Flashing assembly for use between two roof windows mounted in an inclined roof structure, a group of roof windows mounted with such a flashing assembly, and a method for mounting a flashing assembly between two roof windows

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present invention relates to a flashing assembly for use between two roof windows mounted next to each other in an inclined roof structure and which each comprises a frame and a pane element, said flashing assembly comprising a first flashing element configured for extending along a frame member of the frame of a first roof window and a second flashing element configured for extending along a frame member of the frame of a second roof window, each flashing element comprising a first section and a second section contiguous with the first section, said first section extending along a width axis of the flashing element, being configured for extending between the first roof window and the second roof window, and having an interior side configured for facing the roof structure, and said second section extending in an exterior direction along a height axis of the flashing element and having an interior side configured for facing the frame of one of the roof windows, wherein the first section of the second flashing element comprises a plurality of parallel indications to guide a removal of part of the first section, which parallel indications extend along a length axis of the second flashing element and are spaced apart at a distance D1 in the width axis, and the first section of the first flashing element comprises a first leg and a second leg extending along the width axis and being located at a distance from each other measured along the height axis thereby delimiting a pocket which pocket is open in a direction facing away from the second section of the first flashing element. The invention also relates to a group of windows mounted using such a flashing assembly and to a method for mounting such a flashing assembly between two roof windows.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002]When installing windows in a roof, it is vital to ensure that the joints between roof structure and the roof windows are tight. For this purpose, a flashing assembly comprising a plurality of flashing elements each extending over the roof structure and up along outer sides of the frames of the roof windows, thus covering any gaps between the roof structure and roof windows, is used. While the flashing elements used along outer sides of the roof windows facing the roof structure may be of a fairly simple construction, the flashing elements used along outer sides facing another roof window need to fit into the space available between the roof windows and a tight fit between them must be ensured to prevent that water penetration.

[0003]In DK154099 this was achieved by the first sections of the flashing elements being provided with flanges projecting in an exterior direction away from the interior side of the first sections and by arranging a cover member having flanges projecting in an opposite interior direction, so that it rode on the flanges of the flashing elements. An intermediate member was used to keep the flashing element from moving towards each other, once the flashing assembly had been mounted. While this flashing assembly worked well with respect to water proofing, the cover member takes up space in the gutter formed between the two roof windows, and the width of the flashing assembly needs to match the distance between the roof windows.

[0004]A flashing assembly, which is able to compensate for variations in the distance between the roof windows, is known from WO03/074812A1. Here the first sections of the two flashing elements are interconnected in a manner allowing different mutual positions of the flashing elements along the width axis. If only a small adjustment of the mutual positioning is necessary, for example to compensate for imprecision in the mounting of the roof windows, the first sections are interconnected for example by bent edges of the first sections hooking into each other and allowing a telescopic movement. To compensate for larger differences in the distance between the roof windows, the first sections are provided with profiling, such as hollow longitudinal ribs fitting over each other, allowing the first sections to fit over each other in at least two different ways. In this manner, the flashing elements have at least two predefined mutual positions, giving the flashing assembly at least two different configurations suitable for use when the two roof windows are mounted either close to each other or further apart, depending for example on the width of rafters of the roof structure.

[0005]Another flashing assembly, which is able to compensate for variations in the distance between the roof windows, is known from WO 2004/007864. Here the flashing elements comprise predefined detachment indications where part of the flashing element can be removed to adjust the width to different installation scenarios. The flashing elements can be assembled by an adhesive but in a further development the flashing element comprises profiling, such as hollow longitudinal ribs fitting over each other, allowing the first sections to fit over each other in at least two different ways. The combination of detachment indications and complex profiling of the flashing elements, allows an increased number of predefined mutual distances between the flashing elements, and potentially avoids the use of adhesives. However, cutting or shearing flashing elements at the site of installation according to the indications provided may not be easily achieved in practice, the result being a flashing element deviating from the shape intended by the indications. Such deviating flashing elements may cause difficulties in assembling the flashing elements, especially with predefined profiling, resulting in less than ideal flashing assembly.

[0006]EP3480388A1 discloses a further flashing assembly where one flashing element forms a pocket which receives the other flashing element, whereby sliding the other flashing element allows for a continuum of mutual positions for adjusting to the distance between roof structures. While this solution works well, it remains desirable to increase the versatility with respect to mutual positions and installation scenarios and possibly to reduce the environmental impact of flashing assemblies.

