GB2613428A - A hygrothermal dynamic component combination and construction to cause natural constant outward building drying forces and insulation via pitched roofs and... - Google Patents

Abstract

A combination of hygrothermally-dynamic components that aims to cause natural constant outward building drying forces and insulation, including heat retention, sound transfer resistance and fire spread inhibition, via pitched roofs and external walls that enclose heated or unheated spaces, new buildings, or refurbishments. The combination may comprise hygrothermally-dynamic finishes 4, such as tiles or slates, that are positioned above a breathable underlay 2, which itself is positioned above a ceiling 1. A moisture-repellent and tear-resistant filling 5 may be positioned in the space between the underlay 2 and finishes 4, and can be bonded to the underlay 2; and an insulating material 7 can fill the space between the ceiling 1 and the underlay 2. The underlay 2, which can be a microporous or perforated reflective foil, can be supported on rafters 6.

Description

A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination and construction to cause natural constant outward building drying forces and insulation via pitched roofs and external walls This invention relates to a Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination and construction to cause natural constant outward building drying forces and insulation via pitched roofs and external walls.

Such a Hygrothermally Dynamic component combination and construction of pitched roofs and external walls and insulation causes natural constant outward Hygrothermal Dynamic forces to naturally and constantly dry buildings via "pitched roofs and external walls" plus maximising thermal retention/insulation depth, eliminate damaging surface and interstitial condensation and cold bridging for new and existing "pitched roofs and external walls", heated or unheated pitched roof types, also sound insulation resistance and fire spread inhibition.

It is common knowledge that the British and European Standards, procedures and protocols prior to the recent introduction of Hygrothermal Dynamic British and European Standards caused unrealistic measurements and actual compliance gap regulation (requiring rapidly ventilated, drainage voids) of thermal and moisture behaviour for pitched roofs and external walls and actual adverse ingress of rapid temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity changes. Also the standards prevented effective sound insulation and fire spread inhibition.

The following definitions apply for this invention:- "Hygrothermal", meaning -"the movement of heat and moisture through buildings".

"Dynamic", meaning -"the branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies (heat, moisture, sound and fire) under the action of forces".

"Component", meaning -a part or material of pitched roof/external wall construction that is proven by authoritative test and/or authoritative computer modelling or full scale data capture to be effectively Hygrothermally Dynamic.

"Insulation", meaning -inhibition of heat loss or gain, sound transfer resistance and fire spread inhibition.

"Construction", meaning -the full depth/width of "pitched roofs and external walls" comprising components/materials and construction combinations designed and located to cause constant outward natural building Hygrothermal Dynamic drying forces and insulation depth.

"pitched roofs and external walls", meaning - (a) pitched roofs and external walls where the external finish is traditional tiles, slates, shingles all having coincidental fitting gaps one to another allowing vapour/moisture escape to outside atmosphere under constant outward natural hygrothermal dynamic forces. 2/11

(b) pitched roofs and external walls where the external finish maybe sheet or strip form with integral ventilation gaps/holes allowing vapour/moisture escape to outside atmosphere under constant natural outward hygrotherma I dynamic forces.

(c) pitched roofs and external walls where the external finish is microporous allowing vapour escape to outside atmosphere under constant natural outward hygrothermal dynamic forces.

Hygrothermal Dynamics is defined in British Standards, European Standards and authoritative Hygrothermal Dynamic tests and computer modelling software programs and procedures based on full scale real time construction data capture using those Standard's protocols.

The rapidly reversing Hygrothermal Dynamic effects (undesirable inward natural forces) for traditional pitched roof or external wall construction are listed sequentially outside to inside:-Rapid reversing wind suction, pressure, conduction & convection Rapid reversing solar gain (shortwave radiation) Rapid reversing heat loss (long wave radiation) Rapid reversing atmospheric pressures inside to outside and vice versa, temperature differentials from wind, cooling, conduction, humidity, convection, evaporation, freezing and moisture ingress, surface & interstitial condensation via tile/cladding coincidental or designed ventilation gaps and ventilated drainage voids over or under underlay. These effects reduce or reverse any outward transpiring Hygrothermal Dynamic forces.

Rapid reversing structural elements freezing, cooling, convection, conduction (cold bridging), moisture accumulation, heat radiation, surface & interstitial condensation causes wood rafter/stud and void forming batten rot, mould growth and fixings corrosion. These effects also reduce or reverse any outward transpiring Hygrothermal Dynamic forces.

Furthermore the traditional Regulatory standards for thermal insulation (cold rapidly ventilated and drainage pitched roof and external wall voids) below underlay with rapid ventilation above/below underlay prevented the provision of thermal insulation above or below such underlay which in turn prevented the sound and fire inhibition of this invention whereby full fill insulation above and/or below underlay inhibits two way sound transfer and inhibits fire spread up or across pitched roofs or external walls by eliminating the traditional need for rapid ventilation voids above and/or below underlay. Trapped air is not permitted thus losing thermal insulation benefits and limiting types of insulant.

