Abstract:
Disclosed is a roof spoiler that effectively disrupts the attached flow of wind upon a roof surface. This spoiler has a stowed position, whereby it is almost completely out of the view of passersby. It also has a deployed position, wherein a barrier is projected vertically, or substantially vertically, so as to disrupt the flow of air over the roof surface. This spoiler utilizes a hinged design to move between these two positions. The spoiler is specially designed to operate in conjunction with a gutter mounted along the leading edge of the roof. In the stowed position, a portion of the spoiler covers the open gutter. In one embodiment, the spoiler is L-shaped to facilitate its stability in the deployed position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 61/176,026, filed May 6, 2009, entitled “Roof Spoiler” the disclosure of which is herby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to roofing systems. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus and a method for reducing wind damage to a roof. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One of the worst types of structural damage that can befall a building is roof damage. The devastation caused by high winds, hurricanes, tornados and the like is depicted by the media, often by focusing on the damage done to homes, especially to the roofs of those homes. In these cases, damage to the roof often leads to tremendous damage to the rest of the building, as a result of structural damage, and damage caused by the elements, such as rain or snow. 
     The roof of a building serves a number of purposes. First, it protects the interior of the building from the elements, such as rain, snow and hail. It also serves as an important structural component of the building, often linking the walls together, and adding strength to the building. 
     Wind causes several different types of damage to a roof. First, the wind, when blowing in a certain direction, can flow between the roof shingles and the underlying substrate. This air flow can cause the roof shingles to peel up and lift themselves off the roof. The removal of these shingles leaves the exposed roof susceptible to water, which can now enter through the area that is no longer protected by the missing shingles. A second type of damage is caused by the effect of high speed attached flow over the surface of the roof. The deflection of the flow over the roof line squeezes the streamlines closer together, accelerating the speed and lowering the static pressure in accordance with Bernoulli&#39;s principle. This causes uplift on part or all of the roof structure, thereby exerting an upward force on the roof. This force not only causes the shingles to lift from the roof, but can also cause the roof to pull away from the joists to which it is attached. 
     Various attempts have been made to reduce the destructive effect of hurricane force winds on a roof, including various types of roof spoilers or wind deflectors. For example, various types of roof wind spoilers have been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,206,040, 2,270,537, 2,270,538, 6,601,348, and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0248810. Most of these spoilers are attached directly onto the roof surface. To achieve their goal, most employ a member that, when deployed, is orthogonally disposed to the roof surface. This member may be either permanently disposed, or manually or automatically disposed only when needed. Other publications, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,348, and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2007/0113489, disclose a spoiler that can be attached to the fascia, rather than the roof surface. As the air flow travels along the surface of the roof, this vertical barrier presents an obstacle to its continued flow. As a result, the wind must travel over the barrier, which causes the air flow to become turbulent. In fact, the air flow directly at the roof may reverse directions, thereby pushing the shingles down. The turbulent nature of the air flow created by these spoilers significantly decreases the negative pressure area described above.  FIG. 1   a  shows the flow of air over a typical roof. Note the attached flow as the wind moves over the roof surface.  FIG. 1   b  shows the resulting air flow when a roof spoiler is installed on the roof. Note the turbulence created downwind of the spoiler. Also of interest is the change in the direction of the wind along the roof surface. 
     Up to now, no roof spoilers have enjoyed commercial success or gained widespread use. This lack of success is probably due to a number of reasons, including unattractive appearance (e.g., due to poor aesthetic design or location on roof surface), poor performance (e.g., due to product design, operation or location), costs, complexity of installation, etc. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a roof spoiler device that creates a turbulent air flow on the roof surface to prevent wind damage. It is an additional object to provide a device that reduces the flow of air under the shingles. It is a further object to provide a roof spoiler device that has an acceptable aesthetic appearance. It is also an object to provide a roof spoiler device that may be used in conjunction with a roof gutter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention embraces a roof spoiler that effectively disrupts the attached flow of wind on a roof surface. Preferably, the spoiler is specially designed for installation at or near the roof fascia and, more preferably, will operate in conjunction with a gutter mounted on the roof fascia or along the leading edge of the roof. This spoiler utilizes a hinged design to move between two operating positions. The first position is a stowed position, whereby the spoiler is almost completely out of the view of passersby. In the stowed position, a portion of the spoiler covers the open gutter (if present), thereby creating a guard to help keep out leaves and other debris. A second portion of the spoiler may extend into the gutter. 