[0007]Hence, it remains a problem that each of the flashing assemblies disclosed in WO03/074812A1 and WO 2004/007864 can either only be used for a limited number of predefined mutual distances between the roof windows or within a limited distance interval, or may be difficult to adjust in practice at the site of installation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008]With this background, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a flashing assembly and a method for mounting a flashing assembly between two roof windows by which one and the same flashing assembly can be used for a wide range of mutual distance so that it can be used both with roof windows mounted close to each other and further apart and at the same time be capable of compensating for smaller variations. A further object of the invention is to provide a flashing assembly with a small material consumption, to potentially reduce the environmental impact of the flashing assembly.

[0009]In a first aspect of the invention, this and further objects are achieved with a flashing assembly as described in the introduction, characterized in that the first section of the second flashing element fits into the pocket of the first flashing element, and in that the narrowest of the first leg and second leg has a width P1 which is equal to or greater than the distance D1 between the parallel indications of the first section of the second flashing element.

[0010]Adjusting the mutual distance of the flashing elements by shearing along one of the parallel indications to remove part of the second flashing assembly, allows for a large number of mutual positions between the flashing elements. However, it may be difficult to shear precisely along a selected indication in practice, resulting in a first section of varying width along its length. With the narrowest leg delimiting the pocket having the width P1 equal to or greater than D1, the pocket will be sufficiently dimensioned to retain the first section of the second flashing element in a secure manner even if the second flashing element is inadvertently sheared so as to deviate from the selected parallel indications. To best account for such deviations, it is preferred that the width P1 is greater than the distance D1.

[0011]As used herein, the terms “narrow” and “wide” are used to indicate relative dimensions in the width axis. Hence, the narrowest leg of the first and second leg, is the leg with the smallest width. In embodiments, where the width of the first and second leg is equivalent, either can be considered as the narrowest leg for the purposes of the invention, as they will both equally define the pocket dimension.

[0012]The first and second leg will typically be substantially parallel, but may also extend at an angle to each other, especially when the first section of the second flashing element has been inserted in the pocket of the first flashing element which may cause slight deformation. However, it is understood that the relative dimensions of elements, such as the first and second leg, are generally evaluated by their respective dimensions in a parallel configuration of the elements.

[0013]Typically the parallel indications will be equidistantly spaced from each other having a uniform distance D1. In practice, a distance D1 of 5 mm or greater between the parallel indications is sufficient to account for the variance encountered in roof window installations. Hence, a finer spacing of the parallel indications of e.g. 1 mm, is typically unnecessary, but is conceivable. In general, the width P1 is suitably at least 5 mm, and more preferred the width P1 exceeds D1 by at least 5 mm.

[0014]In some embodiments, the width P1 of the narrowest of the first leg and second leg, is 1 to 3 times the distance D1 between the parallel indications, more preferably 1.1 to 2 times the distance D1. This may provide a relatively narrow pocket, which remains sufficiently dimensioned to retain the first section of the second flashing assembly. The narrow pocket may also allow for a reduction in material use, as less material is layered in the first section. A narrow pocket may also contribute to increasing the number of mutual positions which can be achieved as will be described in greater detail below.

[0015]Generally, the first leg of the first section of the first flashing element is proximal to the second section of the first flashing element and the second leg is distal to the second section of the first flashing element as seen along the first section.

[0016]In some embodiments, the first leg is more narrow than the second leg. Hence, the first leg has width P1 and the second leg has a width P2 which is greater than width P1. The wider second leg may aid in inserting the first section of the second flashing element into the pocket.

[0017]In a further development, the first leg is located above the second leg of the first flashing element. The second leg is thus more proximal to the roof structure in the installed state than the first leg, whereby the pocket is located on an interior side of the flashing assembly when assembled, and thus hidden when viewed from the exterior.

[0018]In some embodiments, the first section of the first flashing element has a flange protruding from the second leg in the height axis. By protruding in the height axis, the flange can engage the first section of the second flashing element when inserted into the pocket of the first flashing element, contributing to retaining the flashing elements in the assembled state. The flange preferably protrudes toward the first leg, and more preferably in parallel with the second leg. This creates a second pocket delimited by the flange and the second leg facing opposite the pocket delimited by the first leg and second leg, which second pocket can form a trap for any water which may enter the pocket from which trap it can drain away.

