WO2008011316A1

WO2008011316A1 - Roof ventilation system

Info

Publication number: WO2008011316A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/073287
Authority: WO
Inventors: William B. Daniels
Original assignee: Daniels William B
Priority date: 2006-07-17
Filing date: 2007-07-11
Publication date: 2008-01-24

Abstract

A roof ventilation system for a roof with a radiant barrier is disclosed. The roof (200) includes a roof supporting structure (208), a radiant barrier layer (206) supported directly by the roof supporting structure (208), and a cover layer (207) laid over the radiant barrier (206). The roof (200) also includes a roof vent (210) which includes a first member (220) positioned at an aperture in the radiant barrier layer (206). The first member (220) includes a first opening (221) that permits airflow between regions above the radiant barrier layer 206 and below the radiant barrier layer (206). The roof vent also includes a second member (230) residing above the first member (220). The second member (230) includes a second opening (231) in ventilating communication with the first opening (221). The second member (230) also forms a portion of the cover layer (207) and is configured to mimic other portions of the cover layer (207).

Description

ROOF VENTILATION SYSTEM

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U. S. C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application Serial No. 60/831,576, filed July 17, 2006. The full disclosure of this priority application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] This application relates generally to building ventilation and specifically to roof ventilation. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Energy efficiency is a serious consideration in building design. Buildings require ways to minimize energy requirements to maintain comfortable living spaces. Certain buildings have a roof and an attic underneath the roof. One of the most common energy losses in such buildings is due to heat transfer through the attic. In warm climates, heat builds up in the attic from solar energy incident on the roof. In colder climates, moisture builds up in the attic, robbing the insulation of much of its R value.

[0004] Recently, ventilation systems have been incorporated to enhance the insulation of a roof. Such ventilation systems remove heat and/or moisture build-up in the attic, thus minimizing energy losses due to heat transfer through the attic.

[0005] Certain buildings have a roof including a radiant barrier layer to enhance the insulation. The radiant barrier layer enhances the insulation by reflecting radiant heat away from the roof. Traditionally, radiant barrier layers have been used as a means to simultaneously reflect radiant heat away from the roof and trap heat within the building. Accordingly, buildings with radiant barriers have not included roof ventilation. Such buildings, however, may still have heat or moisture build-up in the attic. Therefore, there is still a need to provide a ventilation system that properly ventilates the attic. There is also a need to provide a ventilation system which minimally detrimentally affects the appearance of a building design and is applicable to various types of roofs with a radiant barrier layer, while offering low installation costs relative to other ventilation systems. [0006] A roof including a radiant barrier with a ventilation system is disclosed in Fig. 19 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0052051, published on March 9, 2006 entitled "ROOF PROVIDING IMPROVED PASSIVE VENTILATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY." The roof includes a first roof cover and a second roof cover spaced above the first roof cover. One or both of the first and second roof covers is a multiple-layer construction including at least one layer of a radiant barrier material. The roof further includes a ventilation system which vents attic regions and the space between the first and second roof covers. The ventilation is enabled by the installation of vent members within the first roof cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a roof structure. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a roof structure is provided comprising a roof supporting structure; a radiant barrier layer supported directly by the roof supporting structure; a cover layer over the radiant barrier layer; and a roof vent. The roof vent includes a first member positioned at an aperture in the radiant barrier layer. The first member includes a first opening that permits airflow between regions above the radiant barrier layer and below the radiant barrier layer. In addition, the roof vent includes a second member residing above the first member. The second member includes a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening. The second member forms a portion of the cover layer and mimics other portions of the cover layer.

[0008] In accordance with another preferred embodiment, a roof vent is provided for a roof having a roof supporting structure, a radiant barrier layer supported directly by the roof supporting structure, and a cover layer over the radiant barrier layer. The roof vent comprises a first member configured to be positioned at an aperture in the radiant barrier layer. The first member includes a first opening that permits airflow between regions above and below the roof. The roof vent also includes a second member configured to reside above the first member. The second member comprises a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening. The second member comprises a radiant barrier material. [0009] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment, a method of providing a roof structure is provided. The method comprises providing a roof supporting structure. Then, a radiant barrier layer is supported directly on the roof supporting structure. The radiant barrier layer has an aperture. A cover layer is then provided over the radiant barrier layer. A first vent member is provided at the aperture in the radiant barrier layer. The first vent member includes a first opening that permits airflow between regions above the radiant barrier layer and below the radiant barrier layer. A second vent member is provided so as to reside above the first vent member. The second vent member comprises a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening. The second vent member forms a portion of the cover layer and mimics other portions of the cover layer.

