ROOFING FLASHINGS AND ROOFING SYSTEMS AND PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOFING SYSTEMS USING THE SAME

摘要

The present invention relates more particularly to improved flashings for useinintegrating specialized roof-mounted structures, such as photovoltaic devicesfor thegeneration of electrical energy, with conventional roofing materials on aroof. In oneaspect, the invention provides a flashing element having a cross-sectionalshapecomprising a laterally-extending flange, the flange having an edge, a firstend and asecond end, the side flashing element comprising a return hem disposed at theedge andcomprising a folded-over strip of material disposed over the top surface ofthe flange atthe edge, the return hem having a first end disposed toward the first end ofthe edge, anda second end disposed toward the second end of the edge, wherein the totalthickness ofthe return hem at its second end is no greater than the interior thickness ofthe return hemat its first end.