Flashing assembly and flashing kit for a roof window and method for manufacturing the flashing assembly

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present invention relates to flashing assembly for a first roof window mounted in an inclined roof structure, said flashing assembly comprising an exterior flashing element and an interior flashing element, each configured for extending along a frame member of the first roof window in a length axis of the flashing assembly, and each having a first portion of planar configuration and each extending along a width axis perpendicular to the length axis and parallel to the inclined roof structure in a mounted state, wherein the first portions overlap and are attached to each other by an adhesive which engages the first portion of the interior flashing element and the first portion of the exterior flashing element.

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 when mounting two or more roof windows side by side, above one another, and/or or in an “Encastrée” manner where the window does not project as far above the plane of the roof as is normally the case, can often lead to more complicated flashing elements and more complicated interconnected arrangements of several flashing elements.

[0003]As an example, EP2759654A1 provides a flashing kit useful for Encastrée installations, which flashing kit comprises four flashing elements with one flashing member for interconnecting a gutter flashing member to a second side flashing element and having an inclined lifting section allowing water to drain from the gutter section to the second flashing element by way of the third flashing element. The flashing elements comprises flanges and upstanding ridges, which allows the flashing elements to be installed in a sequential manner and interconnect to each other without adhesives, while the flanges and ridges confines water to the drainage path. This works well, but in some scenarios it would be desirable for flashing elements to be delivered in a pre-assembled state with at least some flashing elements being securely attached together. Still further, flashing elements with flanges and upstanding ridges may not be compatible with all flashing elements, and may be undesirable in the visible portions of the flashing element for the visual character of the roof window installation.

[0004]EP1521888A1 and EP1521888B1 provides another flashing kit where a first and second sheet flashing members where parts of the flashing members can be detached to adjust the width of the flashing members. These flashing members are provided with upstanding rib structures by which the flashing members can be interconnected. Additionally, adhesives can be applied to one flashing member before installing the next flashing member to connect the flashing members in the installed state. This works well for connecting elements made of the same material, but in some arrangements of flashing elements of different materials, adhesively interconnecting flashing element may not provide the desired water-tightness during the life-span of the product, especially in areas which may see a significant water load, and where there are no flanges and upstanding ridges to any catch water potentially passing the adhesive.

[0005]Hence, the tight connection of flashing elements of different materials has proven difficult to achieve in practice, especially in situation where the connection is made between planar portions in the respective flashing elements.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006]With this background, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a flashing assembly and a method for manufacturing a flashing assembly, where two flashing elements can be connected in a secure and tight manner.

[0007]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 at least one spacing element is provided between the first portion of the exterior flashing element and the first portion of the second flashing element.

[0008]By providing the spacing element(s) between the first portion of the exterior flashing element and the first portion of the second flashing element, it has been observed that the adhesive provides a more consistent and secure connection between the two flashing elements. The spacing element maintains a separation distance between the flashing elements and the adhesive, which engages both first portions of the flashing elements, thus has a thickness which is at least equal to the separation distance. The thickness of the adhesive affects the ability of the adhesive to accommodate strains without disengaging from the flashing elements, with a thicker layer increasing the ability to accommodate strain. Such strains may for example arise due to the interior flashing element and exterior flashing element thermally expanding to different degrees, e.g. by being exposed to different temperatures, levels of sunlight and/or having different thermal expansion coefficients. In time, thermally induced strains may cause the adhesive to disengage locally and lead to a loss of engagement and potentially of water tightness. The spacing elements contribute to providing the desired thickness of the adhesive layer in a consistent manner, e.g. by keeping the flashing elements from being forced together too strongly during assembly. The spacing elements thus contribute to attaining good adhesive engagement and thus a secure and tight attachment of the flashing elements during the product lifetime.

[0009]The first portions of planar configurations thus form the portions by which the exterior flashing elements and the interior flashing element are attached to each other. Accordingly, the first portion of planar configuration of the interior flashing element and the first portion of planar configuration of the exterior flashing element may also be referred to as the attachment portion of the interior flashing element and the attachment portion of the exterior flashing element respectively. First portion and attachment portion are thus equivalent terminology.

[0010]As will be described in greater detail below, each of the exterior flashing element and the interior flashing element can have a section which extends along the width axis and the length axis of the flashing assembly, which is referred to as the first section. In the mounted state, these first sections extend away from the frame member and with first section in parallel with the plane of the roof structure. The first portions of planar configuration may be provided as a part of the first sections while in other embodiments, they form the entirety of the first sections.

