ES3061657T3 - Roof device and insulating and draining building panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roofing device (10) incorporating a protective layer and drainage properties (14), comprising, on the one hand, construction panels (1), each with a plate-shaped body (1'), said body (1') incorporating means for draining liquid on the surface, underside, and/or through, and on the other hand, a layer (1") of porous material, disposed over the plate-shaped bodies (1'), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier, at least substantially continuous, to the passage of insects, particularly those the size of tiger mosquitoes, at the level of the upper faces (2) of said plate-shaped bodies (1') and at the level of the lateral joint areas (6).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Roofing device and insulation and drainage building panel

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of building, more particularly to construction panels implemented for the construction of flat structure roofs, such as rooftops, in particular those covered with a continuous and waterproof sealing complex.

[0004] The invention relates to a roofing device comprising a layer formed of insulating panels.

[0005] US patent 5,067,298 A discloses a roofing system with a watertight layer, panels, and a porous and permeable layer. It is common knowledge that buildings with flat roofs, whether accessible or not, are covered with a membrane or a continuous, watertight, and impermeable complex that makes the buildings watertight against liquids.

[0006] However, a flatness defect in the roof leads to the formation of areas of stagnant liquid, or "puddles", which favors the growth of insect species considered "harmful" to humans, particularly small flying insects.

[0007] Among these species, special mention will be made of the "tiger mosquito" (genus Aedes, subgenus Aedes or Stegomyia, species albopictus), whose increased development, especially in temperate climate regions, is undesirable, or even actively combated, particularly to avoid the risk of bites and the transmission of diseases.

[0008] Indeed, to reproduce, the female tiger mosquito lays her eggs on solid surfaces located a few millimeters above existing standing water. These eggs can survive for several months without water. However, as soon as the solid surface of the egg-laying area becomes a pool of stagnant water, for example, after a weather event such as rain, snow, etc., the larval development of the tiger mosquito begins. In fact, tiger mosquito larvae only need one (1) cm of stagnant water for 5 days to develop.

[0009] Thus, after a rainy episode, a flat roof, especially a rooftop, with irregularities or defects in flatness generates the appearance of humid areas, such as puddles or layers of stagnant water, accessible to tiger mosquitoes, or to harmful flying insects of the same type, and sufficient to allow their increased proliferation, in particular the development of larvae.

[0010] In order to limit, or even prevent, the growth of tiger mosquitoes or similar insects, as a consequence of the appearance of wet areas on rooftops covered with an existing sealing complex, there is a strong demand, or even a regulatory obligation in some countries, to find a solution that eliminates the possibility of stagnant water forming on this type of roofing and/or prevents these insects from accessing it.

[0011] The invention therefore has as its main objective to limit as much as possible, or even completely prevent, the pooling of liquid on a flat roof covered with an existing waterproofing system, and at the same time prevent access by harmful insects, such as the tiger mosquito or similar flying insects, to this surface prone to pooling, all while allowing the existing waterproofing system to be preserved. Furthermore, the proposed solution should not significantly increase the weight of the roof, advantageously provide an additional beneficial function (e.g., additional thermal insulation), and also be capable of supporting a sufficient load to make the covered surface accessible (compatibility with the installation of a system such as slabs on platforms in particular). Finally, this solution should compensate for local unevenness and flatness defects and provide a flat upper surface.

[0012] To satisfy at least the main requirements set out above, the present invention has as its first object a roofing device having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0013] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with regard to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein: [Fig. 1] is a partial schematic and cross-sectional view of an accessible roof system incorporating a protective layer and drainage properties according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0014] [Fig.2] is a partial schematic and cross-sectional view of a protective layer with drainage properties according to a first embodiment of the invention, which may be part of a device as shown in Figure 1; [Fig.3] is a partial schematic and cross-sectional view of an accessible roof device similar to that in Figure 1, but incorporating a protective layer and drainage properties according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0015] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the top of a panel body according to a first embodiment of the invention, which may form part of the protective layer with drainage properties shown in any one of Figures 1 to 3, this body comprising a network of slots on the upper and lower faces, said slots being parallel to each other and to one of the lateral edges of said body;

[0016] [Fig.5] is a partial top view of a panel body according to another embodiment of the invention, comprising on the top face two overlapping networks of parallel grooves forming a set of intersecting and obliquely oriented grooves, creating a grid pattern of bearings;

[0017] [Fig. 6] is a partial top view of a panel body according to a third embodiment of the invention, comprising on the top face two overlapping networks of parallel grooves forming a set of intersecting and perpendicularly oriented grooves, creating a grid pattern of squares;

[0018] [Fig. 7] is a perspective view of the top of the body of the panel of figure 6, comprising on its lower face a network of unidirectional grooves parallel to one of the lateral edges;

[0019] [Fig. 8] is a perspective view of a prefabricated composite building panel according to another embodiment of the invention, this panel comprising a body according to figure 4 and an added side of porous material, which extends over two adjacent or contiguous edges of the body;

[0020] [Fig. 9] is a partial cross-sectional view (along a plane perpendicular to the slots) and at a different scale of the panel in Figure 8;

[0021] [Fig.10] is a perspective view of a prefabricated composite building panel according to another embodiment of the invention, this panel comprising a body according to figures 6 and 7 and an added side of porous material, which extends over two adjacent or contiguous edges of the body;

