Weatherproofing system and gasket device therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for use in weatherproofing a joint of a pitched roof having a covering comprising a plurality of overlapping tiles, the ridge or hip system comprising an improved ridge-tile gasket. The gasket comprises a planar member and a plurality of upstanding members insertable into a gap between adjacent tiles. The planar member is bendable to conform to the tile profile and has a bottom surface with a textured region moulded into it to enhance grip. The upstanding members may be moulded integrally with the planar member. A drainage channel may be moulded into the upper, in use, surface of the planar member, formed by a pair of spaced ribs.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for use in weatherproofing and finishing a joint, such as a ridge or hip of a roofing structure, for example a pitched roof having a covering of overlapping tiles or slates. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an improved ridge tile sealing strip which prevents or mitigates against ingress of water between adjacent ridge tiles in a dry-fix ridge and hip system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION To provide a waterproof, weatherproof, finish at a joint between two elements of a roof structure, for example, at a ridge where two pitch sections of roof meet, it is known to use a dry-fix system using ridge tiles and waterproofing membrane. The present applicant invented a ridge tile sealing strip for use in such dry-fix systems. This sealing strip, also referred to in the industry is described and illustrated in GB2420571. The ridge tile sealing strip is well known in the roofing industry and provides a sealing strip that bridges a gap between adjacent ridge tiles. The sealing strip described and illustrated in GB2420571 has been very successfully commercialised by Hambleside Danelaw Limited, who offers for sale a Dry Ridge and Hip System that includes a plurality of such “Uni-Ridge Gaskets”. The Hambleside Danelaw Limited Dry Ridge and Hip System with “Uni-Ridge Gaskets” is described and illustrated in a product brochure “HD_CLAY6Vs2_Datasheet_Feb22.pdf”, which can be found published on the internet at URL: https: / / hambleside-danelaw.co.uk / wp-content / uploads / 2018 / 07 / HD_CLAY6Vs2_Datasheet_Feb22.pdf The commercially available and successful “Uni-Ridge Gasket” is illustrated in Figure 13 of GB2420571A, which is reproduced in the present application and relabelled as Figure 1. It can be seen that the well-known “Uni-Ridge Gasket” 100 comprises a planar member 104. The gasket 100 may also be referred to as a “sealing strip” or simply “strip”. In use, the gasket 100 is installed between two adjacent ridge tiles. This is illustrated in Figure 1A. The planar member 104 comprises a series of spaced fingers, upstanding members, blocks or units 112 and the planar member 104 is bendable to allow it, in use, to conform to the profile of the adjacent ridge tiles. In use, the planar member 104 covers the gap ‘G’ and the series of spaced fingers, upstanding members, blocks or units 112 (which collectively may be referred to as a limb 102) are inserted into the gap ‘G’ between adjacent ridge tiles. The strip 100 may be arranged FIGURE 1B is a perspective view from the top, side and gable-end of a ridge system for use in weatherproofing and finishing a ridge, hip or joint of a roofing structure according to an embodiment of the invention, with a first arrangement of stackable packers and a first embodiment of retaining strap; with the planar member 104 adapted to conform to the interior surface of ridge tiles or to the exterior surface of ridge tiles. A central region of the strip 100, when in use, forms an apex of the strip 100 and projections 108, 110 upstanding from the central regio of the planar member 104 may help to sandwich the edges of ridge tiles in use. The applicant, being ever innovative in the field of roofing and roofing products, is always striving to improve its products and develop new solutions for the roofing industry, particularly in the area of dry-fix systems that do not require mortar. In such systems it is desirable for the dry-fix systems to have longevity, good water-proofing, be formed from as little material as is possible whilst maintaining high-quality waterproofing. In such systems it is also desirable for the systems to be easy to install, requiring as low skill level as possible whilst repeatedly achieving high-quality and accurate installation. The invention may be utilised in applications other than for tile covered roofs and ridge joints and may not be limited in its application to a specific roof covering type, format or arrangement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the invention provide a gasket, a kit of parts and a roofing structure as claimed in