[0011]The adhesive as used herein is an adhesive material provided in a layer which spans the separation distance between the flashing elements. It may be a continuous uniform mass of adhesive material spanning the separation distance. A preferred adhesive is a string of glue extending between the first portions of the flashing elements.

[0012]To provide a simple construction and reduce the number of components the spacing elements may be integrally formed with the first portion of the interior flashing element or of the exterior flashing element. This can be achieved by an indentation of one of the flashing elements. At least the exterior flashing element will often be made from sheet metal, which is easily shaped to provide spacing element(s) which is integrally formed with the exterior flashing element. Alternatively, the spacing element may form part of the interior flashing element. Integrally formed spacing elements can be provided by other means than indentation, such as by moulding the spacing element as part of a moulded flashing element.

[0013]Having the spacing element as separate component is conceivable, but integrally formed spacing elements is preferred to reduce complexity. An embodiment of a spacing element which is separate from the flashing elements, and which may be advantageous, is a spacing element in the form a double sided tape. This double sided tape is in addition to the adhesive and would keep the flashing elements in the intended position while the adhesive cures. This could facilitate the production and packing of the flashing assemblies, as they may be easier to handle and pack even while the adhesive cures.

[0014]To keep the intended separation distance between the exterior and interior flashing elements along the length of the assembly, some embodiments of the flashing assemblies comprising at least two spacing elements spaced apart in the length axis of the flashing assembly.

[0015]These at least two spacing elements may suitably be located at respective longitudinal ends of the first portion of the longitudinally shortest of the exterior flashing element and the interior flashing element. Further spacing elements can be provided between the two at the respective longitudinal ends, especially in embodiments where the longitudinally shortest of the flashing elements is greater than for example 40 or 50 cm. One of the flashing elements will typically be shorter than the other as seen in the length axis, and the shorter flashing element will often be the interior flashing element. Hence, the spacing elements may be located at longitudinal ends of the interior flashing element. A spacing element provided at a longitudinal end may be a spacing element provided within a range of 30% or 20% of the length of the flashing element from the longitudinal end.

[0016]To attach the two flashing elements and keep the connection water-tight along the length of the flashing assembly, the adhesive may extend at least between neighbouring spacing elements, and preferably between all spacing elements provided between the first portion of the exterior flashing element and the first portion of the interior flashing element. In this way, the adhesive forms a continuous adhesive layer along the length axis.

[0017]In embodiments with a spacing element located at the respective longitudinal ends of the shortest flashing element, typically the interior flashing element, the adhesive may extend at least between said two spacing elements.

[0018]To achieve a simple solution with good attachment of the two flashing elements, some embodiments may have the adhesive extending along substantially the entire length of the shortest of the flashing element, which is typically the interior flashing element.

[0019]In alternative embodiments, which seek to minimize the amount of adhesive, the adhesive may extend at least along the portion of the shortest of the flashing elements, which portion may be in contact with water in the mounted state. As water drains along the direction of inclination, this portion which may be in contact with water will include at least the bottom longitudinal end of the shortest of the two flashing elements, typically the interior element.

[0020]As mentioned a potential source of deformation of the flashing elements during the product lifetime is strains induced by thermal expansion of the flashing elements. As the interior flashing element is located on the interior side of the exterior flashing elements, the two may be exposed to different temperatures and levels of sunlight, which may cause some level of strain. A potentially greater level of thermally induced strain may be found in embodiments where the interior flashing element and exterior flashing element are made from different materials. The different materials may have different thermal expansions coefficients, causing increased levels of strain. Hence, the spacing elements are particularly advantageous for such flashing assemblies of different materials. In some embodiments, exterior flashing element will be sheet metal, which is the typical material for flashing elements, while the interior flashing elements is made from a plastic material. Plastic may be moulded to form flashing elements of a more complicated geometry than is practical with sheet metal and is thus a suitable material for such more complicated flashing elements of which the interior flashing element may be an example.

[0021]To space the flashing elements apart and provide an adhesive layer of the desired thickness, the at least one spacing element protrudes from an adhesive-engaging surface of the interior flashing element and/or of the exterior flashing element, which adhesive-engaging surface is contact with the adhesive. Hence, the spacing element, e.g., in the form of a sheet metal indentation, extends into the adhesive.

[0022]During assembly, the first portions of the interior and exterior flashing elements are forced together such that the adhesive contacts both first portions, and suitably until the spacings element(s) engage both first portions. Hence, in some embodiments a height of the at least one spacing element is substantially equal to a distance between the first portions of the interior flashing element and the exterior flashing element. Similarly, the height of spacing element is substantially equal to the thickness of the adhesive.

