Roof skirt strips for diverting water away from roof edges

Abstract

A roof skirt that provides overhang and can be easily mounted to a roof edge is disclosed herein. The first section of the roof skirt includes an overhang portion and an underlayment portion. The overhang portion extends over a roof edge. The underlayment portion is placed under shingles or other roof types. The bottom surface of the underlayment portion includes an adhesive and a removable cover over the adhesive. The continuation section includes an overhang portion and an underlayment portion that function in the same manner as the corresponding portions of the first section. A plurality of continuation sections can be connected together to cover the entirety of the roof edge. The quantity of continuation sections needed can vary depending on the size of the roof. A discrete connection piece is a separate component configured to bridge the junction where two primary strips meet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 387,011 filed Nov. 3, 2023, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63 / 422,386 , filed Nov. 3, 2022.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system for diverting water away from roof edges. More particularly, the present invention relates to a roof skirt with an overhang mounted to a roof edge using adhesives.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] When installing a pitched roof on a commercial or residential structure, it is generally recommended that the roof extend beyond the fascia board to allow water to drain into a gutter system. Failure to provide an adequate extension of the roof may cause water to flow along the building, causing damage to the fascia board and other components of the structure. The conventional technique for extending the roof to the recommended distance is to install a plastic or sheet-metal strip referred to as a “drip edge” at the edge of the roof. This strip attaches directly to the roof and directs water down into a gutter system. However, many structures do not employ gutters for various reasons such as installation costs, maintenance costs, unsightly appearance, etc.

[0004] Currently, there are drip edges that can provide protection to roof edges. However, current drip edges are mounted using mechanical fasteners which are more costly and time consuming to install. Thus, there is a strong need in the field for a roof skirt that provides overhang and can be easily mounted to a roof edge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1A illustrates a bottom view of a first section of a roof skirt embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a first section of a roof skirt embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates a bottom view of a continuation section of the roof skirt embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of a continuation section of the roof skirt embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates the roof skirt embodiment installed on a shingle roof.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a corner section that can be implemented in the roof skirt embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a corner section installed on the corner of a shingle roof.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates components of a second roof skirt embodiment featuring a discrete connection piece and an arched corner section.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following descriptions relate to preferred embodiments, although it should be understood that many other alternative embodiments would also fall within the scope of the invention. The embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as describing limits to the invention, whereas the broader scope of the invention should instead be considered with reference to the claims, which may be now appended or may later be added or amended in this or related applications. Any “examples” described herein are non-limiting. Unless indicated otherwise, it is to be understood that terms used in these descriptions generally have the same meanings as those that would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0014] For purposes of these descriptions, a few wording simplifications should be understood as universal, except to the extent otherwise clarified in a particular context either in the specification or in particular claims. The use of the term “or” should be understood as referring to alternatives, although it is generally used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only, or unless the alternatives are inherently mutually exclusive. Furthermore, unless explicitly dictated by the language, the term “and” may be interpreted as “or” in some instances. When referencing values, the term “about” may be used to indicate an approximate value, generally one that could be read as being that value plus or minus half of the value. “A” or “an” and the like may mean one or more, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Such “one or more” meanings are most especially intended when references are made in conjunction with open-ended words such as “having,”“comprising” or “including.” Likewise, “another” object may mean at least a second object or more. As used herein, the use of “may” or “may be” indicates that a modified term is appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. “Plurality” refers to two or more devices or components. It should be understood that dimensions (lengths, widths, heights, etc.) of the invention can vary, and any specific dimensions recited are merely non-limiting examples.

[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a bottom view of a first section 100 of a roof skirt embodiment 10. The first section 100 of the roof skirt 10 includes an overhang portion 101 and an underlayment portion 105. The first section 100 (and continuation sections) can be comprised of various materials such as plastic, metal, cardboard, etc. The first section 100 can have various lengths such as twenty-five inches, twenty-four inches, thirty inches, etc. The overhang portion 101 extends over a roof edge and can have various dimensions. For example, the overhang portion 101 can be two inches wide, meaning that the first section 100 extends two inches past the roof edge.