[0019]In a further development, a distance C1 between the flange and the first leg of the first section of the first flashing element as measured along the width axis is equal to or less than the distance D1 between the parallel indications of the second flashing element. This may aid in keeping the first and second flashing together. Additionally or alternatively, the flange and the first leg may have small distance between them as seen in the height axis, such as 3 mm or less, even 2 mm or less, which small distance is understood to be the distance between graphical projections of the flange and first leg onto the height axis.

[0020]In some embodiments, the widest of the first and second leg has a width P2 which is at least 1.2 times the width P1, the width P2 preferably being less than or equal to 2 times the width P1. As described above, the second leg, which is distal to the second section of the first flashing element, may be the wider of the two legs, and have width P2. The wider second leg may at the same time be located below the more narrow first leg as seen along the height axis.

[0021]In a further development, the first leg has width P1 which is 1 to 3 times the distance D1, preferably 1.1 to 2 times and is located above the second leg with width P2 which is at least 1.2 times P1 and preferably less than or equal to 2 times P1. The second leg may be provided with the flange protruding into the height direction as described above.

[0022]In some embodiments, the distance D1 is 5 to 20 mm, preferably 7 to 15 mm and more preferably 8 to 12 mm. Distances D1 in these ranges may be suitable for adjusting a width of the flashing assembly to the variation encountered in the roof window installations. The width P1 is then at least equal to the distance D1 in these ranges, and is preferably greater than the distance D1, where the previously mentioned 5 mm in excess of the distance D1 is suitable. In a further development, distances D1 in these ranges are combined with the relatively narrow pocket, which is 1 to 3 times the distance D1, more preferably 1.1 to 2 times the distance D1.

[0023]In some embodiments, the width P1 is 5 to 30 mm, preferably 7 to 25 mm, more preferably 8 to 20 mm. Such ranges of absolute measures of the width P1 may be suitable for retaining the first section of the second flashing element even if inadvertently sheared in manner deviating from a selected parallel indication, especially for distances D1 between the parallel indications which are at least 5 mm or in the range 5 to 20 mm, preferably 7 to 15 mm and more preferably 8 to 12 mm. At the same time, such absolute measures of P1 may provide a relatively narrow pocket, contributing to minimizing material use.

[0024]The width P1 may satisfy the ranges of absolute measure ranges in addition to or as an alternative to P1 being 1 to 3 times the distance D1, preferably 1.1 to 2 times the distance D1. Hence, width P1 may be 1 to 3, preferably 1.1 to 2 times D1 and/or be 5 to 30 mm, preferably 7 to 25 mm, more preferably 8 to 20 mm.

[0025]The width P2 may suitably be in the range 10 to 40 mm, preferably 15 to 35 and more preferably 20 to 30 mm, in addition to or as alternative to being 1.2 to 2 times the width P1.

[0026]In some embodiments, the first section of the first flashing element has a width M1, the first section of the second flashing element has a width M2, and the width M1 is less than the width M2. By having a wide second flashing element and more narrow first flashing element, the potential range of mutual positions may be increased. The first flashing element has the pocket and thus represents a fixed width component of flashing assembly, whereas the second flashing element is adaptable. A narrow width M1 of the first flashing element, may especially allow for close positioning of the two flashing elements, as the fixed width component is relatively narrow. The width M1 may be 80% or less than the width M2, preferably 70% or less.

[0027]In some embodiments, the first section of the first flashing element further comprises a main leg which main leg is contiguous with the second section and with the first leg, and the width P1 is less than a width of the main leg, preferably 50% or less. In such embodiments, the relative dimensions of the pocket and the main leg leaves part of the main leg unobstructed by the pocket, which part may be used for engaging or adhering further components, such as further flashing elements, which may be useful in some roof window installations, as described in the detailed description of embodiments. Leaving room for such further elements, is a further advantage of the relatively narrow pocket of width P1 which is 1 to 3 times the distance D1 and/or is 5 to 30 mm, preferably 7 to 25 mm, more preferably 8 to 20 mm, as previously described. In a further development, a further flashing element in the form of an intermediate flashing element is attached to the first flashing element, by attachment to the main leg on the interior side. A corresponding intermediate flashing element may also be attached to the second flashing element, attaching to the first section thereof.