the appended claims. According to a first aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a ridge-tile gasket for bridging adjacent ridge tiles in a roofing structure, the gasket comprising a planar member for covering the gap between adjacent tiles and a plurality of upstanding members insertable into the gap, whereby the planar member is bendable and adapted to conform to the profile of adjacent roof tiles in use, said planar member having a bottom surface moulded into which is a textured region such that the bottom surface of the planar member has at least one distinct textured region. Optionally, said upstanding members are hollow-moulded, closed-topped formations. Optionally, said upstanding members are integrally moulded with the planar member, extend upwardly from the planar member, are arranged in a line with each upstanding member being spaced, or at least sufficiently separate from an adjacent upstanding member such that the planar member can flex and / or bend sufficiently such that it, in use, it is adapted to fit beneath and between a pair of adjacent ridge tiles for defining a spacing between the ridge tiles and for sealing that spacing to prevent water ingress to the roof structure below. Optionally, the at least one distinct textured region comprises at least 30% of the area of the bottom surface of the gasket. Optionally, the at least one distinct textured region comprises a repeating arrangement of one or more spaced debossed moulded shapes, each having a depth of between about 0.25mm to about 3.00mm. Optionally, the arrangement of one or more spaced debossed moulded shapes, includes one or more or a combination of spots, hexagons, trapeziums, triangles, diamonds, zig-zag lines, chevrons and crosses. Optionally, the at least one distinct textured region increases the grip of the gasket for improving ease and / or accuracy of installation between two adjacent ridge tiles. Optionally, the gasket further comprises a fixing stem comprising a hole therethrough for enabling the gasket to be secured to a structural component of a roofing structure. Optionally, the gasket further comprises at least one drainage channel moulded onto a top surface of the planar member. Optionally, two drainage channels are provided, each defined by a pair of spaced elongate ribs. Optionally, the gasket further comprises at least one end flap at an end of the planar member. Optionally, the gasket further comprises at least one contact member provided at an elevation above the planar member such that, in use, the at least one contact member can sit on top of an outer surface of a ridge tile whilst the top surface of the planar member is disposed below tan inner surface of that ridge tile. Optionally, the at least one contact member is provided atop one of said upstanding spaced apart members. Optionally, the gasket is flexible such that it can follow the contours of interior surfaces of adjacent ridge tiles. According to a second aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a ridge-tile gasket for bridging adjacent ridge tiles in a roofing structure, the gasket comprising a planar member for covering the gap between adjacent tiles and a plurality of upstanding spaced apart members insertable into the gap, whereby the planar member is bendable and adapted to conform to the profile of adjacent roof tiles in use, said upstanding spaced apart members being hollow-moulded, closed-topped formations. According to a third aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a kit of parts for forming a dry-fix mortarless system for use in weatherproofing a joint of a pitched roof, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of gaskets according to any relevant preceding paragraph; one or more baton straps, one or more screws, one or more fixing plates and a roll of weatherproofing fabric. Optionally, said weatherproofing fabric is a polypropylene fabric with corrugated aluminium edges having an adhesive applied thereto and a pealable sealing cover provided thereon. According to a fourth aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a roof comprising a ridge of hip joint comprising a dry-fix mortarless system formed using the kit of parts of the above paragraph and / or comprising a gasket according to any relevant preceding paragraph. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1A is a perspective view from the top, side and first-end of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to the PRIOR ART, GB2420571, which is used in a dry-fix ridge system, such as Hambleside Danelaw Limited’s "CON6+ Dry Fix Ridge and Hip System” for use in weatherproofing and finishing a ridge of a pitched roofing structure; FIGURE 1B is a perspective view from the top, side and gable-end of a dry-fix ridge system, such as Hambleside Danelaw Limited’s "CON6+ Dry Fix Ridge and Hip System” for use in weatherproofing and finishing a ridge of a pitched roofing structure according to the PRIOR ART; FIGURE 2A is a perspective view from the top, side and a first-end of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to an embodiment of the invention, which is for use in a dry-fix ridge system, similar that shown in Figure 1B; FIGURE 2B is a perspective view from the bottom of the ridge-tile sealing gasket shown in Figure 2A; FIGURE 2C is a plan view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2D is a plan view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2E shows the perspective view of Figure 2B and enlarged image of a section thereof to illustrate in closer detail an area of the bottom of the planar member having a textured surface defined by a debossed pattern moulded into the surface of the bottom of the planar member; FIGURE 3A is a perspective view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 3B is a plan view from the bottom of the ridge-tile sealing gasket shown in Figure 3A; FIGURE 3C is a plan view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4A is a perspective view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4B is a plan view from the bottom of the ridge-tile sealing gasket shown in Figure 4A; FIGURE 4C is a plan view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 5A is a perspective view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 5B is a plan view from the bottom of the ridge-tile sealing gasket shown in Figure 5A; FIGURE 5C is a plan view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 6A is a perspective view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 6B is a plan view from the bottom of the ridge-tile sealing gasket shown in Figure 6A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the dry-fix ridge systems, kits therefor, roofs having the ridge system installed thereon and ridge-tile gaskets of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the dry-fix ridge systems, kits therefor, roofs having the ridge system installed thereon and ridge-tile gaskets described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. Referring to Figure 2A, there is shown a perspective view from the top, side and a first-end of a ridge-tile sealing gasket 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The gasket 200 is for use in a dry-fix ridge system 150, such as that shown in Figure 1B albeit with the gasket 200 replacing the gasket 100 of the prior art shown therein. As can be seen, the gasket 200 comprises a substantially planar member 204 which has a first surface 245, which is shown as the top, outward facing surface 245 in Figure 2A; and a bottom surface 235, which is not visible in Figure 2A, but is shown, facing outwards in Figures 2B and 2C. In use, in a dry-fix ridge system 150, the gasket 200 will be located and installed in a similar manner to the prior art gasket 100 shown in the Figure 1B, with the first surface 245 facing towards the underside of a ridge tile 22 and with the second bottom surface 235 facing towards a ridge 154 of the pitched roof 152. Referring again to Figures 2A and 2B, the gasket 200 is preferably a single, unitary construct, that is moulded from a material that is robust, water resilient and has sufficient flexibility balanced against sufficient structural robustness such that it can be flexed into a substantially curved profile following the shape of a ridge tile 22. The gasket 200 is optionally moulded from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) of sufficient thickness such that the gasket 200 robust with an average force applied by a human user of the gasket 200, the gasket 200 has sufficient flexibility that it can be manipulated such that the planar member 204 adopts a curved rather than flat profile or configuration Upstanding from the first surface 245 of the planar member 204 are a series of spaced fingers, upstanding members, blocks or units 212. Optionally, each unit 212 of the series is spaced (by a slot, slit or measurable spacing gap) from an adjacent unit 212 in order to permit good flexion of the planar member 204 such that the gasket 200 can be manipulated into an in-use shape and configuration, wherein, it follows, at least to some extent, the contour, shape or profile of the ridge tiles 22 against which it is to be installed. Optionally, each unit 212 of the series is more or less a similar height to an adjacent unit 212 of the series. Optionally, some units 212 of the series have a lower or greater height than other units 212 of the series. Optionally, each unit 212 of the series has a closed, flat top that is dimensioned similarly to the main stem element of the unit 212. Optionally, some or all units 212 of the series have a T-shape such that the flat top is of a greater dimension, at least in one aspect compared to the main stem element of the unit 