     The second position is a deployed position, wherein a barrier is projected vertically, or substantially vertically, so as to disrupt the flow of air over the roof surface. In one embodiment, the spoiler rests upon the first row of shingles when in the deployed position. In another embodiment, the spoiler rests near or against the fascia. 
     In one embodiment, the spoiler is L-shaped to facilitate its stability in the deployed position. The two members that comprise the L-shape may be of equal length, or may be of different lengths, as required. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts airflow over a roof surface with and without a roof spoiler; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a cross-section of a first embodiment of a roof spoiler of the present invention, in the stowed position. 
         FIG. 3  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 2  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cross-section of a first embodiment of a roof spoiler of the present invention used with a tile roof, in the stowed position; 
         FIG. 5  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 4  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cross-section of a second embodiment of a roof spoiler of the present invention, in the stowed position. 
         FIG. 7  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 6  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross-section of a third embodiment of a roof spoiler of the present invention, in the stowed position; 
         FIG. 9  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 8  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 10  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 6  used in conjunction with a tile roof; 
         FIG. 11  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 10  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 12  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 10  in the stowed position with a wind guard; 
         FIG. 13  depicts the roof spoiler of  FIG. 12  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 14  shows an exploded view of a complex hinge that can be used with the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  shows a cover used in conjunction with the spoiler of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows an embodiment of the present invention in the stowed position; 
         FIG. 17  shows the roof spoiler of  FIG. 16  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 18  shows a modification to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows the roof spoiler of  FIG. 18  in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 20   a - b  show several modifications to the spoiler of  FIG. 2  in the stowed position; and 
         FIG. 21   a - b  show the spoilers of  FIG. 20   a - b  in the deployed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A roof spoiler is intended to present an obstacle to attached flow during high (e.g., hurricane-force) winds. One way to present such an obstacle is to introduce a vertical, or substantially vertical member that interrupts that air flow. In other embodiments, the obstacle may not be vertical, but rather orthogonal to the roof surface, as shown in  FIG. 1   b . However, as mentioned above, a vertical member attached to the roof surface is unsightly and not likely to be adopted. 
     To improve the aesthetics of a roof spoiler, it is preferable that the spoiler has at least two operating positions; a deployed position, where it acts as an obstruction as described above, and a stowed position, where the spoiler should be relatively non-intrusive and barely visible to passersby. 
     One embodiment of such a roof spoiler is depicted in  FIG. 2 , which shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of the roof spoiler in the stowed position. The roof spoiler  100  is preferably L-shaped, with two roughly orthogonal members; a first member  110  and a second member  120 . Each member has a length (i.e., the short dimension that extends away from the roof edge) and a width (i.e., the long dimension parallel to the roof edge) and preferably is substantially planar. In the stowed position, the first member  110  is disposed in an approximately vertical orientation, extending downwardly toward the inside of the gutter  130  (if a gutter is desired and present). In some embodiments, the first member may be disposed orthogonal (i.e., at approximately a 90° angle) to the roof surface. This first member  110  can be any suitable length, such as 5 cm to 30 cm, preferably about 10 cm to 23 cm. However, it is preferably shorter than the depth of the gutter. In addition, it is preferably shorter than the width of the gutter opening, as will be explained later. 
