FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to gutters for rainwater run-off and in particular roof guttering along the edge of a pitched or sloping roof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Residential housing with pitched or inclined roofs will commonly have a gutter extending along its lower edges. Rain falling on the roof drains to the lower edges and into the roof gutter. The main purpose of guttering is to carry the water away to protect the structure of the house and in particular the foundations. Unfortunately, leaf litter from nearby trees can also fall on the roof and collect in the gutter to form a blockage. Water behind the blockage eventually spills over the outer edge and may eventually damage the foundations.

[0003] To address this, leaf guards have been developed to cover the open top of the gutter to prevent ingress of leaves, twigs and so on. The leaf guards have a mesh or array of apertures that will allow rainwater into the gutter but block the leaves and twigs in the hope they eventually blow away or otherwise removed. However, leaf guards can themselves get clogged and render the gutters ineffective. Rainwater that is prevented from collecting in the gutter can pool at the lower edge of the roof. If water seeps beneath the roofing material, it can compromise the waterproofing (such as a sarking membrane) and leak into the roof cavity.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] With the above issues in mind, the present invention provides a roof gutter for a pitched roof having external roofing materials supported on underlying structural members, the roof gutter comprising: a flashing strip for mounting between the external roofing materials and at least one of the underlying structural members; a solid debris gutter extending along one side of the flashing strip, the solid debris gutter having a barrier wall extending along an edge of the pitched roof, and at least partially defining apertures sized to retain debris washing off the roof, while allowing rainwater to flow past the barrier wall; and, a transfer channel for transferring rainwater draining through the apertures to a downpipe.

[0006] Preferably, the gutter further comprises a sealing strip extending along the flashing strip; wherein, the sealing strip is configured for one or more of: a fire retardant barrier; a dust barrier; a water seal; and a vermin barrier.

[0007] Preferably the apertures are a series of slots in the barrier wall.

[0008] Preferably, the barrier wall extends upwards relative to the flashing strip and the slots each extend upwards from a lower edge of the barrier wall by 10mm to 40mm.

[0009] Preferably, the slots are each 1mm to 4mm wide and spaced apart by 5mm to 15mm.

[0010] Preferably, the lower edge of the barrier wall joins the flashing strip, and at least some of the slots have extensions into the flashing strip.

[0011] Preferably, the extensions are a series of corresponding slots extending from each of the slots in the barrier wall.

[0012] Preferably, the transfer channel has an outer side wall extending to the barrier wall above the apertures.

[0013] Preferably, the gutter further comprising a series of fixings for extending through the flashing strip at spaced locations into the at least one underlying structural member to secure the gutter to the roof. [0014] Preferably, the flashing strip has an upper layer and a lower layer, the upper layer at least partially overlapping the lower layer and integrally connected to an edge of the solid debris gutter, and the lower layer being integrally connected to an upper end wall of the transfer channel.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing strip extends between the upper layer and the lower layer along the flashing strip.

[0016] Preferably, the gutter further comprises a filter covering the series of apertures in the solid debris gutter, for preventing solid material above a predetermined size threshold from passing through the apertures.

[0017] Preferably, the gutter further comprises an eave sheet recess on the transfer channel configured to receive an outer edge of an eave sheet extending beneath the roof.

[0018] Preferably, the flashing strip is at least 0.1 metres wide.

[0019] Preferably, the upper and lower layer of the flashing strip, the solid debris gutter and the transfer channel are integrally formed.

[0020] Preferably, the gutter further comprises a layer of fire-resistant material on an upper surface of the flashing strip wherein during use, the fire resistant material extends beneath the roofing materials.

[0021] Preferably, the flashing strip extends in a plane and the barrier wall at least partially extends in a plane that a 60° to 120° angle to that of the flashing strip.

[0022] Preferably, the gutter further comprises at least one end wall to enclose a longitudinal end of the transfer channel, the end wall having a closable opening for inserting a hose into the transfer channel to perform a pressurized fluid cleaning operation.

[0023] Preferably, the barrier wall of the solid debris gutter is configured such that during use an uppermost edge of the flashing strip beneath the roofing material of the pitched roof is more elevated than an uppermost edge of the barrier wall to allow excessive water flowing to and pooling in the solid debris gutter to spill over the barrier wall rather than the uppermost edge of the flashing strip and into the roof cavity.

[0024] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of producing a roof gutter for a pitched roof having external roofing materials supported on underlying structural members, the method comprising the steps of: forming a flashing strip for mounting between the external roofing materials and at least one of the underlying structural members; forming a solid debris gutter along one side of the flashing strip, the solid debris gutter having a barrier wall for mounting along an edge of the pitched roof, the barrier wall at least partially defining apertures sized to retain debris washing off the roof, while allowing rainwater to flow past the barrier wall; and, forming a transfer channel for transferring rainwater draining through the apertures to a downpipe; wherein, the flashing strip, the solid debris gutter and the transfer channel being integrally formed.