[0022] [Fig.11] is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of the side joining area between two assembled panels (of the type shown in Figures 8 and 9), illustrating a variant embodiment of the invention that implements coating means;

[0023] [Fig. 12] is a detailed cross-sectional view of the side joining area similar to that in Figure 11, illustrating another embodiment of the panel bodies comprising, in addition to surface drainage means in the form of grooves on the upper and lower faces, also through drainage means in the form of channels or through holes;

[0024] Figure 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view, similar to those in Figures 11 and 12, of the lateral joining area between two assembled panels, illustrating another embodiment of the invention that implements cooperative coupling means, and,

[0025] [Fig.14] is a detailed cross-sectional view, similar to those in Figures 11 to 13, of the side joining area between two assembled panels, illustrating a fourth embodiment of the invention, incorporating one of the middle covering panels similar to those in Figures 11 and 12, and comprising the body of the other panel as spacer middles.

[0026] As can be seen by way of non-limiting examples in Figures 1 and 3, the present invention relates, according to the invention, to a substantially flat and horizontal or low-slope roofing device (10), in particular an accessible roof device, comprising at least one surface support (11), which incorporates or is equipped with means (12) for draining liquids, and a sealing layer or complex (13) which completely covers said support (11) and is fixed directly or not to the latter.

[0027] The surface support (11) may consist, for example, of a concrete roof slab or a wooden or metal roof floor.

[0028] According to a particular, non-limiting embodiment, the means (12) for evacuating liquids consist, for example, of channels, siphons or the like connected to gutter-type pipes or diverted spillway, for the evacuation of liquids, in particular rainwater, outside the roof structure.

[0029] Preferably, the sealing assembly (13) consists, for example, of a continuous, watertight sealing membrane.

[0030] It is also planned that:

[0031] - said sealing complex (13) is coated with a protective layer with drainage properties (14) comprising side-by-side construction panels (1), each of which comprises or consists of a plate-shaped body (1'), preferably rectangular, with lateral edges (3, 3') and formed from at least one layer of self-supporting material with compressive strength properties, preferably of essentially hollow or alveolar constitution,

[0032] - each body (1') structurally incorporates: i) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), said means (4, 4') being present on at least the upper face (2) of said body (1'), and, optionally, also on the lower face (2'), and/or, at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1'), and ii) at least one means for draining liquid (4, 4') towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which is present on at least the lower face (2'), and,

[0033] - said protective layer with drainage properties (14) also includes a layer (1") of porous material, arranged on the bodies (1') in the form of plates, permeable to liquids.

[0034] Each body (1') may thus include a drainage means (4, 4') on its upper and/or lower face (2'). Likewise, at least one means (7) for liquid evacuation through the thickness of said body (1') may or may not be provided, depending in particular on other possibilities for the passage of water from the upper to the lower face of the protective and drainage layer (14).

[0035] According to the invention, said protective and drainage layer (14) constitutes a barrier, at least substantially continuous, to the passage of insects, in particular those the size of tiger mosquitoes or larger, at the level of the upper faces (2) of said plate-shaped bodies (1') and at the level of the lateral joining zones (6) resulting from the approach or contact of the lateral edges (3, 3') between neighboring bodies (1'). According to a first aspect of the invention, shown in Figures 1 and 2, the porous material layer (1") consists of continuous strips of porous material that cover, with a parallel arrangement of said strips and with partial lateral overlap between two neighboring strips, the upper faces (2) of the panel bodies.

[0036] In this case, the panel bodies (1') and the porous material strips are delivered separately to the work site and the operator first installs said bodies (1') on the sealing complex (13) to form a first layer, then unrolls and positions the porous material strips to form a continuous layer of porous material (1") with lateral overlap between strips.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, shown in Figure 3 and partially in Figures 8 to 14, the porous material layer (1") is formed by porous material flanks (8) covering the upper faces (2) of the panel bodies, these flanks (8) partially overlapping at strip-like zones extending along the lateral sides of said flanks (8). The overlap between flanks (8) is, of course, such as to form a continuous layer of porous material (1") with lateral overlap between sides.

[0038] According to the invention, the porous material forming said porous barrier layer (1"), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects such as tiger mosquitoes or similar flying insects, is a flexible material of the grid, mesh, non-woven, felt, or geotextile type, which advantageously has an average pore opening diameter of less than 250 µm. Advantages are thus achieved in terms of ease of handling, production cost, lightness, ease of implementation, and effectiveness as a barrier against insects, particularly small, harmful flying insects such as tiger mosquitoes.

[0039] Thanks to the combination of specific provisions mentioned above, the invention makes it possible to satisfy the main demands expressed in the introduction and provides a solution to prevent the development of harmful insects on roofs, particularly mosquitoes and especially the tiger mosquito. This objective is achieved, on the one hand, by facilitating water drainage (and thus eliminating damp areas), and, on the other hand, by hindering or even preventing insects (at least those the size of the tiger mosquito) from accessing the area above the waterproofing (an area conducive to egg-laying and the development of a new generation of mosquitoes), and also by hindering or even preventing the exit of potential representatives of a new generation from this area.