This regulatory need for rapid ventilation above and/or below underlay also prevents full element (roof or wall) depth/width insulation resistances and limits the type of insulation.

Rapid reversing reducing temperature differential gradient -inside to underside and above underlay. This also reduces or reverses any outward transpiring Hygrothermal Dynamic forces.

Rapid reversing reducing atmospheric pressure differential gradient -inside to underside and above underlay reducing or reversing any outward exspiring Hygrothermal Dynamic forces. 3/11

Moisture transfer/accumulation prevention from inside to roof/wall -impervious membrane, coating or ceiling wall lining is often required.

Moisture ventilation intervention is required -via openable windows, doors, vents, fans or trickle vents to limit reverse Hygrothermal Dynamic effects and roof/wall moisture accumulation. Such essential ventilation wastes energy, cooled air holds less moisture, condensation, mould and respiratory illness is more likely if ventilation not used, poorly sized or often improperly used and located.

Diagram 1 shows the rapid reversing Hygrothermal Dynamics (undesirable inward natural forces) for a traditional pitched roof or external wall:-Pitched roof and external wall insulation construction systems are long established by traditional British and European Regulations and Authoritative guidance that require insulation below/above/inside roof/wall underlay to maintain rapid ventilation/transpiration/drainage voids above/below/outside such underlay created by tile/cladding fixing battens and counter battens and ventilation products as in Diagram 1.

These voids are traditionally designed to allow rapid ventilation/transpiration/drainage of accumulated humidity, moisture ingress from rain, snow, freezing/moisture laden air and interstitial and surface condensation below/inside the roof/wall tile/cladding don't prevent rot to timbers such as fixing battens, rafters, wall studs and fixings corrosion and are detrimental to thermal, sound insulation, fire spread inhibition and regulatory compliance.

Such voids allow rapid fire spread, sound transfer to inside and outside, rapid reversing temperature, freezing, humidity and moisture changes/accumulations, surface and interstitial condensation, cold bridging, rapid heat loss and gain, timber rot and fixings corrosion. They also cause more cost/complication/mistakes by design and installation, complicated roof/wall structure options, product proliferation and increase overall roof/wall depth/thickness of construction especially if counter battens are required. Furthermore the types of insulation and combinations are restrictive and require more than one ventilation/drainage void.

These effects are unhealthy for the building and occupants (mould/spores, bronchial/lung infection and breeding of mould/bacteria/viruses), not sustainable for the building structure, cause more installation error due to complication and poor energy conservation, high costs and contribute to global warming. Furthermore sound transfer resistance outside to inside and vice versa is ineffective as is the inhibition of fire spread and conflagration.

Draped drainage underlay is prone to wind flapping noise. If the underlay is pulled tight between rafters/studs then counter battens are needed for drainage to create a drainage/rapid ventilation void down the roof/wall over the underlay. A vapour control layer at ceiling/wall lining interface is often required Rapid ventilation of roof/wall voids causes freezing under/over underlay, water storage tanks and pipes in roof/wall voids and subsequent burst pipe and other water/condensation freezing problems. 4/11

Diagram 2 shows the natural constant outward Hygrothermal Dynamic (desirable natural forces) produced by the installed invention for "pitched roofs and external walls":-Solar gain (shortwave radiation) -reduced reversing effects by "four inherent barriers" Heat loss (long wave radiation) -reduced reversing Hygrothermal Dynamic effects by "four inherent barriers" "Four inherent barriers" to ingress of wind, humidity, cooling/freezing air/moisture/snow:- A -tiles/shingles, slates or similar hygrothermally dynamic "pitched roof or external wall finishes 4" on - B-roof/wall finish 4 compressing the intimate void filling moisture repellent (inherent surface tension or moisture repellent treatment applied), highly resilient fibre layer 5 under and intimately beside battens 6a, hygrothermally dynamic insulant 5 is bonded/fixed on top of -C -moisture repellent breathable hygrothermally dynamic underlay 2 (no drainage/ventilation voids above/below/inside of underlay).

D -Hygrothermally dynamic outward force; insulating combination/construction causing natural constant hygrothermally dynamic raised temperature retention, atmospheric pressure microclimate gradient from ceiling lining 1 to "pitched roofs or external wall" finish 4 including maximised accumulated surface resistances inside to outside and insulant/trapped still air 7.

