GB2152969A - Fascia ventilator for roof having fascia board and external gutter - Google Patents

Abstract

The ventilator 15 comprises a panel member 18 and spacing means 20a,b, c. The panel member 18 defines a ventilation path between panel member 18 and fascia board 13, and the spacing means spaces gutter 14 from the fascia board, to provide a ventilation path. Gutter 14 is received in brackets 14a secured to panel member 18. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Fascia ventilator This invention relates to a fascia ventilator.

It is common in buildings for the roof structure in the region of the eaves to be provided with a fascia board and a soffite board which is connected to an external wall and which extends substantially transverse to the fascia board. Roof covering material usually overlies the upper edge of the fascia board. An air gap is often provided between the fascia board and the soffite board to provide a ventilation path to the roof space within the roof structure. This ventilation path is desirable because it helps to prevent problems of condensation which would otherwise occur due to the high efficiency of modern loft insulation.

However, in some roof structures there is no air gap between the fascia board and the soffite board. And in other roof structures the soffite board may be dispensed with entirely, the fascia board being attached to the top of the external brickwork. An example of this latter type of roof structure is shown in our United Kingdom Patent No. 2096667B.

A gutter is often mounted on the outer face of the fascia board, which gutter usually communicates with a drainpipe running down the side of the building to a drain. The gutter serves to collect rainwater which can be drained through the drainpipe. However, there is a tendency for gutters to become blocked up with debris such as leaves.

In these roof structures the ventilation can be provided over the top of the fascia board and the gutter, between the upper edge of the fascia board and the roof covering material. This has the disadvantage that when the gutter becomes blocked the ventilation path may also be blocked.

One way to overcome this problem would be to provide ventilation through the centre of the fascia board in the way described in US 3,683,785 or US 3,797,180. However this solution requires the provision of a specially produced, more expensive fascia board, and could not be applied to existing roof structures without replacing the fascia board.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ventilator which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fascia ventilator for a roof assembly of the type having a fascia board, roof cover material at least partially overlying the fascia board, and a gutter, said fascia ventilator comprising a panel member adapted to define a ventilation path between the roof cover material and the fascia board, and spacing means for spacing the gutter from the fascia board, thereby providing a ventilation path between the gutter and the fascia board.

The fascia ventilator according to the invention can provide a ventilation path between the gutter and the fascia board, and between the roof cover material and the fascia to a roof space within the roof assembly.

Preferably the ventilator further comprises a plurality of panel spacing members adapted to space the panel member from the fascia board, to provide the ventilation path between the fascia board and the roof cover material.

In one embodiment the panel spacing members also serve as the spacing means for spacing the gutter from the fascia board.

In another embodiment the spacing means comprise a gutter spacing member separate from the panel spacing members.

Preferably the panel spacing members are arranged in at least one row, the or each row extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the panel member.

Preferably also, the ventilator is provided with a plurality of strengthening ribs which extend substantially transverse to the or each row of spacer members.

It is desirable that the spacing members of the or each row are arranged such that there is a 2 to 5 mm gap between adjacent spacing members. More preferably this gap is about 4 mm. The gap is sufficiently small to prevent the ingress of vermin and large insects into the roof space of the roof structure.

In pitched roof structures the length of each spacing member, i.e. the distance by which each spacer member spaces the panel member from the fascia board, is preferably about 14 mm.

In flat roof structures the length of each spacing member is preferably about 35 mm. In both structures the width of each spacer member is preferably about 1.5mm.

These dimensions meet the requirements of the U.K. Public Health Act by providing a ventilation area of 10,000mm2 per metre in the case of pitched roof structures, and a ventilation area of 25,000mm2 per metre in the case of flat roof structures.

Desirably the panel member is of a generally Lshaped configuration, in use, one portion of the "L" extending substantially parallel to a face of the fascia board, and the other portion extending substantially parallel to an upper edge of the fascia board.

In one embodiment, the portion of the "L" extending substantially parallel to the face of the fascia board extends between the gutter and the fascia board. In this embodiment the panel spacing members serve as spacing means to space the gutter from the fascia board.

Furthermore, the panel member may be provided with apertures to facilitate attachment to the fascia board by, for example, nails or screws. The external gutter may also be secured to the panel member and the fascia board using the same apertures.

In another embodiment the branch of the "L" extending substantially parallel to the face of the fascia board does not extend between the gutter and the fascia board. In this embodiment the separate gutter spacing members can be provided to space the gutter from the fascia board.

The gutter spacing members may each be pro vided with an aperture, preferably an elongate slot, to facilitate attachment to the fascia board by, for example nails or screws. A gutter fixing bracket, which receives the gutter, can be secured to the gutter spacing member and the fascia board using this aperture.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ventilated roof assembly comprising a fascia board, roof cover material at least partially overlying the fascia board, a gutter spaced from the fascia board in order to define a ventilation path between the fascia board and the gutter, and a ventilator including a ventilating member which defines a ventilation path between the roof cover material and the fascia board.