[0025] Preferably, the flashing strip, the solid debris gutter and the transfer channel are press- formed or roll-formed sheet metal.

[0026] Preferably, the flashing strip, the solid debris gutter and the transfer channel are a polymer extrusion.

[0027] Preferably, the transfer channel is formed with a sidewall that is cylindrical about a longitudinal axis of the transfer channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure l is a sectioned view of a roof gutter according to the invention mounted at the lower edge of a pitched roof; [0030] Figure 2 is a sectioned view of a simplified roof gutter with a solid debris gutter/transfer channel formed integrally with the flashing strip and mounted at the lower edge of a pitched roof;

[0031] Figure 3 is a sectioned view of another version of the roof gutter according to the invention mounted at the lower edge of a pitched roof;

[0032] Figure 4 is a sectioned view of another version of the roof gutter according to the invention mounted at the lower edge of a pitched roof, with a separate inset showing the gutter in isolation from the roof;

[0033] Figure 5 is a sectioned view of another version of the roof gutter according to the invention mounted at the lower edge of a pitched roof;

[0034] Figure 6 is a sectioned view of a further version of the roof gutter mounted at the lower edge of a pitched roof;

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective of the gutter of Figure 6 shown in isolation;

[0036] Figure 8 is an enlarged, partial perspective of the gutter shown in Figure 7;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic section view of the gutter shown in Figure 7;

[0038] Figure 10A is a section view of a version of the gutter with a downtumed upper edge on the flashing strip for installing the gutter without needing to pierce the flashing strip; and,

[0039] Figure 10B shows the gutter of Figure 10A installed on a roof using the down turned upper edge of the flashing strip.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, the roof gutter 10 attaches to the lower edge of a pitched roof 12. The roof 12 has external roofing materials 14 such as tiles or corregated metal sheets fixed to underlying structural members such as roof battens 18, 20 which are in turn fixed to the rafters [0041] The gutter 10 has a flashing strip 22 extending beneath the roofing material 12 to the first roof batten 20 or further if required. The gutter 10 shown in Figure 1, uses a flashing strip 22 made up of an upper layer 46 and a lower layer 48 but the skilled worker will understand other forms may use a single layer flashing strip 22, or the flashing strip may have additional layers.

[0042] The gutter 10 is secured to the roof 12 by a series of spaced fixings such as sealing screws 42 through the extrenal roofing 14, flashing strip 22 and into the roof batten 20. The upper layer 46 of the flashing strip 22 extends to a solid debris gutter 26 at the lower peripheral edge of the roofing material 14. The solid debris gutter 26 has an upright barrier wall 24 extending along the lower edge of the roofing material 14 to collect leaves and other debris. The barrier wall 24 has a series of apertures 28 allowing rainwater to flow into a transfer channel 30. The transfer channel 30 connects to a downpipe (not shown). An outer side wall 32 of the transfer channel 30 extends to the barrier wall 24 above the apertures 28. The inner side wall 34 of the transfer channel 30 extends to the lower layer 48 of the flashing strip 22. A sealing strip 40 provides a fluid seal between the upper and lower layers 46, 48 of the flashing strip 22 to prevent water from the transfer channel 30 leaking into the roof cavity 52.

[0043] A filter in the form of a porous pad 50 may be positioned in the solid debris gutter 26 to prevent the ingress of solid material above a threshold size. The gutter 10 may be installed such that the barrier wall 24 and filter 50 abut against the lower peripheral edge of the roofing material 14. This further reduces the likelihood of solid material entering the transfer channel 30.

[0044] The barrier wall 24 provides a useful abutment for engaging the lower peripheral edge of the roofing material 14. As best shown in Figures 7 and 9, the barrier wall 24 typically projects upwardly at angle a between 60° to 120° relative to the flashing strip 22. Preferably, the barrier wall extends upwardly from the flashing strip at an angle of about 90°. In some embodiments, the flashing strip 22 and/or the barrier wall 24 are non-planar (or partially planar) but arranged such that the barrier wall extends generally upwards from the flashing strip.

[0045] The gutter 10 may also have an eave sheet recess 38 formed on the transfer channel 30. The eave sheet recess 38 can receive the outer edge of an eave sheet 36 to enclose the roof cavity 52. [0046] The flashing strip 22 is preferably at least 0.1 metres wide. This ensures any water pooling in and around the solid debris gutter 26 has little chance of flowing over the inner peripheral edge of the flashing strip 22 and into the roof cavity 52. It is also beneficial to configure the gutter 10 such that the inner edge of the flashing strip 22 is more elevated than the top of the barrier wall 24.