[0040] Thus, the roofing device (10) simultaneously allows i) efficient drainage of liquids to the outside of the roof, preventing the formation of stagnant pools of liquid conducive to larval proliferation and the development of insects such as mosquitoes, particularly tiger mosquitoes, and ii) preventing the latter from accessing the area under the layer (14), and also, where applicable, trapping them under this layer (even in their juvenile form). It should be noted that, unlike inert and passive objects (such as mineral particles) subject only to the laws of physics (gravity, water drag), mosquitoes, as living beings endowed with a certain form of basic intelligence, acquired and innate faculties, and considerable mobility (muscular structure), are capable of searching for, identifying, and exploiting one or more passages (only one is sufficient), sometimes far from their original position, and gliding through these interstices, either to access the lower part or to return to the surface.

[0041] In the context of the present invention, the expression "flat roofing" does not require that the roofing be perfectly flat; it may be "substantially flat" with a slight inclination with respect to a horizontal position substantially parallel to the ground.

[0042] The term "self-supporting material layer" forming the bodies (1') means a layer that maintains structural stability, rigidity, and mechanical strength properties under the effect of gravity but also external stresses, particularly rain, even on a non-planar support. The self-supporting material layer advantageously presents no significant risk of disintegration or friability under external stresses.

[0043] Advantageously, in order to preserve its drainage functions and structural constitution, this self-supporting layer must have compressive strength properties and preferably be of alveolar constitution to also present properties of lightness and thermal insulation.

[0044] Preferably, said self-supporting layer is substantially incompressible under its implementation conditions within the framework of the invention, so that it is able to withstand the weight and pressure of liquids, for example in the case of heavy rain, and the weight of human subjects.

[0045] To limit the quantities of materials and to have a structure that is both rigid and lightweight, the constituent material of the body (1') is advantageously of alveolar constitution, with a mass in volume advantageously of at least 12 kg/m<3>, and preferably between 25 and 45 kg/m<3>, in application of the EN 1602 standard.

[0046] Said self-supporting layer of bodies (1') advantageously presents a compressive strength at 10% deformation (CS(10/Y)) greater than or equal to 80 kPa, and preferably between 150 and 350 kPa, in accordance with EN826, and preferably a mass in volume of at least 12 kg/m³, in accordance with EN1602. Advantageously, said porous barrier layer (1") does not constitute a significant obstacle to the passage of liquids from the top of the layer (14) to the bottom (liquids whose circulation and evacuation are facilitated through the drainage means 4, 4' and, where applicable, the through-drainage means 7), while at the same time preventing the passage of insects, in particular tiger mosquitoes, from the top to the bottom, and vice versa.

[0047] The porous barrier layer (1") thus prevents the proliferation of insect larvae, particularly tiger mosquitoes, at the level of the lateral joining areas (6) or at the level of the lower face (2') of the panel bodies (1').

[0048] Even if, by some extraordinary chance, an egg were to penetrate the porous barrier layer (1") and the protective, drainage-enhancing layer (14), particularly in the lateral joining areas (6), and subsequently develop into an insect after the larval stage, this insect would be physically trapped beneath the porous barrier layer (1") with no possibility of escaping from under the protective, drainage-enhancing layer (14), and therefore, of surviving. In this way, a barrier is created in both directions: towards the underside of the panels to prevent egg-laying, and towards the surface for the young insects resulting from the few egg-layings that cannot be prevented. The solution proposed by the invention is therefore a long-term solution for limiting the development and proliferation of insects, particularly tiger mosquitoes, especially in the context of flat roofs.

[0049] Advantageously, according to this second embodiment, each flank (8) of porous material can be provided to be associated with a plate-shaped body (1'), being, where applicable, joined to the upper face (2) of the latter to form a prefabricated composite construction panel (1), said flank (8) extending laterally beyond said body (1') at two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), to form cantilevered lateral strips (51), of sufficient width to ensure the continuity of the porous material layer (1") at the level of the lateral joining zones (6), between adjacent panel bodies (1') (1) assembled in the protective layer and with drainage properties (14). Preferably, these strips (51) have a width adapted to extend over the flank (8) of the adjacent panel (1) with sufficient overlap to ensure the closure of the joining zones with the porous material. According to a preferred embodiment of panel 1, particularly for use on a rooftop, the self-supporting layer that forms each body (1') consists of a layer of thermally insulating alveolar material, preferably hydrophobic, such as PSE or XPS.

[0050] According to the invention, "thermally insulating material" means a material that provides thermal insulation, preferably with a thermal conductivity coefficient λ, declared at 10 °C, of less than 60 mW/m/K (milliwatts per meter-Kelvin) measured according to EN12667.

[0051] Preferably, the self-supporting layer of insulating material is hydrophobic and may correspond to any material known to experts in the art, especially for roofing applications, that has both thermal insulation and structural strength, even in the presence of water and moisture.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, to satisfy the self-supporting hydrophobic insulation properties of the layer, polystyrene, preferably alveolar polystyrene, such as expanded polystyrene called "PSE" or extruded polystyrene called "XPS", shall be chosen as the material for the body (1').

[0053] According to another advantageous embodiment, the total thickness of the panel body (1') is greater than or equal to 10 mm, preferably between 20 and 45 mm.

[0054] A body (1') with a constitution like the one mentioned above also allows to compensate for the flatness defects of the support on which it rests and to absorb small local inequalities and thus provide a flat upper surface.

