AU2017200783B2

AU2017200783B2 - Rainwater diffuser assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2017200783B2
Application number: AU2017200783A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Timothy Scott Clifton
Original assignee: Clifton Development and Designs Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Clifton Development and Designs Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-24
Filing date: 2017-02-03
Publication date: 2017-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-22
Also published as: AU2017200783A1; AU2016101073A4; AU2016262673B2; AU2016262673A1; AU2016101073B4

Abstract

A water diffuser assembly for catching water flowing along at least one side of roof penetration flashing, the assembly comprising one or more supporting members positioned below the flashing, the supporting members comprising: an in use lower portion for being positioned upon a roofing sheet; and an in use upper portion for supporting an end of a partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet; wherein during use the partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet supported by the supporting members is pitched at an acute angle relative to the remaining portion of the roof sheet.

Description

RAINWATER DIFFUSER ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to rainwater diffuser assemblies which better direct rainwater about a roof flashing for weatherproof penetrations. The invention is also directed to a diffuser assembly which can be used in conjunction with the flashing to better direct rainwater about the flashing.

BACKGROUND

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

It is often necessary for various objects to proceed through a roof. The objects can include vent pipes, different types of ducting including air-conditioning ducting, light domes, skylights, roof ventilators (whirlybirds) and the like. Such objects are collectively known as “penetrations” or “roof penetrations” as they pass through openings cut or otherwise formed in the roof sheets. The opening itself in the roof is also frequently referred to as a “penetration”.

To prevent water from passing into the opening cut into the roof, the penetrations are waterproofed by a weather resistant barrier (WRB). These barriers are often known as “flashing”.

Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier (WRB) system. Metal flashing materials include lead, aluminium, copper, stainless steel, zinc alloy, other architectural metals or a metal with a coating such as galvanized steel, lead-coated copper, anodized aluminum, galvalume (aluminum-zinc alloy coated sheet steel), and the like. Nonmetal flashings are also known.

In commercial buildings or other large roofing areas, it is common for the roof to have only a very slight pitch. The roof is essentially flat with only a slight incline (sometimes only about 1°). To prevent water seeping through overlapping roof sheets, the sheets have a high profile with upstanding ribs. Adjacent sheets overlap over the rib area. The area between the ribs (often called a pan or valley) channels water off the roof.

Other buildings have a greater roof pitch allowing corrugated metal roof sheets to be used. Alternatively, concrete tiles can be used. A problem with some flashings about roof penetrations is that rainwater must flow over the roof from behind (upstream) the flashing, over part of the flashing and back onto the roof in front (downstream) of the flashing. PRIOR ART figure 1 illustrates this arrangement. Figure 2 illustrates the particular problem with this arrangement. In figure 2, the flashing 10 extends over eight pans 1 -8. Water flowing down pans 1 -8 behind the flashing must flow to each side of the flashing and over each side flange 11 -12 of the flashing. Thus, the amount of water 13 flowing over each side flange 11-12 is four times the volume flowing down each pan 1-8 behind the flashing. When this condensed stream flows over the side flanges 11-12 and back into the downstream pans, most of the water will flow into pans 1 -2 and 7-8 and not pans 3-6. This can cause roof drainage problems due to uneven flow along all the pans of the roof sheets. Also, sometimes the roof penetration extends through a join where two roofing sheets overlap each other. High flow volumes along a pan adjacent an overlap between two roofing sheets can cause water to seep through the overlap and into the interior of the building.

These problems are present for commercial metal roofing having a low pitch. However roofs with a steeper pitch and comprising corrugated roof sheets also suffer from this problem, as do tile roofs where too high a water volume flow can cause leakage between tiles.

It is an object of the invention to provide a solution to uneven water flow over a roof penetration flashing or other flashings that suffer from the same disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form the invention comprises at least one water diffuser adapted to catch water flowing along at least one side of roof penetration flashing and to more evenly spread the water along the front of the flashing to facilitate even roof drainage.