[0047] Conveniently, the barrier wall 24, flashing strip 22 and transfer channel 30 of the gutter 10 may be provided as an integrally formed single sheet of corrosion resistant metal. Other forms of the gutter integrally mold or extrude the barrier wall, flashing strip and transfer channel using suitable polymeric materials. Particular polymers, such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), are weather resistant and suitable for extrusion. Some forms of the gutter 10 also provide a layer of fire-resistant material (not shown) on an upper surface of the flashing strip 22 to provide a section of fire resistance beneath the roofing materials 14.

[0048] As best shown in Figure 7, some forms of the gutter will include an end wall 58 enclosing the longitudinal ends 59 of the transfer channel 30 in which a closable opening 60 is provided. To periodically clean the gutter 10, a hose is inserted through the opening 60 in the end wall 58 to perform a high-pressure cleaning operation using a water jet attachment on the hose, similar to a plumber’s (so called) “jetter” high pressure nozzle.

[0049] The gutter 10 is conveniently fixed to the roof 12 via the sealing screws 42 thereby avoiding the need for the mounting brackets required for standard roof guttering. Furthermore, the fluid seal 40 in the flashing strip 22 provides a more effective waterproofing barrier between the gutter 10 and the roof cavity 52. Furthermore, the dual layer flashing strip 22 and the addition of fire-resistant materials improves the safety of the flowing for the occupants.

[0050] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the roof gutter 10 having a simplified design that avoids use of the transfer channel 30 (see Figure 1). The flashing strip 22 is fixed between the roof battens 20 and the external roof materials 14 to mount the solid debris gutter 26 along one side of the facia 56 at the lower edge of the pitched roof 12. However, this simplified version also provides a sealing strip 40 extending along the flashing strip 22 to provide a fire-resistant barrier, dust barrier, and/or vermin barrier between the solid debris gutter 26 and the roof cavity 52. [0051] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the roof gutter 10 with a single layer of flashing strip 22 similar to the gutter shown in Figure 2. Likewise, the sealing strip 40 is attached to the upper surface of the flashing strip 22 to provide fire resistance, a water barrier and/or a vermin barrier. However, the solid debris gutter 26 is provided by an upright barrier wall 24 at the lowermost edge of the flashing strip 22. This upright barrier wall includes a series of apertures 28 (not shown) allowing rainwater to drain into the transfer channel 30. The inner side wall 34 of the transfer channel 30 extends towards the flashing strip 22 but remains spaced from the underside of the flashing strip 22. This provides a relatively simple profile shape for ease of production and installation. In particularly heavy downpours, the water level in the transfer channel 30 may rise to the top of the inner side wall 34. The top of the inner side wall 34 is pressed flush against the facia 56 to minimise overflow down the facia 56 to the ground.

[0052] As with the gutter shown in Figure 1, the gutter of Figure 3 separates the solid debris from the rainwater before it enters the transfer channel 30. The leaf and twig debris are easily removed from the external side of the barrier wall or simply blow off the roof in the right wind conditions. The roof gutter 10 shown in Figure 3 also includes a porous filter pad 50 to further reduce the solid matter draining into the transfer channel 30.

[0053] In Figure 4, the roof gutter 10 has a transfer channel 30 formed such that the outer side wall 32 is used as a facia 56. Furthermore, it differs from the version shown in Figure 3 in that the inner side wall 34 extends to the flashing strip 22 where it connects to the lower layer 48.

[0054] Sealing material 57 is provided between the upper and lower layer 46, 48 of the flashing strip 22 to provide an additional water seal and barrier into the roof cavity 52. However, the upper surface of the flashing strip 22 still supports a sealing strip 40 providing a fire resistance barrier, dust barrier and/or vermin barrier. As with the roof guard shown in Figure 3, the leaves and twigs do not enter the transfer channel 30 and therefore are more easily removed from the solid debris gutter 26 or simply blow away in due course.

[0055] With the gutter 10 providing an external facia 56, the inner side wall 34 may be conveniently provided with an eave sheet recess 38. The outer edge of the eave sheet 36 is received in the recess 38 to neatly finish the connection with the gutter 10. Figure 4 includes Inset A showing the gutter 10 in isolation from the roof 12 to clearly depict the eave sheet recess 38 fixed to the inner side wall 34 and the sealing strip 40 attached to the upper layer 46 of the sealing strip 22.

