SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING ROOF TILES

Abstract

A method for installing a roof tile covering on a roof structure comprising: providing a plurality of roof tiles comprising a porcelain body and an attachment hole above the roof structure; placing and fixing a part of the plurality of roof tiles onto the roof structure, forming a horizontal row; interrupting the horizontal row at a distance from a hip or valley of the roof structure; cutting a roof tile to provide a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising one or more attachment holes; placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece onto the roof structure over the hip or valley, leaving a gap between the triangular or trapezoidal piece and the plurality of roof tiles in the horizontal row; and placing and fixing at least one roof tile on the roof structure over the gap, wherein the roof tile covering comprises a plurality of horizontal rows of roof tiles.

Claims

1. A method for installing a roof tile covering on a roof structure comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of roof tiles comprising a porcelain body above the roof structure, the porcelain body comprising an attachment hole; placing and fixing a part of the plurality of roof tiles onto the roof structure thereby forming a horizontal row; interrupting the horizontal row at a distance from a hip or valley of the roof structure, wherein the distance is larger than the width of the roof tile; cutting at least one roof tile to provide a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising one or more attachment holes; placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece onto the roof structure substantially in correspondence of the hip or valley thereby leaving a gap between the triangular or trapezoidal piece and the plurality of roof tiles in the horizontal row; and placing and fixing at least one roof tile on the roof structure in correspondence of the gap thereby filling the gap itself, wherein the roof tile covering comprises a plurality of horizontal rows of roof tiles.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein all of the steps are repeated for each of the plurality of horizontal rows of the roof tile covering.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step comprises cutting along a first cutting line that is inclined with respect to an upper edge of the roof tile.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step provides a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising a plurality of attachment holes.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step is repeated to provide a plurality of triangular or trapezoidal pieces having the same form and dimension.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece comprises gluing the triangular or trapezoidal piece to the roof structure.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece further comprises nailing or screwing the triangular or trapezoidal piece to the roof structure.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of placing and fixing the at least one roof tile for filling the gap comprises cutting one of the roof tiles along a second cutting line parallel to a side edge of the roof tile.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure with a regular offset pattern.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure with a random offset pattern.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure in such a way that the adjacent horizontal rows are partially overlapped.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing an under layer on the roof structure.

13. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing a nail for being inserted in the attachment hole of the roof tile; providing a nail gun for pushing the nail into the attachment hole, the nail gun comprising a centering element; coupling the centering element with the attachment hole of the roof tile; and pushing the nail into the attachment hole for installing the roof tile on the roof structure.

14. The method of claim 3, wherein the first cutting line is inclined at an angle of 22 with respect to the upper edge of the roof tile.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the offset pattern is a regular offset pattern.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the regular offset pattern is a 50% offset pattern.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the partial overlap between the adjacent horizontal rows is from 20% to 35%.

18. The method of claim 12 further comprising a step of placing the roof tile on the under layer immediately following the step of placing the under layer on the roof structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0083] With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, in the following, as an example without any limitative character, several preferred forms of embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0084] FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a roof tile according to the present invention, with a view on the front face of the roof tile.

[0085] FIG. 2 represents an enlarged cross-section according to line II-II in FIG. 1.

[0086] FIG. 3 represents an enlarged view of the section that is indicated with F3 in FIG. 2.

[0087] FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of an alternative roof tile according to the present invention, with a view on the front face of the roof tile.

[0088] FIG. 5 represents a cross-sectional side view of part of an installed roof covering with roof tiles according to FIG. 1.

[0089] FIG. 6 represents a side view of a centering element according to the invention.

[0090] FIG. 7 represents a cross-section according to line VII-VII in FIG. 6.

[0091] FIG. 8 represents an enlarged view of the section that is indicated with F8 in FIG. 5.

[0092] FIG. 9 represents an enlarged view of the section that is indicated with F8 in FIG. 5 according to an alternative system.