[0023]The spacing elements are suitably dimensioned to provide adhesive thickness which can accommodate the strains of the flashing assembly. Embodiments wherein a height of the at least one spacing element is at least 1.5 mm, preferably in the range 1.5 to 5 mm, more preferably 1.7 to 3 mm, are suitable for the materials and dimensions of flashing assemblies used in roof window installation. For flashing assemblies made from plastic and sheet metal up to a length of at least 60 cm, spacing elements with a height of about 2 mm is suitable. For flashing elements of greater length, taller spacing elements may be preferable.

[0024]The spacing elements described above find particular application in flashing assemblies used at a joint where the first roof window meets the second roof window arranged above the first roof window as seen in a direction of inclination of the inclined roof. Such installations have a drainage gutter element which is arranged between a bottom frame member of the second roof window and top frame member of the first roof window and is provided for draining water from between the windows and out onto the side flashing. These drainage gutter elements are sometimes mounted deeper in the roof structure than the remaining flashing elements. In embodiments of the flashing assembly for this use, the interior flashing element is an intermediate flashing element for connecting the flashing assembly to the drainage gutter element, wherein the interior flashing element has a substantially U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the length axis, with a first leg of the U-shape being adapted for engaging the side of the first roof window, a second leg being substantially parallel to the first leg, and a base of the U-shape being adapted for being arranged substantially in parallel with the direction of inclination, the interior flashing element further comprising a receiving section, a lifting section and a draining section, the receiving section being adapted for being arranged at level with the drainage gutter element to receive water therefrom, the draining section being interconnected to the exterior flashing element at an opening in the exterior flashing element, and the lifting section 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, thereby allowing water to drain from the receiving section and through the opening in the exterior flashing element by way of the lifting section, wherein the first portion of the interior flashing element extends from the second leg.

[0025]The adhesive attachment of the flashing assemblies according to the invention may also be advantageous for flashing arrangements where there is a need to adjust the width of the arrangement. This can be achieved with a flashing kit for use between two roof windows which are mounted side by side in an inclined roof structure, said flashing kit comprising a first flashing assembly as described above and configured for extending along a frame member of one of the two roof windows, and a second flashing assembly as described above and configured for extending along a frame member of the other of the two roof windows, the exterior flashing element of the first flashing assembly and the exterior flashing element of the second flashing assembly each comprising a first section and a second section contiguous with the first section, each of said first sections extending along the width axis of the exterior flashing element, being configured for extending between the two roof windows, and having an interior side configured for facing the roof structure, each of said second sections extending in an exterior direction along a height axis of the flashing element and having an interior side configured for facing the respective frame members of the two roof windows, wherein the first sections of the exterior flashing elements comprise the first portions of planar configuration which are attached to the respective first portions of the interior flashing elements, and the first section of the exterior flashing element of the second flashing assembly further 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 for receiving the first section of the exterior flashing element of the first flashing assembly. The first portions of planar configuration may form the entirety of the respective first sections, or form part of the respective first sections.

[0026]The two flashing assemblies of the flashing kit are to some extent mirrored and by sliding the first section of one exterior flashing element into the pocket of the first section of the other exterior flashing element, the distance between the two flashing assemblies can be adjusted.

[0027]In some embodiments, the adjustable width is achieved by a pocket of sufficient width (which may be termed “depth”) to provide a desired range of positions for the flashing element received therein.

[0028]In other embodiments, the adjustable width is provided by shearing the flashing element, which is received in the pocket, i.e. the exterior element of the first flashing assembly. This may be useful in embodiments where the interior flashing element limits the dimensions of the pocket. In such embodiments, the first section of the exterior flashing element of the first flashing assembly 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 along the width axis.

[0029]The flashing kit is particularly advantageous when the interior element is the intermediate element previously described. This allows the flashing kit to be used in installations of four roof windows in a quadrant, where the flashing kit connects the respective drainage gutter elements and provides means of adjusting the width of the flashing kit to the horizontal distance between the roof windows.

[0035]As the second 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 second aspect, i.e. the method for manufacturing the flashing assembly, and the advantage of the feature is applicable to all aspects in which it is incorporated.

[0036]In some embodiments, the flashing assembly or flashing kit further comprises at least one third flashing element configured for being positioned below the flashing interior and exterior elements of the flashing assembly as seen in the direction of inclination. The third flashing element extends along the length axis and comprises a first section extending along the width axis, and a second section which extends away from the first section in an exterior direction along the height axis, which second section is configured for extending along an outer side of a frame side member.

