Plastic roof tile

The double-groove interlocking plastic roof tile with a storm brace and hook geometry addresses the issues of wind uplift and compatibility with conventional tiles, ensuring secure mounting and reduced costs.

EP4733505A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-29KIESLICH DIRK
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
KIESLICH DIRK
Filing Date
2025-07-31
Publication Date
2026-04-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing plastic roof tiles are not adequately secured against wind uplift and are not compatible with conventional clay or concrete roof tiles, leading to potential damage and installation challenges.

Method used

A double-groove interlocking plastic roof tile with a storm brace and hook geometry, designed for secure mounting on pitched roofs, compatible with conventional tiles, featuring interlocking ribs and a storm hook for additional wind resistance.

Benefits of technology

Provides secure wind resistance and compatibility with conventional tiles, reducing manufacturing costs and installation time while maintaining compatibility with existing roof structures.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a plastic roof tile (1) which has interlocking ribs (2) on one longitudinal side and is provided on the reverse side with a mounting geometry (3), wherein a storm protection device (4) can be attached to one longitudinal side. A recess (5) is formed which receives a base (41) of the storm protection device (4), wherein a storm hook (42) is arranged on the base (41).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plastic roof tile which has interlocking ribs on one longitudinal side and is provided with a mounting geometry on the reverse side, wherein a storm protection can be attached to one longitudinal side.

[0002] Buildings with pitched roofs are typically covered with roof tiles (hereinafter referred to collectively as "roof tiles") made of fired clay or concrete. These roof tiles are characterized by a very long lifespan and resistance to environmental influences such as hail or wind loads. One disadvantage of such roof tiles is their considerable weight, which necessitates a very stable roof substructure and results in high transport costs. Another disadvantage is the high manufacturing cost, particularly for clay roof tiles, which is due in part to the high energy consumption associated with the firing process. Furthermore, these roof tiles have poor thermal properties.They store heat for a very long time, which in summer leads on the one hand to a significant increase in temperatures in the rooms directly under the roof, and on the other hand contributes significantly to the warming of the surroundings.

[0003] To avoid these disadvantages, plastic roof tiles have been developed (see, for example, DE 2 146 363 A1). Such roof tiles offer a number of advantages. For instance, plastic roof tiles are considerably lighter than clay or concrete roof tiles; they are 70 to 80% lighter than conventional roof tiles. This significantly reduces the load on the roof substructure. The roof can therefore bear a higher snow load without creating a critical structural situation.

[0004] Furthermore, plastic roof tiles have a significantly better ecological footprint, in particular a better Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), which generally refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions along the entire life cycle of a product and is thus a unit of measurement for the greenhouse gas balance of a product.

[0005] Furthermore, plastic roof tiles are less susceptible to rising energy costs, as their production is significantly less energy-intensive. In addition, unlike concrete or clay roof tiles, a secure supply of raw materials is guaranteed. Using up to 100% recycled plastic already saves important resources during the manufacturing process.

[0006] The lighter weight of plastic roof tiles further reduces logistics costs because less fuel is consumed during transport, even when a higher number of tiles can be transported. Plastic roof tiles also save time and therefore costs during installation. Their lighter weight allows for faster installation, which reduces overall costs.

[0007] Thanks to the selection of UV- and weather-resistant plastics, plastic roof tiles also have a long lifespan (more than 40 years). Furthermore, after their service life or when the roof is replaced, the plastic roof tiles can be taken back and recycled into the plastics cycle. They are therefore considered sustainable.

[0008] Plastic roof tiles also offer better heat management, as they don't heat up as much in sunlight and therefore don't conduct heat as much. Unlike concrete or clay roof tiles, plastic hardly stores any heat, which helps prevent attic rooms from overheating, especially in summer!

[0009] Furthermore, unlike traditional concrete and clay roof tiles, plastic roof tiles do not accumulate, or at least significantly fewer, deposits of moss or lichen. Weathering and discoloration are virtually eliminated.

