Abstract:
A system for management of a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, the system having a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak. The system further includes a router positioned proximate the peak, the router enabling air flowing to the peak from the first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/494,266, filed Jun. 7, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure generally relates to building products. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a system, components, and method for managing loads and conditions, such as airflow, thermal loads, and environmental conditions, in buildings. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Traditionally, pitched roofs include a protective covering, such as tiles or shingles, presented on a roof board or “deck” that covers an unconditioned space or “attic.” The attic can serve as a buffer to a conditioned, living space below the attic. It can desirable to attempt to maintain the temperature of the attic, through the use of ventilation, so that the temperature of the attic is at or near the outside environmental air temperature. 
         [0004]    Such ventilation can be done using soffit vents and roof or ridge vents. Even if such vents are included, however, they can be inadequate and/or deteriorate with the age of the home. As a result, roofs can develop unwanted thermal heat loads (heat gains) in the conditioned, living space in the summer season and the removal of thermal heat (heat loss) in the conditioned, living space during the winter period. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, many heat loads can be caused by “radiant” heat, which can cause high cooling energy costs in buildings, particularly in warm southern climates that receive a high incidence of solar radiation. It is not uncommon for the air temperature within a space adjacent to or under a roof to exceed the ambient outside air temperature by 40° F. (about 22° C.) or more, due to absorption of solar energy by the roof. This can lead to a significant energy cost for cooling the living spaces of a building to a comfortable living temperature. Most homes do not have solutions for managing or reducing radiant heat. 
         [0006]    Also, in colder climates, traditional roofs can have inadequate air flow from the soffit to the peak exit can lead to ice build-up or “ice dams” at the lower eaves area. Ice dams form when there is snow on the roof and removal of thermal heat (heat loss) of the conditioned space, or heat from solar gain absorbed by the portions of the roof that are not snow covered, melts snow on the roof. The resulting water travels down the roof to lower portions of the roof that are below 32° F. (usually at the eves) and the water refreezes. The ice then forms a small dam that slowly builds up and, eventually, the water can back up behind the dam. This backed-up water can then work its way under the shingles and leak into the space below. Poor unconditioned space ventilation in colder climates can also lead to build up of frost and condensation that form on the underside of the roof. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This disclosure provides a system, components, and method for managing airflow by or within the roof system, the thermal heat loads and heat loss of the roof system, the temperature of conditioned and/or unconditioned spaces in a building, and the ventilation of the conditioned and/or unconditioned spaces in a building. The subject matter of this disclosure, in its various combinations, either in apparatus or method form, may include the following list of embodiments: 
         [0008]    1. A system for management of thermal loads relative to a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, said system comprising: 
         [0009]    a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak; and 
         [0010]    a router positioned proximate the peak, said router enabling air flowing to the peak from said first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions. 
         [0011]    2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein said plurality of directions are selected from the group consisting of: 
         [0012]    out of a peak vent included at the peak and into the atmosphere, 
         [0013]    to said second channel, 
         [0014]    back to said first channel, 
         [0015]    into the unconditioned space, 
         [0016]    into an heat recovery unit, 
         [0017]    into an air make-up unit, and 
         [0018]    any combinations thereof. 
         [0019]    3. A roofing article for use in the system of any one of the preceding embodiments, said roofing article comprising a body and a roofing article channel defined therein, such that when said roofing article is arranged on said first deck, said roofing article channel forms at least a portion of said first channel. 
         [0020]    4. A roof covering for use in the system of any one of embodiments 1 to 2, said roofing covering comprising a plurality of roofing articles, each roofing article comprising a body and a roofing article channel defined in said body, such that when said plurality of roofing articles are arranged on said first deck, said roofing article channels of said plurality of roofing articles arranged on said first deck collectively form at least a portion of said first channel and when said plurality of roofing articles are arranged on said second deck, said roofing article channels of said plurality of roofing articles arranged on said second deck collectively form at least a portion of said second channel. 
         [0021]    5. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 2, further comprising a covering presented on said first and second decks, said first channel being defined within said covering presented on the first deck and said second channel being defined within said covering presented on the second deck. 
         [0022]    6. The system of embodiment 1, further comprising a covering presented on said first and second decks, said first channel being defined intermediate said first deck and said covering presented on the first deck and said second channel being defined intermediate said second deck and said covering presented on the second deck. 
