A cool roof batten assembly with a vertical batten spacer which facilitates the rapid installation of battens on a roof comprises a unitary inverted U-shaped sheet material, a mounting flange extending outward perpendicularly from the ends of the sheet material and two outwardly directed retention flanges, into which the battens fit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention pertains to a cool roof batten assembly with a vertical batten spacer which facilitates the rapid installation of battens on a roof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A recognized method used in the art for creating thermal efficiency in steep slope roof structures is “above sheathing ventilation”. This is accomplished by applying vertical or counter battens to the roof deck over a vapour barrier system, to which horizontal battens are then applied. The optimal method in terms of thermal efficiency for attaching roof battens in steep slope roof structures is to first apply the vertical or counter battens above a vapour barrier system. Horizontal battens are then positioned on the vertical battens and fastened to the vertical battens and the underlying roof sheathing substrate with nails or screws. The addition of the vertical battens beneath the horizontal battens minimizes water pooling, provides improved airflow and roof deck ventilation, while reducing energy costs and extending the life expectancy of the steep slope roof structure. 
         [0003]    Unfortunately, elevating a horizontal batten between two interspaced vertical battens may result in the horizontal batten snapping or buckling during installation, especially under the combined weight of the roofing material substrate and the weight of the installers. This typically occurs when the vertical battens are spaced too far apart or if the vertical battens are extremely dry or made from sub-grade materials. As a result, roofing contractors typically attach the horizontal battens directly over the roof sheathing or deck, despite the aforementioned advantages associated with the use of vertical battens. The horizontal battens are typically positioned using chalk lines and batten gauges, which is time consuming and often prone to error. 
         [0004]    Correct installation of all overlying roofing substrates, especially interlocking metal roofing tile and panel systems, requires accurate installation of battens and counter battens to individual manufacturer spacing requirements. As batten spacing is governed by individual roofing manufacturer's specifications and local construction codes, custom batten layout is generally required for every strapped roof system installation. 
         [0005]    A need exists for an improved batten assembly for steep slope roof structures that can be rapidly installed to a manufacturer's specifications with a high degree of accuracy without using chalk lines or batten gauges, and without compromising the advantages associated with vertical battens. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a cool roof batten assembly that incorporates custom spaced batten wells set to predefined manufacturer batten spacing requirements at a range of heights to facilitate improved sheathing ventilation. The cool roof batten assembly may also accommodate a suspended radiant vapour barrier membrane. 
         [0007]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an upper batten riser and mount member comprising a unitary inverted U-shaped sheet material having an upper planar surface and two vertical side surfaces; a mounting flange extending outward perpendicularly from each of the ends of the sheet material; and two outwardly directed retention flanges coupled to the upper surface. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an upper batten riser and mounting assembly comprising a longitudinally extending inverted U-shaped sheet material having an upper planar horizontal surface and two vertical side surfaces; a mounting flange extending outward perpendicularly from each of the ends of the sheet material along its length; and a plurality of pairs of retention flanges coupled to the upper surface at predetermined distances along the length of the sheet material. 
         [0009]    According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lower vertical drip channel support assembly comprising a longitudinally extending inverted U-shaped sheet material having an upper planar horizontal surface and two vertical side surfaces; channel bottom surfaces extending outwardly from each end of the sheet material; channel side walls extending outwardly from each end of the channel bottom surfaces, wherein the channel side walls are substantially perpendicular to the channel bottom surfaces and substantially parallel to the interior side walls; and support flanges extending outwardly from each end of the channel side walls, the support flanges being substantially perpendicular to the channel side walls. 