     The second member  120  is disposed in an approximately horizontal orientation, extending away from the edge of roof  10 . In some embodiments, such as the one shown in  FIG. 2 , the second member may be parallel to the roof surface (i.e., the plane of the roof). The second member may also be coplanar with the roof surface, such that it appears to be an extension of the roof. In these embodiments, the second member may extend from the vertical direction at an angle from about 60° to about 90°, depending on the slope of the roof. In the stowed position, the second member  120  covers a portion, and in some embodiments, all, of the gutter opening  131  (if a gutter is desired and present). In this way, the gutter  130  is protected from leaves and other debris that can enter the gutter  130  and subsequently clog it, thereby preventing proper operation. The second member  120  can be of any suitable length, such as 10 cm to 46 cm, preferably about 15 cm to 30 cm, and that length is not constrained by the depth or width of the gutter  130 . In other words, the width and depth of the gutter opening have no effect on the length of the second member  120 . This flexibility is critical in that the length of the second member  120  determines the height of the spoiler in the deployed position. Thus, the spoiler can be made arbitrarily long without impacting its operation in the stowed position. Furthermore, the length of the second member  120  is not apparent to passersby. Therefore, it is possible to implement a tall obstacle (when in the deployed position), without creating an unsightly apparatus on the roof. 
     The members  110 ,  120  are constructed from a durable material, such as metal, alloys, composites, plastics (such as PVC and ABS), polymers, polymer composites, and building materials, such as wood or wood composites, cement, or cemtitious boards. Factors such as strength, durability, ultraviolet and corrosion resistance, manufacturability and cost may be used to select an appropriate material. In some embodiments, the two members are formed as a unitary piece, which is preferably extruded to reduce cost. In some embodiments, the two members are the same thickness, while in other embodiments, the thicknesses of the two members differ. The thickness of each member is determined based on the material used and the desired durability and rigidity of that member. 
     The roof spoiler  100  is in communication with a pivoting mechanism  140 , such as a hinge. The roof spoiler  100  is configured to operate with the pivoting mechanism  140  such that it rotates from about 75° to about 125°, preferably about 80° to about 110°, more preferably about ninety degrees) (90°, between its stowed position and its deployed position. In some embodiments, the pivoting mechanism is a simple hinge, such as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the pivoting mechanism has a first portion, or bracket  141 , which is affixed to the roof fascia  160 , using fasteners  143 , such as nails or screws. In general, the bracket  141  is oriented in the vertical direction, as shown in  FIG. 2 . If necessary, standoffs may be used to insure that the bracket  141  is sufficiently spaced apart from the gutter and fascia  160 . As will be described in more detail below, stops may be used to limit the rotation of the pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism  140  also has a second slanted portion  145 , at an angle relative to the bracket  141 , so as to move the axis of rotation (i.e. pivoting connection  142 ) a distance away from the fascia  160 . In some embodiments, the distance from the axis of rotation (pivoting connection  142 ) to the edge of the roof is less than the length of the first member  110 . In some embodiments, the pivoting mechanism  140  is connected to the first member  110  at a location between its two ends. By moving the axis of rotation, or pivoting connection  142  away from the fascia  160 , the first member  110  may be disposed in an orientation that allows the second member  120  to be parallel to the roof surface. In other words, the first member  110  can move past vertical in the stowed position. For example, the first member  110  shown in  FIG. 2  rotates past the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the first and second members are orthogonal to one another, and the first member  110  is disposed at such an angle so that the second member  120  is coplanar with the surface of the roof. Therefore, if the surface of the roof has an angle of θ° with respect to the horizontal plane, second member  120  may also have this angle. If the two members are orthogonal, the first member  110  must move past vertical by θ° as well. In this case, the second member  120  extends at an angle of (90-θ)° from the bracket. In these embodiments, the second member  120  extend outwardly from the bracket  141  at an angle of about 60° to about 90° in the stowed position, depending on the slope of the roof surface. Therefore, pivoting connection  142  must be placed at a location so as to allow the first member  110  this degree of rotation. Note that if the axis of rotation (pivoting connection  142 ) remains at the fascia, the first member  110  cannot rotate past vertical. However, in some embodiments, the axis of rotation or pivoting connection  142  may be located near the fascia  160 , recognizing that the rotation of the spoiler may be limited in this configuration.  FIG. 20   a  shows a spoiler in which the axis of rotation or pivoting connection  142  is at or near the fascia  160 . In this embodiment, the second member  120  is roughly orthogonal to the fascia  160 , due to the inability of the first member  110  to move past the vertical orientation. In  FIG. 20   b , the first and second members are configured at an angle less than 90 degrees, to allow the second member  120  to be parallel to the roof surface when in the stowed position. In these embodiments, the angle between the first and second members may be from about 60° to 90°, depending on the slope of the roof. In other embodiments, the first and second members are configured at an angle greater than 90°, such as between 90° and 120°. Thus, the first and second members may meet at an angle between 60° and 120°, preferably between 80° and 100°, more preferably at 90°. 