A, B, C & D naturally and constantly cause outward transpiring Hygrothermal Dynamic forces:-Constant advection, transpiration, conduction, exporation, moisture evaporation, radiation, diffusion & convection via pitched roof or external wall finish with coincidental or Hygrothermal Dynamic designed transpiration micro-pores or ventilation gaps, thus producing natural constant outward transpiring Hygrothermal Dynamic forces to outside air.

Constant raised temperature retention full depth of pitched roof/wall element microclimate intimate void filling on top of raised temperature underlay (and/or below) of pitched roofs or external walls. Optionally full/partial insulation/trapped air between ceiling /wall lining and underside/inside of underlay produces constant outward transpiring Hygrothermal Dynamic force and roof/wall heat retention.

Constant reducing atmospheric pressure gradient differential with heat retention, inside to outside. Thus producing constant outward expiring Hygrothermal Dynamic force.

Constant raised temperature retention differential gradient inside to outside within full depth of pitched roofs or external walls eliminates damaging surface & interstitial condensation accelerating moisture transpiration to outside by Hygrothermal Dynamic force regardless of insulation type used below/inside the underlay.

Thus constant outward transpiring Hygrothermal Dynamic construction prevents rapid cooling, freezing, cold bridging and condensation preventing traditional damaging adverse Hygrothermal Dynamic forces and effects as in Diagram 1.

Coincidentally the void filling insulant under/beside battens inhibits sound transfer inward and outward and inhibits fire spread over pitched roofs and external walls. 5/11

Hygrothermal Dynamic forces produce a naturally stronger effect for pitched roofs than for external walls.

Diagram 2 shows the invention's constant outward Hygrothermal Dynamic forces to outside air for pitched roofs or external walls.

Referring to Diagram 2, Fig1, Fig2, Fig3a and Fig3b the invention comprises Hygrothermally Dynamic components and construction for pitched roofs and external walls construction.

Internally to the building element (roof/wall) the inventions ceiling or wall lining 1 component is Hygrothermally Dynamic as is the underlay 2 and fibrous, resilient, moisture repellent insulation filling 3 (uncompressed) bonded/fixed to the underlay 2. The roof/wall finish (tiling/cladding) 4 and its fixing batten 6a with intimate void filling insulant 3 including insulant 3a under batten 6a = depth 5 when compressed by roof/wall finish 4. The void created by rafters6/ceiling1/wall lining1/studs6 total depth 7 can be fully or partially filled with any insulant/trapped air 7 and include any residual still air in the total element (roof/wall) depth 9. Furthermore any other coincidental trapped air between the ceiling 1 and roof/wall finish 4 = total element (roof/wall) depth extent thermal insulant depth 9 comprising any trapped air and insulants 5 and 7, ceiling 1/wall lining 1 and roof/wall finish 4 including all element (roof/wall) surface resistances.

The substitution of the traditional rapidly ventilated/drainage void of tile batten 6 void depth 5 by intimately filling resilient fibre moisture repellent insulation 3 bonded/fixed to the underlay 2 causes constant natural Hygrothermal Dynamic forces as in Diagram 2 aided by the "Four inherent barriers" to ingress of wind, freezing air, cooling, moisture, humidity and heat loss eliminating traditional damaging rapid reverse hygrothermal dynamic effects from ingress of freezing weather, wind, solar gain and heat loss as shown in Diagram 1.

The insulant layer 3 and underlay 2 may be produced as one component whereby the fibres are the same for the insulant layer and the underlay but the density of fibres increased at the base to perform the functions of the underlay and insulant in one Hygrothermally Dynamic product.

Thus thermal insulation 5 and insulant/trapped air 7 can be provided for the total pitched roof/wall depth/thickness 9 without any rapid ventilation or drainage voids. Rafter/stud 6 and batten 6a damaging cold bridging is constantly eliminated right up/out to roof/wall finish 4 by raised temperatures and constant natural Hygrothermal Dynamic outward drying forces. Fixing battens 6a compress resilient insulation 3a under the batten 6a when fixed to the rafter/stud 6. Insulation 5 is resiliently compressed by the roof/wall finish 4 fixed to battens 6a causing most intimate void filling contact of insulant 5 with underlay 2 surface, battens 6a underside and sides and roof/wall finish 4 underside.

Also rafters/wall studs 6, tile/cladding 4, battens 6a have their temperatures raised by the most intimate void filling resilient insulation 3 compressed 5 to extent 3c and any other insulant/trapped air 7 and the prescribed outward Hygrothermal Dynamic forces right up to the pitched roof/wall/ finish 4. Ingress of damaging moisture laden air, rain, snow and 6/11 cooling/freezing wind is also constantly eliminated by the prescribed "four inherent barriers" to weather ingress causing natural constant desirable outward Hygrothermal Dynamic forces as in Diagram 2 and natural building drying via the roof/wall element. Thus damaging surface/interstitial condensation, mould, rot, corrosion is eliminated.

