Double-Sided Tape Roof Patch for Void-Free Sealing
Solution Overview
Problem
Current roofing joint patches fail to conform to vertical height differences at intersections and overlaps of single-ply membranes, leading to voids that allow water and debris to seep into the roofing system.
Innovation Solution
Application of strips of double-sided tape, ranging from 1 inch to 9 inches in length and ½ inch to 4 inches in width, to seal joints formed by the intersection or overlap of roofing membranes, using adhesives like butyl or PVAC to ensure a watertight bond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flat membrane patches with adhesive are used to seal joints, then the joints can be sealed, but the adhesive cannot conform to vertical height differences causing voids that allow water infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is formed with a curved or contoured surface that matches the vertical height profile of the joint. This curvature allows the patch to conform to the stepped configuration of overlapping membranes, eliminating voids and ensuring continuous adhesive bonding across the entire joint surface, thereby preventing water infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch has varying thickness or height at different locations to match the local vertical profile of the joint. The patch is thicker at edges where height differences exist and tapers toward the center, creating a customized geometry that ensures complete contact and bonding across the joint's complex topography.
2Strength
If adhesive is applied to flat patches, then bonding can occur, but the adhesive fails to bridge vertical steps leaving voids
Solution Approach 1:
The curved geometry of the patch enables the adhesive layer to maintain uniform thickness and continuous contact across vertical steps. The contouring ensures that adhesive is distributed evenly throughout the joint, creating a strong, void-free bond that conforms precisely to the joint's three-dimensional structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch's physical parameters (height, thickness, curvature radius) are specifically designed and varied to match the joint's geometry. By changing these geometric parameters, the patch transforms from a flat, inadequate form to a contoured structure that achieves both high bond strength and precise joint conformance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of double-sided tape effectively fills voids and ensures a tight seal at membrane intersections and overlaps, preventing water and debris infiltration.
Implementation Method 1
Application of one or more strips of double-sided tape applied to the roof membranes at the joints will allow for the adhesive to bond the membranes to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sealing joints formed by the intersection and/or overlap of roofing membranes is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of applying strips of double sided tape to roofing membranes so as to secure the membranes to one another and to fill voids created at the intersection of the membranes. Securing the membranes using double-sided tape creates a tight seal which prevents the seepage of water and debris into the joint. A roof joint patch kit is also disclosed which comprises a roll of roofing membrane and a plurality of double-sided tape strips.