[0037]The third flashing element is to be mounted below the flashing assembly as seen in the direction of inclination and is mounted prior to the flashing assembly such that water draining from the flashing assembly drains onto the third flashing element and not underneath it. Once the installer has arranged the third flashing element alongside the roof window, there may, in some installations, be a lack of a means of retaining it in position until the flashing assembly is mounted above it. Hence, the third flashing element may slip down unless the installer holds on to it, which may be impractical in some cases and/or lead an inexperienced installer to fasten the third flashing in manner which could compromise water tightness. To prevent this, the third flashing element, is provided with a hook. The hook may be provided in one longitudinal end of the second section of the third flashing element and is adapted for hooking onto the flashing assembly. The flashing assembly may in turn comprise a hook receiving section configured for receiving the hook, such as an indentation of the second section of the interior and/or exterior flashing elements.

[0038]The hook comprises a shaft extending from the second section of the third flashing element in the exterior direction to a bend of the hook. The bend of the hook may be open in a direction opposite the exterior direction and thus configured to hook onto an exterior side of the second sections of the interior and/or exterior flashing elements.

[0039]In order to reduce material use, the hook portion may form part of the second section of the third flashing element. This may be achieved by shaping, e.g. bending, part of the second section to form the shaft and bend of the hook.

[0040]When in use, the hook projects from second section, and may thus be vulnerable to deformation during handling and transport. To the protect the hook, it is preferred to provide the third flashing element with the hook as part of the second section, wherein the hook can be brought from a passive state to an active state. In the passive state, the hook does not project from the second section, and is thus protected from deformation, and saves space. In the active state, the hook projects from the second section and is configured to hook onto the flashing assembly. The active and passive states may be provided by pre-made weakening(s) in the second section, which serve to guide the bending of part of the second section to form the hook, i.e. from the passive state to the active state.

[0041]In one embodiment, the pre-made weakening comprises an L-shaped incision in the longitudinal end of the second section, with a first incision part along the length axis from the longitudinal end and a second incision part along the exterior direction. The L-shaped incision delimits a flap attached at its exterior side to the remaining part of the second section. The flap can then be folded in the exterior direction to form the shaft of the hook. The flap may comprise a further weakening, e.g. in the form of a wide slot, allowing the flap to fold onto to form the bend of the hook at the end of the shaft.

[0042]The dimensions of the incisions are dimensioned to provide a hook with suitable dimensions for hooking onto the flashing assembly. For example, the second incision part along the exterior direction is dimensioned to provide a hook with a height which can hook onto the flashing assembly in the mounted state, and in some embodiments to a receiving portion of the flashing assembly.

[0043]The hook described above in relation to the third flashing element may as the skilled practitioner readily appreciates find application in other flashing arrangements than the flashing assembly described herein. Hence, also disclosed herein is a flashing element for use at roof window, which flashing element comprises a hook as described herein. Also disclosed is the flashing element comprising the hook provided in combination with a further flashing element which comprises a receiving section for receiving the hook as described herein.

[0044]Other presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the subsequent detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045]In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

[0046]FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of four roof windows mounted side by side with a prior art flashing assembly, adapted by the incorporation of reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments of the present invention,

[0047]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flashing assembly according to an embodiment of the invention with the exterior flashing assembly shown as see-through,

[0048]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view across a spacing element in an embodiment of flashing assembly,

[0049]FIGS. 4-5 are perspective views from below and above an embodiment of flashing assembly, respectively,

[0050]FIGS. 6-7 are perspective views from below and above of an embodiment of a flashing kit comprising two flashing assemblies respectively,

[0051]FIG. 8 is a view of an embodiment of the flashing kit along the length axis seen in the direction of inclination, and

[0052]FIGS. 9-12 show a longitudinal end of a third flashing element, in an unfolded state, a passive folded state, an active folded state, and details of the passive folded state respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0053]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 an 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.

[0054]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, two middle gutter flashing elements 15 configured for extending between the side frame members two roof windows, and two drainage gutter elements 18 for extending between adjoining top frame members 22 and bottom frame member 23. Common to all the 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 in an exterior direction along a height perpendicular to the plane of the roof structure.

[0055]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 EP24168726.8.

[0056]The present invention relates to flashing assemblies where an exterior flashing element is attached to an interior element by an adhesive, and as such may find application in any flashings arrangement where such attachment is advantageous and is not limited to any particular flashing assembly. The invention may be particularly relevant for more complex flashing arrangements, in particular to flashing arrangements for use with multiple roof windows mounted next to each other to cover the joints between the roof windows. One such is a flashing assembly configured for connecting drainage gutter elements 18 placed between two roof windows to the middle gutter elements 15 or to side flashing elements. Such a flashing assembly is described in EP2759654A1 to the same applicant, to which reference is made for a general description of the functionality of such flashing assemblies. In the following, the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, which show embodiments of flashing assemblies for connecting drainage gutter elements 18. FIGS. 3 to 8 shows flashing assemblies for connecting to the drainage gutter elements 18 and to a middle gutter element 15 and are thus positioned at the joint between the four roof windows in FIG. 1.