Furthermore the pitched roof/wall construction overall depth is minimised by elimination of roof/wall rapid ventilation and drainage voids and counter battens. Nail types, lengths, ventilation, drainage and vermin proof products along with flapping underlay 2 is eliminated.

Design and installation options are simplified, any type of insulant/trapped air 7 can be provided below/behind the underlay 2 in pitched roofs or external walls.

In the case of unheated pitched roof voids any trapped air 7 is naturally warmed from the heated building beneath making freezing roof void pipe/tank damage less likely and all kept warm by the insulation 5 and 7 intimate abutting contact where each insulant 5 & 7 layer with underlay 2 is abutting/overlapping at roof to wall, ceiling to roof or wall and roof to roof junctions. Such abutting/overlapping/insulant void filling evidentially inhibits fire spread and sound transfer especially if insulant fibres are incombustible or treated to limit fire spread. The invention naturally and constantly causes outward moisture advection, transpiration, ventilation and expiration to external air from inside to outside via the roof/wall finish 4 coincidental gaps 4a or Hygrothermal Dynamic designed ventilation/transpiration gaps, vents or micro-pores.

Moisture, humidity buffering may exceptionally be provided at ceiling level 1 if proven necessary by whole building Hygrothermal Dynamic testing and/or computer modelling but moisture ventilation via windows, vents, doors, trickle vents or fans becomes essential.

The insulation 3 and 7 components of the invention may comprise of waste plastic fibres or composites usefully locking up waste plastic. The inventions Hygrothermal Dynamic principles can be applicable to most world climates. All the inventions Hygrothermal Dynamic component combinations and construction can be made from readily available materials and products constructed in traditional manner. Components 2 & 3 ideally being produced in one roll compressed package form width and length suited to common roof/wall lengths and widths.

Design and installation is simpler, naturally and constantly warmer and drier throughout, causing continuous drying via outward natural Hygrothermal Dynamic forces as diagram 2. Less components means less costly, easier to install, more sustainable, fire spread and sound transfer is minimised along with reduced carbon emissions and global warming impact.

The constant natural outward drying Hygrothermal Dynamic effects of the invention on buildings and occupants occurs without any intervention by occupants or machinery.

Fig 4, 4a and 4 b show a horizontal abutment of components 2 & 3 with separate underlay piece 11 when the roof/wall length exceeds the compressed 2 & 3 roll or cut length. 7/11

According to the present invention and referring to Fig 1 (Sectional 3D) there is provided a Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination and construction to cause natural constant outward building drying forces and insulation (thermal, sound and fire) via pitched roofs and external walls.

Such insulation 3 comprises Hygrothermally Dynamic readily compressible, resilient/tear resistant, moisture repellant, inert (ideally fire retarded) fibre layer 3 bonded/fixed to Hygrothermally Dynamic underlay 2 to form one combined component. Insulation 3 being compressed 3c to intimately fill the maximum of the irregular void immediately over roof/wall insulation 3 created by the roof/wall finish 4 underside profile and battens 6a. Battens 6a are fixed to rafter/stud 6 over insulation 3 which is thus continuous under such batten 6a to a compressed thickness 3a. Roof/wall finish 4 is fixed onto the batten 6a causing the insulation 3 to be compressed 3c from the original uncompressed thickness 3 to cause intimate contact with battens 6a sides and the underside of such roof or wall finish 4. Such combined insulant depth 3 and underlay 2 is produced in compacted roll form length to suit common building length/width dimensions.

Referring to Fig 2 (perspective of the combined component comprising underlay 2 & insulant 3) the underlay 2 will be wider along one topmost long edge 2a than the insulant long edge 3b sufficient to provide top most underlapping 2a with an upper combined component 2 & 3 bottom edge 3d when fixed to pitched roof/external wall.

The insulin-it layer 3 and underlay 2 may be produced as one component whereby the fibres are the same for the insulant layer and the underlay but the density of fibres increased at the base to perform the functions of the underlay and insulant in one Hygrothermally Dynamic product.

Referring to Fig 3a and Fig 3b (section views) the whole roof/wall will he covered with the combined component comprising insulant 3 and underlay 2 and insulant layers S and 7 including underlay 2 will he lapped and tightly abutted so as to entrap air beneath/inside and he weatherproofed by underlapping 2a thus maximizing thermal insulation including any trapped air and material surface resistances also coincidentally sound and fire inhibition. Furthermore the thermal insulating heat path 9 is maximised for pitched roof/external wall depth and there are no ventilation or drainage voids.