In another form, the invention comprises penetration flashing comprising at least one water diffuser adapted to catch water flowing along at least one side of the flashing and to more evenly spread the water along the front of the flashing to provide more even roof drainage.

In this manner, the diffuser can function to spread the condensed water flowing along each side of the flashing back into a more even flow to pass more evenly into each of the pans, valleys etc. in front of the roof penetration.

There is much less likelihood of water overflowing a particular pan and possibly leaking into the roof (especially if there is an overlap between roof sheets), and the water is drained more evenly into a collection gutter which can also reduce the possibility of gutter overflow.

Suitably the, or a, diffuser catches water flowing along each side of the flashing. It is envisaged that in most cases, the roof penetration will contain flashing adjacent each side and in these circumstances it is preferred that the diffuser catches water (that is "condensed" water) flowing along each side of the flashing and spreading the water more evenly into all the downstream pans/valleys etc.

Suitably, the diffuser comprises part of the flashing. It is considered that the flashing can be shaped or configured to comprise part, or all of the diffuser.

However, it is also envisaged that the, or parts of the diffuser may comprise at least one separate item that can be attached to part of the flashing or adjacent the flashing or otherwise be associated with the flashing to more evenly spread the water along the front of the flashing to provide more even roof drainage.

The diffuser may be configured to cause water to flow more into the pans or valleys of the roof sheets or members and less onto the ridges of the roof sheets or roof members. It is considered more efficient if the diffuser can be configured to divert water flow directly into the pans or valleys of the roof sheets or tiles etc. as opposed to the ridges. The ridges may comprise fastening screws and water may leak into the interior past the fastening screws. Therefore, it is considered advantageous if the diffuser is configured to divert water as much as possible away from the ridges of the roof sheets.

The penetration flashing can be used to flash various different types of penetrations which will usually include air-conditioning ducting (especially for commercial roofing), vent pipes, whirlybirds and similar devices, skylights and the like. There may be circumstances where there is an advantage in providing a water diffuser on roof flashing that comprises other than penetration flashing to more evenly spread water flow along the roof. There may be circumstances where there is an advantage in providing a water diffuser on other types of flashing to more evenly spread water flow along the roof.

The penetration flashing will typically comprise a rear panel, a front panel and a pair of side panels. An upright collar portion is typically provided. The collar portion may comprise part of each panel or may be formed separately. The panels may also comprise separate pieces attached to each other or parts of the penetration may comprise a common flashing. For instance, one piece of flashing may be substantially U-shaped to comprise the back panel and each side panel and a second piece of flashing may comprise the front panel.

For circular penetrations, the flashing may be as described above except that the upright collar portion will be circular. However, the flashing itself may also be substantially circular or have other shapes.

The flashing will typically comprise metal flashing but there may be circumstances where plastic flashing or other types of flashing may be suitable.

The flashing will typically comprise a number of separate pieces joined together in the usual manner which may comprise fasteners such as screws or rivets and/or silicone adhesive or other types of adhesive.

The diffuser will typically be positioned at, or substantially adjacent a front edge of the front panel. Suitably, the diffuser will extend substantially along the front edge of the front panel. In a preferred embodiment, the diffuser extending along the front edge of the front panel comprises a single elongate member. The length of the member can vary depending on the width of the front panel of the flashing. As it is envisaged that the front panel will typically have a length of between 50-250 cm, it is envisaged that the diffuser will also have a length of between 50-250 cm.

It is also envisaged that the diffuser may comprise a plurality of smaller elongate members. It is also envisaged that the diffuser may comprise a telescopic member that can be extended to the desired length. The diffuser may be cut to length.