       FIG. 3  shows the spoiler of  FIG. 2  in the deployed position. In the presence of high speed winds, the wind will force the spoiler to rotate from its stowed position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to its deployed position. The constant air flow will force the spoiler to remain in its deployed position. When the wind has stopped, or sufficiently slowed, gravity will then urge the spoiler  100  back to its stowed position. 
     In the deployed position, the second member  120  is disposed in a vertical, or substantially vertical orientation. In some embodiments, the second member is not vertical, but rather is orthogonal (i.e., at approximately a 90° angle) to the plane of the roof surface, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In other words, the second member  120  may be at an 180° angle with respect to the bracket  141 , if it is disposed in a vertical orientation. However, if the second member  120  is oriented to be orthogonal to the roof surface, the angle between the bracket  141  and the second member  120  will be less than 180°, such as between 140° and 180°, depending on the slope of the roof. In some embodiments, the rotation of the spoiler  100  is stopped when the second member  120  comes into contact with the edge of roof  10 . In other embodiments, the second member  120  may contact the fascia  160  in the deployed position. In other embodiments, a stop may be used to limit the rotation of the spoiler  100 . 
       FIG. 21   a  shows the spoiler of  FIG. 20   a  in the deployed position.  FIG. 21   b  shows the spoiler of  FIG. 20   b  in the deployed position. 
     These embodiments are advantageous in that they function with roofs of varying thicknesses. For example,  FIG. 4  shows the roof spoiler of  FIG. 2 , in its stowed position, used with a tile roof  20 , where the thickness of the tile roof is many times greater than that of a typical shingled roof. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the second member  120  of the spoiler  100  in the stowed position does not lie in the same plane as the top of the tile roof. However, this is not necessarily a limitation of this design, as the spoiler can be modified so that the second member  120  lies in the same plane as the tile roof  20 . If desired, this can be done by varying the height of the bracket  141  or the second slanted portion  145 , changing the angle between the bracket  141  of the hinge and the second slanted portion  145  of the pivoting mechanism  140 , or changing the point on the first member  110  where it contacts the pivoting connection  142 . Each of these modifications will be apparent to a skilled engineer and need not be described further. 
       FIG. 5  shows the spoiler in the deployed position with a tile roof  20 . In this figure, the spoiler  100  does not extend as far above the roof  20 , as the previous embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , due to the increased thickness of the roof. However, this can also be modified, if desired, such as by raising the height of the bracket  141 , or second slanted portion  145 . Additionally, this can be compensated for by extending the length of the second member  120  such that it extends a sufficient height above the tile. 