         [0010]    According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vertical batten spacer comprising a plurality of inverted U-shaped sheet material units, each unit having an upper planar surface and two side surfaces; at least one lower surface connecting the plurality of sheet material units at predetermined distances apart, wherein the at least one lower surface extends outward perpendicularly to the lower end of the side surface. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cool roof batten assembly comprising a vertical batten spacer assembly described above which is mounted to a roofing material, preferably in sequential fashion parallel to eaves and ridges; a lower vertical drip channel support assembly described above mounted transversely to the length of the vertical batten spacer assembly, the longitudinally extending inverted U-shaped sheet material of the lower vertical drip channel being in a nested relationship with an inverted U-shaped sheet material unit of the vertical batten spacer assembly; an upper batten riser and mounting assembly described above mounted along the length of the lower vertical drip channel support assembly, the longitudinally extending inverted U-shaped sheet material of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly being in a nested relationship with the inverted U-shaped sheet material unit of the lower vertical drip channel support assembly; and a radiant barrier mounted and supported between the lower vertical drip channel support assembly and the upper batten riser and mounting assembly, the radiant barrier extending laterally between successive lower vertical drip channel support assembly-upper batten riser and mounting assembly units. 
         [0012]    According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cool roof batten assembly comprising a vertical batten spacer assembly described above mounted to a roofing material, preferably in sequential fashion parallel to eaves and ridges; an upper batten riser and mounting assembly described above mounted transversely to the length of the vertical batten spacer assembly, the longitudinally extending inverted U-shaped sheet material of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly being in a nested relationship with an inverted U-shaped sheet material unit of the vertical batten spacer assembly. 
         [0013]    According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cool roof batten assembly comprising a vertical batten spacer assembly described above mounted to a roofing material, preferably in sequential fashion parallel to eaves and ridges; an upper batten riser and mounting member described above, individually mounted transversely to the length of the vertical batten spacer assembly, the longitudinally extending inverted U-shaped sheet material of the upper batten riser and mounting member being in a nested relationship with an inverted U-shaped sheet material unit of the vertical batten spacer assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0014]      FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a vertical batten spacer according to the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   b  is a perspective close up view of the vertical batten spacer of  FIG. 1   a  showing the upper surface according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of an upper batten riser and mounting assembly member according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2   b  is a perspective close up view of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member of  FIG. 2   a  showing the rectangular perforation and batten retention flanges according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2   c  is a perspective view of a single upper batten riser and mounting assembly member according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2   d  is a perspective view of a single upper batten riser and mounting assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2   e  is a front view of a batten coupled to the single upper batten riser and mounting assembly member of  FIG. 2   c;    
           [0021]      FIG. 2   f  is a front view of a batten coupled to another embodiment of a single upper batten riser and mounting assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2   g  is a cross-section view of  FIG. 2   f;    
           [0023]      FIG. 2   h  is a front view of a batten coupled to the single upper batten riser and mounting assembly member of  FIG. 2   d;    
           [0024]      FIG. 2   i  is a front view of a single upper batten riser according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2   j  is a front view of an upper batten riser with nested shiplap joints according to a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view a lower vertical drip channel support assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3   b  is a perspective close up view of the lower vertical drip channel support assembly of  FIG. 3   a  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4   a  is a flowchart for assembling one embodiment of a cool roof batten assembly according to the present invention, including a lower vertical drip channel and vapour barrier; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4   b  is a flowchart for assembling another embodiment of a cool roof batten assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of a vertical batten spacer positioned on a roof surface or deck; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of a lower vertical drip channel support assembly positioned on the vertical batten spacer of  FIG. 5   a;    
           [0032]      FIG. 5   c  is a perspective view of a vapour barrier positioned on the lower vertical drip channel support assembly of  FIG. 5   b;    
           [0033]      FIG. 5   d  is a perspective view of an upper batten riser and mounting assembly positioned on the vapour barrier of  FIG. 5   c;    
           [0034]      FIG. 5   e  is a perspective view of a horizontal batten secured to the upper batten riser and mounting assembly of  FIG. 5   d,    
           [0035]      FIG. 6   a  is a front view of a horizontal batten secured to a roof batten assembly that is mounted on a roof deck according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6   b  is a front view of a horizontal batten secured to a roof batten assembly that is mounted on a roof truss according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7   a  is a front view of a horizontal batten secured to a roof batten assembly that is mounted on a roof deck according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7   b  is a front view of a horizontal batten secured to a roof batten assembly that is mounted on a roof truss according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a front view of a flanged riser cap according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    The present invention is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 1   a , a vertical batten spacer  100  is shown in accordance with the present invention. Vertical batten spacer  100  can be a pre-formed template, which facilitates the accurate positioning, layout and assembly of one embodiment of the cool roof batten assembly of the present invention. 