[0055] The porous material forming the barrier layer has a highly beneficial average pore diameter of between 80 µm and 150 µm, preventing the passage of insects, especially small flying insects, and effectively blocking insects such as tiger mosquitoes or similar species. At the same time, it remains sufficiently permeable to water (suitable for efficient drainage of rainwater, particularly during storms). In particular, with a diameter within the aforementioned range, it will also prevent newly hatched mosquitoes from reaching the surface (bidirectional barrier), for example, after they may have laid eggs through the porous material.

[0056] Preferably, said water-permeable porous material is a non-woven material of synthetic fibers joined by needle punching and heat sealing, the pore size of which does not allow the passage of insects, in particular the tiger mosquito. According to a preferred embodiment, said porous barrier layer (1") consists, for example, of geotextile or felt.

[0057] Advantageously, said porous material has a basis weight greater than or equal to 50 g/m²; preferably a basis weight between 100 and 200 g/m², in order to maintain sufficient structural cohesion and to be able to form a barrier of sufficient strength for the objective sought.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 14, for each panel body (1'), said or each liquid drainage means (4, 4') towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3') comprises a set of slots (4, 4'). This type of drainage means, depending on the face on which it is located, facilitates the direction of the liquids towards the corresponding lateral edge(s) for evacuation at the level of the lateral joining areas (6) or for evacuation from the lower face of the body (1') in question.

[0059] Advantageously, and according to a preferred embodiment, manufacturing method and machining of easy implementation, the grooves (4, 4') are straight profiled grooves of constant section, preferably of square, triangular or circular section.

[0060] Preferably, the slots (4, 4') are parallel unidirectional slots, as seen in Figure 4, or secant bidirectional slots, as seen in Figures 5 to 7, each slot connecting two different adjacent or opposite lateral edges (3, 3').

[0061] The aforementioned grooves form drainage channels that facilitate and direct the evacuation of liquids, especially water, away from the body (1'). The evacuation, through grooves 4, occurs particularly at the level of the upper surface (2) of the body (1') and thus prevents water stagnation conducive to the proliferation of larvae and the growth of insects, including tiger mosquitoes.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, visible in Figures 1 to 14, each body (1') incorporates slots (4) on its upper face (2) and slots (4') on its lower face (2'), creating drainage channels for liquids on both the upper face (2) and the lower face (2') of the body (1'), preventing water stagnation and limiting larval proliferation on each of the two faces (2 and 2') of the body (1'), therefore above and below the panel (1). According to a preferred embodiment, the slots (4, 4') form at least a network of slots parallel to each other and to one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the body (1'), advantageously the longer edge (3), and, where applicable, with a similar or different orientation for the slots (4) on the upper face (2) and the slots (4') on the lower face (2').

[0063] In this configuration, the slots (4, 4') drain liquids towards one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the body (1') and therefore of panel 1, so that they can be easily removed from a single point on said body and panel. According to a preferred embodiment of the panel body (1'), each face (2 or 2') has between 10 and 60 slots per meter, so as to allow sufficient drainage of liquids at the level of the face in question (preventing uncontrolled overflows), by creating open channels on the upper face (2) and closed channels at the level of the lower face (the body 1' being supported during the installation of the panel on site).

[0064] In the sense of the invention, a network of slots (4, 4') is formed by a set of several slots (4 or 4') parallel to each other and belonging to the same face (2 or 2') of the body (1') in question.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4, 8, and 9, the slots (4, 4') of each set (upper or lower) can be unidirectional and parallel to each other, forming a network of unidirectional slots parallel to the edges (3)—for example, the longer ones—of the rectangular body (1') in question. This network of slots (4, 4') then allows the liquids to be evacuated towards the edge(s) (3')—here, the shorter ones, possibly depending on the slope—and out of the limits of the body (1'), and therefore out of the corresponding panel (1).

[0066] Advantageously, a network of parallel unidirectional slots allows liquids to be easily concentrated and recovered on a single lateral edge of the body (1') and is sized to achieve controlled evacuation even in the event of a storm.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figures 5 to 7 and 10, the slots (4, 4') of one face (2, 2') comprise at least two overlapping sets of slots parallel to each other, the slots (4, 4') of the two networks intersecting each other forming a grid pattern on one and/or the other of the upper and lower faces (2, 2'), the intersections between the slots (4, 4') of the two overlapping networks being either at right angles forming a straight grid pattern, or at acute or obtuse angles forming a diamond pattern, the slots (4, 4') of at least one of the two interlocking networks being optionally parallel to one of the lateral edges (3, 3'). In these construction variants with a set of upper and/or lower slots configured with two overlapping networks of slots, the liquid flow is advantageously carried out simultaneously in two different directions and towards at least two adjacent or opposite edges (3 and 3'). For a given quantity of liquid reaching the body (1'), distributing the liquid flow in two different directions increases the drainage rate of liquids away from panel 1. This design also allows for avoiding an installation direction imposed by a low roof slope, thus optimizing and simplifying panel installation.

[0068] As can be seen in the figures mentioned, the slots (4, 4') define two superimposed networks of parallel slots, with the slots (4, 4') of the first network intersecting the slots (4, 4') of the second network, forming a grid pattern of intersecting bidirectional slots. This grid pattern allows liquids to drain from the surface of the body (1') in question at least on two adjacent or opposite lateral edges (3, 3').

