SUSTAINABLE HYBRID RETRO-FIT

Proposed use of Artezanos Hybrid roof tile retro-fits over existing asphalt shingles as a sustainable means to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy systems affordably.

     "Sustainability, is trying to get most out of the resources we presently have and seeing how far they go while minimizing the

negative environmental impact".

In 1995, the Miami Dade County Commission unanimously adopted a resolution to create an ordinance for the removal, re-use and re-application of Ancient Handmade Barrel Roof Tile  from 18 century Spain via Cuba and brought for the purpose of making new buildings look old during the 1920's construction boom and used on the most notable developments of the time. Chapter 1 Section 104.11 of the South Florida Building Code provided for the salvage and re-use of Ancient Handmade Barrel Roof Tile on any original structure regardless of its historical status citing that the roof tile has passed  "The Test Of Time". Chapter 11 section 1107 of the Florida Building Code dictates the same verbiage.

Miami Daily News April 26, 1925

  The recycling of true two piece Barrel Roof Tile is common place around the world. Often different barrel roof tiles of different dimensions and textures from more than one manufacturer find their way on the same roof structure as most outlast the structures they are originally laid upon.   True two piece Barrel Roof tile has been documented as far back as 10,000 B.C. to Neolithic Chinese culture. Different versions of true two piece Barrel Roof Tile exist today and are still in use around the World as a the primary water proofing mechanism without the use of any underlayments.

Clay “S” Tile

Concrete “S” Tile

Low Profile Concrete Tile Clay Barrel Tile

Traditional Handmade Clay Barrel Tile

  When installed properly, Barrel Roof Tile has a long life cycle. They are energy efficient and have exceptional wind resistance characteristics. Barrel Roof Tiles are often confused with lower performing sinuous profiled tiles such as "S" tile. "S" tile resembles Barrel Roof Tile but differs in the respect they lack in performance when compared to true two piece Barrel Roof Tile as the latter  relies heavily on the underlayments for water proofing. "S" tiles installed with mortar or PolyFoam  are attached asymmetrically and therefore are vulnerable to dynamic wind activity at 0 degrees and fail catastrophically  as demonstrated in tests with the "Wall of Wind" hurricane simulator at Florida International University.

 Dr Leatherman ,Chair Professor and Director (IHRC) at F.I.U. is quoted "We need to find a way to take the existing stock of houses we have and retro fit them to make them stronger so they can at least get through a category 3 hurricane".

Concrete “S” Tile Clay “S” Tile  

  True Barrel Tile Roof

Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle Roof

  True Barrel Tile Roofs are a sustainable and green alternative to most tile installations. The down side is they are very heavy, very expensive and more labor intensive to install. Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle Roofs are the other extreme of the residential roof spectrum. Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles are inexpensive, have relatively short life cycles and are not energy efficient. They are made up of two different types of petroleum and most fail with only 80 mph winds.      Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles yet comprise approximately 80% of the residential re-roofing market and are by no means sustainable however we can use them in a sustainable means by making the most of them by increasing their longevity in their role as a roof substrate below The Hybrid Universal Roof Tile System.

  Some of the advantages of using  Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles as a substrate are the fact that they are Class "A" Fire Rated , UV resistant and are stronger than traditional 90 lb felt because they are reinforced with fiberglass and have a greater tensile strength. Also Shingles are six nailed and provide a ventilated substrate having not been  completely sealed such as is the case for  90 lb. felt hot mop for roof tile.  Post 2001 Existing Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle Roof installations, that have satisfied deck nailing requirements make excellent candidates for retro-fit application of the Hybrid Universal Roof Tile System.

   The Hybrid Universal Roof Tile System continues  the age old tradition of Barrel Tile Roofs by reducing installation and labor intensity through the use of the Universal pan. The light weight retro-fit application is ideal for Existing Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle roofs to substantially increase energy efficiency and wind resistance. Other amenities could include the optional use of vegetative green roofing and or roof tile integrated photovoltaics.  

HYBRID Universal Roof Tile System

The “Universal Pan” Italiano Clay Pan Tile Starter

Artezanos Handmade Barrel Tile

Roof Vegetation

Photovoltaic Panel

  Due to the rise in petroleum costs, the price of shingles has escalated greatly while dimensional shingle installations have almost matched the expense of roof tile installations. Because of the recent hurricane activity, many homes with relatively new Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle Roofs have been damaged and as a result have been remedied subsequently with unsightly repairs. With the current 2009 economy, many homeowners will choose repair over replacement and re- roof their home most often with the cheapest means available, resulting in a non-energy efficient home vulnerable to the wind forces of potential future hurricanes.

       As is the case with hurricane shutters, Homeowners could have an affordable, sustainable and green option available to them for the protection of family and property from a disaster. The same 80%   Shingle Re-roofing Market  could benefit through a performance enhancement of existing shingle roofs via the use of a Hybrid Retro-Fit Roof Tile System by improving wind resistance , energy efficiency and increased curb appeal. Homeowners may enjoy more flexibility and upgrade when they are financially able and not be forced to make an irreversible choice due to a potentially weak financial position .This in turn could do much to increase the appeal of residential real estate and help homes keep their value as well as create jobs for roofers. Roofers could be able to market retro-fits for wind and energy enhancement as well as  promote the popular look of Spanish Tile for increased curb appeal instead of waiting around for a “ leak or a natural disaster”. Roofers also could finally promote affordable green options of renewable energy and green roofing in the Residential Sector.

  “Protecting life, property and the environment , while we avoid unnecessary  roofing demolition trips to the landfill.

Lets make the most of our resources and leave a wonderful legacy for future generations”.