[0028]The intermediate flashing element(s) may in particular be for connecting the flashing assembly to a gutter flashing element, which gutter flashing element is adapted for being arranged between a bottom frame member of a roof window and a top frame member of a further roof window. Such intermediate flashing elements are used to drain water from between bottom and top frame members and away to the side flashing, which side flashing includes the flashing assembly. In general, the intermediate flashing element has a substantially U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the length axis, with a first leg of the U being adapted for engaging the side of the roof window, a second leg being substantially parallel to the first leg, and a base of the U being adapted for being arranged substantially in parallel with the direction of inclination. The intermediate flashing element further comprises a receiving section, a lifting section and a draining section. The receiving section is adapted for being arranged at level with the gutter flashing member to receive water therefrom. The draining section is configured for being interconnected to the first or section flashing element of the flashing assembly, at an opening in said first or second flashing elements. The lifting section is adapted for being arranged between the receiving and draining sections at an angle to at least the draining section so that in the mounted state the draining section will be positioned below the receiving section seen in the direction of inclination and above the receiving section seen in a height axis perpendicular to a plane of the roof. This allows water to drain from the receiving section and through the opening in the first or second flashing element by way of the lifting section.

[0029]Such intermediate flashing elements may have a section extending from the second leg of the U, which section can be attached to the first sections of the first flashing element or of the second flashing element, e.g. by an adhesive. In this attached state the first leg of the U is substantially parallel with the second sections of the first flashing element or of the second flashing element.

[0030]For the details of such intermediate flashing elements reference is made to the applicant's EP2759654A1, which describes an at least functionally similar intermediate flashing element.

[0031]It is advantageous when the first section of the second flashing element fits closely into the pocket. Hence, in some embodiments, a distance between the first leg and the second leg of the first flashing element is equal to or less than 5 times a material thickness of the first section of the second flashing element. Said distance is preferably equal to or less than 3 times the material thickness of the first section of the second flashing element. Said distance thus defines a height of the pocket of the first flashing assembly, which is dimensioned to provide a tight fit for the first section of the second flashing element, which it is configured to receive. Said dimension further allows for inserting further flashing elements into the pocket, which may be useful in where the flashing assembly according to the invention overlaps with further flashing elements of a roof window installation. The distance between the first and second leg may be measured perpendicularly to the first leg. The material thickness refers to the thickness of the material from which the first section of the second flashing element is made. The material is typically sheet metal and the material thickness is then the thickness of the sheet metal. Said small distance between the first and second leg is preferably combined with the flange, to retain the flashing elements in the assembled state.

[0032]In some embodiments, both flashing elements are made from sheet metal, preferably comprising aluminium or copper. Sheet metal flashing elements can easily be bent to the desired shape. For example, the first flashing element may have a first bend forming the first and second sections. At a distal end of the first section in relation to the second section, a series of bends can then form the first leg, second leg and potential flange of the first section, thereby forming the pocket of the first section.

[0033]In some embodiments, the parallel indications of the second flashing assembly is formed by a structure selected from: notches, engravings, incisions, etchings, prints, and grooves. In general, the parallel indications are preferably provided by a structure which does not protrude from the plane of the first section of the second flashing assembly, of which the preceding list are examples. Such non-protruding structures do not increase the local height of the first section, where local refers to the immediately surrounding portions of the first section, which in turn potentially reduces material use.

[0034]In some embodiments, the second flashing assembly comprises at least three parallel indications in the first section, preferably at least five parallel indications. The at least 3 or at least 5 parallel indications are preferably equally spaced with a distance D1. The distance D1 between the at least 3 or 5 parallel indications may be at least 5 mm, suitably in the range of 5 to 20 mm, preferably 7 to 15 mm and more preferably 8 to 12 mm, as previously described.

[0035]In some embodiments, the two mutually most distal of the parallel indications, are positioned at least 40 mm apart along the width axis, preferably being positioned about 50 mm apart. The mutually most distal of the parallel indications is the one most proximal and the one most distal to the second section of the second flashing element. In this way, the guidance offered by the parallel indications allows for reducing the width of the second flashing element by up to at least 40 mm and up to least at 50 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the one of the parallel indications which is most proximal to the second section of the second flashing element, is positioned at least 5 cm and preferably about 6 cm from a distal edge of the first section of the second flashing element, as seen from the second section of the second flashing element. Hence, the guidance offered by the parallel indications allows for reducing the width for up to 5 cm or up 6 cm.

[0036]In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a group of roof windows including at least two roof windows mounted next to each other in an inclined roof structure using the flashing assembly. Hence, the group of windows is mounted with the flashing assembly.