[0069] Thus, a pattern of intersecting bidirectional grooves (4, 4') on one face (2, 2') increases the number of lateral edges (3, 3') available for liquid drainage. Therefore, in the case of a large amount of liquid present on the upper face of the layer (14), a pattern of intersecting bidirectional grooves (4, 4') will exhibit a higher drainage rate of liquids away from the bodies (1') than a pattern of unidirectional grooves (4, 4').

[0070] It can be foreseen that the slots (4, 4') of at least one of the two interlocking nets can be parallel to one of the side edges (3, 3'), so as to facilitate the adjacent placement of several panels 1 on the same support without concern for the orientation of the panel bodies (1').

[0071] Indeed, when several bodies (1') or panels (1) are juxtaposed on a specific support, a pattern of intersecting bidirectional grooves (4, 4'), in the form of two networks superimposed on the same face (2, 2'), does not require any concern as to the orientation angle of the placement of said bodies or panels: indeed, all orientations of placement of a panel body with a bidirectional groove pattern (4, 4') allow for a continuity of the liquid drainage channels.

[0072] Advantageously, the groove networks (4, 4'), originating from the molding of the body (1') or machined into it, are present at least on the upper face (2), preferably on the upper face (2) and on the lower face (2'), having similar or dissimilar groove network patterns, orientations and dimensions.

[0073] According to another embodiment visible in Figures 5 and 12, to further increase the liquid drainage capabilities, in particular the liquid drainage rate and the volumetric quantities drained, and possibly to eliminate the need for surface liquid drainage towards one of the lateral edges, each body (1') may structurally integrate at least one liquid drainage means through (7) the thickness of said body (1'), this alternatively or in association with at least one liquid drainage means (4, 4') towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which is present on the lower face (2'), at least or exclusively.

[0074] Preferably, said drainage means (7) passing through the thickness of the body (1') in question is in the form of a plurality of holes or straight channels (71) passing through the thickness of said self-supporting layer forming the body (1') joining the upper face (2) and the lower face (2'), these channels preferably opening into the bottom of the grooves (4, 4') of the face in question (2, 2') when the latter are present.

[0075] The through-holes (71) have the effect of increasing the drainage capacity of liquids away from the upper face (2) of the body (1'), either as an alternative to or in addition to the drainage of liquid towards the lateral edges by the drainage means (4) on the surface. The circulation of liquids then occurs both through the thickness of the body (1') and at the level of the lower face (2') through the grooves (4'), and possibly additionally at the level of the upper face (2) through the grooves (4) where present.

[0076] The through holes or channels (71) preferably open into the bottom of the slots (4, 4') so as to allow immediate drainage of the liquid that reaches the face in question (2, 2') to increase the drainage speed of the liquid flow out of the limits of the body (1') considered.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the body, all the holes (71) are straight, perpendicular to the faces of the body (1') in question, and of identical diameter and dimensions.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the through channels or holes (7) are distributed over the surface of the body (1'), advantageously with a higher surface concentration in the central region of said body (1'), these holes preferably having a diameter greater than or equal to 5 mm, preferably between 10 and 20 mm.

[0079] A higher surface concentration of orifices or channels (71) in the central region of the body (1') allows for greater drainage capacity through the body (1') away from the lateral edges, providing a shorter drainage path for the fluid in this region of the upper surface (2). This configuration increases the fluid transfer flow beneath the body (1') and promotes its rapid drainage.

[0080] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the holes or channels (71) in the central region of the body (1') may have a larger diameter than the holes in the peripheral region of the body (1').

[0081] According to another possible feature of the invention, which can be seen for example in Figure 14, at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the plate-shaped bodies (1'), preferably two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), are provided with separation means (9) such as, for example, one-piece protruding formations, intended to ensure the formation of lateral joining zones (6), between adjacent bodies (1') that touch the protective layer and with drainage properties (14), which have a minimum interstitial passage width.

[0082] Ensuring a minimum gap between adjacent bodies (1') facilitates regular installation, allows for the automatic formation of bonding zones (6) (guaranteed flow at the edge in question), and enables structural mechanical dynamics between several juxtaposed bodies (1') or panels (1). This arrangement also contributes to a degree of structural flexibility and adaptability of the layer formed by these panels (1), enhancing its resistance to wear over time, resulting in an aerated roofing device (10) that promotes air circulation and the natural drying of residual moisture.

[0083] Furthermore, by ensuring a minimum gap between two adjacent bodies (1'), the separating means (9) formed on the corresponding lateral edge (studs, ribs, pins, etc.) facilitate the juxtaposition of bodies (1') and panels (1) in a roof. The separating means (9) allow for easy and efficient alignment of the grooves (4, 4') of two adjacent bodies (1') in order to generate continuity in the flow of liquids from one panel to the other. Controlling the placement of the mutually adjacent bodies (1') and panels (1) by means of the separating means (9) also allows the entire roof to be covered, across its entire surface, with a uniform 1" porous barrier layer, particularly when the layer (14) is formed by prefabricated construction panels (1).

[0084] Furthermore, these separation means (9), particularly when they are continuous (profiled formations), constitute an additional physical barrier to the passage of insects, which cannot reach the lower face (2') of the body (1') potentially including a zone of residual moisture.

