Roof tile support

Abstract

A roof tile support element that fits between roof tiles and a roofing surface to provide support for the roof tiles, which is compatible with a broad range of roof tiles, is adjustable during installation, and that allows individuals to walk confidently on a tile roof without breaking tiles.

1 . An apparatus adapted for use with roof tiles and a roofing surface, comprising a support element configured to occupy the space between roof tiles and a roofing surface thereby providing support for the roof tiles.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said support element is configured in the shape of a wedge.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said support element has a triangular cross-section.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said support element has a quadrilateral cross-section.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said support element is made of expanded polystyrene.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said support element includes at least one groove formed in its bottom surface.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising arch sections.  
   
   
       8 . A roof tile support system, comprising: 
 a roofing surface;    one or more roof tiles; and    one or more independent support elements positioned between said roofing surface and said roof tiles, wherein said support elements support said roof tiles so as to increase the load capacities of said roof tiles.    
   
   
       9 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said roofing surface comprises a roof deck.  
   
   
       10 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said roofing surface comprises a roof deck with battens.  
   
   
       11 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said roof tiles are made of lightweight concrete.  
   
   
       12 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said support elements are separate pieces from said roof tiles and said roofing surface.  
   
   
       13 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein each of said support elements supports a plurality of roof tiles.  
   
   
       14 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said support elements have a large surface area for contacting a substantial portion of the area under said roof tiles.  
   
   
       15 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said support elements are wedge-shaped.  
   
   
       16 . The roof tile support system of  claim 15 , wherein said support elements have arch sections, and said roof tiles are barrel roof tiles.  
   
   
       17 . The roof tile support system of  claim 15 , wherein said support elements have a triangular cross-section.  
   
   
       18 . The roof tile support system of  claim 15 , wherein said support elements have a quadrilateral cross-section.  
   
   
       19 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said support elements are made of expanded polystyrene.  
   
   
       20 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said roof tiles are arranged in rows and a first row is supported by said support elements such that the roof tiles of the first row are elevated some distance above a second adjacent row of said roof tiles.  
   
   
       21 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said roof tiles are supported by said support elements such that the weight of said tiles, or a concentrated load on said tiles, will be distributed over said support elements and said roofing surface.  
   
   
       22 . The roof tile support system of  claim 8 , wherein said roof tiles are arranged in rows and a first row is supported by said support elements such that the weight of said tiles, or a concentrated load on said tiles, will be distributed over said support elements, said roofing surface and a second row of roof tiles.  
   
   
       23 . A method of installing roof tile supports, comprising: 
 placing a support element on a roofing surface;    placing a roof tile over said support element; and    securing said roof tile to said roofing surface.    
   
   
       24 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 23 , wherein said roofing surface comprises a roof deck.  
   
   
       25 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 23 , wherein said roofing surface comprises a roof deck with battens.  
   
   
       26 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 23 , wherein said roof tile is placed in contact only with said support element.  
   
   
       27 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 23 , wherein said roof tile is placed in contact with both said roofing surface and said support element.  
   
   
       28 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 23 , further including a second roof tile, wherein said first roof tile is placed in contact with said roofing surface, said support element, and said second roof tile.  
   
   
       29 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 23 , wherein securing said roof tile to said roofing surface comprises driving a nail through said roof tile into said roofing surface.  
   
   
       30 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 29 , wherein said roofing nail also passes through a portion of said support element.  
   
   
       31 . The method of installing roof tile supports of  claim 23 , further including a second support element, wherein said second support element is positioned to the side of said first support element so as to leave a gap between the two elements.