[0016] The underlayment portion 105 is placed under shingles (shown in FIG. 2) or other roof types. The bottom surface of the underlayment portion 105 includes an adhesive 106 and a removable cover (“underlayment cover”) over the adhesive 106. The underlayment cover can be peeled off to expose the adhesive 106. The underlayment cover can be comprised of various materials such as paper, plastic, etc. Once the cover is removed, the bottom surface of the underlayment portion 105 can be affixed to a roof edge (e.g. metal edge) by pressing the adhesive 106 to the edge. The underlayment portion 105 can have various widths such as 1.5 inches, one inch, two inches, etc. Further, the first section 100 can include an overlap area 107 without any adhesive. The overlap area 107 is a portion that overlaps with a continuation section 120 when combining multiple sections in the roof skirt embodiment 10. The overlap area 107 can have various lengths such as one inch, 1.5 inches, two inches, etc. and extends the length of the first section 100.

[0017] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a first section 100 of a roof skirt embodiment 10. The first section 100 can include an overlap area 107 without any adhesive. The overlap area 107 is a portion that overlaps with a continuation section 120 when combining multiple sections in the roof skirt embodiment 10. The overlap area 107 can have various lengths such as one inch, 1.5 inches, two inches, etc. and extends the length of the first section 100. When installed on a roof, the top surface of the underlayment portion 105 is in contact with and covered by roof shingles. In this example embodiment 10, no adhesive is used on the top surfaces of the first section 100. In other embodiments, adhesives can be employed on the top surfaces.

[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates a bottom view of a continuation section 120 of the roof skirt embodiment 10. Similar to the first section 100, the continuation section 120 includes an overhang portion 101 and an underlayment portion 105 that function in the same manner as the corresponding portions of the first section 100. The continuation section 120 is constructed of the same materials as the first section 100 can have various lengths such as twenty-five inches, twenty-four inches, thirty inches, etc. The bottom surface of the underlayment portion 105 includes an adhesive 106 and a removable cover over the adhesive 106. The continuation section 120 can include an overlap area 121 with an adhesive (“overlap adhesive”) and a removable cover (“overlap cover”). To connect the continuation section 120 to the first section 100, the overlap cover of the overlap area 121 is removed to reveal the overlap adhesive. The overlap area 121 of the continuation section 120 can then be affixed to the overlap area 107 of the first section 100. Further, once the underlayment cover on the adhesive 106 is removed, the bottom surface of the underlayment portion 105 can be affixed to a roof edge (e.g. metal edge) by pressing the adhesive 106 to the edge.

[0019] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of a continuation section 120 of the roof skirt embodiment 10. The continuation section 120 can include an overlap area 121 without any adhesive. The overlap area 121 is a portion that overlaps with another continuation section 120 when combining multiple sections in the roof skirt embodiment 10. When installed on a roof, the top surface of the underlayment portion 105 is in contact with and covered by roof shingles. In this example embodiment 10, no adhesive is used on the top surfaces of the continuation section 120. In other embodiments, adhesives can be employed on the top surfaces.

[0020] Similar to the aforementioned system and method, a plurality of continuation sections (pieces) 120 can be connected together to cover the entirety of the roof edge. The quantity of continuation sections 120 needed can vary depending on the size of the roof.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates the roof skirt embodiment 10 installed on a shingle roof 80. In this example, the roof skirt 10 is mounted to the edge of a roof underneath layers of shingles. A plurality of sections are interconnected and mounted to the roof, including a first section 100 and a plurality of continuation sections 120. When water 90 flows down the roof 80, the roof skirt 10 diverts the water 90 away from the building 85. For example, during a rainstorm water 90 flows toward the roof edge 81 and continues along the roof skirt 10. The first section 100 and continuation sections 120 divert water 90 so that it falls toward the ground and away from the fascia board 82 of the building 85. In the absence of the roof skirt 10, water 90 would flow toward the fascia board 82. Over time, water 90 can cause significant damage (e.g. rot) to the fascia board 82 and to the building 85. Replacing a damaged fascia board 82 is costly and time consuming. Thus, the roof skirt 10 is a highly useful invention for protecting building structures 85. Another benefit of the roof skirt 10 diverting water away from the fascia board is that lights and other electrical systems are protected. For example, lights can be mounted on or near the fascia board and the roof skirt 10 can prevent water from contacting and damaging the lighting system.