         [0023]    7. The system of any one of embodiments 4 to 6, further comprising one or more vents included in covering, said vents operably extending from said first channel to a top surface of covering. 
         [0024]    8. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein said first channel and said second channel are positioned above the first deck and second deck, respectively. 
         [0025]    9. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein said first channel and said second channel are positioned below the first deck and second deck, respectively. 
         [0026]    10. The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said router is a linear actuator. 
         [0027]    11. The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a selectively openable and closeable vent proximate a lower end of the first deck, such that said vent, when opened, enables air to enter into or exit out of said first channel. 
         [0028]    12. The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a selectively openable and closeable vent proximate a lower end of the second deck, such that said vent, when opened, enables air to enter into or exit out of said second channel. 
         [0029]    13. The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an air movement component to effect movement of air in at least one of said first and second channels. 
         [0030]    14. The system of embodiment 13, wherein said air movement component is a fan. 
         [0031]    15. The system of any one of embodiments 13 to 14, wherein said air movement component is configured to push and pull air. 
         [0032]    16. The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising one or more sensors presented with at least one of said first deck or said second deck. 
         [0033]    17. The system of embodiment 16, wherein said one or more sensors comprise a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a heat flow sensor, an impact sensor, a fire sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor, or combinations thereof. 
         [0034]    18. The system of any one of embodiments 2 to 17, wherein said heat recovery unit comprises a dryer. 
         [0035]    19. A method for releasing thermal loads using the system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said air flowing to the peak from said first channel is selectively routed out of the peak vent into the atmosphere. 
         [0036]    20. A method for collecting thermal loads using the system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said air flowing to the peak from said first channel is selectively routed into the unconditioned space. 
         [0037]    21. A method for using thermal loads from the first deck to heat the second deck using the system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said air flowing to the peak from said first channel is selectively routed to said second channel. 
         [0038]    22. A method for blowing off a roof covering using the system of embodiment 7, wherein said air flowing to the peak from said first channel is selectively routed to back to said first channel and out of said one or more vents included in said covering. 
         [0039]    23. A method for using thermal loads from the first deck to heat a conditioned space using the system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein said air flowing to the peak from said first channel is selectively routed to an heat recovery unit. 
         [0040]    24. A system for management of thermal loads relative to a building panel, said system comprising: 
         [0041]    a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the panel towards an upper end of the panel; and 
         [0042]    a router positioned proximate the upper end of the panel, said router enabling air flowing to the upper end of the panel from said first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions. 
         [0043]    25. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the panel comprises a roof deck. 
         [0044]    26. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the panel comprises a wall. 
         [0045]    27. A system for management of thermal loads relative to a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, said system comprising: 
         [0046]    a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak; and 
         [0047]    a router positioned proximate the lower end of the first deck, said router enabling air flowing to the lower end of the first deck from said first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions selected from the group consisting of: 
         [0048]    out of a vent included proximate the lower end of the first deck and into the atmosphere, 
         [0049]    back to said first channel, 
         [0050]    into the unconditioned space, 
         [0051]    into an heat recovery unit, 
         [0052]    into an air make-up unit and 
         [0053]    any combinations thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0054]    The disclosure can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0055]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a traditional roof system; 
           [0056]      FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of a roof system of this disclosure; 
           [0057]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of an embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0058]      FIG. 3B  is schematic side view of the roof system of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0060]      FIG. 4B  is schematic side view of the roof system of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0062]      FIG. 5B  is schematic side view of the roof system of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0064]      FIG. 6B  is schematic side view of the roof system of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0066]      FIG. 7B  is schematic side view of the roof system of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0068]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic side view of the roof system of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 9A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0070]      FIG. 9B  is a schematic side view of the roof system of  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0071]      FIGS. 10A-10F  are schematic side views of a roof peak air router of this disclosure in various configurations; 
           [0072]      FIG. 11A  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0073]      FIG. 11B  is a close-up schematic view of a soffit vent (air router) of embodiments of this disclosure; and 
           [0074]      FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view of a roof system of a further embodiment of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0075]    While the above-identified figures depict an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, such as those noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation only and not by limitation. The figures are schematic representations, for which reason the configuration of the different structures, as well as their relative dimensions, is for illustrative purposes only. Numerous modifications and embodiments can be recognized by those skilled in the art, which modifications and embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0076]    This disclosure broadly relates to roof systems and methods of using such roof systems. Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with particular reference to the drawings. Embodiments of this disclosure may take on various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of this disclosure are not to be limited to the following described exemplary embodiments, but is to be controlled by the limitations set forth in the claims and any equivalents thereof. An appreciation of various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below. 