Referring to Fig 4 (plan view) a separate small rectangle of common underlay 11 (without such bonded/fixed insulant 3) may be needed when a horizontal abutment 12 of combined components 2 & 3 is caused by the roof/wall length exceeding the compressed roll length or abutting 12 cut length of combined components 2 & 3. The width across of such separate rectangle 11 will be cut to be just wider than the spacing of supporting rafter/studs 6 and the length downward will equal that of the underlay 2 including underlapping 2a. Such separate underlay rectangle 11 is placed centrally to rafters 6 either side of the combined component abutment 12.

Fig 4a and 4b (sectional) show such small separate rectangle underlay 11 underlaps 2a bottom edge 3b of the topmost combined component 2 & 3. The lower most part of the separate 8/11 underlay rectangle 11 laps over the topmost part 2a of the lower combined components 2 & 3 d against the upper edge 3d of the lower combined components 2&3.

Referring to Fig 1 the combined component insulant 3 bonded to the underlay 2 will be pulled tight 8 over the rafters/studs 6 in order to cause the insulant 3 compressed 3c intimate contact with battens 6a sides and roof/wall finish 4 underside. The battens 6a will he preservative treated or of durable material for maximized life expectancy as normal for this invention environment (intimately surrounded by compressive force on batten Ga base 3a and batten 6a sides by such compressed insulant 3. The tile battens 6a will be laid over the combined component insulant 3 and bonded underlay 2 and fixed down/onto rafters/studs 6 as for a traditional roof/wall and causing the insulant 3 fibres to suffer maximised intimate compressive contact under the battens 6a and batten sides and underside of roof/wall finish 4 when fixed down/onto roof/wall. When the roof/wall finish 4 is fixed to the batten 6a it causes slight compression 3c sufficient to leave a residual effective insulant 3 of fitted depth 5 under the roof/wall finish 4 but not cause a compressed resilient upward insulant 3 force strong enough to lift the fixed roof/wall finish 4 when fixed 10 down/onto the roof/wall even under high wind suction force.

Hygrothennal Dynamic testing and computer modelling may show it necessary in special circumstances to provide a continuous vapour control layer/coating about the ceiling 1 or internal surface of the wall lining 1 to the pitched roof or external wall.

Diagram 2, Fig 1, Fig 3a, Fig 3b, Fig 4a and Fig 4b show there are no ventilated/drainage voids, the invention creates a warmer, continually naturally drying roof/external wall of accumulated raised temperature gradients, atmospheric gradients and surface resistances all reducing from inside to outside. Any additional insulant 7 below the underlay 2 also accumulates thermal insulation 5 &7 with surface resistances, any trapped air space thermal resistances in line 9 with rafters/studs 6 from underside of sloping/horizontal ceiling 1 or inside wall surface 1 to the outside roof/wall finish 4. Thus the invention creates a maximised and more inclusive heat transfer resisting path 9 as shown in Fig 3a and Fig 3b for a pitched roof or external wall.

In all construction circumstances it is essential to ensure the tightly abutting continuity of all external wall/ roof ceiling thermal insulation 7 and 5 junctions and underlay 2 abutting/lapping at such ceiling, wall, roof junctions as shown in Fig 3a and Fig 3b in order to maximize the accumulated combined thermal resistances of materials and thermal resistance of any trapped air spaces and with all accumulated surface thermal resistances inside to outside 9 and heat retention.

Fig 1 shows the pitched roof/wall finish 4 coincidental or designed ventilation/transpiration gaps 4a. Such gaps may be designed using Hygrothermal Dynamic test data and computer modelling software to optimize designed ventilation/transpiration to construction type. Similarly micropores could be shown by such testing/modelling to effectively and naturally continually dry a building.

Referring to Diagram 2, Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3a, Fig 3b, Fig 4, Fig 4a and 4b compared to traditional construction the whole pitched roof/wall depth/width fully includes all construction combination components and trapped air to effectively act as barriers to weather, heat, sound and fire spread. Such bathers add durable ingress bathers to wind, humidity, snow, freezing air, rain, radiation, surface and interstitial condensation without necessarily adding extra roof/wall construction overall depth. Traditional rapid reversing Hygrothermal Dynamic forces as in Diagram tare eliminated 9/11 Any type of insulant 7 (including trapped air) below the underlay 2 can fully fill any voids below underlay 2. Traditional drainage and rapid ventilation voids are eliminated and replaced by still insulating air and/or insulants.

Furthermore natural constant drying Hygrothermal Dynamic movement of moisture, out of the building via the prescribed pitched roofs/external walls occurs without occupant or mechanical intervention.

