Roof batten system

Abstract

A method of the production of a composite roof batten includes forming a substantially rigid low-density lower reinforcing element with cup-shaped depressions defining moisture-passing channels therebetween and providing an upper reinforcing element. The cup-shaped depressions of the lower reinforcing element have introduced therein a low density closed cell foam material and the upper reinforcing element is positioned in overlying relationship to the lower reinforcing element. The foam material is allowed to fill the space defined between the lower reinforcing element and the upper reinforcing element and bond the elements together to form a composite roof batten.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . Apparatus for coupling roofing tiles to a roof structure, comprising:
 a roof batten constructed of a foam material and having an elongated bar-like shape with a longitudinal axis, a flat top surface and a contoured bottom surface; and   the contoured bottom surface including at least three axially spaced apart lower contact surfaces for contact with the roof structure and at least two transverse channels intermediate the lower contact surfaces, the transverse channels defined by the lower contact surfaces.   
     
     
         23 . Apparatus according to  claim 22  wherein the foam material is a closed cell foam material. 
     
     
         24 . Apparatus according to  claim 22  wherein each of the transverse channels is between 1 and 4 inches wide. 
     
     
         25 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 22  wherein each of the transverse channels has a height of approximately ½ inch. 
     
     
         26 . A roof structure comprising:
 a water-resistant underlayment;   a plurality of roof battens affixed to the underlayment, each roof batten constructed of a foam material and having an elongated bar-like shape with a longitudinal axis, a flat top surface and a contoured bottom surface, the contoured bottom surface including at least three axially spaced apart lower contact surfaces in contact with the roof structure and at least two transverse channels intermediate the lower contact surfaces, the transverse channels defined by the lower contact surfaces and the underlayment; and   a plurality of roof tiles carried by the roof battens.   
     
     
         27 . Apparatus according to  claim 26  wherein the foam material is a closed cell foam material. 
     
     
         28 . Apparatus according to  claim 26  wherein each of the transverse channels is between 1 and 4 inches wide. 
     
     
         29 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 26  wherein each of the transverse channels has a height of approximately½ inch.