         [0042]    According to one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 1   a , vertical batten spacer  100  essentially comprises a plurality of inverted U-shaped sheet material units, each unit having a series of upper surfaces  15  and side surfaces  25 , adapted and dimensioned to receive and position, e.g. the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  or the lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300 . Each unit is connected and is typically uniformly spaced a pre-determined distance apart by lower surfaces  20 . The lower surfaces  20  contact the units at the lower portion of the side surfaces  25 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1   a . Side surfaces  25  extend perpendicularly relative to lower surface  20 , at a uniform pre-determined height, as shown in  FIG. 1   b . The spacing between upper surfaces  15  can correspond to a pre-determined spacing for vertical or horizontal battens (not shown) determined in accordance with local building codes, or as required. The lower surfaces  20  adjacent the side surfaces  25  may comprise pre-drilled apertures (not shown) that are used to secure the vertical batten spacer  100  to a roof structure. Vertical batten spacer  100  may be fabricated from sheet metal, plastic or polymers having a thickness of, for example, 24, 26 or 29 gauge material. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a , an individual upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  comprises an essentially inverted U-shaped material having an upper surface  215  and side surfaces  220 , with mounting flanges  225  coupled thereto. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical batten spacer  100  of  FIG. 1   a  nests within the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290 , and therefore the inverted U-shaped material is dimensioned accordingly. The height of the side surfaces  220  may vary and directly correlates with the volume of the above-sheathing ventilation space  540 . Mounting flanges  225  extend perpendicularly outward by a pre-determined distance from the base of side surfaces  220 , and may comprise pre-drilled apertures  240  shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2   d  at defined distances that are used to secure the assembly to a roof structure. 
         [0044]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  has batten receiving structures  235  that are adapted to receive and position battens  520 . The batten receiving structures  235  of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  may take a plurality of forms, such as flanges, channels, indentations or other forms, provided that they are able to receive and position battens  520  in accordance with the present invention. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2   b , the upper surface  215  of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  250  may have opposed batten retention flanges  235 , which are preferably uniformly spaced a predetermined distance apart. This distance is dependent upon the desired spacing of the battens. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2   c  shows a single upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  250 , which comprises a single perforation  230   a  and opposed batten retention flanges  235   a.    
         [0046]    The batten retention flanges are shaped and adapted to receive and/or secure battens. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2   c  and  2   e , the batten retention flanges  235   a  extend essentially perpendicular outward from the upper surface  215  and are adapted to receive and/or secure battens  250 . In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2   d  and  2   h , the batten retention flanges  235   b  of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  270  may be arranged and dimensioned to create grooves or channels, that are adapted to correspond with flanges  260  on battens  250   a.    
         [0047]    During typical manufacturing of one embodiment, if the batten receiving structures  235  are integrally formed from the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member, a series of perforations  230 ,  230   a  may develop in the upper surface  215  thereof, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  to  2   c . However, it is also contemplated that the batten retention flanges  235   a  may be added to the assembly member extraneously, obviating the need for perforations  230 . 
         [0048]    A variation of the riser embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2   e  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2   f  and  2   g . The batten retention flanges  235   a ′ of the riser in this embodiment extend at an inward angle towards the batten, then perpendicularly and are adapted to receive and/or secure battens  250 . Optionally, as shown in the cross-section of  FIG. 2   g , the riser assembly comprises a return lip  225   a.    
         [0049]    According to another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 2   i , the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  280  has channels or indentations  235   c  that are shaped and adapted to receive and/or secure battens  520 . Akin to the retention flanges  235   a , the channels or indentations  235   c  are preferably uniformly spaced a predetermined distance apart along the length of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  280  for receiving battens  520 . The riser assembly of this embodiment has a straight edge and connects to adjoining sections with a butt joint. 
         [0050]    A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2   j . The upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  290  has channels or indentations  235   d  that are shaped and adapted to receive and/or secure battens  520 , similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2   i . In this embodiment, successive lengths of upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  290  have stepped edges and are connected using nested shiplap joints  285 . This type of connection creates a channel or indentation  235   e  suitable for receiving and/or securing a batten  520  at the interface between successive lengths of upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  290 . Preferably, the dimensions of channel or indentation  235   e  is similar or identical to channels or indentations  235   d . This riser embodiment can accommodate both metal and wooden battens. In addition to shiplap joints  285 , other joining configurations are contemplated. 