[0085] According to another embodiment visible in figure 10, it can be foreseen that each plate-shaped body (1') present on at least one lateral edge (3, 3'), preferably on two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), hooking means (5') of the profiled formation type and on the opposite side or sides complementary hooking means (5"), also of the profiled formation type, the two hooking means (5' and 5") being configured to cooperate by shape conjugation when two panels (1) are joined at the level of the edges (3 and 3') in question, so as to constitute an insect barrier, of the chicane type, preventing in particular the passage of tiger mosquitoes, at the level of lateral joining zones (6) between adjacent bodies (1') that are joined in the protective layer and with drainage properties (14).

[0086] Thus, these fastening means (5', 5"), for example of the male/female type and assembled by interlocking, also ensure the barrier function for the passage of insects through the joining areas (6), in particular the tiger mosquito. Therefore, the insects cannot reach the lower part (2') of the body (1') of the panel (1) to proliferate.

[0087] Furthermore, the fastening means (5', 5") facilitate the placement of the bodies (1') and panels (1), which can be juxtaposed side by side by simply interlocking the complementary fastening means (5' and 5") of the adjacent panels. In addition, the layer (14) gains structural coherence.

[0088] Consequently, even in the absence of a porous barrier layer (1") in the joining zones (6), the external insect-type elements cannot reach the lower face (2') of the bodies (1'), under the layer (14): indeed, the chicane-type barrier, formed by cooperation of the complementary attachment means (5' and 5"), prevents them from doing so.

[0089] In addition, the two complementary fastening means (5' and 5") ensure assembly cohesion when two bodies (1') or panels (1) are joined together, while allowing air or water circulation conducive to drainage flows between the upper face (2) and the lower face (2') of the bodies (1').

[0090] Preferably, with the roofing device (10) of the invention, the panels (1) and the bodies (1') are arranged in such a way, to form the protective layer with drainage properties (14), that at least the slots (4') of the upper face (2) and/or the slots (4) of the lower face (2') are oriented to favor the circulation of liquid, present on the upper face (2) and/or under the lower face (2') of the body (1') in question, towards said means (12) of evacuation of the support (11), so as to evacuate the liquids to the outside of the roofing device (10) and avoid the formation of wet areas of stagnant liquid.

[0091] Thus, this particular assembly configuration of the bodies (1') and the panels (1) of the protective layer with drainage properties (14) allows the liquids to be directed and concentrated near the evacuation means (12), so that they are evacuated by means of a continuous flow and movement of the liquid flows in the slots (4, 4') that form the drainage channels. The formation of stagnant liquid zones, conducive to the proliferation and development of insects, is no longer possible.

[0092] On the other hand, in addition to facilitating the drainage of liquids, this particular configuration makes assembly easier: simply follow the orientation of the slots (4, 4') to assemble the bodies (1') and the panels (1) together in the correct orientation.

[0093] According to the invention, the roofing device 10 visible in figures 1 and 3, forming the layer (1") of porous material on the upper face of the protective layer and with drainage properties (14) is covered with means (15) that constitute an accessible and walkable surface, such as, for example, the components of a slatted floor or even a slab floor (151) on platforms (152).

[0094] Users can move easily across the roofing device (10) through the medium (15) without coming into direct contact with the protective layer with drainage properties (14). In addition, the platforms can be advantageously provided with a large base area to distribute the loads over said layer (14).

[0095] The medium (15) is a first protective barrier of the drainage layer (14) against possible degradation by users or any other possible external environmental limitation, although it is traversable by insects. Advantageously, a slab floor (151) on platforms (152) as medium (15) will have the advantage of distributing the pressure forces involved applied to the drainage layer (14) only at the location of the platforms (152), which will also limit its degradation and the formation of low points that can constitute areas of stagnation (which can nevertheless be dried out if necessary by providing drainage means 7).

[0096] The protective layer with drainage properties (14), although covered, is easily accessible to small insects, such as mosquitoes, and is therefore directly exposed to intrusion attempts by them.

[0097] The invention also allows the fulfillment of the demands mentioned in the introduction and the achievement of the desired objective by means of a construction panel (1) with a drainage function, particularly for water, of the type of roofing panel for flat roofs, this panel (1) comprising a plate-shaped body (1'), preferably rectangular, with opposing upper (2) and lower (2') faces and four lateral edges (3, 3'). For the purposes of the invention, "construction panel with drainage function" means a panel, of the plate type, particularly a parallelepiped plate, used for the construction of buildings, structures, houses and similar constructions, which allows the drainage and evacuation of liquids, particularly water, of the rainwater type.

