angle. This results in the flanges 126, 128 projecting out further laterally than the lateral outer frame members 112a, 112b and these projecting triangular end portions 170 are trimmed off as shown in Figure 3 to avoid them interfering with other components when installed, and to create a neat appearance. In other embodiments the angle of the mitre may be adjusted to align the frame members instead. It will be appreciated that the roof vent 105 itself may assembled using known window assembly techniques, for example as described in EP3604728B1. The roof vent 105 is assembled into the roof 100 by being laid onto the lower sections Illa of rafters 108b either side thereof and being pushed into the mouth of the ridge beam 106 at the top. The panel 104b is then push fitted into the channel 116 from below, and the assembly secured in place by the upper sections 111b of the rafters 108b and at the eaves beam (not shown). It will be understood that numerous changes may be made within the scope of the present teachings. For example the outer frame profile may be altered to use different corner fixings, or to be manufactured from different material, such as uPVC.

Claims

1. A roof vent for a pitched roof, comprising a first frame assembly for mounting to the pitched roof, wherein the first frame assembly comprises three or more elongate frame members connected so as to define an aperture for ventilation therethrough, and wherein at least one frame member comprises a concavity for receiving the edge of a roof panel of the pitched roof;optionally, wherein said at least one frame member is formed from a metal, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

2. A roof vent according to claim 1 wherein the concavity comprises a channel having opposing first and second (e.g. substantially parallel) internal surfaces for extending over part of the roof panel received therein; optionally wherein the channel has a transverse width in the range of 4mm-50mm.

3. A roof vent according to claim 2, wherein said at least one frame member comprises a body, and opposing first and second flanges projecting from the body, wherein the first and second flanges comprise the first and second internal surfaces respectively; optionally, wherein the first and / or second flanges project from the body a distance in the range of 5-50mm.

4. A roof vent according to any preceding claim, configured such that one of said at least one frame member forms a lower edge of the roof vent when the roof vent is in an intended orientation for mounting to a pitched roof.

5. A roof vent according to any preceding claim, configured such that one of said at least one frame member is non-parallel to a pitch axis of the roof vent when in an intended orientation for mounting to a pitched roof; optionally, wherein said one frame member is substantially perpendicular to said pitch axis.

6. A roof vent according to any preceding claim, further comprising a roof panel unit movable relative to the first frame assembly between closed and open conditions so as to respectively close and open the aperture; optionally, wherein the roof panel unit is pivotable relative to the first frame assembly between the closed and open conditions.

7. A roof vent according to claim 6, wherein the roof panel unit comprises a second frame assembly, and a roof panel held within the second frame assembly, wherein thesecond frame assembly moves relative to the first frame assembly between the closed and open conditions.

8. A roof vent according to claim 7, wherein the second frame assembly abuts against said at least one frame member in the closed condition, and is spaced from said at least one frame member in the open condition; optionally, wherein the roof vent comprises a sealing arrangement configured to form a seal between the second frame assembly and said at least one frame member in the closed condition.

9. A roof vent according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the roof panel is transparent or translucent; optionally, wherein the roof panel comprises one or more panes of glass; for example, wherein the roof panel comprises a double glazing unit or a triple glazed sealed unit.

10. A roof according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one frame member has a constant profile along the majority or all of the length of the frame member.

11. A roof vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the concavity includes a stop, such as an internal step and / or shoulder, for limiting the degree of insertion of the further roof panel into the concavity.

12. A roof vent according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one frame member comprises a thermal insulating material (e.g. a thermal insulating foam material) arranged so as to inhibit thermal transfer across the frame member; optionally, wherein the thermal insulating material is arranged for abutment with the roof panel received in the concavity.

13. A roof vent according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one frame member comprises first and second structural sections defining the concavity, and a connector section, wherein the first and second structural sections are connected via the connector section; optionally, wherein the connector section is formed from a more thermally insulative material relative to the first and second structural sections; for example, wherein one or both of the first and second structural sections are formed from a metal material, such as aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

14. An elongate frame member for use in a roof vent frame assembly defining an aperture for ventilation therethrough, wherein the frame member is configured to partially define the aperture when connected to other frame members of the roof vent frameassembly, and wherein the frame member comprises a concavity for receiving the edge of a roof panel for a pitched roof; optionally, wherein the frame member is formed from a metal, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

15. An elongate frame member according to claim 14, wherein the concavity comprises a channel having opposing first and second (e.g. substantially parallel) internal surfaces for extending over part of the roof panel received therein; optionally, wherein the channel has a transverse width in the range of 4mm-50mm.

16. An elongate frame member according to claim 15, wherein the frame member comprises a body, and opposing first and second flanges projecting from the body, wherein the first and second flanges comprise the first and second internal surfaces respectively; optionally, wherein the first and / or second flanges project from the body a distance in the range of 5mm-50mm17. An elongate frame member according to any one of claims 14 to 16, having a constant profile along the majority or all of a length of the frame member.

18. An elongate frame member according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the concavity includes a stop, such as an internal step and / or shoulder, for limiting the degree of insertion of the roof panel into the concavity.

19. An elongate frame member according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein said at least one frame member comprises a thermal insulating material arranged so as to inhibit thermal transfer across the frame member; optionally, wherein the thermal insulating material comprises a foam material.

20. An elongate frame member according to claim 19, wherein the thermal insulating material is arranged for abutment with the roof panel received in the concavity.

21. An elongate frame member according to any of claims 14 to 20, comprising first and second structural sections defining the concavity, and a connector section, wherein the first and second structural sections are connected via the connector section; optionally, wherein the first and second structural sections are spaced apart.

22. An elongate frame member according to claim 21, wherein the connector section is formed from a more thermally insulative material relative to the first and secondstructural sections; optionally, wherein one or both of the first and second structural sections are formed from a metal, such as aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

23. An elongate frame member according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second structural sections comprises a void.

24. A roof comprising the roof vent according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or the elongate frame member according to any one of claims 14 to 23; optionally, wherein the roof is a pitched roof (e.g. a variable pitch roof).

25. A method of installing a roof vent in a pitched roof structure, the method comprising:providing a roof vent having a frame assembly comprising three or more elongate frame members connected so as to define an aperture for ventilation therethrough, wherein one of the frame members comprises a concavity for receiving the edge of a roof panel of the pitched roof structure; andconnecting the frame assembly to a sloped side of the pitched roof structure such that the frame member comprising the concavity forms a lower edge of the roof vent;optionally, wherein the roof vent is in accordance with any of claims 1 to 13.

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