[0043]The first and second flashing elements may be interconnected, by inserting the first section of the second flashing element into the pocket, to form a pre-assembled flashing assembly, prior to arranging the flashing elements along their respective associated frame members. In this case, the steps of arranging the flashing elements constitutes and is carried out as one operation. The method may further comprise iteratively adapting the second flashing element. Once the second flashing element is arranged with the first section in the pocket of the first flashing element, the flashing elements may be pulled apart, with the first section remaining in the pocket, such that the flashing elements engage the respective associated frame members.

[0044]In a fourth aspect of the invention, a further application of the flashing assembly is provided, wherein the first flashing element and the second flashing element are mounted separately along respective side frame members of a roof window installation in an inclined roof structure. Hence, the flashing assembly may be used not only between two roof windows, but has the further use where they are used on either side of a roof window installation. For this use the first and second elements are separated and the first flashing element is installed along one side frame member with the first section extending away from the frame side member toward a roof covering of the roof window installation and the second flashing element is installed along another, opposite side frame member with the first section extending away from the frame side member toward the roof covering. The roof covering may be any conventional roof covering, such as tiles, shingles etc. The two side frame members may be of the same roof window or of two separate roof windows, e.g. in a side-by-side roof window installation. To further cover the respective joints between the roof covering and the first and second flashing elements, a third flashing element and a fourth flashing element configured for use with the first and second flashing elements respectively, is provided. Each of the third and fourth flashing elements extend along the length axis and has a first section extending in the width axis and a second section, contiguous with the first section, extending along the height axis. The respective second sections of the third and fourth flashing elements is configured for being located below the roof covering in the installed state, forming an upright leg to preventing water from draining off the side of the third flashing element. The second section of the third and fourth flashing element may from an acute angle with the respective first sections of the third and fourth flashing element.

[0045]The first section of the third flashing element is configured for insertion into the pocket of the first flashing element in the installed state and can include all features described in relation to the first section of the second flashing element, including the parallel indications. As will be appreciated the third flashing element can be similar to any embodiment of the second flashing element, differing only in that the second section is configured to be located below the roof covering rather than to extend adjacent to a frame member. The first section of the fourth flashing element comprises a pocket to receive the first section of the second flashing element in the installed state and can include all features described in relation to the first section of the first flashing element. As will be appreciated the fourth flashing element can be similar to any embodiment of the first flashing element, differing only in that the second section is configured to be located below the roof covering rather than to extend adjacent to a frame member. The flashing assembly according to first aspect of the invention may be provided in a flashing kit further comprising the third flashing and the fourth flashing element. The third and fourth flashing element may be provided in an assembled state in the flashing kit, wherein the first section of the third flashing element is inserted into pocket of the first section of the fourth flashing element.

[0046]As the second, third and fourth aspects of the invention concerns the use of the flashing assembly according to first aspect of the invention, it is understood that features described in relation to embodiments of the flashing assembly may also be incorporated in the other aspects, and the advantage of the feature is applicable to all aspects in which it is incorporated.

[0047]Other presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the subsequent detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048]In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

[0049]FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of four roof windows mounted two by two in matrix configuration with a prior art flashing assembly, adapted by the incorporation of reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments of the present invention,

[0050]FIG. 2 shows an assembled flashing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view as seen along the length axis,

[0051]FIGS. 3a-b show cross-sections of the first and second flashing element according to an embodiment the invention respectively,

[0052]FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal end portion of an assembled flashing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as seen from below,

[0053]FIG. 5 shows a flashing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in the process of being assembled as seen along the length axis, and

[0054]FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 but in full view from below.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0055]Referring initially to FIG. 1, a prior art flashing assembly 1 for use with four roof windows mounted two-by-two next to each other in a inclined roof structure 3 is shown. It is noted that the prior art figure has been adapted by the incorporation of reference numerals corresponding to embodiments of the present invention. As the construction of the roof windows are not of importance for the present invention, they are here represented only by frames 2, each comprising a top frame member 21 and a bottom frame member 22 both extending horizontally in the mounted state and two side frame members 23, 24 extending in a direction of inclination of the roof structure in the mounted state. Likewise, the roof structure 3 is represented only by a single rafter and a few laths and the direction of inclination of the roof structure 3 is indicated by the arrow I.

