Roofing tile clip and installation method

Abstract

A roof clip ( 105, 205 ) for roof tiles ( 1, 2 ) is disclosed in which a fastener ( 4 ) having a shank ( 24 ) which passes into a timber batten ( 3 ) is used to anchor the clip. The fastener is preferably preassembled with the clip to form an assembly able to be handled by the tile installer. The shank 24 passes through a base ( 106, 206 ) the length of which pre-sets the distance between the batten and hook ( 107, 207 ). Preferably the distance between the hook and base is adjustable by means of a ratchet mechanism ( 219, 229 ).

1 . A roofing tile clip for tile roofs supported by battens and constructed in cyclone prone areas, said clip having a hook means shaped to engage a tile, a fastener shank receiving elongate base having a front face and rear end and shaped to permit the shank of a fastener having a head and a shank to be received by said base, and an intermediate portion interconnecting said hook means and said base, wherein said base is dimensioned to permit said clip when installed to have the head of said fastener bear against said front face, and thereby abut said rear end against the batten into which said fastener is fastened.  
   
   
       2 . The roofing tile clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base comprises a hollow tube.  
   
   
       3 . The roofing tile clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       4 . The roofing tile clip as claimed in  claim 1  and fabricated from plastics material.  
   
   
       5 . The roofing tile clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the length of said intermediate portion is adjustable.  
   
   
       6 . The roofing tile clip as claimed in  claim 5  and fabricated in two parts.  
   
   
       7 . The roofing tile clip as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said two parts are interconnected by means of a ratchet mechanism.  
   
   
       8 . The roofing tile clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said fastener comprises a nail.  
   
   
       9 . A method of installing a roofing tile clip for tile roofs supported by battens and constructed in cyclone prone areas, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (i) placing said tiles on said battens with a higher part of each tile overlying a lower part of an adjacent tile,    (ii) placing the hook means of the tile clip defined in paragraph  1  over said higher part of a tile,    (iii) if necessary, engaging a fastener having a head and a shank with said base, and    (iv) driving said fastener home into the batten supporting said adjacent tile to bring said fastener head into contact with said base front face and abut said base rear end with said batten.    
   
   
       10 . The method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein step (iv) includes the further steps of: 
 (v) placing said base in compression between said fastener head and batten.    
   
   
       11 . The method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said fastener comprises a nail and said driving step (iv) comprises hitting the head of said nail with a hammer.  
   
   
       12 . The method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein step (iii) is carried out prior to sale of said clip and prior to carrying out said steps (i), (ii) and (iv).  
   
   
       13 . The method as claimed in  claim 9  including the step of: 
 (vi) adjusting the distance between said hook means and said base.    
   
   
       14 . The method as claimed in  claim 13  including the steps of 
 (vii) making said intermediate portion in two pieces, and    (viii) interconnecting said pieces via a ratchet mechanism.