[0010] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described above and as further described below. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0011] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figure, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a building having a roof and roof vents in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a roof structure having a roof vent; [0014] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a roof structure having a roof vent;

[0015] Figures 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sections of the roof structure of Figure 3, taken along the lines A-A' and B-B', respectively; and

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of a roof structure having a roof vent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0017] Figure 1 shows a building 1 with a roof 2 comprising two fields 3a and 3b that are joined at their upper ends to define a ridge 4. Lower edges 5 of the fields are referred to as an "eave." In the illustrated embodiment, the fields 3a and 3b may comprise rafters (not shown), a radiant barrier layer (not shown), a cover layer 7, and a vent 10. The illustrated roof 2 is suitable for having one or more vents 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. Also, skilled artisans will appreciate that the vents may be provided in a wide variety of different types of roofs, including those not having ridges or sloped fields. Pn Figure 1, a plurality of vents 10 are lined up on the field 3 a along the ridge and eave of the roof 2. The vents 10 are preferably provided in each field 3 a, 3b. In another embodiment, one vent 10 is positioned near each corner of the field 3 a, 3b. In other embodiments, the vents may be positioned on different parts of the field, depending on the ventilation needs.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a roof 100 having a roof vent 1 10. The roof 100 has a roof supporting structure (not shown), a radiant barrier layer 106 supported on the supporting structure, a cover layer 107, and a roof vent 110. Pn this embodiment, the roof 100 does not include a deck typically formed of plywood.

[0019] The roof supporting structure may include structural members, such as rafters. The rafters extend perpendicular to and between the ridge and the eave. The rafters may run in parallel to one another. Pn certain embodiments, the roof supporting structure may also include beams extending parallel to and between the ridge and the eave. Such beams may be referred to as "purlins." The roof supporting structure may be formed of wood and/or metal. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the configuration of the roof supporting structure can vary widely depending on the design of a building.

[0020] The radiant barrier layer 106 resides over and substantially across the roof supporting structure. The radiant barrier 106 may be supported directly by the roof supporting structure. The radiant barrier layer 106 includes a radiant barrier material that reflects radiant heat away from the roof. The radiant barrier material may comprise a sheet or coating. The coating may be formed of a paint blended with a radiant barrier additive. The radiant barrier material may preferably include a highly reflective material, such as aluminum. The radiant barrier layer 106 may further include a substrate material such as kraft paper, plastic films (e.g., polypropylene and polyethylene), or cardboard. Another type of radiant barrier layer comprises bubble wrap with one or both sides covered with aluminum foil. In certain embodiments, the radiant barrier layer 106 is reinforced by fiber to increase the durability and ease of handling. The radiant barrier layer 106 includes an aperture 106a, which can be formed after the radiant barrier layer is laid down onto the roof supporting structure. The aperture 106a is configured to permit airflow between regions above and below the roof 100.

[0021] The cover layer 107 is laid over and across the radiant barrier layer 106. The cover layer 107 may comprise tiles (e.g., clay or concrete), shingles (e.g., wooden, clay, or composition), or sheeting or plates (e.g., metal). The illustrated cover layer 107 includes tiles which are flat in shape. In other embodiments, the tiles may be M-shaped or S-shaped. Details of common M-shaped and S-shaped tiles are disclosed at the website http://www.ohaginvent.com. A skilled artisan will appreciate that various other types of covering materials can be used for the cover layer 107.

