EP1707704A1

EP1707704A1 - Structure for the thermal insulation of a tile roof

Info

Publication number: EP1707704A1
Application number: EP05425161A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefano Sboarina; Carlo Vitturi
Original assignee: Pannelli Termici Srl
Current assignee: Pannelli Termici Srl
Priority date: 2005-03-18
Filing date: 2005-03-18
Publication date: 2006-10-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to a structure for the thermal insulation of a tile roof (11) of the type comprising a plurality of panels (12) of insulating material suitable to be interposed between the tiles (16) and a slab (14) of the roof (11), said panels (12) being suitable to be laid adjacent to each other along respective sides (12c, 12d) to form a side by side assembly (13) of panels (12) extended between a gutter line (18) and a ridge (17) of the roof (11). The structure comprises a plurality of bars (20, 120) of insulating material, each suitable to be interposed between pairs of adjacent panels (12) in the side by side assembly (13) for increasing the step (I, I') between panel (12) and the adjacent panel (12) in the side by side assembly.

Description

Field of application

The present invention relates, in general, to a structure for the thermal insulation of a tile roof.
In its most particular aspect, the present invention relates to a structure of the type comprising a plurality of panels of insulating material, also called under-tile panels, suitable to be interposed between the tiles and a corresponding roof slab.
Each panel is suitable to be laid adjacent to an identical panel for forming a side by side assembly of panels extended between a gutter line and the roof ridge.

Prior Art

In order to obtain a suitable thermal insulation of a roof of a building, the use of insulating panels of insulating material has been spread for long, which are arranged side by side for forming a insulating covering closed sandwich-wise between the roof slab and the tiles.
The panels, normally made of an expanded plastic material, have quadrilateral shape.
In particular, the panels are laid adjacent to each other from the gutter line to the roof ridge, that is to say in the cross-vertical direction of the roof to form a side by side assembly having a predetermined step comprised between one panel and a successive panel in the side by side assembly.
Normally, known panels also act as tile support elements and, for this purpose, they are provided, on their face facing the tiles, with elements for coupling these latter.
Such coupling elements consist of a projection, or a groove, which extends along the panel surface and cooperates with conjugate coupling elements obtained on the tiles for enabling a proper and steady positioning of these latter.
In particular, thanks to the presence of the coupling elements, the tiles are orderly arranged in rows and coupled in correspondence with a relative panel.
The known insulating structures, even though achieving the object and ensuring simplicity of installation, exhibit, in any case, known drawbacks that have not been overcome yet.
The main drawback is that in order to ensure a proper positioning of each tile row on a corresponding panel it is necessary to dispose of panels having predetermined dimensions which are strictly tied to the tile dimensions.
In particular, each panel must have such a width that the side by side assembly step substantially matches the length or step of the tiles coupled thereto.
If on the one side this ensures a full coverage of the roof without the risk of a possible interference between the tiles of two adjacent rows or of possible empty spaces between adjacent rows, on the other side this causes however a considerable limitation to the possibility of using the same panels with tiles having different dimensions and in particular, length or step.
In consequence, a range of panels having different widths is available and each time it is necessary to choose the one suitable for the specific length or step of the tile used for the roof.
The technical problem underlying the present invention is that of realising a structure for the roof insulation of the type mentioned above which allows to overcome all the cited drawbacks and which, above all, allows to realise a thermal insulation with a limited number of different pieces.

Summary of the invention

Such technical problem is solved by a roof insulation structure of the type described above which, according to the invention, comprises a plurality of bars of insulating material, each of them being suitable to be interposed between pairs of adjacent panels in the side by side assembly for increasing the step between panel and adjacent panel.
The above technical problem is also solved with a set of bars of insulating material for the realisation of a roof thermal insulation structure according to claim 11.
Further features and the advantages of the structure for the thermal insulation of the roof according to the invention will appear more clearly from the description made below of some embodiments thereof, made by way of a indicative and non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tile roof of a building provided with a thermal insulation structure according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows a cross-section view of the roof of figure 1.
Figure 3 shows a cross-section view of the roof of figure 1 without bars.
Figures 4A-4C show a schematic and partial view of a thermal insulation structure in three different configurations.
Figure 5 shows a view of the structure of figure 4B under disassembled condition.
Figure 6 shows a partial view of a thermal insulation structure according to the invention according to a further embodiment.
Figure 7 shows the structure of figure 6 comprising a pair of bars interposed between the panels laid adjacent to each other.
Figure 8 shows a partial view of a set of bars according to the invention.
Figure 9 shows a partial view of a set of bars according to the invention according to a further embodiment.