[0098] As shown by way of example in figures 8 to 14, this panel (1) also has the following characteristics:

[0099] - the body (1') is formed by at least one layer of self-supporting material with compressive strength properties, preferably of essentially hollow or alveolar constitution,

[0100] - said body (1') structurally incorporates: i) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), said means (4, 4') being present on at least the upper face (2) of said body (1'), and, optionally, also on the lower face (2), and/or, ii) at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1'), and ii) at least one means for draining liquid (4, 4') towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), which is present on at least the lower face (2'),

[0101] - said body (1') comprises, along at least two contiguous or consecutive lateral edges (3, 3'), covering means (5) and/or fastening means (5', 5"), arranged and configured to cooperate each with an adjacent similar panel (1) so as to constitute a barrier to the passage of insects, in particular the size of tiger mosquitoes, at the level of lateral joining zones (6) formed by joining the edges (3, 3') of the body of said panel (1) with those of similar panel bodies (1) with a view to constituting a protective layer with drainage properties (14),

[0102] - said panel (1) further includes at least one layer (1") of porous material, permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects, in particular those the size of tiger mosquitoes, said porous layer (1") being applied to the upper face (2) of the body (1') and covering at least the lateral drainage means (4, 4') present on the upper face (2), and where applicable the openings (71) that empty at the level of the upper face (2) of the through-drainage means (7) that may be present, and

[0103] - the porous material that forms said porous barrier layer (1"), permeable to liquids and that constitutes a barrier to the passage of insects of the tiger mosquito type or similar, is a flexible material of the grid, mesh, non-woven, felt or geotextile type, which has an average pore opening of diameter less than 250 µm.

[0104] Such panel (1) is especially suitable for forming, by cooperation with other identical panels (1), assembled by juxtaposition, a protective layer with drainage properties (14), forming a barrier against tiger mosquitoes and preventing their reproduction and proliferation, in particular in a roofing device (10) according to the invention.

[0105] The aforementioned covering means (5) and fastening means (5', 5") serve as a barrier to prevent the passage of external elements that could enter at the joint areas (6) and potentially block these or the drainage means (4') on the underside. In particular, the covering means (5) are configured to act as a barrier to the passage of insects, especially tiger mosquitoes.

[0106] According to the invention, said coating means (5) consist of portions of a porous filtration layer permeable to water but which provides a barrier against insects or other larger elements, in particular gravel, leaves, sand, etc., which may be carried away particularly by rainwater. The porous material forming these coating means (5) is of the type mentioned above in relation to the layer (1") of porous material that forms the upper face of the protective layer and has drainage properties (14).

[0107] Preferably, and as shown for example in Figures 3 and 8 to 14, each covering means (5) consists of an extension of a flank (8) of flexible porous material covering the upper face (2) of the body (1') and forming said porous barrier layer (1"). These covering means (5) thus consist of two lateral strips (51) of the flank (8) extending laterally from the body (1') and extending along and beyond the two lateral edges (3 and 3') in question, with a sufficient overhang to constitute a barrier at the level of the lateral joining zones (6) formed by assembling said lateral edges (3 and 3') of said panel (1) considered with lateral edges (3 and 3'), devoid of such covering means (5), of similar neighboring panels (1).

[0108] In this way, these coating means (5) prevent the passage of tiger mosquitoes through the joint areas (6), and prevent their migration to the underside (2'). These coating means therefore contribute to stopping the development and larval proliferation of insects on the underside of the body (1) of the panel (1) installed in the work and which forms part of a layer (14).

[0109] The flank (8) can be attached to the upper face (2) of the body (1') by gluing/welding (by strip or spot welding) or stapling, for example. Similarly, the strips of flexible porous material, which constitute the means (5) for covering the surface openings of the joining areas (6) between adjacent panels (1), can optionally be attached at the level of the neighboring assembled panels they cover at the edge (see Figures 3 and 11 to 14), by gluing, welding, or stapling.

[0110] The porous material that constitutes the flank (8) has the characteristics of the porous material described above in relation to the porous barrier layer (1") and the body (1') of the panel (1) those of the body (1') described above.

[0111] Preferably, this porous flank material (8), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects of the tiger mosquito type, is a flexible material of the geotextile type, which advantageously has an average pore opening of diameter between 80 µm and 150 µm, so as to prevent the passage of insects, in particular small flying insects, guaranteeing in particular substantially a prohibition of passage to insects of the tiger mosquito type or similar, while at the same time being sufficiently permeable to the passage of water.

[0112] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the accompanying drawings.