         [0077]    The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materials are illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized. 
         [0078]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein. 
         [0079]    The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range. 
         [0080]    As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a layer” encompasses embodiments having one, two or more layers. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0081]    The term “polymer” will be understood to include polymers, copolymers (e.g., polymers formed using two or more different monomers), oligomers and combinations thereof, as well as polymers, oligomers, or copolymers that can be formed in a miscible blend. Additionally, the terms “attic” and “unconditioned space” are used interchangeably herein. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a traditional roof  10  generally includes one or more roof portions  12  extending between a soffit  14  and a roof peak or ridge  16 . Roof  10  includes a protective covering  18 , such as concrete or clay tiles or asphalt shingles, on a roof board or deck  20  that covers an unconditioned space or attic  22 . Attic  22  can serve as a buffer to a living space  24  below the attic. Roof  10  can include vents  26  on the soffit and also vents on the roof (not depicted) and/or a ridge vent  28 . 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the roof system  110  according embodiments of this disclosure can include one or more roof portions  112 , each having a roof board or deck  120 , a soffit  114  having a soffit duct or vent  126  (which vent  126  can include an air router), a roof peak or ridge  116 , and a protective covering  118 , such as concrete or clay tiles or asphalt shingles, on deck  120 . Roof system  110  further includes one or more passive or active roof management components. Such components can include, for example, vent open/close components  130  on the top and/or bottom of the soffit vent  126 , one or more blowers or fans  132  (such as, for example, variable speed/high pressure fans and can be used to effect movement of air, such as the pushing and/or pulling of various air movements), one or more ridge air routing members or air routers  134  for routing air flow in the roof system  110  (see  FIGS. 10A-10F ), sensors or sensing members  136 , such as, for example, moisture, temperature, heat flow, impact, fire, and carbon monoxide sensors. 
         [0084]    In embodiments, sensors  136  can be moisture, temperature, heat flow, impact, fire, and carbon monoxide sensors. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other sensors can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
         [0085]    In embodiments of roof system  110 , protective covering  118  can include roof system including one or more channels  119  running partially or fully from the soffit region to or near the ridge or peak of the roof, such as that described in PCT International Publication No. WO 2012/033816 A1, entitled “ABOVE-DECK ROOF VENTING ARTICLE” and U.S. Patent Application No. 61/579,297, entitled “ABOVE-DECK ROOF VENTING ARTICLE,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Roof system  110  can further include one or more solar cells  138  and each of the roof system management components can, optionally, be solar-powered. Air routers  134  can be or include one or more air ducts that run along, such as parallel, ridge  116  of roof system  110 . The cross section and/or shape of the ducts can vary with size and shape. The materials of air router  134  can be any of a number of materials, including, for example, lightweight, non-rusting metals and or various low-high temperature polymers, although those skilled in the art would recognize that other materials can be used. Electric-actuated linear actuators can be included to create various valve ports of air router  134 . Other methods of mechanical gating can be used in air router  134  are contemplated. Output from software can close or open the respective gates to enable natural and or forced air flow through air router  134 . Depending on climate zone location and secondary operations tied to roof system  110 , air router  134  can have multiple ports. The examples have been shown for four-way and six-way ports, although other air router  134  configurations, including more than six ports or less than four ports are contemplated. 