The invention is suitable for new and existing pitched roofs and external walls constructed in a similar but easier manner using less products than traditional pitched roofs and external walls and can be less depth or thickness for same or better thermal insulation/retention.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:-Figure 1 shows in sectional 3D the installed Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination and construction of "pitched roofs and external walls" where a Hygrothermal Dynamic ceiling/wall lining 1 is fixed under/inside to rafters/studs 6. On top/outside of rafters/studs 6 a Hygrothermal Dynamic fibrous thermal insulation layer 3 is pre-bonded/fixed to Hygrothermal Dynamic underlay to form one component combination of insulant 3 and underlay2. The one component 3 and 2 after being fixed onto rafters/studs 6 via the batten 6a will be of greater depth/thickness 3c than the battens 6a. This combined insulant 3 and underlay 2 is pulled tight 8 between rafters/studs 6 permitting any type of insulant 7 to completely fill the void under/inside between the ceiling/wall lining 1 to underside/inside of underlay 2 including any trapped insulating air 7. Pulled fight underlay 2 coincidentally prevents underlay flapping noise if it were traditionally draped between rafters/studs, it also causes continuous intimate insulant contact with the underside of the roof/wall finish 4 (roof/wall tiles).

There will be no drainage or ventilation voids from ceiling 1 to underside of roof/wall finish 4. The intimate void filling insulant 5 provides effective heat retention/insulation, sound resistance/insulation and effectively inhibits fire spread over the underlay.

Fig 2 shows in perspective the preformed one component combination of insulant 3 and underlay 2 will be readily cut and insulant 3 will be highly resilient, tear and loose fibre resistant and will be treated at topmost surfaces or full fibre depth 3 to be moisture repellent or manufactured from moisture repellent fibres and similar for the underlay 2.

The insulant layer 3 and underlay 2 may be produced as one component whereby the fibres are the same for the insulant layer and the underlay but the density of fibres increased at the base to perform the functions of the underlay and insulant in one Hygrothermally Dynamic product.

Fig 1 shows battens 6a are placed over the fibre insulant 3 and fixed down to the rafters/studs 6 causing the fibre insulant 3 to be compressed under such batten 6a and have intimate contact with the sides of the batten 6a and underside of the roof/wall finish 4. The Roof/wall finish 4 is fixed 10 down to the battens 6a causing the insulant 3 to be compressed 3c to depth 5 and intimate contact with the underside/inside of the roof/wall finish 4 which has coincidental joint Hygrothermal Dynamic ventilation gaps 4a. The roof/wall finish could alternatively be Hygrothermally Dynamic by micro-pores or vents.

The completed pitched roof/external wall will comprise entirely of Hygrothermally Dynamic components (exceptions maybe battens Ga and rafters/studs 6) that will be Authoritatively tested and/or computer modelled to be shown to be naturally drying for the building via natural outwardly constant Hygrothermal Dynamic forces.

The completed pitched roof/external wall will have the maximized depth of insulating effectiveness be it trapped air, insulating materials, combined surface resistances, effective wind and weather barriers, effective maximized heat retention depth all from inside to outside surfaces.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the combined insulant 3 bonded/fixed to the underlay 2, such insulant 3 stops short of the width of underlay by the distance 2a to facilitate underlapping width 2a with any uppetmost combined 2 and 3 component which will be intimately in contact with the lower component at faces 3b and 3d respectively as shown in Fig 1.

The combined component is shown in uncompressed flat form but would be packaged in compressed roll form lengths to fit common roof/wall lengths and of readily handled widths.

Figure 3a shows in section the installed invention to a pitched roof with a heated roof void and external walls below. The dashed lines show the ceiling/wall lining 1, any type of insulant 7 below/inside the combined underlay 2 and compressed insulant 5 beneath the roof/wall finish 4. It is essential the components 2.5 and 7 are made to have intimate abutting/underlapping contact at roof to roof, wall to roof junctions.

Fig 3a and 3b show in section the length of heat retaining/resisting path 9 to extend the full width/depth of each of the roof/wall elements from ceiling 1 to roof finish 4 including any trapped air 7 and surface resistances and in Fig 3b from horizontal ceiling 1 to roof finish 4.

Figure 3b shows in section the installed invention to a pitched roof with an unheated or latently warmed roof void with horizontal ceiling insulation and insulating trapped air 7 and external walls below. The dashed lines show the ceiling/wall lining 1, any type of insulant 7 below/inside the combined underlay 2 and compressed insulant 5 beneath/inside the roof/wall finish 4. It is essential the components 2, 5 and 7 are made to have intimate abutting/underlapping contact at roof to roof, wall to roof junctions and ceiling to wall or roof junctions.

Fig 4 shows in plan view a separate small rectangle of common underlay 11 (without such bonded/fixed insulant 3) which may be needed when a horizontal abutment 12 of combined components 2 & 3 is caused by the roof/wall length exceeding the compressed roll length or abutting 12 cut length of combined components 2 & 3. The width across of such separate rectangle 11 will be cut to be just wider than the spacing of supporting rafter/studs 6 and the length downward will equal that of the combined component underlay 2 including overlap 2a.