Advantageously, the ventilation path between the fascia board and the gutter communicates with the ventilation path between the fascia board and the roof cover material.

Preferably the ventilating member comprises a panel member as described above.

The roof cover material may, for example, comprise roof tiles or shingles arranged upon sarking felt.

As described above, in one embodiment the panel member includes a portion extending between the fascia board and the gutter and is provided with apertures to facilitate attachment to the fascia board. In this embodiment it is preferred that the gutter is fixed to the panel member using the apertures in the panel member. If desired a gutter fixing bracket can be provided which receives the gutter and which is attached to the panel member.

In the other embodiment, where the panel member does not extend between the gutter and the fascia board, and separate spacing means is provided, the gutter may be received in a gutter fixing bracket which is secured to the spacing means.

The ventilator and roof assembly of the present invention provide superior ventilation to the roof space of the building, than prior ventilators.

The ventilation path is not impaired by any build up of debris in the gutter, and can be readily installed in buildings either during or after construction.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pitched roof structure showing one embodiment of fascia ventilator according to the invention arranged in the roof structure; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pitched roof structure shown in Figure 1 showing the fascia ventilator with part cut away; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of fascia ventilator shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a view along lines 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a view along lines 55 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a view along lines 56 of Figure 3; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pitched roof structure showing another embodiment of fascia ventilator according to the invention arranged in the roof structure;; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the pitched roof structure shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a view along lines 9--9 of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a view along lines 1010 of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a view along lines 11-11 of Figure 9; and Figure 12 is a plan view of a gutter spacing member.

In Figures 1 and 2 the roof structure includes roof cover material in the form of roof tiles 1 arranged upon battens 2 which are in turn arranged upon sarking felt 3. The sarking felt 3 is nailed to roof joists 4.

A layer of insulating material 5 is arranged over a floor 6 of the roof structure and extends over a wall plate 7 located at the top of an inner leaf 8 of a cavity wall structure. The cavity wall structure also includes an outer leaf 9, to which a batten 10 is attached; a soffite board 11 is attached to the batten 10. Cavity wall insulating foam 12 is located between the two leaves 8 and 9 of the cavity wall structure. The leaves 8 and 9 may, for example, comprise bricks.

A fascia board 13 is attached to one end of the joists 4 and the soffite board 11; as shown in Figures 1 and 2, there is no air gap between the soffite board 11 and the fascia board.

An external gutter 14 is located forward of the fascia board 13, and a fascia ventilator generally designated 15 is disposed between the fascia board and the gutter. A roof space ventilator 16 is arranged between the sarking felt 3 and the insulating material 5, in order to provide an air passageway therebetween; the roof space ventilator serves to space the sarking felt 3 from the insulating material. A roof space ventilator suitable for this purpose is described in our United Kingdom Patent No. 2,089,968. A board 17 is provided beneath the sarking felt 3 and lies on the fascia ventilator 15 and the joists 4 in order to prevent the sarking felt sagging between the joists in the region adjacent the fascia ventilator.

Figures 3 to 6 show the structure of the fascia ventilator 15 in more detail. The fascia ventilator 15 comprises a panel member 18 having portions 18a and 18b which define a generally L-shaped configuration.

A plurality of ribs 19 extend from an inner surface 18d of the panel member 18 in a direction substantially parallel to the general direction of air flow between the fascia ventilator 15 and the fascia board 13; this direction is indicated by arrows A.

The ribs serve to strengthen the ventilator 15.

Spacing means in the form of a plurality of panel spacing members 20a, 20b and 20c are arranged on the inner surface 18d of the panel member 18.

One row of spacing members is formed by the spacing members 20a, another row by the spacing members 20b, and a third row by the spacing members 20c. Each row of spacing members 20a, 20b and 20c extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general direction of air flow A.

The spacing members 20a and 20b are formed on the portion 18a of the panel member 18, while spacing members 20c are formed on both portions 18a and 18b.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ventilator 15 is arranged in the roof structure so that the ribs 19 and the spacing members 20a, 20b and 20c face the fascia board 13. An outer surface 18c of the panel member 18 faces the external gutter 14.

The portion 18a of the panel member 18 is arranged substantially parallel to a face 13a of the fascia board, while the portion 18b of the panel member is arranged substantially parallel to an upper edge 13b of the fascia board. The spacing members 20a, 20b and 20c space the panel member 18 from the fascia board 13, and thereby provide an air flow path between the panel member and the fascia board. The spacing members 20a, 20b and 20c also space the gutter 14 from the fascia board 13; the gutter is received in gutter fixing brackets 14a which are secured to the outer suface 18c of the panel member 18.