The diffuser may comprise any suitable material. Suitably, the diffuser will be made of material similar to the flashing material and thus will typically comprise metal treated for corrosion resistance. However, the diffuser may also be made of plastics material

The diffuser may comprise at least one upstanding wall adapted to catch water. The upstanding wall will typically have a height sufficient to prevent water from simply flowing over the top of the wall under usual water flow conditions. The height will be dependent, inter alia, on the flow volumes about each side of the flashing and this can be calculated. The height of the upstanding wall may be sufficient to catch water flow from the largest type of flashing and an advantage of this arrangement is that the diffuser will not require many different types of wall heights. It is envisaged that for most flashings a suitable wall height will be between 50-250mm.

The upstanding wall may be height adjustable to accommodate different water flow volumes and velocities. In one form, an extension wall or panel may be attached to the upstanding wall to increase the wall height. The extension panel may extend substantially along the upstanding wall, or may extend only at places where there is increased risk of water quickly overflowing the existing upstanding wall. Thus a plurality of extension panels may be provided.

The water diffuser may be provided with attachment means to enable the diffuser to be attached to part of the flashing or to somewhere else to enable the diffuser to function efficiently. It is considered expedient that the diffuser is attached to the flashing and preferably adjacent the front edge of the front panel of the flashing. A plurality of attachment means may be provided to enable the diffuser to be attached to the flashing at a plurality of positions.

The attachment means may comprise a tab member. The tab member may comprise part of the diffuser which is bent or otherwise configured to provide the tab member. The diffuser will typically comprise a plurality of spaced apart tab members. The members are suitably spaced to overlie the ridges of a roof sheet. The tab members may be formed separately and fastened by any suitable means to the remainder of the diffuser. As an example, the tab members may be fastened in place and the remainder of the diffuser may be clipped or press locked or otherwise attached to the tab members. This can assist in divert in rain water away from the roof sheet ridges and into the roof sheet pans. Thus, the tab member may comprise a combined function of fastening the diffuser in place - typically on the flashing - and also functioning as a deflector to deflect water away from the ridge of the roof sheets. This will be described in greater detail below.

The attachment means may be associated with at least one, and preferably a pair of bracket members. These can function as strengthening members to prevent twisting or bowing of the diffuser. The bracket members can also function to guide rain water into the roof pans.

The diffuser may comprise a secondary flow controller to further assist in spreading the water along the front of the flashing. The secondary flow controller may comprise a separate component. The separate component may be attached to the flashing upstream from the remainder of the diffuser to provide initial deflection of the rain water. The secondary flow controller may alternatively comprise part of the remainder of the diffuser as opposed to being a separate component.

Guide means may be provided on the flashing to guide rain water over the flashing and towards the water diffuser. The guide means may comprise upstanding walls on the side panels of the flashing. The upstanding walls may be formed separately and attached to the flashing or may be bent up walls of the flashing edge.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a water diffuser adapted to catch water flowing along a roof and to more evenly spread the water along the front of the diffuser to provide more even roof drainage.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a diffuser in combination with a lateral wing or panel lapped over a wall along at least one side panel of the diffuser for construction of a penetration therethrough.

In another aspect, the invention provides a water diffuser assembly for catching water flowing along at least one side of roof penetration flashing, the assembly comprising one or more supporting members positioned below the flashing, the supporting members comprising:an in use lower portion for being positioned upon a roofing sheet; and an in use upper portion for supporting an end of a partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet; wherein during use the partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet supported by the supporting members is pitched at an acute angle relative to the remaining portion of the roof sheet.

In an embodiment, a roof supporting part of the upper portion extends underneath the partially cut out portion during use.

In an embodiment, a flashing supporting part of the upper portion is adapted to be positioned underneath the flashing for supporting the flashing during use.

In an embodiment, each of the supporting members comprises a top wall forming the in use upper portion and opposed side walls extending downwardly from the top wall.

In an embodiment, each of the opposed side walls comprises the in-use lower portion of the supporting member.

In an embodment, the opposed side walls comprises outwardly extending feet portions, preferably extending along a length of the opposed side walls.

In an embodiment, the top wall lies in an imaginary plane that is oriented transversely relative to the opposed side walls.

