Roofing Fastener Spike Protrusion for Backer Strip Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roofing shingles are often not securely fastened, especially in warm climates, as nails are commonly driven through the headlap portion instead of the common bond area, leading to the backer strip becoming loose over time and visible.
Innovation Solution
The use of roofing material fasteners with spike protrusions that penetrate the backer strip of a second course of shingles, inhibiting sawing through and securely holding the shingles in place, combined with a method of installing these fasteners through the headlap portion of the first course and into the roof deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard roofing nails are driven through the headlap portion above the common bond area, then installation is easier and faster, but the backer strip becomes loose and visible over time especially in warm climates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into two functional parts: a shank for penetrating the first course and a spike protrusion extending from the head for engaging the second course. This segmentation allows the fastener to provide both immediate securing and long-term prevention of backer strip movement, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spike protrusion is pre-formed on the fastener head before installation. When the fastener is driven through the first course, the spike protrusion is already positioned to penetrate the backer strip of the second course, preventing future movement before it occurs. This preliminary action ensures long-term security without requiring additional installation steps.
2Reliability
If nails are driven through the common bond area to securely fasten the backer strip, then long-term security is improved, but installation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener performs multiple functions: the shank penetrates the first course and secures it to the deck, while the spike protrusion simultaneously penetrates the second course backer strip to prevent future movement. This multi-functionality allows a single fastener to provide both immediate and long-term security, simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spike protrusion on the fastener head automatically engages the backer strip of the second course during installation. The fastener itself provides the mechanism for preventing backer strip movement, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or complex installation procedures. The system is self-sufficient, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
3Strength
If the spike protrusion penetrates deeply into the second course backer strip, then holding strength is improved, but the risk of sawing through the roofing material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spike protrusion has non-uniform geometry with a tapered configuration: a sharp tip for easy penetration and adequate holding strength, transitioning to a broader base that distributes stress and prevents sawing through. This local variation in geometry allows the spike to provide strong holding while minimizing the harmful sawing effect on the roofing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The spike protrusion parameters (length, diameter, angle) are optimized to achieve the desired balance. The spike length is sufficient to penetrate the backer strip and provide holding strength, but not so long as to risk protruding through the second course. The diameter and angle are adjusted to provide adequate grip while distributing forces to prevent sawing through the roofing material.
Data Source
AI summary
A roofing material fastener comprises a shank having a length dimension and a point. The shank is adapted to enable it to be driven through at least a first course of roofing material and into a roof deck. A fastener head is positioned in a region of the shank distal from the point. A spike protrusion projects from the distal region of the shank to a terminus. The length of the spike protrusion is less than one half the length of the shank, measured from the point to the fastener head. The spike protrusion is adapted to penetrate a depth less than the full depth of a second course of roofing material installed above the first course. The spike protrusion is shaped to inhibit sawing through the second course of roofing material by the spike protrusion.