The ventilation area provided by the fascia ventilator 15 is determined by the row of spacing members 20a, which are greater in number than the spacing members 20b and 20c. The length of each spacing member 20a (indicated by the distance "D" in Figure 3) is about 14 mm. The width of each spacing member 20a (indicated by the distance "W" in Figure 5) is about 1.5 mm, and the gap provided between adjacent spacing members 20a (indicated by the distance "A" in Figure 5) is about 4 mm. These dimensions meet the requirements of the U.K. Public Health Act, and also prevent the ingress of vermin and larger insects.

The fascia ventilator 15 may be formed as an integral unit from a plastics material by injection moulding.

The ventilation path provided by the fascia ventilator 15 is shown in Figure 1. The arrows A indicate the direction of air flow into the roof space of the roof structure. It will be appreciated that the direction of these arrows will be reversed if the air flow direction is from the roof space to the external environment.

In Figure 1 the air flow path extends from the external environment through the ventilation path defined between the panel member 18 and the fascia board 13 then through the roof space ventilator 16, and into the roof space.

The fascia ventilator 15 may be provided with slots or apertures (not shown) through which screws may be passed in order to attach the fascia ventilator to the fascia board 13. The gutter fixing bracket 14a may be attached to the outer surface 18c of the fascia ventilator 15 by means of the same apertures and screws, so that only one set of screws is required to fix both the gutter 14 and the fascia ventilator 15 in position.

The fascia ventilator 15 may be provided with areas of weakness which can be pushed out subsequent to the manufacture of the ventilator in order to form the slots or apertures.

In Figures 7 and 8 the roof structure includes roof cover material in the form of roof tiles 101 arranged upon battens 102 which are in turn arranged upon sarking felt 103 (shown in dotted lines). The sarking felt 103 is nailed to roof joists 104.

A layer of insulating material 105 is arranged over a floor 106 of the roof structure and extends over a wall plate 107 located at the top of an inner leaf 108 of a cavity wall structure. The cavity wall structure also includes an outer leaf 109, to which a batten 110 is attached; a soffite board 111 is attached to the batten and extends transversely to the outer leaf 9. Cavity wall insulating foam 112 is located between the two leaves 108 and 109 of the cavity wall structure. The leaves 108 and 109 may, for example, comprise bricks.

A fascia board 113 is attached to one end of the joists 104 and the soffite board 111; as shown in Figures 7 and 8, there is no air gap between the soffite board 111 and the fascia board.

A gutter fixing bracket 123 is secured to spacing means in the form of a gutter spacing member 125 by a screw 124. The gutter fixing bracket 123 serves to receive an external gutter 114. The gutter spacing member 125 serves to space the gutter fixing bracket 123 and the gutter 114 from the fascia board 113 in order to provide a ventilation path between the gutter and the fascia board.

The external gutter 114 is located in front of the fascia board 113, and a fascia ventilator 115 is disposed upon an upper edge 1 13a of the fascia board substantially adjacent the top of the gutter.

A roof space ventilator 116 is arranged between the sarking felt 103 and the insulating material 105, in order to provide an air passageway therebetween; the roof space ventilator serves to space the sarking felt 103 from the insulating material 105. A roof space ventilator suitable for this purpose is described in our United Kingdom Patent No. 2,089,968.

A board 117 is provided beneath the sarking felt 103 and lies on the fascia ventilator 115 and the joists 104 in order to prevent the sarking felt sagging between the joists in the region adjacent the fascia ventilator. The fascia ventilator 115 is provided with a recess 15a in which the board 117 is received, and by which one end of the board is supported.

Figures 9 to 11 show the structure of the fascia ventilator 115 in more detail. The fascia ventilator 115 comprises a panel member 118 having portions 118a and 118b which define a generally Lshaped configuration.

A plurality of strengthening ribs 119 extend from an inner surface 118d of the panel member 118 in a direction substantially parallel to the general direction of air flow between the fascia ventilator 115 and the fascia board 113; this direction is indicated by arrows B. The ribs 119 serve to strengthen the fascia ventilator 115. The ribs 119 also form a flyscreen to prevent the ingress of vermin and large insects.

If desired, the ribs 119 may be replaced with a plurality of pins provided on the portion 118b of the panel member 118 and which in use engage the upper edge 113a of the fascia board 113.

A plurality of panel spacing members 120 are arranged in a row on the inner surface 118d of the panel member 118. The row of spacing members 120 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general direction of air flow B.

The spacing members 120 are of generally Lshaped configuration and provide a surface 120a for engaging the upper edge 1 13a of the fascia board 113, and a surface 120b for engaging a face 113b of the fascia board.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the ventilator 115 is arranged in the roof structure such that the ribs 119 and the spacer members 120 face the fascia board 113. An outer surface 118c of the panel member 118 faces the external gutter 114.

