System for applying heat insulation to a roof structure
Roof insulation applicator (10) for applying blanket insulation or other sheet material to the roof of an industrial building includes a carriage (12) for mounting on adjacent purlins (14 and 15) of a partially completed roof. Support roller (40) is applied by the carriage to the upper surfaces of the purlins (14 and 15) and the carriage is tiltable about the support roller (40). The center of gravity of the carriage (12) is applied rearwardly of the support roller (40), between the support roller (40) and the rear of the carriage. Purlin engager (60) is mounted to the front of the carriage and engages under the upper laterally extending flange (22) of the purlin (14). The purlin engager at the front of the carriage limits the downward pivoting of the rear end of the carriage so that a lever arm effect is applied by the weight of the rear portion of the structure to the support roller (40). This applies an amplified downward force to the support roller (40) that is transferred to the side edges of the sheet material (55) and to the purlins, firmly holding the sheet material in its stretched configuration extending from the roof panel (16) out to the support roller (40), reducing the tendency of the sheet material to sag in between the adjacent purlins, and assuring that the wind and vibration about the building will not disrupt the installation of the sheet material to the roof.