[0056]The flashing assembly 1 comprises two top flashing elements 11 each configured for extending along a top frame member 21, two bottom flashing elements 12 each configured for extending along a bottom frame member 22, two shown side flashing elements 13, 14 each configured for extending along a side frame member 23, 24, and two middle gutter flashing element 15 configured for extending between two roof windows. Common to all flashing elements is that they comprise a first section configured for extending substantially in plane with the roof structure and at least one second section configured for extending up along a frame member of a roof window along a height axis perpendicular to the plane of the roof structure.

[0057]The top flashing elements 11, the bottom flashing elements 12 and drainage gutter elements 18 are provided with corner sections configured for establishing an overlap with the side flashing elements 13, 14 and the middle gutter flashing element 15, and cover members 16, 17 are provided for interconnecting the corner sections of the top flashing elements 11 and of the drainage gutter elements 18 respectively to the middle gutter flashing element 15. The details of mounting flashing to such roof window installations are not pertinent for comprehension of the present invention, and is described in the applicant's pending European application EP 24168726.8.

[0058]The present invention relates to flashing assemblies to be used between two roof windows, such as a middle gutter element 15 or a drainage gutter element 18 as shown in FIG. 1. Such assemblies are used in roof windows installed in a two-by-two configuration such as in FIG. 1, but also in other configurations, such as two roof windows installed next to each other, such as in a side by side configuration or one above the other configuration. Flashing assemblies used between roof windows may need to be adjusted in width to account for variations in the spacing of the roof windows between which the flashing assembly is to be installed. Details of embodiments of flashing assemblies according to invention are shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, which allow such adjustment of the width. The flashing assemblies shown in FIG. 2 to 5 are all for use between the frame members and are a type of middle gutter elements, but the invention may equally apply to flashing assemblies used in other positions where the capability of adjusting the width of the flashing assembly is desirable or advantageous.

[0059]Referring first to FIG. 2 which shows a flashing assembly 1 in a perspective view along a length axis of the flashing assembly 1. With reference to FIG. 1 the length axis of the flashing assembly would, in the mounted state, correspond to the direction of inclination I shown when the flashing assembly is mounted in the position of a middle gutter element 15 (See FIG. 1). The flashing assembly 1 comprises a first flashing element 7 and a second flashing element 8 both made from sheet metal. Each of the first flashing element 7 and second flashing element 8 has first sections 71, 81 which extend in a width axis W of the flashing assembly 1 and which is transverse to the length axis. With reference to the installed state shown in FIG. 1, the width axis and length axis of the flashing assembly are both in plane with the roof structure 3 with the length axis along the frame members of the frames 2 of the roof windows between which the flashing assembly is to be installed and the width axis W extending between the frames 2 of the roof windows between which the flashing assembly 1 is to be installed. A height axis H of the flashing assembly as used herein is defined as the axis perpendicular to the length and width axes, with the exterior direction being the height direction above the roof structure and an interior direction being the height direction below the roof structure 3. Hence, the terms exterior and interior are used to denote elements generally facing above the roof structure (toward the exterior) and below the roof structure (toward the interior) respectively.

[0060]In addition to the first sections 71, 81 each of the first flashing element 7 and second flashing element 8 has a second section 72, 82 extending in the height axis H in the exterior direction. The second sections 72, 82 are contiguous with the respective first sections 71, 82, as they are connected at respective right angles formed by a bend in the sheet metal in the embodiment of FIG. 2. The second sections 72, 82 are configured to extend up along the frame members in the mounted state, with an interior side of the second sections 72, 82 facing the frame members, whereby the first sections 71, 81 will extend between said frame members with interior sides of the first sections facing the roof structure 3.

