Roofing tile clip and installation method

Abstract

A roof clip ( 205, 305 ) for roof tiles ( 1, 2 ) is disclosed in which a fastener ( 4 ) having a shank ( 24 ) which passes into a timber batten ( 3 ), or timber deck ( 51 ) 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 ( 206 ) the length of which pre-sets the distance between the batten and hook ( 107, 207 ). The distance between the hook and base is adjustable by means of a ratchet mechanism ( 229, 329 ). Consequently one clip can be used with a wide range of tiles. Tilers walking on rooves are less likely to break tiles held with such clips because the ratchet mechanism gives under the weight of the tiler so the clip does not form a rigid point about which the tile breaks.

1 . A roofing tile clip fabricated in two parts, one of said parts comprising an elongated strip having a plurality of teeth extending from one side thereof and terminating in a hook shaped to engage with the side edge of a substantially planar roofing tile, the other of said parts comprising a generally tubular body having a longitudinal axis and an opening therethrough substantially aligned with said axis and shaped to receive said strip, said tubular body having a ratchet mechanism arranged to co-operate with said teeth and permit movement of said hook towards, but not away from, said tubular body, and said other part including an elongate base which extends generally at right angles to said longitudinal axis, said base including at least one bore therethrough shaped to received a fastener for said clip, and said base having an abutment surface substantially perpendicular to said bore which, after installation, bears against a support surface, and through which said fastener can extend. 
   
   
       2 . The clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said elongate base is substantially tubular. 
   
   
       3 . The clip as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said elongate base is substantially parallel to said hook. 
   
   
       4 . The clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base is tapered. 
   
   
       5 . The clip as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said base is substantially perpendicular to said hook. 
   
   
       6 . The clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said teeth extend between a pair of elongate substantially parallel stiffening ribs. 
   
   
       7 . The clip as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said ratchet mechanism is releasable. 
   
   
       8 . A method of installing on a sloping first tile of a roof, a roofing tile clip as claim in  claim 1 , said method comprising the steps of:
 a. bringing said abutment surface of said base into contact with said support surface,   b. driving a fastener through said base and into said support surface to secure said other part thereto, and   c. after carrying out steps (i) and (ii) bringing said hook into contact with said tile whilst simultaneously passing at least some of said teeth through said ratchet mechanism.   
   
   
       9 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  including the further steps of:
 (iv) partially covering said first tile with a second adjacent sloping tile, said second tile obscuring said hook and clip from view, and   (v) treading on said second tile to pass at least one further tooth through said ratchet mechanism.   
   
   
       10 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said support surface comprises a batten. 
   
   
       11 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said support surface comprises a deck.