         [0051]    Upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  may be fabricated from similar sheet metal as vertical batten spacer  100  or from other materials, where appropriate, such as wood. 
         [0052]    Upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  may be used in conjunction with horizontal battens  520 , and mounted on roofing material, such as a roof deck, trusses or rafters. In addition, upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  can be used together with other elements described herein, such as the vertical batten spacer  100  and/or the lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300 . When used with battens  520 , the space that forms between the upper surface  215  and mounting flanges  225 , often called the sub-tile ventilation channel or the upper radiant ventilation zone  550 , provides adequate ventilation of the underside of the roof deck. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment of the present invention, upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  may be used in conjunction with vertical batten spacer  100  by aligning assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  on top of spacer  100  such that inner faces of side surfaces  220  are positioned adjacent to outer faces of side surfaces  25 , thereby forming a roof jigging template (not shown). The formation of such a template facilitates the rapid and accurate installation of battens  520  to be mounted on a roof deck without the need for chalk lines or traditional batten gauges. In some embodiments, the height of side surfaces  220  can range from 1 to 3 inches. In one embodiment, the side surfaces  220  are ¾ inch high and the horizontal batten spacing is 14.5 inches. 
         [0054]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the cool roof batten assembly may also incorporate a lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  as illustrated in  FIG. 3   a  The lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  typically comprises an upper surface  315 , side walls  320 , support flanges  330  and channel sides  335 . Upper surface  315  has a series of perforations  317 , which may be uniformly spaced a pre-determined distance apart along the entire length of upper surface  315 . The perforations  317 , which may be circular or some other shape, are adapted to receive fasteners, such as nails or screws, for fastening the lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  together with other elements of the roof batten assembly described herein, and/or to sheathing, a truss or a rafter  560 . 
         [0055]    A U-shaped drip channel  325 , having a base of pre-determined width, is positioned perpendicular to and between side walls  320  and channel side walls  335 . The depth of drip channel  325  depends on the height of side walls  320  and channel side walls  335 , respectively. The higher the channel side walls  335 , the deeper the drip channel. The batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  may be mounted onto vertical drip channel support assembly  300  the drip channel  325 , and therefore, the height of the side walls  320  of the drip channel  325  may correlate with the height of the side surfaces  220  of the assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290 . In some embodiments, side walls  320  have a height ranging from 1 to 3 inches. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, a lumber batten riser may be used in the roof batten assembly instead of a lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300 . An upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  would then be mounted on the upper surface of the lumber batten riser. 
         [0057]      FIG. 4   a  shows a flowchart for assembling the cool roof batten assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, vertical batten spacer  100  is positioned on the roof surface or deck  500 , preferably in sequential fashion parallel to eaves and ridges, and fastened to roof surface or deck  500  at  405 , as shown in  FIG. 5   a . Vertical batten spacer  100  functions as a template for positioning the lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  and/or upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290 . Lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  is positioned perpendicular to and in a nesting relationship with the vertical batten spacer  100  such that upper surface  315  is directly above upper surface  15  of vertical batten spacer  100  at  410 , as shown in  FIG. 5   b.    
         [0058]    A space between upper surfaces  15  and  315  is formed which allows sufficient air flow to cool the roof. The assembly  300  functions as a drip channel and as a support for a flexibly rigid or flexible radiant vapour barrier  512 ,  510 . 
         [0059]    In this embodiment, a flexible radiant vapour barrier  510  is positioned in direct contact with upper surface  315  and support flanges  330  of lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  at  415 , as shown in  FIG. 5   c . In another embodiment, not illustrated, a flexibly rigid vapour barrier  512  may be used instead of the flexible vapour barrier  510 , as discussed below. 
