Roofing dry-in method and system

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for temporarily repairing a roof structure damaged by the environment or accident in order to provide for a dry interior space. Such damage may be caused by a storm, high winds, hurricane, tornado, explosion, fire, and other like events caused by nature or man. Such a process of providing a dry interior space after such an event is commonly referred to as “drying in” the structure by way of a “dry-in” process. The invention involves placing a moisture-barrier substrate over the damaged roof portion, mechanically fastening the substrate to the underlying roof structure, and finally applying a closed-cell form barrier over the substrate and surrounding roof structure, thereby creating a temporary liquid-impermeable roof patch. This process can be used in connection with at least rubber, smooth asphalt and metal roofs.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of providing a temporary moisture barrier, comprising the steps of:
 a. placing a moisture-tight substrate over at least a portion of a surface;   b. fastening the substrate to the underlying surface; and   c. applying a closed-cell foam barrier to the surface, wherein said foam cures to form a moisture-tight patch to said portion of the surface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is a roof structure, and the portion of the surface includes a damaged portion of said roof structure. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the surface includes a void in the surface. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a sheet impermeable to liquid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein fastening the substrate includes mechanically fastening the substrate to said underlying surface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein fastening the substrate includes inserting a portion of at least one fastener through the substrate and into the underlying surface. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one fastener is at least one screw or nail. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the fastener includes an elongated body and a head at an end of the elongated body, the body and head each having a diameter, and the diameter of the head is greater than the diameter of the body. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising inserting at least a portion of the body of the fastener through an opening of a spacer prior to inserting a portion of the at least one fastener through the substrate and into the underlying surface. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the spacer opening includes a diameter, the diameter of the spacer opening being equal to or greater than the diameter of the body of said fastener, and the diameter of the spacer opening being less than the diameter of the head of said fastener. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the closed-cell foam barrier is applied via pressurized spraying. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the closed-cell foam barrier is applied via spraying under pressure at a pressure of about 2000 pounds per square inch. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein applying the closed-cell foam barrier includes applying the closed-cell foam barrier to the substrate and to at least a portion of the underlying surface abutting or surrounding the substrate. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the layer of closed-cell foam barrier is about one-half inch thick. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the closed-cell foam barrier includes applying a layer of closed-cell foam barrier to the substrate and to at least a portion of the surface abutting or surrounding the substrate. 
     
     
         16 . A system for providing a liquid-impermeable barrier over a surface, comprising:
 a substrate placed on a portion of a surface, the substrate being substantially impermeable to liquid; and   a closed-cell foam barrier disposed atop the substrate and atop at least a portion of the surface surrounding the substrate.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising at least one fastener at least partially inserted through the substrate and into the underlying surface. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the closed-cell foam barrier overlays the substrate, the at least one fastener, and at least a portion of the underlying surface surrounding the substrate. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the foam cures to form a barrier substantially impermeable to liquid. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the foam is applied by pressurized spraying. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners, at least a portion of which are located adjacent to a perimeter of the substrate.