     In some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIG. 2-5 , the range of motion of the roof spoiler  100  is limited in one direction by the gutter  130 , and by the edge of the roof in the opposite direction.  FIG. 4  shows a stop, or standoff,  115 , which can be used to limit the rotation of the spoiler  100  in the stowed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop  115  is used to keep the second member  120  from contacting the gutter  130 . Furthermore, the stop  115  can be used to create a stowed position, wherein the second member  120  lies in the same plane as the roof surface. This provides visual continuity, such that the second member  120  appears as an extension of the roof surface. In other embodiments, the stop  115  may use a different mechanism. For example, the pivoting mechanism  140  may be designed to have limited rotation, thereby creating the required stop. 
     Another advantage of this embodiment is its ability to stop the flow of wind into the tile roof  20 . In many tile roofs, the tile is constructed in a wavy or sinusoidal type pattern. When the tile is applied to the roof, there are gaps between the tile and the underlying roof, as a result of the tile&#39;s shape. During hurricanes, wind can enter these gaps, and force the tile away from the roof. In the deployed position shown in  FIG. 5 , the roof spoiler  100 , and particularly second member  120 , also serves to block the open ends of tile from incoming wind, thereby eliminating another cause of roof damage. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6 , the pivoting mechanism  200  includes several components. A bracket  210  is affixed to the fascia  160 , such as by fasteners  211 , such as screws or nails. One or more of the fasteners  211  may pass through the gutter  130  (if present), further securing it to the fascia  160 . Near the upper end of the bracket  210  is a first pivot  220 . Attached to this pivot  220  is an extension rod  230 , the opposite end of which connects to the spoiler holder  240 . In some embodiments, the extension rod  230  is joined to the spoiler holder  240  via a second pivot  250 . However, in other embodiments, this joint  250  is fixed and cannot rotate. In other embodiments, the extension rod  230  is attached directly to the first member  110 . Extension rod  230  may be any suitable shape. In some embodiments, it is a bracket, which connects first pivot  220  to second pivot  250  (see  FIG. 14 ). In other embodiments, it may be a solid material, extending the length of the spoiler  100 . For example, the extension rod  230  may be constructed from the same material as the spoiler  100 . 
     This embodiment also shows spoiler holder  240  being used to hold first member  110 . However, other embodiments are possible as well. For example, the second pivot  250  may be affixed directly to the first member  110 . The spoiler holder  240  allows the manufacture of the spoiler to be simplified, but is not required in the present invention. 
     In other embodiments, extension rod  230  is an integral part of spoiler  100 .  FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of the spoiler in which the extension rod is a part of first member  110 . In this embodiment, first pivot  220  connects to the base of extension rod  230 . In some embodiments, first member  110 , second member  120  and extension rod  230  are formed (e.g., extruded or molded) as a single part. 
     Additionally, the bracket  210  may also include a stop  260 , which contacts the first member  110  or the spoiler holder  240 , when the spoiler  100  is in the stowed position. The stop  260  determines the extent of the rotation of the pivoting mechanism  200  in the stowed position. As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the stop  260  may be set so that the second member  120  is substantially parallel to the surface of the roof  10  in the stowed position. It may also be necessary to set the stop  260  so that the second member  120  does not touch the outer edge of the gutter  130 . In some embodiments, the pivoting mechanism  200  is configured such that the second member  120  is parallel to the roof  10  in the stowed position. In other embodiments, a stop is not used, and the rotation of the spoiler is limited by the gutter  130 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the spoiler of  FIG. 6  in the deployed position. The extension rod  230  is preferably sized such that a portion of first member  110  rests on top of a portion of the roof  10  when deployed. This configuration has several benefits. First, the roof provides a stop in the deployed direction for the pivoting mechanism. Second, the spoiler  100  serves to urge the front row of shingles downward due to the pressure exerted by the wind. The configuration of the extension rod  230  and the first member  110  may determine the size of the portion of the first member  110  that sits upon the roof  10 . In some embodiments, such as is shown in  FIG. 7 , only a small portion of the first member  110  is on the roof  10 . However, in other embodiments, the parts can be configured such that a larger portion of the first member  110  rests on the roof  10 . 