212. The plurality of adjacent, substantially but not necessarily evenly spaced upstanding members or blocks 212 may be considered as finger like since they are each, to a certain degree, moveable relative to adjacent units 212. This allows the planar member 204 of the gasket 200 to flex in dependence upon the shape of the ridge tile 22 against which the gasket 200 is installed. In some embodiments, fewer spaced fingers, upstanding members, blocks or units 212 may be contained in the series over a similar length of planar member 204. In such arrangements, the upstanding members or units 212 may be considered as more block-like since some or all of such units 212 may be nearly as wide, as wide or wider than they are high. The plurality of adjacent, substantially but not necessarily evenly spaced upstanding members or blocks 212 are in the improved gasket 200 of the present invention, hollow mouldings. Optionally, the units 212 may be a solid construct; however, the improved gaskets 200, 200’, 200”, 300. 300’, 400, 400’, 500 and 500’ illustrated and described herein optionally are provided with a series of hollow-moulded units 112. In Figure 2B, the underside of the gasket 200 is shown and a central region 208 or centre line 208 can be seen. The spacing or gaps 209 (see also Figure 2A) between hollow-moulded closed-topped, spaced units 112 are clearly visible in both Figures 2A and 2B as these solid portions 209 of the planar member 204 are visible from the upper surface 245 and bottom surface 235. The underside of the hollow-moulded closed-topped, spaced units are identified in Figure 2B by reference numeral 212. It has been found that the provision of closed-topped, hollow-moulded units 212 can be achieved if the walls of the units 212 are sufficiently thick without compromising the performance of the gasket 200. The closed-topped units 212 still provide sufficient robustness, such that one ridge tile can be fitted next to an adjacent one, with a consistently formed spacing (gap ‘G’) therebetween, which spacing is controlled by the units 212; and which spacing is sealed to prevent ingress of water by the planar member 204 of the gasket 200 disposed underneath the ridge. The aesthetic appearance of a ridge or hip joint is maintained even through the dryfix, mortarless system is used. Furthermore, since the edges of ridge tiles can sometimes be of an uneven finish, the gasket 200 of the present invention, when butted up against the edge of such a ridge tile has an added degree of flexibility since the hollow-moulded closed-topped fingers or units 212 can flex to accommodate bumps in the surface of the edge of the ridge tile. Beneficially, apart from an initial tooling cost, the inclusion of the hollow-moulded units 212 may not incur additional manufacturing cost and in the majority of applications of the invention, it is expected that the inclusion of the hollow-moulded units 212 leads to a reduction in the overall amount of raw material used to produce a gasket 200. On an individual gasket 200 this saving may be low; however, when considering large-scale production, such material savings add up and provide both a cost and an environmental benefit because less material is used. Accordingly. It will be understood that the improved gaskets 200, 200’, 200”, 300. 300’, 400, 400’, 500 and 500’ illustrated herein do not represent an exhaustive manner in which the gaskets having the invention taught herein may be embodied and the invention taught herein may be applied to ridge tile gaskets having planar members and spaced upstanding members that look different to those shown here. Provided that the upstanding members are spaced to allow good flexion of the planar member for enabling appropriate shaping of the gasket to match the ridge tile contour. Optionally the gasket 200 includes thin end flaps 219 at each end of the planar member 204. The end flaps 219 are provided to extend from the ridge tile over the adjacent roof tiles 154. Optionally the gasket 200 includes drainage channels 220. The drainage channels 220 span more or less the length of the planar member 204, though may stop short of the optional end flaps 219. The drainage channels 220 are optionally defined by moulded, upstanding, elongate pairs or ribs 214, 216. In envisaged embodiments, the channels 220, and ribs 214, 216 may take a different format to that shown; for example, one or more ribs may be interrupted by a slot, fold or groove. Such slots, folds or grooves may span the planar member in a transverse direction and may coincide with a line of separation between adjacent units 212. In envisaged embodiments, the channels 220, and ribs 214, 216 are omitted completely. A central locating, fixing unit 206 is provided, preferably, but not necessarily, centrally of the planar member 204. The fixing unit 206 may be a moulded hollow or solid block having