[0057]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the flashing assembly 1 having an interior flashing element 9 and an exterior flashing element 8, where the exterior flashing element 8 is a generalized flashing element sketched in dashed lines and shown as transparent. The interior flashing element 9 is here an intermediate flashing element 9 extending along a length axis of the flashing assembly 1, where the interior flashing element 9 has a U-shaped cross section with a first leg 92 and a second leg 93 extending in parallel along a height axis and connected by a base 94. Hence, the interior flashing element 9 provides a drainage channel for water along the length axis L. The interior flashing element 9 has a receiving section 95, which is the proximal end in FIG. 2 having a cut-out in the second leg 92, a lifting section 96, which is the middle portion which is inclined in relation to the length axis L, and a draining section 97 which is the distal portion 97 parallel extending in parallel with the length axis L. The receiving section 95 is configured to connect to the drainage gutter element 18 (see FIG. 1), here by the cut-out, which allows water to drain from the drainage gutter element 18 to the receiving section 95 and off the draining section 97, by way of the lifting section 96 connecting the receiving section 95 and draining section 97. The distal longitudinal end (right hand side) of the flashing assembly 1 in FIG. 2 will in the installed state overlap with a further flashing element, which will receive the drained water from the flashing assembly 1. In the mounted state the draining section 97 will be positioned below the receiving section 95 seen in the direction of inclination, which is parallel to the length axis L, and above the receiving section 95 (at base 94) seen in the height axis. The inclination of the lifting section 96 allows water to drain from the receiving section 95 to the draining section 97. At the draining section 97, there may be an opening 81c in the exterior flashing element (see FIG. 5) allowing water to drain out onto the exterior flashing element 8, but it is conceivable to have water draining in between the interior flashing element 9 and exterior flashing element 9 without the opening. For further details of the interior flashing element 9 and its use, reference is again made to EP2759654A1.

[0058]The embodiment of the exterior flashing element 8 shown in FIG. 2 is a generalized L-shaped element extending along the length axis L, where a first section 81 extends along a width axis W and a second section 82 extends along the height axis H in an exterior direction, which is toward the exterior of the roof structure in the mounted state. The second section 82 is for extending along the frame of the roof window and the first section 81 for extending away from the frame member and in parallel with the plane of the roof structure. The exterior flashing element 9 may include further features not shown in FIG. 2 depending on where it is to be installed in the roof window installation. FIGS. 3 to 8 for example shows embodiments where flashing assembly 1 is for connecting to a middle gutter element 15 (see FIG. 1) and the exterior flashing element 8 has an adjustable width. If the flashing assembly 1 was for connecting to a side flashing element (see FIG. 1.), the first section 81 could comprise one or more upstanding ridges or flanges to serve as a barrier for water in the width axis.

[0059]In FIG. 2 the interior element 9 and the exterior element 8 are attached to each other by adhesive 5 which is provided between planar first portions of the respective flashing elements 8, 9. In this embodiment, the planar first portion of the exterior flashing element 8 is the first section 81, whereas the planar first portion of the interior flashing element 9 is a first section 91 extending from the second leg 93 along with width W and length axis L. In this embodiment, the adhesive 5 extends along the entire length of the interior flashing element 9 which is the shortest of the two flashing elements 8, 9. Hence, the adhesive 5 extends along the entire portion of the interior flashing element 9 which may be in contact with water in the installed state, as water is received at the receiving section 95 and drains off the draining section 97. Due to potential contact with water, it is desired that the adhesive 5 provides tight engagement along the length through the product lifetime. To that end, this embodiment has one spacing element 81a, 81b provided at each longitudinal end of interior flashing element 8, to keep a separation distance between the two flashing elements 8, 9 and thereby provide a desired thickness of the adhesive 5. As described, maintaining a certain thickness of the adhesive 5, improves the ability of the flashing assembly 1 to accommodate strains without compromising attachment or tightness. In this embodiment, the adhesive 5 extends between the two spacing elements 81a, 81b, which are neighbouring, and beyond. The flashing assembly 1 in FIG. 2 is relatively short in the context of flashing elements for roof windows, typically about 30 to 60 cm, and two spacing elements have been found suitable for such flashing assemblies. Additional spacing elements (not shown) spaced part along the length axis L could be provided, especially for longer flashing assemblies.