     When the wind ceases, the spoiler  100  returns to its stowed position, through the force of gravity. If desired, the spoiler can be urged toward the stowed position, through the use of a biasing element, such as a spring in first pivot  220 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the spoiler of  FIG. 8  in the deployed position. As with  FIG. 7 , a portion of the spoiler  100  preferably sits on top of a portion of the roof  10 . In some embodiments, extension rod  230  is integral with first member  110  and extends the entire length of the spoiler. In such embodiments, the extension rod  230  may also serve as a wind guard, blocking the flow of air between the roof and the shingle. 
       FIG. 10  depicts the spoiler of  FIG. 6  used in conjunction with a taller roof, such as one made of tiles. In this embodiment, bracket  210  has been lengthened or adjusted so as to move the pivot  220  closer to the top of the roof  20 . Alternatively, extension rod  230  may be lengthened to provide a similar effect. 
       FIG. 11  shows the spoiler of  FIG. 10  in the deployed position. Note that in this embodiment, in contrast to the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the spoiler  100  does not block the gaps under the tiles. Rather the extension rod  230  is positioned in this area. If the extension rod  230  is a solid piece, as described above with respect to  FIG. 9 , the extension rod  230  may serve as a wind guard. However, in other embodiments, the extension rod  230  may be a smaller piece, used to join the first pivot  220  to second pivot  250 . In these embodiments, wind may blow between the shingle and the roof, especially in the case of tile. 
     To prevent wind from blowing under the shingle, a wind guard  270 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , may be included. The wind guard  270  is rotatably attached to pivot  250 , such that it is free to rotate. In the stowed position, the wind guard  270  is pressed between the first member  110  and the stop  260 . In the deployed position, the wind guard  270  hangs down, such that it blocks the gap between the roof and the shingle or tile, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Wind would tend to push the wind guard  270  toward the roof, where it would serve to block wind from entering under the tiles. The wind guard  270  also serves to insure that air does not pass between the spoiler  100  and the roof. A gap between the spoiler  100  and the roof serves as a path for wind, which accelerates through the gap. This may significantly degrade the performance of the spoiler. Wind guard  270  may be used to improve the performance of the spoiler  100  by eliminating the gap between the spoiler  100  and the roof. 
     Other embodiments of the pivoting mechanism that allow roof spoiler  100  to pivot are possible and are within the scope of this invention. In all embodiments, the roof spoiler preferably rotates approximately ninety degrees from its stowed position to its deployed position, although other angles of rotation advantageously may be used in some configurations. 
       FIG. 14  shows an exploded view of a complex hinge that can be used with the present invention. This hinge can be used to perform the functions described above. In this hinge, a wall mounted portion, or bracket  300  is affixed to the fascia, such as by screws or other fasteners, through mounting holes  301 . The wall mounted portion, or bracket  300  also has one or more screw holes  302 . Adjustable mounted portion  310  may have a slot  311 . A screw or bolt  305 , having a head larger than the slot, is placed through the slot and into the screw hole  302  in the wall mounted portion, or bracket  300 . In this way, adjustable portion  310  may be moved relative to wall mounted portion  300  to accommodate roofs of various thicknesses. When properly positioned, the bolt  305  is then tightened to hold the adjustable mounted portion  310  in place. This combination of wall mounted portion  300 , adjustable mounted portion, and bolt  305  may constitute bracket  210 , described above. 
     Adjustable mounted portion  310  may also have a receptacle  317  to hold stop  320 . As described above, the stop  320  is used to limit the rotation of the spoiler in one direction (i.e., the rest or stowed position). One end of extension rod  330  is rotatably connected to adjustable mounted portion  310 , such as by a hinge pin  335 , thereby allowing it freedom of motion. The opposite end of extension rod  330  may be attached to spoiler holder  340  using a second hinge pin  345 . Extension rod  330  may be urged toward its stowed position through the use of a biasing element, such as spring  347 , which can be used with one or both of the hinge pins  335 ,  345 . Hinge pins  335 ,  345  may be used to create first pivot  220  and second pivot  250 , described above. 