The portion 118a of the panel member 118 isar- ranged substantially parallel to the face 113b of the fascia board 113, while the portion 118b of the panel member is arranged substantially parallel to the edge 113a of the fascia board. The spacing members 120 space the panel member 118 from the fascia board 113, and thereby provide a ventilation path between the panel member and the fascia board.

It is clear from Figure 7 that an upper edge 123a of the gutter 123 engages a lower edge 1 18e of the portion 118a of the panel member 118. This restricts air flow between the gutter 123 and the panel member 118 so that the only air flow path to the ventilation path between the roof cover material and the fascia board 113 is through the ventilation path defined between the gutter and the fascia board.

The portion 118b is divided into two parts by a longitudinally extending slot 121. The slot 121 provides an aperture through which a fixing screw 122 can be passed in order to secure the fascia ventilator 115 to the upper edge 113a of the fascia board 113.

The fascia ventilator 115 may be formed as an integral unit from a plastics material by injection moulding.

The gutter spacing member 125 is shown in more detail in Figure 12. It is of generally elongate configuration and is provided with an elongate slot 126. The screw 124 extends through the slot 126 into the fascia board 113.

The upper end of the gutter spacing member 125 is provided with two recesses 127a and 127b each of which receives one of the panel spacing members 120 of the fascia ventilator 115. The panel spacing members received in recesses 127a and 127b are adjacent one another.

The precise position of the gutter 114 and the gutter fixing bracket 123 relative to the gutter spacing member 125 tends to vary from roof to roof.

The provision of the elongate slot 126 enables the screw 124 to be passed through both the gutter fixing bracket 123 and the gutter spacing member 125 over a wide variety of different relative positions.

The ventilation path provided by the fascia ventilator 115 is indicated in Figure 7 and 8 by the arrows B. It will be appreciated that the direction of these arrows will be reversed if the air flow path was from the roof space to the external environment.

In Figure 1 the ventilation path B extends from the external environment through the space between the gutter 114 and the fascia board 113, then through the space defined by the panel spacing members 120 between the panel member 118 and the fascia board 113, then through the roof space ventilator 116, and into the roof space.

Claims (16)

1. A fascia ventilator for a roof assembly of the type having a fascia board, roof cover material at least partially overlying the fascia board, and a gutter, said fascia ventilator comprising a panel member adapted to define a ventilation path between the roof cover material and the fascia board, and spacing means for spacing the gutter from the fascia board, thereby providing a ventilation path between the gutter and the fascia board.

2. A ventilator according to Claim 1 further comprising a plurality of panel spacing members adapted to space the panel member from the fascia board to provide the ventilation path between the fascia board and the roof cover material.

3. A ventilator according to Claim 2 in which the panel spacing members also serve as the spacing means for spacing the gutter from the fascia board.

4. A ventilator according to Claim 2 in which the spacing means comprises a gutter spacing member separate from the panel spacing members.

5. A ventilator according to any of Claims 2 to 4 in which the panel member is of elongate configuration and panel spacing members are arranged in at least one row, the or each row extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the panel member.

6. A ventilator according to any preceding claim in which the panel member is of generally Lshaped configuration, in use, one portion of the "L" extending substantially parallel to a face of the fascia board, and the other portion of the "L" extending substantially parallel to an upper edge of the fascia board.

7. A ventilated roof assembly comprising a fascia board, roof cover material at least partially overlying the fascia board, a gutter spaced from the fascia board in order to provide a ventilation path between the fascia board and the gutter, and a ventilator including a ventilating member which defines a ventilation path between the roof cover material and the fascia board.

8. An assembly according to Claim 7 in which the ventilation path between the fascia board and the gutter communicates with the ventilation path between the roof cover material and the fascia board.

9. An assembly according to Claim 7 or 8 in which the ventilating member comprises a panel member which extends at least between the fascia board and the roof cover material.

10. An assembly according to Claim 9 in which the panel member also extends between the gutter and the fascia board.

11. An assembly according to Claim 8 or 9 in which the ventilation member further comprises a plurality of panel spacer members which space the panel member from the fascia board in order to provide the ventilation path between the roof cover material and the fascia board.

12. An assembly according to Claim 11 in which the panel spacing members also serve as spacing means for spacing the gutter from the fascia board in order to provide the ventilation path between the gutter and the fascia board.

13. An assembly according to Claim 11 further comprising a gutter spacing member separate from the panel spacing members, which space the gutter from the fascia board in order to provide the ventilation path therebetween.

14. An assembly according to Claims 7, 8 or 9 in which an upper edge of the gutter engages a lower edge of the ventilating member in order to restrict the passage of air therebetween.

15. A fascia ventilator substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

16. A ventilated roof assembly substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8.