[0060]As mentioned, the first sections 81, 91 here form the first portions of planar configuration of the exterior flashing assembly 8 and the interior flashing assembly 9, and the flashing assembly 1 is produced by providing the exterior flashing element 8 and the interior flashing element 9, applying the adhesive 5 to one of the first sections 81, 91, preferably to the first section 91 of the interior flashing assembly. Then the first portions, i.e. first sections 81, 91, are arranged to overlap and then pressed together such that the adhesive 5 engages both first portions. The spacing elements 81a, 81b will then ensure that a minimum separation distance is maintained. In this way, the flashing elements is not forced together too strongly causing a reduced height of the adhesive 5. The exterior element 8 can have a relatively simple geometry and will therefore typically be made from a sheet metal, as is common for flashing elements. By contrast, the interior flashing element 9 in FIG. 2 has a complex geometry and is therefore advantageously moulded and made from a plastic material. The different materials of the two flashing elements likely have different thermal expansion coefficients and may be exposed to different temperature conditions as one is interior-facing and the other is exterior-facing. By providing the spacing elements 81a, 81b, the flashing elements can be attached during production and provide an adhesive 5 which can accommodate the thermally induced strains which may be a particular issue for such a flashing assembly combining different materials.

[0061]Turning now to FIG. 3 which shows an embodiment of a flashing assembly 1 in cross-section across the spacing element 81a (i.e. in the receiving section of the interior flashing element 9) as seen along the length axis L in a direction down the direction of inclination in the mounted state. This view shows the incline of the base 94 in the lifting section 96 up to toward the exterior flashing element 8. The spacing element 81a has a height D which is equal to the distance between the first section 81 and first section 91. In this embodiment, the height D is about 2 mm. The distance D is also equal to a height of the adhesive 5 where two portions are visible on either side of the spacing element 81a but is understood to be a continuous mass of adhesive extending along the length axis. The spacing element 81a is an indentation formed in the first section 81 of the exterior element. This manner of forming the spacing element integrally with the flashing elements provides efficient manufacturing. In this embodiment the first section 81 comprises three portions arranged sequentially along the width axis W, namely a planar portion 810 contiguous with second section, a further planar portion 813 at the opposite side and an inclined portion 812 in between. The adhesive 5 engages an interior side surface of the planar portion 810 and an exterior side surface of the planar portion formed by the first section 91 of the interior flashing assemblies. In this embodiment, the planar portion 810 is thus the first portion of planar configuration according to the invention. As can be seen, the adhesive forms a continuous mass between these two adhesive-engaging surfaces, from which adhesive-engaging surfaces 81a protrude. Also visible in FIG. 3 is an end-flange 84 provided at the longitudinal end of the exterior flashing element 8, in the form of a portion thereof bent toward the interior to form the end-flange 84, as is more clearly seen in FIGS. 4 and 7. Such end-flanges may serve to divert wind and water intrusion in a direction up the direction of inclination.

[0062]Turning now to FIG. 4 which shows a perspective view of the flashing assembly 1 of FIG. 3 from below, i.e. from the interior side. As is clearly seen, the adhesive 5 extends along the entire length of the shorter of the two flashing elements, namely the interior flashing element 9, as the entire length of this embodiment of the interior flashing element 8 may see water contact. The flashing assembly 1 in FIG. 4 is intended to form one part of a flashing kit specifically for connecting the drainage gutter element 18 to middle gutters 15 (see FIG. 1). The flashing kit is described with references to FIGS. 6 to 8 below, but as can be seen in FIG. 4, the planar portion 813 of the exterior flashing element 8 comprises six parallel indications 811 extending along the length axis L for guiding shearing the exterior element 8 to reduce is width. The six parallel indications 811 are equidistant and formed by a combination of incisions 811b and grooves 811a in the sheet metal. It is noted that the lines indicating the bends bordering the inclined portion 812 is not a parallel indication for shearing.