         [0060]    Upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  is positioned on vapour radiant barrier  510  such that the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  is aligned and in a nesting relationship with the lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  at  420 , as shown in  FIG. 5   d . The placement of upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  over barrier  510  effectively sandwiches or suspends barrier  510  in place at a prescribed height. By suspending barrier  510 , a lower partitioned above-sheathing ventilation space  540  and an upper sub-tile ventilation channel  550  are formed within the roof sub-assembly on either side of the barrier  510 . The location of the ventilation spaces  540  and channels  550  are depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 6   a . The suspended barrier  510  of the present invention does not require a multitude of attachments, such as nails or screws, within the roof deck system, thereby improving the long term vapour resistance of the roof deck assembly. 
         [0061]    Next, upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  and lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  is fastened to roof surface or deck  500  at  425 , using fastening members  525 , such as nails or screws. Steps  410  to  425  are repeated at pre-determined positions along the length of vertical batten spacer  100  until a desired number of upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  have been fastened to roof surface or deck  500  at  430 . Horizontal battens  520 , such as 2×2 inch wooden or metal battens  520 , are inserted into batten receiving structures  235 , such as between opposed batten retention flanges  235   a  at  435 , as shown in  FIG. 5   e , and fastened to each upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  by inserting a fastening member  525 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 4   b  shows a flowchart for assembling the cool roof batten assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to previous embodiments, this embodiment comprises positioning a vertical batten spacer  100  on the roof surface or deck  500 , preferably in sequential fashion parallel to eaves and ridges, and fastened to roof surface or deck  500  at  440 . The lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  and flexible vapour barrier  510  are not utilized in this embodiment. Rather, the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  is positioned perpendicular to and in a nesting relationship with the vertical batten spacer  100  such that upper surface  215  is directly above upper surface  15  of vertical batten spacer  100  at  445 . 
         [0063]    Next, upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  is fastened to roof surface or deck  500  at  450 , using fastening members  525 , such as nails or screws. Steps  445  to  450  are repeated at pre-determined positions along the length of vertical batten spacer  100  until a desired number of upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  have been fastened to roof surface or deck  500  at  455 . Horizontal battens  520 , such as 2×2 inch wood or metal battens  520 , are inserted in batten receiving structures  235  at  460 , and fastened to each upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  by inserting a fastening member  525 . 
         [0064]    Fastening members  525  are illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b ,  7   a  and  7   b . The skilled worker having regard to the description will appreciate that other fastening members  525  can secure one or more components of the invention during assembly. 
         [0065]    When one embodiment of the present invention is assembled, a first space develops between the lower surface of the barrier  510  and roof surface or deck  500  forming a thermal bridge, which is often referred to as the thermal air barrier zone, or above-sheathing ventilation space  540 . The cubic capacity of the zone depends on the height of channel sides  335  and side surfaces  220 . After completion of roof construction, the zone becomes a sealed, static air space or insulation barrier when occluded with an air channel closure strip  530 , which reduces thermal bridging, improves thermal resistance and may result in energy savings, in comparison with the prior art. 
         [0066]    A second space develops between the upper surface of barrier  510  and upper surface  215  of the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290 , which is often referred to as the sub-tile ventilation channel or upper radiant ventilation zone  550 . The cubic capacity of this channel depends on the height of side surfaces  220 . 
         [0067]    The resulting ventilation lowers heat penetrating the attic  570 , by reducing the inward flow of heat energy through a roof deck assembly, which may occur during the warm summer months. This often lowers the amount of heat penetrating a building's interior via its attic floor. In addition, sub-tile venting has the added benefit in cold snowy climates of reducing the outward flow of heat energy through a roof deck assembly (from, e.g. the building interior and attic), that may occur during the cold winter months. This often occurs as a result of snow collecting in eavestroughs, which closes the sub-tile ventilation systems inlets creating a static air layer, forming the thermal resistance characteristics described above. 
         [0068]    The net effect of combining sub-tile ventilation by the sub-tile ventilation channel  550 , radiant vapour barrier and the thermal air barrier zone  540  within the cool roof batten assembly of the present invention is increased energy savings when compared to traditional asphalt shingle roofs nailed directly to a roof deck. 