In an embodiment, the roof sheet comprises a plurality of ridges and pans therebetween such that an in use height of the top wall is greater than height of the ridges of the roof sheets.

In an embodiment, the roof flashing further comprises an upstanding collar, rear panel, a front panel with a front edge, side panels and wherein at least the one or more supporting members positioned below the rear panel.

In an embodiment, the roof flashing further comprises a water guide means positioned on the side panel of the flashing during use. Preferably, the water guiding means comprises an upstanding wall portion and a side panel receiving portion.

In an embodiment, the side panel receiving portion extends outwardly in a transverse direction relative to the upstanding wall.

In an embodiment, the side wall receiving portion is connected to the upstanding wall by a connecting portion, said connecting portion extending downwardly from a top part of the upstanding wall.

In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a fastening arrangement for fastening the side panel with the water guiding means.

In an embodiment, the side wall receiving portion of the water guiding means is fastened onto the side panel.

In an embodiment, the water diffuser assembly further comprises an elongate barge member for lapping over the partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet supported by the supporting members.

In an embodiment, the barge member comprises: an in use top portion for engaging a lateral edge of the partially cut out portion, said cut out portion being pitched at an acute angle relative to the remaining part of the roof sheet; and an in use lower portion for engaging said remaining portion of the roof sheet.

Preferably, the top portion of the barge member comprises a top wall and two mutually opposed walls depending downwardly therefrom. Preferably,each of the opposed walls is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the top wall.

In an embodiment, one of the mutually opposed walls engages the lateral edge of the partially cut-out roof sheet and the other of mutually opposed walls is connected with the lower portion of the barge member.

In an embodiment, the lower portion of the barge comprises a barge wall such that height of the barge wall gradually decreases from a first end of the barge member to a second end of the barge member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1. Illustrates PRIOR ART roof penetration flashing.

Figure 2. Illustrates a front view of flashing.

Figure 2A Depicts a front side of a diffuser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown as being comprised of an indefinite number of repeating components.

Figure 2B Depicts a rear side of the diffuser of figure 2A according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3. Illustrates the water diffuser of figures 2A and 2B attached to the front edge of the front panel of the flashing of figure 2.

Figure 4. Is a further depiction of the diffuser of figures 2A and 2B water diffuser of figure 3.

Figure 5. Illustrates a side view of the water diffuser attached to the front edge of the roof flashing and also illustrating a secondary flow controller and part of the guide means.

Figure 6. Illustrates a rear view of the water diffuser of figure 3.

Figure 7. Illustrates the water diffuser in use.

Figure 8. Illustrates a front view of the lower part of the water diffuser in use.

Figure 9. Illustrates a top view of the water diffuser with a lateral wing lapped over the side wall or guide of the diffuser.

Figure 10 illustrates a rear end perspective view of a water diffuser assembly 100 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a frontal perspective view of the water diffuser assembly 100.

Figure 12 illustrates a side perspective view of the of the water diffuser assembly 100.

Figure 13 is another frontal perspective view of the water diffuser assembly 100.

Figure 13 is a top perspective view of the roof sheet 200.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrates a first and second step for installing the water diffuser assembly 100.

Figures 16 and 16A illustrate a top perspective view of the partially installed water diffuser assembly 100. A third installation step (step 3) is illustrated.

Figure 17 is a top perspective view of the supporting batten 150.

Figure 18 is a side view of the supporting batten 150.

Figure 19 a top perspective view of the partially installed water diffuser assembly 100. A fourth installation step (step 4) is illustrated.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the front panel 117 of the flashing 14.

Figure 21 is a sectional view of the front panel 117.

Figure 22 a top perspective view of the partially installed water diffuser assembly 100. A fifth installation step (step 5) is illustrated.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the front panel 115 of the flashing 14.

Figure 24 is a sectional view of the front panel 115.

Figure 25 a top perspective view of the partially installed water diffuser assembly 100. A sixth installation step (step 6) is illustrated.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the side panel 112

Figure 27 is a sectional view of the side panel 112.