a bore therein for receiving a fixing (such as a screw or nail) for securing the gasket 200 in place. Optionally, either side of the fixing unit 206 contact members 208, 210 are provided. These contact members 208, 210 are at an elevation above the planar member 204 such that, in use, these contact members 208, 210 can sit on top of the top surface of the ridge tile 22. In this way the gasket 200 can be flexed, and pushed against the edge of a ridge tile, such that the planar member 204 buts up against the inside surface of the ridge tile; such that the upstanding units 212 contact an end-face of the edge of a ridge tile and such that the contact members 208, 210 optionally press onto the top surface of the ridge tile 22. In this way, the gasket 200 is at least temporarily held in place, by one or more of the tension of the flexed gasket 200, the material’s natural resilience, the clamping or sandwiching of the gasket above and below the ridge tile 22. This temporary installation position is important. If the gasket 200 can be held in its correct location without being held at all or without being held too tightly, then an installer of the dry-fix ridge system taught herein can more easily obtain the fixing and tools necessary to fix the gasket 200 (via a screw or nail through the hole in the fixing unit 206) to the underlying roofing timber of the ridge or hip joint. Sometimes, due to various considerations that may optionally, but not exclusively include some or all of: the shape, size or configuration of the roof tile; the ability, dexterity and skill level of the installer; the pitch of the roof; and the size of the ridge of hip timber; gaskets of the prior art, such as gasket 100, can slip, shift, adjust or otherwise move away from the preferred installation position during the step of securing the gasket with a screw or nail. To overcome this problem and to avoid slippage of the gasket 200, the gaskets 200, 200’, 200”, 300. 300’, 400, 400’, 500 and 500’ have been improved. Returning to the specific inventive feature now included in the gaskets 200, 200’, 200”, 300. 300’, 400, 400’, 500 and 500’, reference is made first to Figure 2B, which provides a perspective view from the bottom 235 of the ridge-tile sealing gasket 200 shown in Figure 2A. (The other gaskets 200’, 200”, 300. 300’, 400, 400’, 500 and 500’ are illustrated in Figures 2C, 2D, 3A to 5C.) As can be seen in Figure 2B, the bottom surface 235 of the planar member 204 is now provided with a textured region 250. The textured region 250 or textured surface 250 is defined by a debossed pattern that is moulded during production into the surface of the bottom of the planar member 204. Accordingly, apart from a tooling cost, the inclusion of this additional feature may not incur additional manufacturing cost and in the majority of applications of the invention, it is expected that the inclusion of this additional textured region 250 feature will lead to a reduction in the overall amount of raw material used to produce a gasket 200. On an individual gasket 200 this saving may be very very small; however, when considering large-scale production, such material savings add up and provide both a cost and an environmental benefit because less material is used. It can be seen in Figure 2A that the textured region 250 or textured surface 250 is disposed either side of a centre line 208. This centre line 208 is the underside of the line of spaced upstanding members 212. The centre line 208 terminates before the optional end flaps 219. Whereas the centre line 208 extends between the optional end flaps 219, in the presently illustrated arrangement, the textured region 250 is confined to a smaller area. Optionally, and as shown, the texture region 250 spans a length indicated by LT in Figure 2C, whereas the gasket 200 has a length indicated by LG in Figure 2C. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the length LT of the textured region 250, 250’ is between about 45% and 55% of the length LG of the gasket 200, 200’. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the area of the textured region 250, 250’ is between about 40% and 50% of the area of the bottom surface 235 of the gasket 200, 200’. As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the texture region is defined by a debossed pattern or regular, repeating arrangement of shapes formed into the bottom surface 235 of the gasket 200. In Figure 2E, the perspective view of Figure 2B is repeated and an enlarged image of a section thereof is provided to illustrate in closer detail an area of the bottom surface 235 of the planar member 204, where the surface is textured, debossed, patterned or otherwise interrupted and not plain, smooth and simply - flat-finished. The textured surface 250 shown is defined by a debossed pattern moulded into the surface 235 of the bottom of the planar