         [0086]    The roof system  110  of embodiments can include controls (including, for example, hardware and/or software, not depicted) to enable further optimization of the thermal energy management of a building and for controlling the roof system management components. For example, the temperature and relative humidity/dew point temperature of an unconditioned attic space can automatically effect air flow movement using roof system. Likewise, structure ventilation could trigger air flow movements to mechanical devices or buffering heat/cold air. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in a first embodiment, radiant energy is depicted as impinging upon the right roof portion  112  of roof system  110 . Positions 1, 2, 5 and 6 of air router  134  can be open (see  FIG. 10A ), which routes warmer air from both roof portions  112  of roof system  110  up to ridge  116 , such as through a channel or channels  119  included in at which point the warmer air exits. Air router  134  generally extends along substantially the entire length of ridge  116 . 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in a second embodiment, radiant energy is depicted as impinging upon the right roof portion  112  of roof system  110 . Blower  132  on right roof portion  112  can be set to push soffit air and the blower  132  on left roof portion  112  can be set to pull warmer air. Positions 2 and 5 of air router  134  can be open (see  FIG. 10B ). The warmer air is then routed from the warmer right roof portion to cooler left roof portion. 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in a third embodiment, to transfer air to a cooler side of a roof using a below-deck solution, blower  132  on right roof portion  112  can be set to push soffit air and blower  132  on left roof portion  112  can be set to pull air. Positions 2 and 4 of air router  134  can be open (see  FIG. 10C ). The air is then routed from the right roof portion  112  to the left roof portion  112 . The air is then pushed through channels  119  provided in or with protective covering  118 . 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in a fourth embodiment, all positions of air router  134  can be closed (see  FIG. 10D ) and the right and left blowers  132  can be set to pull outside air using, for example, variable blower speed. This will cause air to be blown onto the roof system  110  through vents (not depicted) included in protective covering  118 . This configuration can be useful, for example, when it is desired to blow water, snow, or other debris (such as leaves) off of roof system  110 . 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , in a fifth embodiment, radiant energy is depicted as impinging upon the right roof portion  112  of roof system  110 . In this embodiment, positions 2 and 3 of air router  134  can be open (see  FIG. 10E ) the soffit ducts (air routers) and blowers/fans are controlled through the software for force air convection direction (pushing or pulling), natural convention in the soffit and attic areas, and balance system ventilation. The left and right blowers  132  can be set to re-circulate warmer air through the channel  119  included in or with the protective covering. The unconditioned space can be used as a buffer to store warm air or cool air depending on the season. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , in a sixth embodiment, in a cold climate case, radiant energy is depicted as impinging upon the right roof portion  112  of roof system  110 . In this embodiment, positions 2, 3, 4 and 5 of air router  134  can be open (see  FIG. 10F ) and the soffit ducts (air routers) and blowers/fans are controlled through the software for force air convection direction (pushing or pulling), natural convention in the soffit and attic areas, and balance system ventilation. The left blower  132  can, optionally, be set to push soffit air and the right blower  132  can be set to push soffit air. New air is routed to flow into a home air make-up unit  140  and old air flows out of unit  140 . 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in a seventh embodiment, in a warm climate case, radiant energy is depicted as impinging upon the right roof portion of roof. In this embodiment, positions 2, 3, 4 and 5 of air router  134  can be open (see  FIG. 10F ) and the soffit ducts (air routers) and blowers/fans are controlled through the software for force air convection direction (pushing or pulling), natural convention in the soffit and attic areas, and balance system ventilation. The left blower  132  can, optionally, be set to push soffit air and the right blower  132  can be set to push soffit air. New air is routed to flow into unit  140  and old air flows out of unit  140 . 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10F , the various air router  134  configurations are depicted schematically for each of the embodiments depicted and described with respect to  FIGS. 3-9 . 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a soffit duct (air router) is depicted. In a first configuration, the soffit duct can be open, by opening a first gate  140 , such as an electric-actuated “air gate or linear actuator,” to the channel  119  for air flow. It is depicted with open gates for natural convection in the bottom or closed gates for force convection through the respective blowers. In another embodiment, a second gate  142 , such as an electric-actuated “side gate,” can be open for below deck air flow management. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , in embodiments, a blower  144  can be located or positioned in attic  122  and in fluid (air) communication, such as through ductwork  146 , with air routers  134  and air gates  140  and, optionally, second air gates  142  to manage airflow by or within the roof system  10 , the environmental thermal loads of the roof system  10 , the temperature of conditioned and/or unconditioned spaces in a building, and the ventilation of the conditioned and/or unconditioned spaces in a building, such as, for example, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-9 . To do so, blower  144  can be controlled to selectively push and/or pull air to or from air routers  134  and air gates  140  and, optionally, second air gates  142 —depending upon what result is desired. 
         [0097]    In embodiments, such as those depicted in  FIGS. 3-9  and  11 , channels  119 , such as those included in above-deck protective covering, that extend up the slope of the deck mate or align with dedicated ports on air router  134 , such as the #2 port (right) or #5 port (left) of the air router  134 , as depicted in  FIGS. 10A-F . 
         [0098]    The embodiments of this invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described herein, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the embodiments of this invention can be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the embodiments of this invention are directed upon review of the instant specification.