[0022] A shingle roof is merely one example roof type for implementing the roof skirt embodiment 10. The roof skirt 10 can be installed on many types of roofs such as asphalt shingles, wood shingles, synthetic asphalt shingles, aluminum, steel, slate, plastic, rubber, roll roofing, etc.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a corner section 150 that can be implemented in the roof skirt embodiment 10. The corner section 150 of the roof skirt 10 includes an overhang portion 152 and two underlayment portions 154, 155. The corner section 150 can be comprised of various materials such as plastic, metal, cardboard, etc. The corner section 150 can have various lengths such as eight inches, six inches, ten inches, etc. The overhang portion 152 extends over a corner of a roof edge (shown in FIG. 5) and can have various dimensions. The bottom surfaces of the underlayment portions 154, 155 can include an adhesive 156 and removable cover (“corner covers”) over the adhesive 156. The corner covers can be peeled off to expose the adhesive 156. The corner covers can be comprised of various materials such as paper, plastic, etc.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a corner section 150 installed on the corner of a shingle roof 80. Once the corner covers are removed, the bottom surfaces of the underlayment portions 154, 155 can be affixed to roof edges (e.g. metal edges) by pressing the adhesive 156 to the edges. In the illustrated example, a first roof edge 81 and second roof edge 82 are perpendicular to each other. The first underlayment portion 154 is affixed to a first edge 81 of the roof 80, and the second underlayment portion 155 is affixed to a second edge 82 of the roof 80.FURTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In a second embodiment 20, the roof skirt system 20 utilizes a modular assembly to cover the roof edge, as illustrated in FIG. 6. This embodiment 20 comprises at least two primary roof skirt strips 201, 202 positioned in a substantially end-to-end relationship along a roof edge. Rather than utilizing an integral overlap area as described in the first embodiment, this second embodiment 20 employs a discrete connection piece 210 to join the adjacent strips 201, 202.

[0026] The discrete connection piece 210 is a separate component configured to bridge the junction where two primary strips 201, 202 meet. As shown in FIG. 6, the connection piece 210 includes an adhesive 211 disposed on its bottom surface. During installation, the connection piece 210 is placed over the joint of the two strips 201, 202, and the adhesive 211 is pressed onto the top surfaces of both strips 201, 202 to create a secure, unified diversion path for water.

[0027] Further illustrated in FIG. 6 is a corner section 220 having a substantially arched or semi-circular geometry. This corner section 220 provides protection at roof junctions where two edges meet. Unlike the corner section of the first embodiment which required two separate corner covers for two distinct underlayment portions, the corner section 220 of this second embodiment 20 features a continuous adhesive layer 222 on its underside protected by only one removable corner cover 221.

[0028] This single, unified cover 221 allows the installer to expose the entire adhesive surface 222 of the arched corner section 220 in a single motion, significantly simplifying the installation process compared to multi-cover designs. Once the single cover 221 is removed, the arched corner section 220 is affixed to the roof junction to divert water away from the building's fascia.

Claims

1. A roof skirt system for diverting water away from roof edges, comprising:a) a first roof skirt section and a second roof skirt section, each section comprising an overhang portion and an underlayment portion configured to be placed under roof shingles;b) the first and second roof skirt sections being positioned substantially end-to-end along a roof edge;c) a discrete connection piece configured to bridge a junction between the first and second roof skirt sections; andd) an adhesive disposed on a bottom surface of the discrete connection piece, the adhesive configured to secure the connection piece to a top surface of both the first and second roof skirt sections to join the sections together.

2. The roof skirt system of claim 1, wherein the first and second roof skirt sections further comprise an adhesive on a bottom surface of their respective underlayment portions for attachment to the roof edge.

3. The roof skirt system of claim 1, further comprising:a) a body having a substantially arched geometry comprising an overhang portion and an underlayment portion;b) a continuous layer of adhesive disposed on a bottom surface of the underlayment portion; andc) a single, unified removable cover disposed over the continuous layer of adhesive, wherein the single, unified removable cover is configured to be removed in one motion to expose the adhesive for application to the roof junction.

4. A roof skirt corner section for diverting water at a roof junction, comprising:a) a body having a substantially arched geometry comprising an overhang portion and an underlayment portion;b) a continuous layer of adhesive disposed on a bottom surface of the underlayment portion; andc) a single, unified removable cover disposed over the continuous layer of adhesive, wherein the single, unified removable cover is configured to be removed in one motion to expose the adhesive for application to the roof junction.

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