Metal roof above sheathing ventilation system

#The present invention relates generally to roof ventilation systems, and more particularly, to a ventilated roofing system and method of construction assembled upon a roof structure which enables a flow of air between parallel roofing layers.

#Improper building techniques are often the underlying culprit behind high energy costs, structural damage, and even health problems for the building inhabitants. Many of these problems are the direct result of improper ventilation. In the hot summer, direct sunlight overheats the roof, and creates a furnace effect in the attic. The air in the house, especially on the second floor if present, becomes unbearable. Excessive energy consumption from fans and air conditioning drives up electric bills. In the winter, condensation of humid air in the attic can lead to rotting of structural wood, deterioration of insulation, and result in mold and mildew leading to health problems. Finally, a lack of proper roof ventilation results in rapid aging of the roof, which may lead to leaks and home damage.

#Various attempts have been made to address these problems. These attempts can be seen by example in several U.S. Patents. U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,180, issued in the name of Grange, discloses a ventilated roof construction system having a continuous corrugated baffle positioned between parallel roofing members. The baffle is provided to allow air flow from the fascia to the ridge to prevent the formation of ice dams.

#For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a spacer shim constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the spacer shim shown in FIG. 1;

#The ensuing detailed description provides preferred exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the herein disclosed inventions. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments in accordance with the herein disclosed invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

#To aid in describing the invention, directional terms may be used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directional definitions are merely intended to assist in describing and claiming the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification, in order to provide context for other features.

#FIGS. 1 and 5 show, respectively, a roof above sheathing spacer shim (“spacer”) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and the spacer 100 used in an exemplary manner with a roof panel 136, roof panel clip (“clip”) 140, sheathing 138, and a fastener 148. As seen in FIG. 1, the spacer 100 is made from a single piece of material (e.g., composite, aluminum, steel, or other metal). The spacer 100 is designed to be inserted between the panel clip 140 and the sheathing 152 to create a ventilation channel 144 between the sheathing 152 and the roof.