Figure 28 a top perspective view of the partially installed water diffuser assembly 100. A seventh installation step (step 7) is illustrated.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the water guide 140

Figure 30 is a sectional view of the water guide 140.

Figure 31 a top perspective view of the partially installed water diffuser assembly 100. An eighth installation step (step 8) is illustrated.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of the barge member 170.

Figures 33 and 34 are sectional views of the water guide 140.

Figure 35 a top perspective view of the partially installed water diffuser assembly 100. A ninth installation step (step 9) is illustrated.

Figure 35 is a sectional view of the secondary flow controller 28.

Figure 36 is a perspective view of the bracket member 27.

Figure 37 is a perspective view of the secondary flow controller 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the figures and initially to figures 2A-8, there is illustrated a water diffuser 15, shown variously as a standalone item and also installed on a flashing for a penetration. The diffuser 15 is adapted to catch water flowing along at least one side panel 11, 12 of roof penetration flashing 14 and to more evenly spread the water along the front edge 22 (see figure 2) of the front panel 17 of the flashing to provide more even roof drainage.

Specifically, the water diffuser 15 functions to intercept the condensed water flow 13 flowing along each side panel 11, 12 of the flashing 14 (see figure 2) and to divert this flow more evenly in each of the downstream pans 1-8. Figure 2 illustrates flashing without the water diffuser and the condensed water flow 13 passing over each side panel 11,12 will predominantly flow into pans 1-2 and 7-8 causing large amounts of water to flow in these pans with very little water flowing into pans 3-6.

Figure 3 illustrates the flashing of figure 2 with the water diffuser 15 attached. Water diffuser 15 is best illustrated in figures 2A and 2B. Diffuser 15 in the particular embodiment comprises an elongate upstanding wall 23 which extends entirely across the front edge of the front panel 17 of the flashing.

As can be seen in figures 2A and 2B, wall 23 comprises an upper vertical part 30 and a lower, forwardly and downwardly extending lower part 31. These are wall parts 30 and 31 can also be seen with the diffuser in use as shown in figure 8 and figure 3. Upper wall part 30 extends upwardly from the top of front panel 17 while lower wall part 31 contains the usual cutouts 32 to enable the lower wall part 31 to fit over the roof ridges 21 and pans of the roof sheets. Also, when the diffuser is in place, the lower wall part 31 overlies substantially the lower lip 33 (see figure 2 and figure 8) of the front panel. To ensure even water flow, the lower wall part 31 is spaced from the lower lip 33 of the flashing by a space 33a such that water can flow between the lower lip 33 of the front panel 17 and the lower part 31 of the wall 23 of the diffuser 15.

The spacing can be set to increase or decrease the water flow through the diffuser.

The wall 23 contains a plurality of spaced apart attachment means 25 which, in the particular embodiment, comprises bent out metal tab members 26. Each tab member 26 is formed with an opening to enable a screw fastener 34 (see for instance figure 6) to fasten the diffuser to the edge of the front panel 17 of the flashing. Figure 5 partially illustrates an additional feature which comprises an additional panel 24 (shown in outline only) which can function to prevent water jumping over the diffuser front wall.

The attachment means 25 are spaced apart by a distance which is the same as the spacing between the roof sheet ridges 21 (see for instance figure 6). One advantage of this is that it ensures that the screw fastener 34 passes through a ridge of a roof sheet which is required as opposed to passing through the pan portion which is not allowed.

On each side of a tab member is a bracket member 27 comprising a pair of spaced apart substantially triangular brackets. These can function to provide rigidity to the diffuser to prevent deformation caused by the weight of water pressing against the wall 23.