member 204 or the gasket 200. A series of hexagon 251, small diamond 252, small trapezium 253 and small triangle 254 shapes are moulded into the bottom surface 235. In this way, regions of the bottom surface 235, in the textured region 250 have a non-uniform thickness, a varying topography and an uneven surface finish. Optionally the moulded shapes have a depth. The depth d, dt is indicated in Figure 2E in relation to an edge of a hexagonal-shaped formation and an edge of trapezium-shaped formation. The depth d, dt may be in the range of about 0.25mm to about 3.00mm. The depth of the different shapes may be different. As will be seen in the subsequent illustrated and non-limiting embodiments, the format, depth, configuration, area, length, design and arrangement of the textured region 250, 250’ may vary from that shown in Figures 2B and 2C. Without being limited to any specific theory, it is considered that the inclusion of the textured region 250 provides an increase in friction, grip or an anti-slip quality, that helps an installer of the roofing structure to more securely hold the gasket 200, 200’ as it is manipulated, bent or otherwise fitted in place onto the end of a ridge-tile. The textured region 250 is particularly beneficial in cold and / or wet weather when the material of the planar member 204 can otherwise (if smooth) become somewhat slippery. Once formed about the end of the ridge tile and located in place, the gasket is more securely fixed in place using a screw, nail or other fixing through the fixing stem 206. Referring now to Figures 3A to 5C, there are shown additional or alternative embodiments of gaskets 300. 300’, 400, 400’, 500 and 500’ according to further aspects of the invention. Like reference numerals have, where appropriate, been used to denote similar features, albeit with the use of 300, 400, and 500 to indicate that these are features of a different embodiment. To avoid unnecessary repetition and for the purpose of conciseness, only the differences to the aforedescribed illustrated embodiments, will now be described. In each of the additional embodiments the fingers are hollow-moulded. However, it will be recognised that the provision of solid-mould block units 312 could be used in a gasket in combination with a textured region; notwithstanding the fact that such an embodiment has not been illustrated. Figure 3A is a perspective view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figure 3B is a plan view from the bottom 335 of the ridge-tile sealing gasket 300 shown in Figure 3A. As can be seen in Figure 3B, the bottom surface 335 of the planar member 304 is now provided with a large textured region 350. The textured region 350 or textured surface 350 is defined by a debossed pattern that is moulded during production into the surface of the bottom of the planar member 304. It can be seen in Figures 3A and 3B that the textured region 350 or textured surface 350 is disposed either side of the centre line 308. Optionally, and as shown, the textured region 350 spans a length indicated by LT3 in Figure 3B, whereas the gasket 300 has a length indicated by LG3 in Figure 3B. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the length LT3 of the textured region 350, is between about 83% and 86% of the length LG3 of the gasket 300. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the textured region is defined by a debossed pattern or regular, repeating arrangement of large and small diamond shapes formed into the bottom surface 335 of the gasket 300. Figure 3C is a plan view from the bottom 335’ of a ridge-tile sealing gasket 300’ according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in Figure 3C, the bottom surface 335’ of the planar member 304 is now provided with a textured region 350. The textured region 350 or textured surface 350 is defined by a debossed pattern that is moulded during production into the surface of the bottom of the planar member 304. It can be seen in Figure 3C that the textured region 350 or textured surface 350 is disposed either side of a centre line 308; with part of the textured region extending to between about 45% and 55% of the length of the gasket 300’; and other, thinner, parts of the textured region extending to between about 83% and 86% of the length of the gasket 300’. As shown in Figure 3C, the texture region is defined by a debossed pattern or regular, repeating arrangement of diamond and cross-shapes formed into the bottom surface 335 of the gasket 300. Figure 4A is a perspective view from the bottom of a ridge-tile sealing gasket according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 4B is a plan view from the bottom of the ridge-tile sealing gasket shown in Figure 4A; As can be seen in Figure 4B, the bottom surface 435 of the planar member 404 is now provided with a textured region 450. The textured region 450 or textured surface 450 is defined by a debossed pattern that is moulded during production into the surface of the bottom of the planar member 404. It can be seen in Figure 4A that the textured region 450 or textured surface 450 is disposed either side of a centre line 408. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a length of the textured region 450, 450’ is between about 83% and 86% of the length of the gasket 400. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the texture region 450 is defined by a debossed pattern or regular, repeating arrangement of zig-zag-line shapes formed into the bottom surface 435 of the gasket 400. Figure 4C is a plan view from the bottom 435’ of a ridge-tile sealing gasket 400’ according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in Figure 4C, the bottom surface 435’ of the planar member 404 is now provided with a textured region 450’. The textured region 450’ or textured surface 450 is defined by a debossed pattern that is moulded during production into the surface of the bottom of the planar member 404’. It can be seen in Figure 4C that the textured region 450’ or textured surface 450’ is disposed either side of the centre line 408. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4C, the textured region 450’ comprises twenty-two regions, areas or patches; and does not encroach upon the end flaps 419’ of the gasket 400’. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4C, the additional areas of the textured region 450’ comprises between about 70% and 75% of the area of the bottom surface 435 of the gasket 400’. As shown in Figure 4C, the textured region 450’ is defined by a debossed pattern or regular, repeating arrangement of zig-zag lie shapes and chevron shapes formed in multiple areas over the bottom surface 435 of the gasket 400. Figure 5A is a perspective view from the bottom 535 of a ridge-tile sealing gasket 500 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. Figure 5B is a plan view from the bottom 535 of the ridge-tile sealing gasket 500 shown in Figure 5A. As can be seen in Figure 5B, the bottom surface 535 of the planar member 504 is now provided with a textured region 550. The textured region 550 or textured surface 550 is defined by a debossed pattern of spaced spots that is moulded during production into the surface of the bottom of the planar member 504. It can be seen in Figure 5A and 5B that the textured region 550 or textured surface 550 is disposed either side of a centre line 508. Optionally, and as shown, the texture region 550 spans a length that is between about 45% and 55% of the length of the gasket 500, 500’. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5C additional regions of spotted debossments are provided albeit with fewer spotted debossments such that the overall area of debossed textured non-uniform surface depth in Figure 5C is less than that of Figures 5A and 5B. Figure 6A is a perspective view from the bottom 635 of a ridge-tile sealing gasket 600 according to a ninth embodiment of the invention. Figure 6B is a plan view from the bottom 635 of the ridge-tile sealing gasket 600 shown in Figure 6A. As can be seen in Figure 6B, the bottom surface 635 of the planar member is now provided with a textured region 650. The textured region 650 or textured surface 650 is defined by a debossed pattern of spaced chevron-shapes arranged in four-rows wither side of the centre line 608. that is moulded during production into the surface of the bottom of the planar member 504. It can be seen in Figure 5A and 5B that the textured region 550 or textured surface 550 is disposed either side of a centre line 508. Optionally, and as shown, the texture region 550 spans a length that is between about 45% and 55% of the length of the gasket 500, 500’. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the textured formations may be moulded as embossments though this is not as preferred since it may add material cost to the gasket. It will be recognised that the ridge or hip systems and systems disclosed herein are not necessarily limited in their application to slates, plain tiles, camber tiles, tiles with hanging nibs and / or tiles with nail holes. Indeed, it is envisaged that the ridge or hip systems and systems disclosed herein may have beneficial application and utility with a wide range of styles, sizes 5 and types of roof structure and tile and is not necessarily limited to that shown and described herein. It is envisaged that the ridge or hip systems and systems disclosed herein may have beneficial application and utility with a wide range of styles, sizes and types of roof structure and tile that 10 may be flat or planar, such as slate type products. It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective components to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish components 15 from one another.