[0010] Different levels of stability can be achieved by selecting different types of plastic. For example, highly stable, mechanically robust, and tough roof tiles can be produced using glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP). With the right choice of plastics, the roof tiles can also be fire-resistant against external fire (HB class).

[0011] The light weight of plastic roof tiles, however, carries the risk that they may lift off in strong winds. This can lead to partial roof damage. To avoid this problem, they are fastened to the roof structure. For this purpose, plastic roof tiles often have pre-drilled holes for fastening screws or nails. The fastening screws are usually located near the top edge of the roof tiles. In this way, they are covered by the underside of the tiles above and protected from direct exposure to the elements. However, experience has shown that this additional fastening alone is not sufficient in strong winds.

[0012] As a remedy, CH 411 300 A proposes marking the top of the plastic roof tile and the bottom of the plastic roof tile. So-called interlocking elements are to be provided, which allow for a plug-in connection of the overlapping roof tiles. However, this requires a precise, level roof substructure, which is not always achievable in practice.

[0013] Furthermore, EP 1 055 038 B1 proposes screwing fastening screws through the overlapping area of ​​the roof tiles into the roof substructure. While this requires a slightly lower degree of precision in the roof substructure, this solution leaves the screw heads directly exposed to the elements. Additionally, rain and snow can penetrate past the screws through the fastening holes.

[0014] To overcome these disadvantages, EP 2 292 864 A2 proposes a plastic roof tile featuring various engagement and coupling elements as well as a locking head, designed to correspond with adjacent roof tiles and ensure a secure hold. However, due to its design, the described roof tile is only compatible with another roof tile of the same design.

[0015] Against this background, the present invention aims to create a plastic roof tile that is both securely mounted against wind loads and compatible with known roof tiles, including those made of clay or concrete. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0016] The invention creates a plastic roof tile that can be securely mounted on the roof substructure against wind loads and is compatible with known roof tiles, including those made of clay or concrete.

[0017] Other embodiments and configurations of the invention are specified in the remaining dependent claims. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and is described in detail below. The drawings show: Figure 1: View of a plastic roof tile; Figure 2: Front view of the tile in Figure 1 depicted roof tile; Figure 3 the three-dimensional representation of the in Figure 1 depicted roof tile; Figure 4 the three-dimensional representation of the in Figure 1 The roof tile shown from a different perspective with the storm hook insert shown at a distance; Figure 5, the three-dimensional representation of the in Figure 4 Roof tile shown with storm hook insert.

[0018] The roof tile 1 selected as an exemplary embodiment is intended for use on pitched roofs. It consists of a UV- and weather-resistant, as well as hard and scratch-resistant plastic. In this exemplary embodiment, the plastic is a thermoplastic, preferably polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate copolymer (ASA). Other plastics, e.g., glass fiber reinforced plastics, can also be used. The roof tile is manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0019] The roof tile 1 according to the invention is designed in the manner of a double-groove interlocking tile, e.g., in the form of the so-called "Frankfurter Pfanne ®<" (registered trademark of Monier Braas GmbH, 61440 Oberursel, Germany). It is therefore compatible with commercially available concrete or clay roof tiles. It can thus be used, for example, as a replacement in existing roofs covered with conventional roof tiles. The two grooves formed on the roof tile simultaneously create gutters through which rainwater can run off.

[0020] Roof tile 1 has interlocking ribs 2 along one of its long sides. These are covered by an adjacent roof tile when in place. On its back, at its upper end when in place, roof tile 1 has a contact geometry 3, the so-called hanging lug. This engages behind a roof batten when in place.

[0021] A storm brace 4 can be attached to the longitudinal side of the roof tile 1, which is provided with the interlocking ribs 2. For this purpose, the roof tile 1 is provided with a recess 5, which is formed in the longitudinal side of the roof tile. In the exemplary embodiment, the recess 5 has a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0022] The storm protection device 4 consists of a base 41, which in this embodiment is made of plastic. Preferably, the same material is used for the base 41 as for the roof tile 1. Alternatively, the base can also be made of metal. The base 41 has a rectangular shape and a trapezoidal cross-section that corresponds to the cross-section of the clearance 5. In the installed state, the clearance 5 accommodates the base 41.