Fig 4 show in plan view the small rectangle of separate underlay 11 is placed centrally under any sloping/vertical abutting joints 12 of the combined components 2&3.

Fig 4a and 4b show in section the topmost part of the separate underlay rectangle 11 laps under the lowest part 3b of the upper combined components 2&3 and over the underlapping 2a of the lower combined components 2&3 and against the edge 3d of the lower combined components 2&3.

The following definitions apply for this invention:- "Hygrothermal", meaning -"the movement of heat and moisture through buildings".

"Dynamic", meaning -"the branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies (heat, moisture, sound and fire) under the action of forces".

"Component combination", meaning -a part or material of a pitched roof wall construction that is proven by authoritative test and/or authoritative computer modelling or full scale data capture to be Hygrothermally Dynamic.

"Insulation", meaning -inhibition of heat loss or gain, sound insulation and fire spread.

"Construction", meaning -the full depth/width of "pitched roofs and external walls" comprising components/materials and construction combinations designed and located to cause building natural constant Hygrothermal Dynamic drying.

"pitched roofs and external walls" means: - (a) pitched roofs and external walls where the external finish 4 is traditional tiles, slates, shingles all having coincidental fitting gaps 4a one to another such that vapour/moisture can effectively escape to outside atmosphere under hygrothermal dynamic forces.

(b) pitched roofs and walls where the external finish 4 maybe sheet or strip form with integral ventilation gaps/holes so that vapour/moisture can effectively escape to outside atmosphere under hygrothermal dynamic forces. , (c) pitched roofs and walls where the external finish 4 is microporous such that vapour can effectively escape to outside atmosphere under hygrothermal dynamic forces.

Diagram 2 and Fig 1 define four Hygrothermally Dynamic pitched roof and external wall barriers to ingress of wind, humidity, freezing/cooling/moisture laden air, rain and snow:- A -tiles/shingles/slates or other hygrothermally dynamic "pitched roof or external wall finishes" 4 over - B-compressed by roof/wall finish 4, an intimate void filling 5 moisture repellent (inherent surface tension or moisture repellent treatment applied), highly resilient, tear resistant fibre layer under and intimately beside battens, the hygrothermally dynamic insulant is bonded on top of -C -moisture repellent breathable hygrothermally dynamic underlay 2 (no drainage/ventilation voids above/below/inside of underlay) of "pitched roofs or external walls" finish 4.

D -constant hygrothermally dynamic raised temperature microclimate gradient from ceiling lining 1 to pitched roof/external wall" finish 4 including maximised accumulated surface resistances and any trapped still air causing natural inside to outside air Hygrothermal Dynamic moisture expiration.

Claims (1)