[0061]In the embodiment of FIG. 2 the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8 is formed by two planar portions 810, 813 generally extending along the width axis W and slightly offset from each other in the height axis H by an intervening planar portion 812 which is inclined with respect to the width axis W. This offset creates space below the planar portion 812 for further flashing elements as shown in FIG. 4 where such is needed. The first section 81 has six parallel indications 811 in the distal planar portion 813. The parallel indications 811 extend in parallel along the length axis L and are each formed by a groove on the interior side (not visible) and an incision 811b in the longitudinal end of the first section 81. The incisions 811b can receive a cutting tool and thereby serve to position the cutting tool and guide the cutting the first section 811. The parallel indications 811 and incisions 811b are separated by a distance D1, and are equidistant. Turning now to the first flashing element 7 which has first section 711 which has been bent in an S-shape, with a main leg 710 contiguous with the upright second section 72, a first leg 711 bent onto the main leg 710 on the interior side, a second leg 712 bent onto the first leg 711, whereby pocket 713 is formed between the first leg 711 and second leg 712. The pocket 713 is open in a direction facing away from the second section 72, whereby it can receive a portion of the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8, to interconnect the flashing elements to provide the assembled state as shown in FIG. 2. The first leg 711 is located above the second leg 712 whereby the pocket 713 is provided below the main leg 710, and the pocket 713 is thus hidden when viewed from the exterior. The first leg 711 has a lesser extent in the width axis W than the second leg 712 and is thus the more narrow of the two legs. The first leg 711 has width P1 which may be seen as a measure of the depth of the pocket 713. The width P1 is greater than D1 and in this particular embodiment P1 is about 15 mm with distance D1 between the incisions 811b being about 10 mm. With these dimensions, the first and second flashing elements 7 and 8 can be interconnected, even if a cut made to the second flashing element 8 inadvertently deviates from selected parallel indications 811. The second leg 712 is wider than the more narrow first leg 711 as width P2 of the second leg exceeds the width P1 of the first leg 711. In this embodiment P2 is about 25 mm. The first section 71 further comprises a flange 714 projecting from the second leg 712, by being bent rearwardly toward the first leg 711. The flange 714 engages the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8 when interconnected, contributing to retaining the flashing elements in relation to each other, by keeping the first section 81 tensioned between the first leg 711 and flange 714. The flange 714 further creates a second pocket which will trap and drain away any water entering pocket 713 despite the tight interconnection of two flashing elements.

[0062]Referring now to FIGS. 3a-b which show schematic cross-sections of the first flashing element 7 and second flashing element 8 respectively. The figures are not to scale, but the distance between the first leg 711 and second leg 712 in the height axis H is small, about 5 times a material thickness D2 of the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8 as shown in FIG. 3b, contributing to a tight interconnection of the flashing elements. Similarly, the first leg 711 and the flange 714 of the first section 71 are substantially level in relation to the height axis H, contributing to the tight interconnection. A similar advantage can be achieved by a small separation between the flange 714 and first leg 711 in the height axis, e.g. 3 mm or less. The distance between the flange 714 and the first leg 711 in the width axis W is indicated as C1, which is less than the distance D1.

[0063]The width P1 of the first leg 711 is less than a width of the main leg 710, whereby a space is provided below the main leg 710 and next to the pocket 713, which space allows for further flashing elements to engage the interior side of the main leg, as shown in FIG. 4. The width P1 is in this case about 40% of the width of the main leg 710. FIG. 3a shows a separation between the main leg 710 and the first leg 711 in the height axis, but in practice these may be in contact, as is shown in FIG. 2. The first section 71 of the first flashing element has a width M1 measured from the second section 72 to the distal part of the second leg 712 and the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8 has a width M2 measured from its section 82 to the distal part of the first section 81. The width M1 is less than M2 which may increase the range of mutual positions which the flashing assembly 1 can assume, as M1 provides a fixed width, but M2 is adjustable. FIG. 3b indicates the six parallel indications 811 by dashed lines having equidistant spacing D1.

[0064]FIG. 3a-b are not to scale, but in a practical implementation, the distance D1 is about 10 mm, the width P1 about 15 mm, the width P2 about 25 mm, C1 about 5 mm, M1 about 50 mm, M2 about 105 mm, and the main leg 710 has a width of about 40 mm. The first section 81 has a distal edge 81e, where distal refers to being positioned away from the second section 82. Of the parallel indications 811, the one most proximal to the second section 82 (left-most in FIG. 3b) is about 60 mm from the distal edge 81e. Hence, the guidance provided by the parallel indications allows for reducing the width for up to 60 mm. The parallel indications 811 span a total width of about 50 mm, as seen by the distance between the mutually most distal of the parallel indications, i.e. the ones most proximal and most distal to the second section 82, respectively.

[0065]The mutual positions of the first flashing element 7 and second flashing element 8 in such an embodiment ranges from about 130 mm to about 70 mm, measured as the spacing between the respective second sections 72, 82 along the width axis, when shearing is guided by the six parallel indications 811. If intermediate flashing elements 9 are attached to the main leg 710 and to the first section 81, as shown in FIG. 4, these intermediate flashing elements 9 may extend the total width of the flashing assembly beyond the 130 to 70 mm between the second sections 72, 82. The total width may then be about 160 mm before any shearing of the second flashing element 8 which can be reduced to about 100 mm by shearing along the parallel indications 811.