[0056] The version of the roof guard 10 shown in Figure 5 is similar to that shown in Figure 2 with the exception that the outer side wall 32 extends in an arc from the lower edge of the flashing strip 22 to enclose the open top of the gutter and abut the upper surface of the external roof materials 14. The surface undulations in the upper surface of the external roof material 14 (i.e. the undulating top sides of the roof tiles or corrugated sheets) create the series of apertures

28 in the solid debris gutter 26. This form of the gutter 10 avoids the need for apertures through the barrier wall 24 which is more cost effective but offers less ability to configure and size the apertures for minimizing the amount of solid debris flowing into the transfer channel 30.

[0057] The barrier wall 24 is provided by the side wall 32 arching over the transfer channel 30 to abut the upper-most portions of the external roofing materials 14. As previously discussed, the barrier wall 24 is not planar but extends generally upwards along the edge contacting the upper surface of the roof. This defines the solid debris gutter 26 for the leaves and twigs washing off the roof with the apertures 28 in the recessed undulations beneath the contacting edge for rainwater to flow into the transfer channel 30. The solid debris is easily removed from the lower edge of the pitched roof 12 while any small debris entering the transfer channel 30 can be flushed away using a high-pressure hose.

[0058] As with the previously described versions of the gutter 10, the flashing strip 22 has a sealing strip 40 to form a barrier against fire, dust and/or vermin.

[0059] Figures 6 to 9 show another embodiment of the gutter 10 with an outer sidewall 32 extending in an arc from the top of the barrier wall 24 to the flashing strip 22. The solid debris gutter 26 has a series of apertures 28 extending along the barrier wall 24 to collect the leaves and twigs washing off the roof 12 while allowing water flow into the transfer channel 30.

[0060] As best shown in Figure 7, the apertures 28 in the barrier wall 24 each have extensions

29 into the flashing strip 22. The extensions 29 enhance the water flow into the transfer channel

30 and provides an alternative flowpath for the rainwater if leaves and twigs are obstructing some of the apertures 28. Conveniently, the gutter 10 is extruded, molded, press-formed or roll- formed sheet metal. A cylindrical sidewall 32 around the channel axis 31, and wedge-shaped profile extending into the channel 30 provide the solid debris gutter 26. The internal angle a of the solid debris gutter 26 is defined by the intersection of the flashing strip 22 and the barrier wall 24. The apertures 28 in the barrier wall 24 are typically slots about 1mm to 4mm wide, about 10mm to 40mm long and spaced apart by 5mm to 15mm. In a preferred form, the apertures 28 are slots about 2mm wide, 20mm long and 10mm apart.

[0061] The extensions 29 into the flashing strip 22 are conveniently formed as a series of corresponding slots of matching dimensions and spacing. However, it will be appreciated that the extensions 29 may be separate apertures of any shape and arrangement, spaced from the apertures 28 in the barrier wall 24. As best shown in Figure 9, the slot extensions 29 do not extend along the flashing strip 22 past the connection between the sidewall 32 and the underside of the flashing strip 22 to ensure all water flows to the transfer channel 30 and not onto the facia 56.

[0062] By forming the transfer channel 30 as a partial cylinder along one edge of the flashing strip 22, the gutter is suitable for roof with sections having different pitch angles. The variation in roof pitch merely rotates the cylindrical sidewall 32 about the channel axis 31 such that the external appearance of the gutter 10 from ground level remains much the same.

[0063] Figures 10A and 10B show an embodiment of the roof gutter 10 using a downturned strip 23 along an edge of the flashing strip 22. The downturned strip 23 hooks into gap between the roof batten 20 and closely adjacent roof batten 21 to mount the gutter 10 to the roof 12. This avoids any fixings piercing through the flashing strip 22 and removes the risk of water leakage into the roof cavity. The sealing screws 42 used to fix the gutter 10 in the embodiments described above will provide adequated sealing in the majority of cases. However, there is a chance of leakage through the flashing strip 22 in some circumstances, such as poor installation technique.

[0064] The invention has been described herein by way of example only. Skilled workers in this field will readily recognize variations and modifications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the broad inventive concept.

PARTS LIST

Roof gutter 10 Inner side wall 34 Pitched roof 12 Eave sheet 36

External roofing materials 14 Eave sheet recess 38

Rafters 16 Sealing strip 40

Roof batten 18 Sealing screws 42

Roof batten 20 Eipper layer 46

Closely adjacent roof batten 21 Lower layer 48

Flashing strip 22 Porous pad 50

Down-turned strip 23 Roof cavity 52

Barrier wall 24 Facia 56

Solid debris gutter 26 Sealing material 57

Series of apertures 28 End wall 58

Aperture extensions 29 Outer side wall 32

Transfer channel 30 Longitudinal end 59

Longitudinal axis of channel 31 Closeable opening 60