Referring to figure 6, it can be seen that tab member 26 prevents or substantially reduces the ability of water flowing through the diffuser to flow directly onto the roof ridge 21. Instead, tab member 26 assists in guiding the water into each of the downstream pans (20 in figure 6) which is desirable. A secondary flow controller 28 (see figure 5) is provided on the juncture of the front panel 17 and side panel 12 (and 11) and is spaced upstream from wall 23. The secondary flow controller, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a separate component having an upper wall portion 35 to initially intercept a portion of the water (see figure 7) flowing over panel 11 or 12 and to divert this water more towards a middle portion of diffuser 15. Controller 28 is formed with a lower opening 36 to allow a portion of the water to flow directly to the part of diffuser 15 immediately downstream from the controller. Controller 28 therefore functions to "split" the water flow into a lower portion that can flow through opening 36 and against the diffuser, and an upper portion wall portion 35 that is deflected more towards a central part of the diffuser. Another function of controller 28 is to slow the velocity of water passing over panel 11 or 12 which may otherwise strike an edge portion of the diffuser with sufficient force to leap over the upstanding wall part 23 of the diffuser - which would be undesirable. A secondary flow controller 28 may be provided on each side panel 11,12 and may be particularly suited for larger flow volumes along the side panels 11, 12.

Figure 7 and figure 8 illustrate the diffuser in use. Referring particularly to figure 7, it can be seen that as water flows over side panel 11, part of the water is intersected by the secondary flow controller 28 and diverted more to the center of the diffuser. The water flows more evenly behind diffuser 15 and over front panel 17. The diffuser allows the water to pass more evenly into each of the downstream pans 1-8 (only pans 1-5 illustrated in figure 7). Figure 8 particularly illustrates pans 3-5 and shows how the diffuser 15 diverts water flow into these pans which would otherwise receive very little water flow.

Referring again to figure 7, a guide means 29 in the form of an upstanding wall or lip is provided at the edge of each side panel 11,12 and this functions to keep water on the side panel prevents this condensed water flow into an adjacent pan (see for instance pan 37 in figure 3) which can cause uneven water flow along the roof sheets. The wall 29 also adds structural integrity to the diffuser. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, a lateral sheet or wing 39 may be provided in combination with the diffuser which has an edge lapped over the side wall 29 of the diffuser. The lateral wing may be used as a base for constructing further penetrations through the roof as desired.

Referring to Figures 9 to 37, a second embodiment of the water diffuser assembly 100 is illustrated. Like reference numerals denote features which have been previously described. Referring to the figures and initially to Figure 10, there is illustrated a water diffuser 15 that is adapted to catch water flowing along at least one side panel 111, 112 of roof penetration flashing 14 and to more evenly spread the water along the front edge 22 of the front panel 117 of the flashing to provide more even roof drainage.

As described in previous sections, the water diffuser 15 functions to intercept the condensed water flowing along each side panel 111, 112 of the flashing 14 and to divert this flow more evenly in each of the downstream pans 1-6. The roof flashing 14 also comprises a rear panel 115 which is positioned in an opposed configuration relative to the front panel 117. The rear panel 115 is supported by supporting members in the form of supporting battens 150 as shown in Figures 16 to 18.

Each of the supporting battens 150 comprises a top wall forming the in use upper portion forming a top wall 152 and opposed side walls 154 and 156 extending downwardly from the top wall152 which form an in-use lower portion of the supporting battens 150. As shown clearly in Figure 18, the opposed side walls 154 and 156 are disposed transversely relative to the top wall 152. The opposed side walls 154 and 156 each comprise respective outwardly extending feet portions 151 and 153. The feet portions extend along a length of the opposed side walls 154 and 156. During use, a height of the top wall 152 is greater than height of the ridges of the roof sheets.