[0066]Turning now to FIG. 4 which shows a longitudinal end of the flashing assembly 1 from below in the assembled state where the first flashing element 7 is interconnected with the second flashing element 8. Four of the six parallel indications 811 are visible with the remaining two being hidden behind the second leg 712. As can be seen the parallel indications 811 extend along the length axis L and are each formed by two structures, incisions 811b in the longitudinal end and grooves 811a traced in the second section 81. The grooves 811a are provided on the interior side of the first section 82 and are thus not visible in the installed state of the flashing assembly 1. Having the parallel indications 811 on the interior side is thus preferred. Alongside two of the parallel indications, text 811c is provided to indicate the associated spacing of the two flashing elements or total width of the flashing assembly, including intermediate flashing elements.

[0067]Further flashing elements 9 are attached to each of the first flashing element 7 and the second elements 8 by adhesive 5. These are intermediate flashing elements 9 used for interconnecting the first and second flashings elements to respective drainage gutter elements 18 (see FIG. 1) whereby water can drain from the gutter elements 18 to the first flashing element 7 and second flashing element 8 by way of the intermediate flashing elements 9. For the details of the intermediate flashing elements reference is made to the applicant's EP2759654A1 which describe a similar intermediate flashing element. As mentioned previously, planar portion 810 is offset from planar portion 813 in the second flashing element 8, whereby space is created for the intermediate flashing element 9, which is then substantially flush with planar portion 813. A similar space is provided in first flashing element 7, by the main leg 710 being wider than the first leg (not visible), for intermediate flashing element 9, which is then substantially flush with the second leg 712. In an alternative embodiment, where there is no need for engaging further flashing elements it is conceivable for the main leg 710 to have a width closer to or equal to the width P1, with a corresponding increase in the width M2 of the first section 81 of the second flashing element 8.

[0068]Turning now to FIG. 5 which shows the flashing assembly 1 in the process of being interconnected. The second flashing element 8 is arranged at an angle to the first flashing element 7, whereby the first section 81 is easily inserted in the pocket 713 delimited by the first leg 711 and second leg 712. When inserted, the first and second flashing elements 7, 8 assumes the assembled state with their first sections 71, 81 extending in a co-planar manner, and the first section 81 engaging the flange 714 and pocket 713 to keep the two flashing elements together. To adjust the overall width of the flashing assembly 1, the second flashing assembly can be narrowed by shearing along one of the six parallel indications of which only incisions 811b are visible in FIG. 5. Even with the parallel indications serving as guides for this shearing, there is a risk of the cut deviating from the parallel indication, especially as the adjustment is likely performed on the roof structure, but the pocket 713 is dimensioned to accommodate such deviation.

[0069]FIG. 6 shows the same flashing assembly 1 as in FIG. 4 but in full view from below, showing the parallel indications 811 extending in full along the length of the flashing assembly 1.

[0070]In the preceding the flashing assemblies 1 have been described in the context where they are installed between two roof windows and connects to middle gutter elements 15 (see FIG. 1). A further potential use of the flashing assemblies in FIGS. 2 to 6 is to separate the first flashing element 7 and second flashing element 8 and installed along opposite side frame members 23, 24 of a roof window installation for connecting to respective side flashing elements 13, 14. The roof window installation could be a four-by-four installation as shown in FIG. 1, but could also be two roof windows installed one above the other (i.e. only the left most and top-most windows FIG. 1). In such a use, the first flashing element 7 is installed along a side frame member 24, with the first section 71 extending away from the side frame member 24 toward a roof covering (not shown). Conversely, the second flashing element 8 is installed along a side frame member 23 with the second section 82 extending toward the roof covering (not shown). To cover the joint between roof covering and the first flashing element 7 and second flashing element, a third flashing element (not shown) and fourth flashing element (not shown) is provided. As described above, the third flashing element has a first section configured to be inserted into pocket 713 and a second section configured to be located below the roof covering, which first section may be configured as the first section 82 of the second flashing element 8 as described in relation to and shown in FIG. 2 to 6. Similarly, the fourth has a first section which comprises a pocket (not shown) configured to receive the first section of the second flashing element and a second section configured to be located below the roof covering, which first section of the fourth flashing element may be configured as the first section 72 of the first flashing element 7, incl. pocket 713, as described in relation to and shown in FIG. 2 to 6.

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