         [0069]    A person of skill in the art will appreciate that the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  or lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  may also be mounted directly to the roof deck or mounted on a vertical batten, truss or rafter  560 . Some of these alternate embodiments will forego the advantages associated with using lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300 , such as additional support for radiant barriers. It is also contemplated that the vapour barrier may be a flexible barrier  510 , a rigid barrier or a flexibly rigid barrier  512  such as those known in the art. 
         [0070]    For example,  FIG. 6   a  illustrates a roof batten assembly mounted on a roof deck  500  comprising a flexibly rigid vapour barrier  512  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Although not illustrated, a vertical batten spacer  100  may be utilized with this embodiment as described above. A plurality of lower vertical drip channel support assemblies  300  are fastened to the roof deck  500 . In this embodiment, a flexibly rigid vapour barrier  512  is positioned in direct contact with an upper surface of the support flanges  330  of lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  and temporarily held in position with the mounting flanges  225  of an upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  until securely fastened with fastening members  525 . Thermal air barrier zones  540  and upper radiant ventilation zones  550  are thus produced. One or more thermal air barrier zones  540  may be partially or fully occluded with an air channel closure strip  530 . Accurate alignment of batten receiving structures of the adjacent upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  is accomplished by positioning a horizontal batten  520  in the first batten receiving structure closest to the edge of the roof deck  500 , or eave. The corresponding upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  are then aligned accordingly. A fastening member  525  is used to attach the batten  520  to the upper batten riser and mounting assembly member  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290 , the lower vertical drip channel support assembly  300  and the roof deck  500 . 
         [0071]    Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6   b . This embodiment is similar to that shown in  FIG. 6   a  with the exception that the plurality of lower vertical drip channel support assemblies  300  are mounted directly on roof trusses or rafters  560 . The thermal air barrier zone  540  is often effectively removed in this embodiment, as there is no roof deck  500  to act as a partition. Rather, the area beneath the vapour barrier  512  is substantially in direct communication with the attic space  570  of the building. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7   a  illustrates a roof batten assembly mounted on a roof deck  500  comprising a flexible vapour barrier  510  according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment does not comprise lower vertical drip channel support assemblies  300 . Although not illustrated, a vertical batten spacer  100  may be utilized with this embodiment as described above. In this embodiment, a flexible vapour barrier  510  is positioned in direct contact with the upper surface of the roof deck  500 . A plurality of upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  and battens  520  are arranged in parallel on top of the vapour barrier  510  until securely fastened with fastening members  525 . An upper radiant ventilation zone  550  is thus produced. Accurate alignment of batten receiving structures of the adjacent upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  is accomplished by positioning a horizontal batten  520  in the first batten receiving structure closest to the edge of the roof deck  500 , or eave. The corresponding upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  are then aligned accordingly. Fastening members  525  are used to attach the battens  520  to the upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  and the roof deck  500 . A roofing substrate  600 , such as plywood, is typically then mounted to the upper surface of the batten  520 . 
         [0073]    Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 7   b . This embodiment is similar to that shown in  FIG. 7   a  with the exception that the plurality of upper batten riser and mounting assembly members  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  and flexible vapour barrier  510  are mounted directly on roof trusses or rafters  560 . Upper radiant ventilation zones  552  are thus produced between batten  520  and vapour barrier  510 . In this embodiment, the area beneath the vapour barrier  510  is effectively the attic space  570  of the building. 
         [0074]      FIG. 8  depicts a flanged riser cap  700  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Riser cap  700  is made of metal or other suitable material. Riser cap  700  is seated on top of a variable height riser  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  of the present invention. If an increased height is required between the top of riser  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  and roof deck  500  or truss  560 , riser cap  700  is positioned atop riser  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290 . Base  710  of riser cap  700  can be of variable height to accommodate any given height requirement. In the illustrated embodiment, base  710  is angled inwardly. In other embodiments, base  710  can have other configurations, so long as it functions to add height between riser  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290  and batten (not illustrated in this figure). Flanges  720  of riser cap  700  are dimensioned to fit securely on top of riser  200 ,  250 ,  270 ,  280 ,  290 . Opposed batten retention flanges  235   d  secure batten in place. The riser cap  700  is a cost-effective option to add height to add variable riser height, when needed. 
         [0075]    Although the description above contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.