Detailed description

With reference to the attached drawings, reference number 10 indicates, in general, a structure according to the invention for the thermal insulation of a tile roof 11.
In particular, the structure 10 is of the type comprising a plurality of panels 12, identical to one another, made of insulating material, also called under-tile sheets, which are interposed and sandwich-wise closed between a slab 14, or roof bearing structure, and the tiles 16.
Each panel 12 consists, in the specific case (figure 5), of a sheet having four sides 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d made of expanded plastic material, such as for example polystyrene foam.
Preferably, the panel 12 has a substantially rectangular shape and exhibits a given length L equal for example to 120,0 or 240,0 cm, comprised between the two shortest sides 12a, 12b and a given width A, for example equal to 34,5 cm, comprised between its two longest sides or flanks 12c, 12d.
As it can be seen in figures 1-3, the panels 12 are suitable to be laid adjacent to each other on the slab 14 of the roof 11 for forming a side by side assembly 13, or sequence, of panels 12.
In particular, the panels are laid adjacent to each other, for example along the longest sides 12c and 12d, for forming the above side by side assembly 13 extended along a cross direction of roof 11 between a gutter line 18, also called a butter stop, and a ridge 17, that is the highest portion.
In particular, in order to obtain the entire coverage of the roof 11, the realisation of a series of side by side assemblies 13 is provided from one edge to the other of the roof 11.
In the specific case, in order to allow a steady positioning of the tiles 16 on the structure 10, each panel 12 is provided with a coupling element 30 that consists (figures 2 and 3) of a continuous projection or a groove (figures 6 and 7) which extends for the entire length L of the panel 12, parallel to the longest sides 12c and 12d. In particular, the coupling element 30 cooperates in a known manner with a conjugate protruding element rigidly fixed to the tiles 16.
In order to ensure a steady reciprocal positioning of the panels 12, the longest sides 12c and 12d further comprise edges for reciprocal coupling, or juxtaposition of the male/female type.
In particular, in the solution shown, the edges are profiled substantially in the shape of a step 19.
According to the invention, the structure 10 comprises a plurality of bars 20, preferably made of the same insulating material of the panels 12, each suitable to be interposed between pairs of panels laid adjacent to each other for obtaining a step variation from I to I' (figures 2 and 3), or distance between centres, comprised between the panel 12 and the adjacent panel 12 in the side by side assembly 13.
In substance, according to the invention, the structure 10 comprises a plurality of insulating bars 20 which, on the basis of the step of the overhanging tiles 16, are interposed between pairs of adjacent panels 12 with the function of insert and allow the variation, according to the need, of the step of the side by side assembly 13.
To understand the invention even better, with the reference to figure 3, a cross-section of the roof 11 is illustrated wherein, in a first configuration, the structure 10 is without the bars 20.
In this first configuration, the panels 12 are laid adjacent to each other in direct contact along their own longest sides 12c, 12d for realising a continuous insulating layer in the above cross-direction of the roof 11.
The distance between centres I' between each panel 12 and the adjacent panel 12, measured for example between the central axes of the two panels 12 and corresponding to the width A of the panel 12, is coherent with the length T', or step, of the overhanging tiles 16.
The tiles 16 have in this case step T' for example equal to 34,5 cm.
According to the invention, in case of use of tiles 16 having a step T (figure 2) equal for example to 37,5 cm, larger than T', the structure 10 comprises, interposed between a panel 12 and an adjacent panel 12, a corresponding bar 20 with obtainment of a distance between centres I between the panels 12 increased by as much, that is, increased by 3 cm.
Of course, the width or thickness of the bar 12 is coherent with the difference between the largest step T of the tile 16 and the smallest distance between centres I' of the panel 12.
Moreover, it is clear that if tiles 16 with a considerably larger step with respect to the distance between centres between the panels 12 are used, it is possible to arrange two or more bars 20 in intermediate position between pairs of adjacent panels 12.
It should be noted that, in the specific case, the bars 12 have been illustrated in the attached figures with an excessive thickness with respect to the specific values described above.
Figures 4A-4C, which illustrate, in a sequence, thermal insulation structures 10 according to the invention, highlight the function of increase of the distance between centres from I to I' offered by the bars 20.
It is possible to note that in a third configuration, shown in figure 4C, the structure 10 comprises pairs of bars 20, identical to one another, interposed between the panels 12. This allows to increase the step by a value almost equal to twice with respect to the structure 10 in the configuration of figure 4A without insulating bars 20.