[0063]FIG. 5 shows the flashing assembly 1 of FIG. 4 from above, i.e. from the exterior side. The spacing elements 81a, 81b are seen to be indentations in the exterior element 8, which extend across the width of the planar portion 810. An opening 81c in the first section 81 of the exterior element is provided at the area of the draining section 97, specifically at the overlap with the inclined section which is visible through the opening 81c. The opening 81c allows water to drain from the interior element 9 and out onto the exterior side of the exterior flashing element 8. The opening 81c is a longitudinally extending opening in the planar portion 810 of the first section 81. In this embodiment, the opening 81c furthermore covers part of the upwardly extending second section 82 of the exterior element 8, forming an L-shaped opening 81c. The opening in the second section 82 serves to prevent water flowing upwards between the second section 82 and first leg 93 of the interior flashing element due to capillary action. In alternative embodiments, spacing elements could be provided to distance the second section 82 and first leg 93 to decrease capillary action. The flashing assembly 1 further comprises indentations 815 in the exterior side flashing assembly, here in the second section 82 and the first leg 93, which indentation is a hook receiving portion 815 for receiving a hook of a third flashing element which is show in and described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0064]Turning now to FIGS. 6 to 8 which shows an embodiment flashing kit having a first flashing assembly 1 and a second flashing assembly 1′. The flashing kit is for use between roof windows with the first flashing assembly 1 extending along one roof window and the second flashing assembly 1′ extending along the other roof window. This flashing kit is specifically for connecting the two drainage gutter elements 18 to the middle gutter elements 15 in an installation of four roof windows such as the one shown in FIG. 1. The first flashing assembly 1 is the one shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and the second flashing assembly 1′ is substantially similar, but mirrored and different in the configuration of its first section 71 of its exterior flashing element 7. The interior flashing element 9 of the second flashing assembly 1′ is identical to the interior flashing element 9 of the first flashing element 9 but mirrored. The same refence numerals are therefore used for both interior flashing elements 9.

[0065]The exterior flashing element 7 comprises a first section 71 extending in the width axis W and second section 72 extending along the height axis H toward the exterior, which first and second sections are contiguous. As the exterior flashing element 8, the exterior flashing element 7 has spacing elements 71a, 71b, which is here in the form of two indentations in the exterior flashing located at the longitudinal ends of the interior flashing element 9, and longitudinally extending adhesive 5 provided to attach the flashing elements 7, 9. The flashing element 7 also has an end-flange 74 similar to the end-flange 84. As is best seen in FIG. 8 the first section 71 of the interior flashing element 7 differs from that of the interior flashing element 8. The first section 71 comprises four portions arranged in sequence from the second section 72, namely the main leg 710, a first leg 711, a second leg 712 and a flange 714, each extending along the length axis L. The interior flashing element 9 is attached to the planar portion, which is provided by the main leg 710, which planar portion is thus the first portion according to the invention. The first leg 711 and second leg 712 are spaced a distanced apart along the height axis and thereby delimit a pocket 713 which faces away from the second section 72 and toward the first flashing assembly 1. The pocket 713 is provided to receive part of the first section 81 of the exterior element 8 of the flashing assembly 1. In this way, the two flashing assemblies 1, 1′ can be connected to form the kit in an assembled state. The flange 714 extends from the second leg 712 toward the first leg 711 thereby forming a trap and channel for any water which may enter the pocket 713.

[0066]In the shown embodiment, the pocket 713 is dimensioned such that width P1 of the shortest of the first and second leg 711, 712, which in the shown embodiment is the first leg 711, is at least equal to a distance D1 between the parallel indications 811 provided in the planar portion 813 to guide shearing of the exterior flashing element 8. Suitably, the width P1 is 1 to 3 times, preferably 1.1 to 2 times, the distance D1. Additionally, or alternatively, P1 exceeds D1 by at least 5 mm. The width P2 of the longer of the two legs 711, 712, which is here second leg 712, is preferably greater than the width P1. In the shown embodiment, P1 is about 15 mm while D1 is about 10 mm and P2 is about 25 mm. For flashing kits of the type shown in FIGS. 6-8, D1 may be 5 to 20, preferably 7 to 15 mm, and more preferably 8 to 12 mm, and the width P1 is 5 to 30 mm, preferably 7 to 25 mm and more preferably 8 to 20. The dimensional relationships and absolute measure of the pocket 713, provide a relatively narrow pocket which still provides a secure connection of the flashing kit, even if the exterior element 8 is inadvertently shearing in a manner which deviates from the guidance offered by the parallel indications.

[0067]Hence, the flashing kit can be connected by one of the flashing assemblies having the described pocket for receiving part of the other flashing assembly. The shown embodiment has the further advantage that the width of the flashing kit can be reduced in simple manner by shearing the exterior element 8 along a selected parallel indication 811. By having an adjustable width, the flashing kit can adapt to the spacing between roof windows in a particular roof window installation.

[0068]An alternative embodiment (not shown) may have wider pocket 713, i.e. larger P1, than the embodiment shown FIG. 2, and no parallel indications on exterior element 8, where the wider pocket thus provides for a range of mutual positions of the flashing assemblies, to provide the adjustable width.