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS 1. A substantially flat and horizontal or low-sloping roofing device (10), in particular an accessible roof device, comprising at least one surface support (11), which incorporates or is equipped with means (12) for draining liquids, and a sealing layer or complex (13) that entirely covers said support (11), whether or not directly attached to it, said sealing complex (13) being covered by a protective layer with drainage properties (14) comprising side-by-side construction panels (1), each of which comprises or consists of a plate-shaped body (1'), preferably rectangular, with lateral edges (3, 3') and formed by at least one layer of self-supporting material with compressive strength properties, preferably of essentially hollow or alveolar constitution, incorporating each body (1') structurally: i) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), present on at least the upper face (2) of said body (1'), and/or, at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1'), and ii) at least one means (4, 4') for draining liquid towards at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3'), present on at least the lower face (2'), and, said protective and draining layer (14) also comprising a layer (1") of porous material, arranged on the bodies (1') in the form of plates and permeable to liquids, roofing device (10) characterized in that the layer (1") of porous material constitutes a substantially continuous barrier to the passage of insects the size of a tiger mosquito or larger, at the level of the upper faces (2) of said plate-shaped bodies (1') and at the level of the lateral joining zones (6) resulting from the approach or contact of the lateral edges (3, 3') between neighboring bodies (1'), because the porous material layer (1") consists either of continuous strips of porous material covering, with a parallel arrangement of said strips and with partial lateral overlap between two adjacent strips, the upper faces (2) of the panel bodies, or of flanks (8) of porous material covering the upper faces (2) of the panel bodies, these flanks (8) partially overlapping at the level of strip-shaped zones extending along the lateral sides of said flanks (8), because the porous material that forms said porous barrier layer (1"), permeable to liquids and which constitutes a barrier to the passage of tiger mosquitoes, is a flexible material of the metallic mesh, non-woven, felt or geotextile type, which has an average pore opening diameter of less than 250 µm, and because the protective layer with drainage properties (14) is covered with means (15) that constitute an accessible and walkable surface, of the type of the components of a slatted floor or a slab floor (151) on platforms (152). 2. Roofing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each flank (8) of porous material is associated with a plate-shaped body (1'), optionally being joined to the upper face (2) of the latter to form a prefabricated composite panel (1), said flank (8) of said body (1') projecting laterally at two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3') to form cantilevered lateral strips (51) of sufficient width to ensure the continuity of the porous material layer (1") at the level of the lateral joining areas (6), between adjacent panel bodies (1') (1) coupled in the protective layer and with drainage properties (14). 3. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the porous material forming said porous barrier layer (1"), permeable to liquids and constituting a barrier to the passage of insects of the tiger mosquito type, is a flexible geotextile-type material, which advantageously has an average pore opening of diameter between 80 µm and 150 µm, so as to prevent the passage of tiger mosquitoes or similar insects, while at the same time being permeable to the passage of water. 4. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the self-supporting layer forming each body (1') consists of a layer of thermally insulating alveolar material, preferably hydrophobic, such as PSE or XPS. 5. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, for each panel body (1'), said or each liquid drainage means (4, 4') towards at least one of the side edges (3, 3') comprises a set of slots (4, 4'), advantageously straight profiled slots of constant section, preferably parallel unidirectional slots or mutually intersecting bidirectional slots, each slot connecting two different adjacent or opposite side edges (3, 3') of the body (1') in question. 6. Roofing device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the slots (4, 4') form at least one network of slots parallel to each other and to one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the body (1') in question, advantageously the longer edge (3) and where applicable with a similar orientation, or not, for the slots (4) on the upper face (2) and the slots (4') on the lower face (2'). 7. Roofing device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the grooves (4, 4') of one face (2, 2') of a body (1') comprise at least two overlapping sets of grooves parallel to each other, the grooves (4, 4') of the two networks intersecting each other forming a grid pattern on one and/or the other of the upper and lower faces (2, 2'), the intersections between the grooves (4, 4') of the two overlapping networks being either at right angles forming a straight grid pattern, or at acute or obtuse angles forming a diamond pattern, the grooves (4, 4') of at least one of the two interlocking networks being optionally parallel to one of the lateral edges (3, 3'). 8. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the networks of slots (4, 4'), originating from the molding of the body (1') or machined thereon, are present at least on the upper face (2), preferably on the upper face (2) and on the lower face (2'), having similar or dissimilar network patterns, orientations and dimensions of slots. 9. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drainage means (7) passing through the thickness of said body (1') is in the form of a plurality of straight holes or channels (71) extending through the thickness of said self-supporting layer forming the body (1') connecting the upper face (2) and the lower face (2'), these channels preferably emptying into the bottom of the grooves (4, 4') of the face in question (2, 2') when the grooves in question are present, and in that these through-holes or channels (71) are distributed over the surface of the body (1'), advantageously with a higher surface concentration in the central region of said body (1'), these holes or channels preferably having a diameter greater than or equal to 5 mm, preferably between 10 and 20 mm. 10. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the lateral edges (3, 3') of the plate-shaped bodies (1'), preferably two contiguous lateral edges (3 and 3'), are provided with separation means (9) such as, for example, one-piece protruding formations, intended to ensure the formation of lateral joining zones (6) between adjacent bodies (1') that abut the protective layer and with drainage properties (14), having a minimum interstitial passage width. 11. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each plate-shaped body (1') has, on at least one lateral edge (3, 3'), preferably on two adjacent lateral edges (3 and 3'), hooking means (5') of the profiled formation type and on the opposite side(s) complementary hooking means (5"), also of the profiled formation type, the two hooking means (5' and 5") being configured to cooperate by shape conjugation when two panels (1) are joined at the level of the edges (3 and 3') in question, so as to constitute an insect barrier, of the chicane type, preventing in particular the passage of tiger mosquitoes, at the level of lateral joining zones (6) between adjacent bodies (1') that are joined in the protective layer and with drainage properties (14). 12. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the panels (1) and the bodies (1') are arranged in such a way, to form the protective layer with drainage properties (14), that at least the grooves (4') of the upper face (2) and/or the grooves (4) of the lower face (2') are oriented to favor the circulation of liquid, present on the upper face (2) and/or under the lower face (2') of the body (1') in question, towards said means (12) for evacuating the support (11), so as to evacuate the liquids to the outside of the roofing device (10) and avoid the formation of wet areas of stagnant liquid. 13. Roofing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the layer (1") of porous material forming the upper face of the protective layer and having drainage properties (14) is covered with a ballast material constituting an inaccessible surface, in particular a mineral layer of gravel type, or with means (15) constituting an accessible and walkable surface, such as, for example, the components of a slatted floor or even a slab floor (151) on platforms (152). 14. Roofing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each body (1') structurally integrates at least one means (7) for draining liquid through the thickness of said body (1').