[0022] hi certain embodiments, the roof 100 may further include battens (not shown) extending parallel to and between the ridge 4 and the eave 5. The battens may be positioned on the radiant barrier layer 106 while supporting the cover layer 107. In another embodiment, the battens may be positioned between the roof supporting structure and the radiant barrier layer. It will be appreciated that various configurations of battens can be adapted for the cover layer 107. hi general, techniques for using battens to support tiles and other types of covering elements are well known. [0023] The roof vent 110 is positioned over the aperture 106a of the radiant barrier layer 106. The illustrated roof vent 110 includes a first (base or primary) vent member 120 and a second (cover or secondary) vent member 130 residing over the first member 120. In certain embodiments, the first member and second member may be integrated with each other, forming a single vent. Accordingly, features for mechanically fastening the first member 120 to the second member 130 can be provided. It will be appreciated that a plurality of roof vents 110 can be provided in one roof.

[0024] With reference to Figure 2, the first member 120 is positioned at the aperture 106a in the radiant barrier layer 106. The first member 120 may be mounted directly on the radiant barrier layer 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 120 is secured to the radiant barrier layer 106. The first member 120 may be attached directly to the radiant barrier layer 106 and not to any beam or elements of the roof supporting structure. The first member 120 may be secured to the radiant barrier layer 106 using any suitable securing means. Examples of the securing means include, but are not limited to: a bolt, a screw, a nail, a rivet, and an adhesive.

[0025] The illustrated first member 120 includes an opening 121 penetrating its central portion. The opening 121 permits airflow between regions above and below the roof 100. The regions below the roof 100 may include an attic or a living space of a building. The opening 121 may be covered by a screen 122 to prevent entry of insects, vermin, and debris larger than the screen openings. The first member 120 may also include upstanding baffles 123 that prevent ingress of water into the opening 121.

[0026] The second member 130 resides over the first member 120. The second member 130 preferably forms a portion of the cover layer 107. The second member 130 may be configured to mimic other portions of the cover layer 107 so as to not detrimentally affect the appearance of the roof 100. The second member 130 may have substantially the same shape as that of the cover layer 107, for example, tiles or shingles. In certain embodiments, the second member 130 may slightly protrude above the level of the top surface of the cover layer 107.

[0027] The second member 130 may include an opening penetrating the second member 130. The opening is in ventilating communication with the opening 121 of the first member 120 and the aperture 106a of the radiant barrier layer 106. Relative positions of the opening(s) in the second member 130 and the opening 121 in the first member 120 prevent ingress of water through the vent to the attic or living space.

[0028] The illustrated second member 130 comprises louvers 131 as openings. The louvers 131 include a number of narrow slits formed in parallel to one another. It will be appreciated that the shape and position of the slits can be varied, depending on the design of a vent. Skilled artisans will also understand that the louvers 131 can be omitted or replaced with other types of openings. In all of the embodiments disclosed herein, louvers are possible but not essential.

[0029] In addition, the second member 130 may have a downwardly depending baffle or flange 132 at its lower edge. The flange 132 may be configured to allow airflow underneath it to the aperture 106a in the radiant barrier layer 106 while preventing ingress of rain or snow.

[0030] As described above, the radiant barrier layer 106 has the apertures 106a to provide ventilation. Each aperture 106a increases the extent to which radiation can pass through the roof. In order to counteract this effect of the apertures 106a, each second vent member 130 preferably includes a radiant barrier material. The radiant barrier material of the second member 130 helps to prevent an overall reduction in the reflective capability of the roof. The radiant barrier material may be the same as that used for the radiant barrier layer 106. An exemplary radiant barrier material includes, but is not limited to, aluminum. In one embodiment, the second member 130 has an upper surface which is coated with the radiant barrier material. In other embodiments, the second member 130 may have a lower surface which is coated with the radiant barrier material. Both of the upper and lower surfaces of the second member 130 may be coated with the radiant barrier material. The radiant barrier material may be provided in the form of a paint blended with a radiant barrier additive, for ease of handling. In certain embodiments, the radiant barrier material may be embedded in the second member 130.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a roof 200 having a roof vent 210. The illustrated roof 200 has a roof supporting structure 208, a radiant barrier layer 206, battens 209, a cover layer 207, and a roof vent 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 200 does not include a deck typically formed of plywood.

[0032] The illustrated roof supporting structure 208 includes rafters running parallel to one another. The rafters 208 extend perpendicular to and between the ridge and the eave (not shown) of the roof 200. hi certain embodiments, the roof supporting structure may also include beams extending parallel to and between the ridge and the eave. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the configuration of the roof supporting structure can be varied widely depending on the design of a building.

[0033] The radiant barrier layer 206 resides over and is preferably supported by the rafters 208. The radiant barrier layer 206 may be supported directly by the rafters 208. The radiant barrier layer 206 includes an aperture (not shown) configured to permit airflow between regions above and below the radiant barrier layer 206. The radiant barrier layer 206 may have the same material as that of the radiant barrier layer 106 described above with reference to Figure 2.

[0034] The illustrated battens 209 are positioned on the radiant barrier layer 206. The battens 209 extend substantially parallel to and between the ridge and the eave (not shown) of the roof 200. The battens 209 run substantially perpendicular to the rafters 208. The battens 209 may be formed of, for example, wood or metal. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the configuration of the battens may vary depending on the type of the cover layer 207. In some embodiments, the radiant barrier layer 206 can be interposed between the battens 209 and the cover layer 207.

[0035] The illustrated cover layer 207 is laid over and across the radiant barrier layer 206 and the battens 209. The illustrated cover layer 207 includes flat tiles. In other embodiments, various other types of covering materials can be used. As shown in Figure 3, the upper ends of the tiles sit directly on the battens. The lower ends of the tiles reside on the upper ends of other tiles positioned below the tiles. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the configuration of the cover layer 207 may be varied depending on the type of the covering material.

[0036] The roof vent 210 is positioned over the aperture of the radiant barrier layer 206. The illustrated roof vent 210 includes a first (base or primary) member 220 and a second (cover or secondary) member 230 residing over the first member 220. It will be appreciated that a plurality of roof vents 210 can be provided in one roof.

[0037] The first member 220 is positioned at the aperture in the radiant barrier layer 206. The first member 220 is mounted on the radiant barrier layer 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 220 is secured to two neighboring rafters 208. The first member 220 may be secured to the rafters 208 using any suitable securing means, hi addition, the illustrated first member 220 includes an opening 221 and a screen 222 as described above with respect to the first member 120 of Figure 2.

[0038] The second member 230 resides over the first member 220. The second member 230 may include openings 231 and a baffle 232. The second member 230 may also include a radiant barrier material. The detailed configuration of the second member 230 is preferably as described above with respect to the second member 130 of Figure 2.

[0039] Figures 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sections of the roof 200 of Figure 3, taken along the lines A-A' and B-B', respectively. The line A-A' of Figure 3 goes through the central portion of the roof vent 210 while the line B-B' extends through a peripheral portion of the roof vent 210.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4A, the roof 200 includes the radiant barrier layer 206, the battens 209, the cover layer 207, and the roof vent 210. As described above, the roof 200 does not include a roof deck typically formed of plywood. The battens 209 are positioned on the radiant barrier layer 206, spaced apart a predetermined distance from one another. The roof vent 210 is provided between two neighboring battens 209.

[0041] The roof vent 210 includes the first member 220 and the second member 230 residing over the first member 220. The first member 220 has the opening 221 in ventilating communication with the opening 206a of the radiant barrier layer 206. The second member 230 of the roof vent 210 also has an opening (not shown) in ventilating communication with the openings of the first member 220 and the radiant barrier layer 206. The illustrated second member 230 also has a gap 235 with a tile 207 directly below the second member 230. The gap 235 enables increased airflow between regions above and below the roof 200. [0042] Referring to Figure 4B, the roof 200 includes the rafters 208, the radiant barrier layer 206, the battens 209, the cover layer 207, and the roof vent 210. As described above, the roof 200 does not include a roof deck typically formed of plywood. The radiant barrier layer 206 resides on the rafters 208. Preferably, the radiant barrier layer 206 is secured to the rafters 208. The illustrated battens 209 are positioned on the radiant barrier layer 206. The illustrated roof vent 210 is provided between two neighboring battens 209. Details of the foregoing elements are preferably as described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4A.