1. Claims 1. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction to cause natural constant outward building drying forces and insulation (heat retention, sound transfer resistance and fire spread inhibition) via pitched roofs and external walls enclosing heated or unheated spaces, new buildings or refurbishment 2. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more components/materials may be non-Hygrothermal Dynamic provided the overall roof or wall element behaviour is authoritatively tested and/or computer modelled to cause constant natural drying of the building via the pitched roof or external wall or constant drying of just the pitched roof or external wall.3. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1 and 2 wherein the underlay is Hygrothermally Dynamic, moisture repellent, not tearable and combined/bonded/fixed to a Hygrothermally Dynamic insulation layer. Such insulation layer being highly resilient, inert, fibrous without loose fibres, readily cut, not easily torn and moisture repellent. This combined component is fixed down/outside to rafters/studs by battens to the pitched roof or external wall with roof/external wall finish fixed to such battens causing compression of the insulant under the battens and compression of the insulant by the fixing of the roof/external wall finish causing maximum void filling and intimate contact to the battens and underside/inside of the roof/external wall finish. Such combined insulant/underlay will intimately abut/underlap all roof/wall/ceiling junctions of same and other insulants to create maximised trapped microclirnates within the pitched roof/external wall.4. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claims 1, 2, and 3 whereby the construction facilitates inclusion of all accumulated materials thermal insulation values and surface thermal resistances including any still (trapped) air, ceiling or wall lining and roof or external wall finish materials.5. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination and construction as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, and 4 comprising four inherent Hygrothermally Dynamic pitched roof and external wall barriers to ingress of wind, humidity, freezing/cooling/moisture laden air, rain and snow:- A -tiles/shingles/slates or other hygrothermally dynamic "pitched roof or external wall finishes" 4 over - B-compressed by roof/wall finish 4, an intimate void filling 5 moisture repellent (inherent surface tension or moisture repellent treatment applied), highly resilient, tear resistant fibre layer under and intimately beside battens, the hygrothermally dynamic insulant is bonded on top of -C -moisture repellent breathable hygrothermally dynamic underlay 2 (no drainage/ventilation voids above/below/inside of underlay) of "pitched roofs or external walls" finish 4.D -constant hygrothermally dynamic raised temperature microclimate, gradient from ceiling lining 1 to pitched roof/external wall" finish 4 including maximised accumulated thermal insulation depth, surface resistances and any trapped still air causing natural inside to outside air Hygrothermal Dynamic moisture expiration. Thus microclimate resists weather ingress.6. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 is applicable to 3 pitched roof and external wall types:- (a) pitched roofs and external walls where the external finish 4 is traditional tiles, slates, shingles all having coincidental fitting gaps 4a one to another such that vapour/moisture can effectively escape to outside atmosphere under hygrothermal dynamic forces.(b) pitched roofs and walls where the external finish 4 maybe sheet or strip form with integral ventilation gaps/holes so that vapour/moisture can effectively escape to outside atmosphere under hygrothermal dynamic forces. , (c) pitched roofs and walls where the external finish 4 is microporous such that vapour can effectively escape to outside atmosphere under hygrothermal dynamic forces.7. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 whereby the depth for the complete pitched roof or external wall even with any added insulants of any type below/inside the underlay does not necessarily cause an increase of pitched roof or external wall thickness.8. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 whereby it is possible to use any type of insulant (including non-hygrothermal dynamic material) below/inner side of the underlay.9. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 whereby no ventilation or drainage voids are provided above or inner side of the underlay and any voids can be substituted with insulation materials.10. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 whereby still trapped air voids and or additional insulant layer or layers can be provided below/inner side of the underlay.11. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7. 8,9 and 10 whereby less products and types of products can be used e.g. one type of insulant, no counter battens, ventilation accessories or vermin excluders, less nail types and lengths, simpler design options all with calculated/computer modelling thermal values nearer to actual performance standards compared to traditional systems.12. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1.2. 3,4. 5, 6,7. 8, 9, 10 or 11 whereby the ceiling/wall lining is impermeable or coated to be so causing more reliance on building ventilation via windows, fans, trickle vents or vents.13. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1.2, 3,4, 5, 6,7 8, 9, 1, 11 or 12 whereby the insulant fibres are manufactured from rock, plastics, fibreglass, minerals, sheep wool or composites of these materials.14. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 whereby the insulant fibres are of micro size, hollow or varied cross sectional shapes.15. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 whereby the insulant fibres are assembled in random directions, such cross sectional shape, thickness or fibre density to maximise insulation values and resilience.16. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 whereby the insulant fibres and battens are inherently fire retarding or treated to be so 17. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 whereby the insulant is of such density or weight as to be effectively sound insulating.18. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or17 whereby the insulant fibres or insulant surface are non-irritant and fibres made/formed so as not to become airborne by wind or handling. . 19. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1,2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or18 whereby the combined insulant and underlay is readily cut but tough enough to take the weight of a roofer without breaking.20. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19 whereby the insulant fibres are inherently moisture repellent or treated to be so for topmost surface, partial or full layer depth.21. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8,9. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 whereby the insulant and underlay depth density varies in whole or part to suit the function of optimum resilience, hygrothermal behaviour and weather resistance.22 A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21whereby the insulant is inert and remains so when installed.23. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component. combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21or 22 whereby the insulant is stitched, stapled, spun, moulded, thermal or glue bonded to the underlay.24. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23 whereby the insulant fibre layer is so formed as to be denser at the base sufficient to perform as a single component functional alternative to the combined insulant layer and underlay.25. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component. combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 whereby the insulant and underlay are produced in combined roll form and packaged as one compressed composite form of such rolled length to match common building roof/wall lengths.26. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination St construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 whereby the combined insulant and underlay units are elongate and run across a width of a pitched roof or external wall with substantially long horizontal joins between adjacent units and the insulant on the top edge of the unit will stop short of the commensurate edge of the underlay by sufficient distance to allow for the upper unit to overlap said underlay and intimately abut the topmost edge of the lower unit insulant for effective weathering. For effective weathering of any abutting side joins a small separate rectangular piece of normal underlay (no insulant) will be positioned with topmost underlapping and lowermost overlapping of the upper and lower combined underlay/insulant and placed central to any adjacent abutting underlay/insulant.27. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination St construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26 whereby the insulant, underlay and battens are coloured for significance.28. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 whereby the underlay is or incorporates a Hygrothermally Dynamic and thermally reflective foil that maybe microporous or perforated.29. A Hygrothermal Dynamic component combination & construction to cause natural constant building drying and insulation via pitched roofs and external walls substantially as described herein with reference to Diagram 2 and Figures 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4 and 4a and 4b of the accompanying drawings.