During installation of the water diffuser assembly 100, the initial installation step (step 1) involves cutting out a square opening 270 having dimensions (AxA), best shown in Figure 14. The second step (step 2-shown in Figure 15) involves marking out the roofing sheet 200 to provide a partial rectangular cut out 250 for the roof sheet 200 for directing water onto the rear panel 115 during use. Referring to Figure 16 in the next step (step 3), the supporting battens 150, as described in the previous sections are positioned in a substantially parallel arrangement in between a rear edge of the penetration opening 270 and a forward end of the partial cut out portion 250 of the roof sheet 200 as shown best in Figure 16. The roof battens 150 are positioned along the ridges of the bridging roof sheet portion 275 lying in between the rear edge of the opening 270 and the frontal edge of the partial cut out portion 250. The length of each of the supporting battens 150 is predetermined so that at least a small length of each of the supporting battens 150 extends below and underneath the partially cut out portion 250 in order to support the partially cut out portion 250 in a slightly pitched configuration (preferably at an acute angle) relative to the pitch of the remaining roof sheet 200. In the presently described embodiment, the partially cut-out portion 250 is pitched at an angle of 1° relative to the rest of the roof 200. Each of the supporting battens 150 may be fastened onto the roof sheets by way of any known fastening means such as fastening screws.

Upon placement of the supporting battens 150, the next step (step 4) involves positioning of the front panel 117 at a forward end of the roof sheet 200 as shown in Figures 18 to 20. Turning to Figures 21 to 23, the next installation step (step 5), the rear panel 115 is positioned upon the supporting battens 150. The provision of the supporting battens 150 also provides additional strength to the roof sheet 200. The rear panel 115 comprises an upstanding apron portion 115A and outwardly projecting gutter portion 115B for catching an excess water which may flow back along the rear panel 115 during use. It is important to note that during use (and upon installation) the rear panel 115 is positioned below the slightly pitched partial cut out portion 250. This arrangement allows water flowing along the partially cut out portion 250 to fall onto the rear panel 115, under gravity. Once the water reaches the rear panel 115, the water is redirected along the side panels 111, 112 of roof penetration flashing 14 and to more evenly spread the water along the front edge 22 of the front panel 117 of the flashing to provide more even roof drainage.

Referring to Figures 24 to 26, side panels 111 and 112 are positioned along each lateral side of the penetration opening 270 in another installation step (step 6). Referring to Figures 27 to 29, a further installation step (step 7) involves positioning water guiding members 140 positioned along an edge of the side panels to direct water along the side panels 111 and 112. Each of the water guiding members 140 comprises the water guiding means comprises an upstanding wall 142 and a side panel receiving portion 144 which extends outwardly relative to the upstanding wall 142 to engage a respective side panel 111 or 112. The side wall receiving portion 144 is connected to the upstanding wall 142 by a connecting portion 146 that extends downwardly from a top part of the upstanding wall 142. Advantageously a sealing means such as a sealing tape may be applied to an underside of the side panel receiving portion 144 in order to prevent any water flowing under the side panels 111 and 112 during use. The side wall panel receiving portion 144 of the water guiding members 140 may be fastened onto the side panels 111 and 112 by conventional fastening means such as fastening screws. The provision of the water guiding members 140 in the aforementioned configuration provides a significant advantage particularly during installation because the side panels 111 and 112 can be cute to a specific size on site depending on the requirements of the water diffuser assembly (often determined by several variable parameters of the roof) and the water guiding members 140 are configured for attachment to side panels (111 or 112) of any size.

Referring to Figures 30 to 33, the next installation step (step 8) involves positioning an elongate barge member 170 for lapping over the partially cutout portion 250 of the roof sheet which is supported by the supporting members. The barge member 170 comprises: an in use top portion 172 for engaging a lateral edge of the partially cut out portion 250 and an in use lower portion 174 for engaging the remaining portion of the roof sheet 200. The top portion 172 of the barge member 170 comprises a top wall 172A and two mutually opposed walls 172B and 172C depending downwardly from the top wall 172A. Each of the opposed walls 172B and 172C is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the top wall 172A. During use, the first opposed wall 172B engages the lateral edge of the partially cut-out roof sheet 250 and the second mutually opposed wall 172C is connected with the lower portion 174 of the barge member 170. The lower portion 174 of the barge member comprises a barge wall that runs along the length of the elongate barge member 170 and the height of the barge wall gradually decreases from a first end of the barge member 170 to a second end of the barge member 170. The barge member 170 having the aforementioned configuration prevents any water from entering a gap in between the lateral edges of the raised cut out portion 250 (supported by the battens 150) and the roof 200.