     The spoiler is connected to the spoiler holder  340 , and may be fastened using one or more fasteners  355 . 
     In other embodiments, extension rod  330  and spoiler holder  340  are one unitary part, without a pivoting connection or hinge pin. 
     The width of the spoiler  100  is preferably equal to, or substantially equal to, the width of the roof. In other words, if the roof is 30 feet wide, the spoiler  100  is preferably also 30 feet wide. In some embodiments, the spoiler is prefabricated in predetermined lengths, such as 4, 8 and 10 foot sections. The widths of the first member and second member are preferably the same, such that the two members are approximately coextensive. 
     While the above embodiments have been shown in conjunction with a gutter, the invention is not so limited. The present invention can be used without a gutter in the same manner as described above. In embodiments without a gutter, it may be aesthetically pleasing to cover the exposed mounting hardware.  FIG. 15  shows the spoiler of  FIG. 12  in the stowed position. Cover  295  is shown covering the fasteners  211  and bracket  210 , thereby improving the appearance of the spoiler. The cover  295  may be constructed from any suitable material, including metal or plastic. In some embodiments, it can be a prefabricated colored plastic, made to match the color of the fascia. 
     The cover of  FIG. 15  can be used in conjunction with any embodiment. It is preferably used in those embodiments in which there is no gutter, as the gutter hides the hardware in those embodiments. However, the cover  295  may be used in those embodiments as well if desired. 
     As a further aesthetic embodiment, a feature, such as decorative molding, may be incorporated in the spoiler. In one embodiment, a decorative molding is added at the intersection of the first and second members of the spoiler, so as to improve the appearance of the spoiler. Such an embodiment is typically used in embodiments that do not include a gutter, but the invention is not limited to only these embodiments. 
     The embodiments shown above describe spoilers in which two orthogonal members join together to form an L shape. However, other embodiments are also possible. As described earlier,  FIGS. 20   b  and  21   b  show an embodiment where the two members are not orthogonal to one another.  FIG. 16  shows an embodiment of a spoiler  400  with a single member  410 . The pivoting mechanism  140  can be as described in reference to  FIG. 2 . Since there are no longer two members, the stop used in conjunction with  FIG. 4  must be modified. For example, a hinge having limited rotation may be used. As described above, the presence of strong wind may cause the member  410  to rotate about the axis of rotation or pivoting connection  142 , to a deployed position, shown in  FIG. 17 . In this embodiment, the rotation is limited by the contact of the single member  410  against the roof edge. In other embodiments, the single member  410  may contact the fascia  160 . Since the member  410  begins below the roof line, this configuration also serves as a wind guard as described earlier. However, this configuration does not exert downward force on the roof shingles, as was done with the device depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a modification to the embodiment of  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, a small support  420  is added to the back side of the single member  410 . This support  420  is located such that when the spoiler is in the deployed position, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the support  420  rests on the roof shingles. In some embodiments, the small support  420  is an integral part of the single member  410 . For example, the support  420  may be formed (e.g., extruded or molded) as part of member  410 . In other embodiments, the support  420  can be affixed to the member  410 , such as by fasteners. This allows the support  420  to be positioned specifically for a particular roof thickness. For example, member  410  may have a connection mechanism, wherein the support  420  can be movably affixed to the member  410 , thereby allowing easy adjustment during installation. In embodiments where the member  410  is orthogonal to the roof surface, support  420  may extend orthogonally from member  410 . In embodiments where the member  410  is not orthogonal to the roof surface, such as when it is in a vertical position, the support may extend at an angle between 60° and 90°. 
     The support  420  shown in  FIG. 18  can also be applied to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-5  and  FIG. 20-21  if desired so as to allow the spoiler to exert a downward force on the shingles.