Claims

1. A ridge-tile gasket for bridging adjacent ridge tiles in a roofing structure, the gasket comprising a planar member for covering the gap between adjacent tiles and a plurality of upstanding members insertable into the gap, whereby the planar member is bendable and adaptable for conforming to the profile of adjacent roof tiles when in use, said planar member having a bottom surface moulded into which is at least one textured region.

2. A ridge-tile gasket according to claim 1 wherein the at least one textured region increases the grip of the gasket for improving ease and / or accuracy of installation of the gasket between two adjacent ridge tiles.

3. A ridge-tile gasket according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said upstanding members are hollow-moulded, closed-topped formations.

4. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding claim wherein said upstanding members are integrally moulded with the planarmember, wherein said upstanding members extend upwardly from the planar member, wherein said upstanding members are arranged along a line with each upstanding member being spaced, or at least sufficiently separate from an adjacent upstanding member such that the planar member can flex and / or bend sufficiently, whereby, in use, it is adapted to fit beneath and between a pair of adjacent ridge tiles for defining a spacing between the ridge tiles and for sealing that spacing to prevent water ingress to the roof structure below.

5. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding claim wherein the bottom surface of the planar member has at least one distinct textured region, and wherein the at least one distinct textured region comprises at least 30% of the area of the bottom surface of the gasket.

6. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding claim wherein the bottom surface of the planar member has at least one distinct textured region, and wherein the at least one distinct textured region comprises a repeating arrangement of one or more spaced debossed moulded shapes, each having a depth of between about 0.25mm to about 3.00mm.

7. A ridge-tile gasket according to claim 6 wherein the arrangement of one or more spaced debossed moulded shapes, includes one or more or a combination of spots, hexagons, trapeziums, triangles, diamonds, zig-zag lines, chevrons and crosses.

8. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding claim further comprising a fixing stem comprising a hole therethrough for enabling the gasket to be secured to a structural component of a roofing structure.

9. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one drainage channel moulded onto a top surface of the planar member.

10. A ridge-tile gasket according to claim 9 wherein two drainage channels are provided, each defined by a pair of spaced elongate ribs.

11. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one end flap at an end of the planar member.

12. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one contact member provided at an elevation above the planar member such that, in use, the at least one contact member can sit on top of an outer surface of a ridge tile whilst the top surface of the planar member is disposed below tan inner surface of that ridge tile.

13. A ridge-tile gasket according to claim 12 wherein the at least one contact member is provided atop one of said upstanding spaced apart members.

14. A ridge-tile gasket according to any preceding wherein the gasket is flexible such that it can follow the contours of interior surfaces of adjacent ridge tiles.

15. A ridge-tile gasket for bridging adjacent ridge tiles in a roofing structure, the gasket comprising a planar member for covering the gap between adjacent tiles and a plurality of upstanding spaced apart members insertable into the gap, whereby the planar member is bendable and adapted to conform to the profile of adjacent roof tiles in use, said upstanding spaced apart members being hollow-moulded, closed-topped formations.

16. A kit of parts for forming a dry-fix mortarless system for use in weatherproofing a joint of a pitched roof, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of gaskets according to any preceding claim; one or more baton straps, one or more screws, one or more fixing plates and a roll of weatherproofing fabric.

17. A kit of parts according to claim 15 wherein said weatherproofing fabric is a polypropylene fabric with corrugated aluminium edges having an adhesive applied thereto and a pealable sealing cover provided thereon.

18. A roof comprising a ridge of hip joint comprising a dry-fix mortarless system formed using the kit of parts of claim 16 and / or comprising a gasket according to any of claims 1 to 14.19

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