[0069]Turning now to FIGS. 9 to 11 which shows a longitudinal end portion of third flashing element 6 which may be provided and used in combination with the flashing assembly 1 and the flashing kit. The particular embodiment of the third flashing element 6 is seen to have a similar configuration as the exterior element 7 in FIGS. 6 to 8, that is a second section 61 extending along the height axis H and a first section 61 extending along the width axis W, where the first section 61 comprises a main leg 610 and a pocket 613 formed by a first leg (not visible), second leg 612 and having flange 614. The shown third flashing element 6 is for use below the flashing kit 7 as seen in the direction of inclination and will extend in continuation and partial overlap with the second flashing assembly 1′. The third flashing element 6 is provided with a hook 63 which is positioned and configured so as to be able to hook onto the second flashing assembly 1′. The flashing assembly 1′ may in turn comprise a hook receiving area in the exterior side configured to receive the hook 63, which is the case in FIGS. 7 and 8 showing hook receiving section 715 formed in the exterior side of the second section 72 of the exterior element 7 and first leg 92 by indentations thereof.

[0070]With reference to the prior art flashing arrangement in FIG. 1, the third flashing element would be positioned as one part of a middle gutter 15, where the other part (not shown) is similar to the exterior flashing element 8 and can connect to the third flashing element 6 by being inserted into the pocket 613. The pocket 613 may be of the wider configuration described above, where received flashing element can assumed a range of different positions by being inserted to various depths in pocket. Accordingly, the other part (not shown) need not have the parallel indications 811 shown for exterior element 8. The other part (not shown) of the middle gutter can also have a hook which is located and configured to hook onto the first flashing assembly 1, which in some embodiments has hook receiving section 815 as shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8.

[0071]The hook 63 of the shown embodiment forms part of the second section 62 and is provided by shaping part thereof according to pre-made weakenings 630, 631, 632 and 633 at one longitudinal end of the third flashing element 6. FIG. 9 shows the third flashing element 6 in an unfolded state, i.e. a sheet metal blank, which comprises pre-made weakenings 630-633. The sheet metal blank can then be folded to provide a folded state shown in FIG. 10, where third flashing element is shaped, but the hook is in passive state. When the flashing element is packed and transported to the installation site, it is preferably in this folded, passive state so as to protect the hook 63 from deformation. This may also allow the third flashing element 6 to be used where there is no need for the hook 63, potentially reducing the number of components. FIG. 11 then shows the folded, active state where the hook is activated by shaping according to the pre-made weakenings 630-633 and can hook onto the second flashing assembly 1′.

[0072]The hook 63 essentially provides a temporary means for retaining the third flashing element in relation to the second flashing assembly 1′ during installation. This is useful for flashing elements which are not held in place when placed in their intended position until further components are mounted, as it prevents the “free” flashing element from sliding down the roof structure. By hooking the third flashing element 6 onto the second flashing assembly 1′ they can be placed on the roof structure at the same time and is prevented from sliding down by the second flashing assembly 1′ which will engage part of the roof window installation, e.g. engage insulation frame.

[0073]FIG. 12 shows details of the hook 63 in the passive state. One pre-made weakening is a L-shaped incision with first incision part 630 along the length axis from the longitudinal end of the third flashing element 6 and a second incision part 631 in continuation of the first up along the height axis in the exterior direction. The second incision part 631 stops before the exterior side, which L-shaped defines a flap attached at the exterior side. This flap can then be folded up and project from the second section in the exterior direction (See FIG. 11). To facilitate this folding, pre-made weakening 632, here in the form of a narrow slot, is provided where the flap anchors to the second section 62. Pre-made weakening 633 is provided toward the free portion of the flap opposite the anchorage to guide the shaping of the bend portion of the hook 63, i.e. the part which hooks onto the second flashing assembly 1′. Pre-made weakening 633 is here in the form of a wide slot which more easily guides the shaping of the relatively short curvature of the hook 63. The dimensions of the pre-made weakenings are determined by dimensions of the respective flashing elements which it is intended to hook together, for example accounting for any differences in height, and the presence or lack of hook receiving area. For example, the distance between narrow slot 632 and wide slot 633 defines a shaft of the hook, which determines how far the hook projects.

[0074]The features described in relation to hook 63 in relation to FIGS. 9 to 12 equally apply to hook in a corresponding flashing element (not shown) which is inserted in pocket 613 and hooks onto first flashing element 1. Similar, the hook 63 as describe herein, is not limited to the flashing elements described herein, but may be used in general for any flashing elements where it is desired to keep two flashing elements temporarily attached.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS