Apparatus for covering a roof

Abstract

There is provided apparatus for covering a roof ( 501 ). The apparatus comprises a waterproof membrane ( 102, 103 ). The membrane ( 102, 103 ) has a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof ( 511, 512 ). The membrane ( 102, 103 ) has an upper surface with an integrated surface fastener system ( 508, 509 and 510 ) configured to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy connection devices ( 104, 105 and 106 ).

1 . Apparatus for covering a roof, comprising a waterproof membrane, wherein: 
 said membrane has a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof; and    said membrane has an upper surface with an integrated surface fastener system configured to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collection devices.    
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is fabricated from a thermoplastic olefin (TPO) material consisting of a polymer with a filler.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said uncovered roof exposes metal or insulating material to said lower surface.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said upper surface is configured to receive a web, wherein: 
 said web carries solar energy collection material on an upper surface, and    a lower surface of said web carries a co-operating fastener system that fastens to said integrated surface fastener system.    
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the upper surface of said membrane has portions of hook-side Velcro® attached thereto and the lower surface of said web has loop-side Velcro® attached thereto.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said loop-side Velcro® is attached to substantially the whole of said lower surface.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein a cover strip is applied to said portions of hook-side Velcro® to protect the integrated fastener system prior to the attachment of said collection devices.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein said integrated surface fastener system is a mushroom fastener.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein a cover strip is applied to said portions of mushroom fastener to protect the integrated fastener system prior to the attachment of said solar collection devices.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said integrated surface fastener system includes metallic or hard plastic mechanical fastening devices.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus for collecting solar energy mountable on the roof of a building, comprising: 
 an upper surface displaying a solar energy collection surface; and    a lower surface carrying a surface fastener system, wherein    said fastener system is fastenable to a roof membrane having a co-operating fastener system.    
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said solar energy collection surface is presented by a photovoltaic material carried on a web.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said surface fastener system is hook-side Velcro® or mushroom fastening.  
     
     
         14 . A method of producing a roof covering membrane having a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof, comprising the steps of: 
 producing a waterproof membrane material;    forming said material into an appropriate membrane shape; and    processing said membrane shape so as to include an integrated surface fastener system in an upper surface of the membrane to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collection devices.    
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein said waterproof membrane material is produced from thermoplastic olefin (TPO) material.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the TPO material is formed into an appropriate membrane shape by a process of heating and rolling.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein said processing step includes the addition of Velcro®, mushroom fasteners or mechanical fastening devices.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein said processing step includes: 
 softening the upper surface of the membrane by the application of heat; and    moulding the integrated fastener system onto said upper surface.    
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein: 
 said processing step is performed after said forming step, such that the membrane material is in a semi-cured state; and    a pattern of surface fasteners is formed on said upper surface by a further moulding stage.    
     
     
         20 . Apparatus for attachment to a roof in order to derive electrical energy from sunlight, comprising: 
 a membrane attachable to the exposed surface of a roof;    a web of solar energy collection material attachable to an upper surface of said membrane and including electrical connections; and    an elongate trunking configured to be installed on said roof and to be attached to an edge of said web, so as to locate said web and to house said electrical connectors.