In a final installation step (step 9), the secondary flow controller 28 (see figures 34 and 37) is provided on the juncture of the front panel 117 and side panel 112 (and 111) and is spaced upstream from wall 23. Bracket members 27 comprising a pair of spaced apart substantially triangular brackets are positioned to provide rigidity to the diffuser and to prevent deformation caused by the weight of water pressing against the wall 23.

USE FOR THE INVENTION

The above description identifies at least one specific, substantial and credible use for the invention. Specifically the diffuser demonstrates that it is now possible to maintain even water flow about a flashed off penetration thereby reducing the possibility of gutter overflow and roof leakage.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A water diffuser assembly for catching water flowing along at least one side of roof penetration flashing, the assembly comprising one or more supporting members positioned below the flashing, the supporting members comprising: an in use lower portion for being positioned upon a roofing sheet; and an in use upper portion for supporting an end of a partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet; wherein during use the partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet supported by the supporting members is pitched at an acute angle relative to the remaining portion of the roof sheet.
2. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a roof supporting part of the upper portion extends underneath the partially cut out portion during use.
3. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a flashing supporting part of the upper portion is adapted to be positioned underneath the flashing for supporting the flashing during use.
4. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the supporting members comprises a top wall forming the in use upper portion and opposed side walls extending downwardly from the top wall.
5. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the opposed side walls comprises the in-use lower portion of the supporting member.
6. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of claims 4 or 5 wherein the opposed side walls comprise outwardly extending feet portions, preferably extending along a length of the opposed side walls.
7. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the top wall lies in an imaginary plane that is oriented transversely relative to the opposed side walls.
8. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the roof sheet comprises a plurality of ridges and pans therebetween such that an in use height of the top wall is greater than height of the ridges of the roof sheets.
9. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the roof flashing further comprises water guiding means roof penetration flashing comprises an upstanding collar, rear panel, a front panel with a front edge, side panels and wherein at least the one or more supporting members positioned below the rear panel.
10. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein the roof flashing further comprises a water guide means positioned on the side panel of the flashing during use.
11. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the water guiding means comprises an upstanding wall portion and a side panel receiving portion.
12. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein the side panel receiving portion extends outwardly in a transverse direction relative to the upstanding wall.
13. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the side wall receiving portion is connected to the upstanding wall by a connecting portion, said connecting portion extending downwardly from a top part of the upstanding wall.
14. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of claims 10 to 13 further comprising a fastening arrangement for fastening the side panel with the water guiding means.
15. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 14 when dependent upon claims 12 or 13 wherein during use, the side wall receiving portion of the water guiding means is fastened onto the side panel.
16. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising an elongate barge member for lapping over the partially cut-out portion of the roof sheet supported by the supporting members.
17. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 16 wherein the barge member comprises: an in use top portion for engaging a lateral edge of the partially cut out portion, said cut out portion being pitched at an acute angle relative to the remaining part of the roof sheet; and an in use lower portion for engaging said remaining portion of the roof sheet.
18. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 17 wherein the top portion of the barge member comprises a top wall and two mutually opposed walls depending downwardly therefrom.
19. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 18 wherein each of the opposed walls is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the top wall.
20. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claim 18 or 19 wherein one of the mutually opposed walls engages the lateral edge of the partially cut-out roof sheet and the other of mutually opposed walls is connected with the lower portion of the barge member.
21. A water diffuser assembly in accordance with claims 17 to 20 wherein the lower portion of the barge comprises a barge wall such that height of the barge wall gradually decreases from a first end of the barge member to a second end of the barge member.