[0023] A storm hook 42, which in this exemplary embodiment is made of metal, is arranged at the base 41. Stainless steel is preferably used. The storm hook has a C-shaped form. One end of the storm hook 42 is located in the base 41. The remaining part of the storm hook 42 projects beyond the base 41.

[0024] In this embodiment, the storm brace 4 is designed as an injection-molded part. During injection molding, the storm hook 42 is injected directly into the base 41 in certain areas. This ensures that the storm hook 42 is securely fixed in the base 41.

[0025] If the base 41 is made of metal, it can be a formed part. In this case, the storm hook 42 can be welded to the base 41; however, the base 41 and storm hook 42 can also be manufactured as a single piece.

[0026] Furthermore, the roof tile 1 is provided on its reverse side, on its longitudinal side facing away from the interlocking ribs 2, with a hook geometry 6. In the laid state, this engages under the adjacent roof tile and thus forms an additional anti-lift device.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, the roof tile 1 has two holes 7 in its upper area when installed. These serve to allow screws to pass through if additional screw fastening of the roof tile is desired. When the roof tiles are installed, the holes 7 are covered by the adjacent roof tile located higher up and are thus protected from precipitation.

[0028] The plastic roof tile 1 according to the invention is fully compatible with conventional clay or concrete roof tiles. Furthermore, it can be securely installed on the roof. Due to its design according to the invention, it is reliably secured against being lifted off by strong winds. This is ensured, firstly, by the fact that it engages under the adjacent roof tile on one side with the aid of the hook geometry 6.

[0029] Secondly, the lifting of the tile is prevented by the storm securing device 4. This device, when placed on the roof, is hooked into a lower roof batten. In this way, the roof tile 1 is secured on both long sides. Furthermore, it is secured in the usual manner by overlapping with adjacent roof tiles.

[0030] The storm brace 4, designed as a separate component, significantly reduces manufacturing costs because the storm hook 42 is not fed into the relatively large injection mold required for producing the roof tile 1, but rather into a considerably smaller mold. The storm brace 4 is mounted to the roof tile 1 by simply inserting the base 41 into the recess 4. The trapezoidal shape ensures a positive fit. Of course, other designs are also possible, such as a dovetail or prism shape.

[0031] Due to its compatibility with conventional roof tiles, the roof tile according to the invention can be used as a replacement, for example, if the originally installed concrete or clay roof tile is damaged. It is also possible to install the roof tile according to the invention with special components made of clay or concrete, such as components for the ridge, hip, verge, valley, or eaves. Consequently, no injection molds are required for the production of such special components, which further reduces costs.

Claims

1. Roof tile (1) made of plastic, which has interlocking ribs (2) on one of its longitudinal sides and is provided on the reverse with a fitting geometry (3), wherein a storm protection (4) can be attached to one longitudinal side, characterized by the fact that a clearance (5) is formed which accommodates a base (41) of the storm protection (4), wherein a storm hook (42) is arranged at the base (41).

2. Roof tile (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the storm hook (42) has a C-shaped shape.

3. Roof tile (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the storm hook (42) protrudes in some areas beyond the base (41).

4. Roof tile (1) according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by the fact that the base (41) and the clearance (5) have a trapezoidal cross-section.

5. Roof tile (1) according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by the fact that the base (41) is made of plastic.

6. Roof tile (1) according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by the fact that the storm protection (4) is designed as a separate component.

7. Roof tile (1) according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by the fact that A hook geometry (6) is provided on one longitudinal side.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • plastic bricks

    CH411300A

  • roofing tiles and roofing made therefrom

    DE2146363A1

  • Roofing for buildings, with synthetic resin molded components

    EP1055038B1

  • Roof covering with plastic tiles

    EP2292864A2

  • A roof tile

    EP3263796A1