Preferably, each bar 20 has a section having substantially Z-like shape and, along its own sides, it exhibits coupling profiles conjugate to the coupling profiles of the panels 12.
In other words, also the sides of the bar 20 have a cross profile shaped as a step 21.
Thanks to this configuration, the bars 20 can be arranged in series one next to the other as shown in figure 4C.
Moreover, preferably, the bars 20 have a height and a length equal to the height and, respectively, to the length L of the panels 12, so as to ensure a continuity of surface between a panel 12 and an adjacent panel 12 in the side by side assembly 13.
In a further embodiment, illustrated in figure 6 and 7, the structure 10 comprises bars 120 having a cross section substantially shaped as a T.
In this case, in order to allow the reciprocal coupling along the relevant sides, it is possible to see in figure 6 that the panels 12 are arranged alternatively upturned by rotation by an angle of 180° about a median axis X passing along the side by side assembly 13.
Similarly, the bars 120 are alternatively upturned by rotation by an angle of 180° about the same axis X.
A thermal insulation structure 10 is thus obtained, wherein the panels 12 and the bars 120 being interposed with one another are alternatively arranged in a first direction and respectively upturned in the other direction.
With reference to figure 7, a thermal insulation structure 10 is illustrated, wherein a pair of bars 120 is interposed between each pair of panels 12.
In this case, as it can be seen in figure 7, only the bars 120 forming the pair are arranged alternatively upturned with respect to one another. The panels 12 are all orientated in the same direction.
It can be understood that, thanks to the particular T-like shape of the bars 120, by progressively increasing the number of bars 120 between one panel 12 and the other, according to whether this number is even or odd, the panels 12 and the bars 120 must be properly orientated with respect to the axis X to allow a correct reciprocal coupling thereof.
The present invention also relates to a set of bars 40 (figures 8 and 9) of insulating material for obtaining a thermal insulation structure 10 of a roof of the type described above.
The set of bars 40 comprises a breakable bridge 42 for the integral connection of at least one bar 20, 120 with a bar 20, 120 laid adjacent thereto.
Such breakable bridge 42, also called portion with reduced resistance, allows to easily break the bars 20, 120 with respect to each other during the laying of the insulating layer.
Preferably, the set of bars 40 forms a panel of bars that can be rolled up on itself and easily transported in rolled condition.
In particular figure 8 illustrates the set of bars 40 wherein the above bars 20 are profiled with edges shaped as a step 21.
Figure 9 shows the set of bars 40 wherein bars 120 have a cross section T-like shape.
Preferably, the set of bars 40 is obtained by moulding or shaping expanded plastic material.
The main advantage of the present invention is the possibility of manufacturing structures for the thermal insulation of a roof wherein the same insulating panels can be used with tiles having different lengths.
In other words, according to the invention, the bars offer the advantage of modulating at will and according to the need, the side by side assembly step of the panels, adapting it according to the length/step of the tiles, thus allowing a limited range of pieces.
Another advantage of the present invention is the easiness of laying: the bars can be coupled easily next to the relevant panel.
The particular step-wise profiled, or with T- like section, shape allows a steady connection and coupling with the panels.
In the case of the illustrated solution, moreover, the bars having both equal height and conjugate profile as that of the panels offer the advantage of allowing the manufacture of an insulating layer having surface continuity that ensures the thermal insulation function of the structure.
A further advantage is offered by the set of bars according to the invention, which can be rolled up and transported easily on the roof with small overall dimensions and serve as a real stock of bars.
The solid bar set also exhibits the advantage of allowing the breakage of the bars by simple bending, according to the need, upon the structure laying.
Of course, a man skilled in the art may make several changes and variants to the insulating structure described above, in order to meet specific and contingent requirements, all falling within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.
For example, the shape of the coupling element 30 is not to be regarded as limiting within the present invention.
In an alternative solution, the coupling element consists of a curb, separate from panels 12, made for example of PVC or metal, not shown in the drawings, which is suitable to be arranged in conjugate cavities 32 obtained on the panels 12.
Figures 6 and 7 show such cavities 32, which, in the specific case, consist of linear grooves having the same length as that of the panel 12. Such grooves 32 are obtained on both faces of the panel 12 to allow its use also when the panel is upturned.
According to a further embodiment not shown in the drawings, the coupling elements 30 are obtained on the bars 20, 120.
According to a further embodiment, the panels 12 are provided with reciprocal coupling edges, for example of the male/female type, on all the four sides 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d.

Claims

Structure for the thermal insulation of a tile roof (11) of the type comprising a plurality of panels (12) of insulating material suitable to be interposed between the tiles (16) and a slab (14) of the roof (11), said panels (12) being suitable to be laid adjacent to each other along respective sides (12c, 12d) to form a side by side assembly (13) of panels (12) extended between a gutter line (18) and a ridge (17) of the roof (11), characterised in that it comprises a plurality of bars (20, 120) of insulating material, each suitable to be interposed between pairs of adjacent panels (12) in the side by side assembly (13) for increasing the step (I, I') between panel (12) and adjacent panel (12).
Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that each bar (20, 120) has coupling profiles (21) along its sides conjugate to corresponding coupling profiles (19) of the panels (12).
Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that each bar (20, 120) exhibits a height equal to a corresponding height of the panel (12) with obtainment of a surface continuity.
Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that each bar (20, 120) has width equal to about 3 cm.
Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that each bar (20, 120) is suitable to be laid adjacent in series with two or more identical bars (20, 120) between panel (12) and adjacent panel (12).
Structure according to claim 2, characterised in that each bar (20, 120) exhibits a cross coupling profile shaped as a step (21).
Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that each bar (20) has a cross section substantially shaped as a Z.
Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that each bar (120) has a cross section substantially shaped as a T.
Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that each panel (12) exhibits a cross coupling profile shaped as a step (19).
Structure according to claims 8 and 9, characterised in that the adjacent panels (12) are suitable to be alternatively upturned along the side by side assembly (13) by a 180° angle rotation about an axis (X) passing along the side by side assembly (13).
Structure according to claim 10, characterised in that the adjacent bars (120) are alternatively upturned along the side by side assembly (13) by a 180° angle rotation about the axis (X).
Set of bars of insulating material for manufacturing a thermal insulation structure of a roof, the structure comprising a plurality of under-tile panels (12) of insulating material suitable to be laid adjacent for forming a side by side assembly (13) extended between a gutter line (18) and a ridge (17) of the roof, characterised in that it comprises a breakable ridge for the connection of a bar (20, 120) with an adjacent bar (20, 120), each of said bars (20, 120) being suitable to be selectively interposed between pairs of adjacent panels (12) for increasing the step (I, I') comprised between panel (12) and adjacent panel (12) in the side by side assembly (13).
Set of bars according to claim 12, characterised in that the bridge (42) is breakable by bending.
Set of bars according to claim 12, characterised in that the bars (20, 120) form a panel that can be rolled up.
Set of bars according to claim 12, characterised in that the bars (20) have profiled sides shaped as a step (21).
Set of bars according to claim 12, characterised in that the bars (120) have a cross section shaped as a T.
Set of bars according to claim 12, characterised in that the bars (20) have a cross section shaped as a Z.
Set of bars according to claim 12, characterised in that it is obtained by moulding or shaping of expanded plastic material.