[0043] In certain cases, the rafters are too far apart to secure the first vent member to them. Pn that case, a special "frame" for the first member may be provided. The frame may be an extension of the roof supporting structure.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5, rafters 508a and 508b are spaced apart a distance d greater than the length L of the first member 520. A frame 550a and 550b is provided to support the first member 520. The frame 550a and 550b is formed of a pair of beams that extend between the two rafters 508a and 508b, in an orientation parallel to the ridge and eave (not shown). The first member 520 is secured to the beams 550a and 550b. In other embodiments, the first member may be secured to neighboring battens.

[0045] The roof vents described above (e.g., 110, 210) may be installed in a roof as follows. In one embodiment where the roof vents are installed in new construction of a building, a radiant barrier layer (e.g., 106, 206, 506) is provided on a roof supporting structure. Then, apertures (e.g., 106a, 206a) are cut into the radiant barrier layer where the roof vents will be mounted. The first vent members (e.g., 120, 220, 520) of the roof vents are installed at the apertures within the radiant barrier layer. The first vent members may be secured directly to the radiant barrier layers or to the rafters as described above with reference to Figures 2-5. The openings (e.g., 121, 221, 521) of the first vent members are aligned with the apertures of the radiant barrier layer.

[0046] Then, the second vent members (e.g., 130, 230) of the roof vents are mounted over the first vent members. The cover layer (e.g., 107, 207, 507) may be laid over the radiant barrier layer prior to or subsequent to mounting the second vent member over the first vent member. [0047] In an alternative method, the apertures within the radiant barrier layer may be formed after mounting the cover layer on the radiant barrier layer. In such an embodiment, portions of the radiant barrier layer may be left uncovered by the cover layer (e.g., by not installing certain tiles or shingles) while the remainder of the radiant barrier layer is covered by the cover layer. It will be appreciated that various other steps or processes may be used for installing the roof vent.

[0048] In another method, which may be appropriate for retrofitting a roof with roof vents of the present invention, the roof vents described above may be installed as follows. First, a roof having rafters, a radiant barrier layer, battens, and a cover layer is provided. The configuration of the roof may be the same as described above with reference to Figures 2-5. Then, portions of the cover layer are removed to provide spaces for the roof vents. By removing such portions of the cover layer, certain portions of the radiant barrier layer are exposed. Next, apertures are formed within the exposed portions of the radiant barrier layer.

[0049] Then, the roof vents are provided in the exposed portions of the radiant barrier layer. The first vent members of the roof vents are installed in the exposed portions of the radiant barrier layer. The first members may be secured directly to the radiant barrier layer or to the rafters as described above with reference to Figures 2-5. The openings of the first members are aligned with the apertures formed in the radiant barrier layer. Next, the second vent members are provided to cover the first members while being aligned with the neighboring portions of the cover layer. It will be appreciated that various other steps or processes may be used for installing the roof vent.

[0050] According to the embodiments described above, the roof structure includes the radiant barrier layer and the roof vent mimicking the cover layer. This configuration enhances the insulation of the roof without detrimentally affecting the appearance of the roof, hi addition, the roof structure does not have a plywood or metal deck, and thus is less costly and less labor-intensive.

[0051] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A roof structure comprising: a roof supporting structure; a radiant barrier layer supported directly by the roof supporting structure, the radiant barrier layer having an aperture; a cover layer over the radiant barrier layer; and a roof vent comprising: a first member positioned at the aperture in the radiant barrier layer, the first member including a first opening that permits airflow between regions above the radiant barrier layer and below the radiant barrier layer, and a second member residing above the first member, the second member comprising a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening, the second member forming a portion of the cover layer and mimicking other portions of the cover layer.

2. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the first member is secured to the radiant barrier layer.

3. The structure of Claim 2, wherein the first member is secured directly to the radiant barrier layer and not to any beams or elements of the roof supporting structure.

4. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the first member is secured to the roof supporting structure.

5. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the roof supporting structure comprises rafters.

6. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the roof supporting structure is formed of wood or metal.

7. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the radiant barrier layer comprises a radiant barrier material, and wherein the second member comprises the radiant barrier material.

8. The structure of Claim 7, wherein the second member has an upper surface coated with the radiant barrier material.

9. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the cover layer comprises shingles or tiles.

10. The structure of Claim 1 , wherein the second member has substantially the same shape as that of an element of the cover layer.

11. The structure of Claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of battens residing over the radiant barrier layer while supporting the cover layer.

12. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the roof structure does not include a plywood deck.

13. The structure of Claim 1, wherein the roof structure forms a sloped roof having a ridge, an eave, and a field extending between the ridge and the eave, wherein the radiant barrier layer has a plurality of apertures, and wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of roof vents, each comprising: a first member positioned at one of the apertures in the radiant barrier layer, the first member including a first opening that permits airflow between regions above the radiant barrier layer and below the radiant barrier layer, and a second member residing above the first member, the second member comprising a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening, the second member forming a portion of the cover layer and mimicking other portions of the cover layer.

14. The structure of Claim 13, wherein the roof vents are located near the ridge and the eave.

15. The structure of Claim 13, wherein each of the roof vents is located near a corner of the field.

16. A roof vent for a roof having a roof supporting structure, a radiant barrier layer supported directly by the roof supporting structure, and a cover layer over the radiant barrier layer, the roof vent comprising: a first member configured to be positioned at an aperture in the radiant barrier layer, the first member including a first opening that permits airflow between regions above and below the roof; and a second member configured to reside above the first member, the second member comprising a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening, wherein the second member comprises a radiant barrier material.

17. The vent of Claim 16, wherein the second member has an upper surface coated with the radiant barrier material.

18. The vent of Claim 16, wherein the radiant barrier material comprises a paint with a radiant barrier additive.

19. A method of providing a roof structure, the method comprising: providing a roof supporting structure; supporting a radiant barrier layer directly on the roof supporting structure, the radiant barrier layer having an aperture; providing a cover layer over the radiant barrier layer; and providing a roof vent comprising: a first member positioned at the aperture in the radiant barrier layer, the first member including a first opening that permits airflow between regions above the radiant barrier layer and below the radiant barrier layer, and a second member residing above the first member, the second member comprising a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening, the second member forming a portion of the cover layer and mimicking other portions of the cover layer.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein providing the roof vent comprises securing the first member to the radiant barrier layer.

21. The method of Claim 20, wherein the first member is secured directly to the radiant barrier layer and not to any beams or elements of the roof supporting structure.

22. The method of Claim 19, wherein providing the roof vent comprises securing the first member to the roof supporting structure.

23. The method of Claim 19, wherein providing the roof supporting structure comprises providing rafters.

24. The method of Claim 19, wherein the roof supporting structure is formed of wood or metal.

25. The method of Claim 19, wherein the radiant barrier layer comprises a radiant barrier material, and wherein the second member comprises the radiant barrier material.

26. The method of Claim 25, wherein the second member has an upper surface coated with the radiant barrier material.

27. The method of Claim 19, wherein providing the cover layer comprises providing shingles or tiles.

28. The method of Claim 19, wherein the second member has substantially the same shape as that of the cover layer.

29. The method of Claim 19, further comprising providing a plurality of battens residing over the radiant barrier layer while supporting the cover layer.

30. The method of Claim 19, wherein the roof structure forms a sloped roof having a ridge, an eave, and a field extending between the ridge and the eave, wherein the radiant barrier layer has a plurality of apertures, and wherein providing the roof vent comprises providing a plurality of roof vents, each comprising a first member positioned at one of the apertures in the radiant barrier layer, the first member including a first opening that permits airflow between regions above the radiant barrier layer and below the radiant barrier layer, and a second member residing above the first member, the second member comprising a second opening in ventilating communication with the first opening, the second member forming a portion of the cover layer and mimicking other portions of the cover layer.

31. The structure of Claim 30, wherein providing the roof vents comprises locating the roof vents near the ridge and the eave.

32. The structure of Claim 30, wherein providing the roof vents comprises locating each of the roof vents near a corner of the field.