[0093] FIGS. 10A-10E show some steps of a method for installing roof tiles on a roof structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the various embodiments of the invention, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail as being systems and methods for cleanable and slip resistant tile, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated, such as embodiments employing other types of surfaces, coatings, tiles, or tile manufacturing methods. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

[0095] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of components. References to a composition containing a constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. In other words, the terms a, an, and the do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0096] As used herein, the term and/or may mean and, it may mean or, it may mean exclusive-or, it may mean one, it may mean some, but not all, it may mean neither, and/or it may mean both. The term or is intended to mean an inclusive or.

[0097] Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is to be understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, example embodiment, some embodiments, certain embodiments, various embodiments, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase in one embodiment does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[0098] Ranges may be expressed herein as from about or approximately or substantially one particular value and/or to about or approximately or substantially another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0099] By comprising or containing or including is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

[0100] It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a composition does not preclude the presence of additional components than those expressly identified.

[0101] The materials described as making up the various elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention.

[0102] FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a roof tile 1 according to the present invention, with a view on the front face of the roof tile 1. The roof tile 1 is mainly rectangular and, in the represented example, rectangular and oblong. It has an upper surface 2 and a lower surface 3, whereby, in the installed condition of the roof tile 1, the upper surface 2 is directed upwards, whereas the lower surface 3 is directed downwards. The upper surface 2 forms the decorative surface of the roof tile 1.

[0103] Furthermore, the roof tile 1 has an upper edge 4 and a lower edge 5, whereby, in the installed condition of the roof tile 1, the upper edge 4 is directed towards the top of the roof, whereas the lower edge 5 is directed towards the bottom of the roof. Also, the roof tile 1 has two opposite side edges 6-7.

[0104] The roof tile 1 comprises a ceramic body 8, which is made of porcelain, and a glaze coating 9, which is situated above said ceramic body 8.

[0105] The glaze coating 9 comprises a dcor, which here simulates wood. In particular, the dcor shows wood nerves 10 and wood pores 11.

[0106] In the represented example, the front face of the roof tile 1 represents or forms an image of a plurality of roof tiles 1A-1B-1C-1D. The borders or transitions between the roof tiles 1A-1B-1C-1D are formed by depressions 12, which form part of the relief at the upper surface 2 of the roof tile 1.

[0107] Although, in the represented example, the front face of the roof tile 1 represents or forms an image of four roof tiles 1A-1B-1C-1D, it is not excluded that less than four roof tiles are represented, such as two or three roof tiles, nor is it excluded that more than four roof tiles are represented.

[0108] The thickness T of the roof tile 1 is preferably located between 5 and 20 mm, more preferably between 7 and 15 mm, and still more preferably the thickness T of the roof tile 1 is approximately 8 mm or 12 mm. 12 mm is a preferred thickness T for roof tiles destined to installation wherein a hail impact resistance class 4 is useful or required, whereas in installation wherein said hail impact resistance class 4 is not required 8 mm is a preferred value for thickness T in order to make a cheaper and lighter roof tile 1.

[0109] The width W of the roof tile 1 is larger than its length L. The width W of the roof tile 1 may be at least 250 mm and preferably at least 500 mm.

[0110] The roof tile 1 is provided with at least one attachment hole 13,13. Here, the roof tile 1 is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 13,13. The attachment holes 13,13 are present in at least the ceramic body 8 of the roof tile 1. They are situated closer to the upper edge 4 of the roof tile 1 than to the lower edge 5 of the roof tile 1. In particular, the attachment holes 13,13 are situated at a distance X1 from the upper edge 4, measured in the length direction of the roof tile 1, which is smaller than 0.25 times the length L of the roof tile 1. The minimal width or diameter of the attachment holes 13,13 is smaller than the thickness T of the roof tile 1.

[0111] Among the attachment holes 13,13 the roof tile comprises external attachment holes 13 placed in proximal position with respect the side edges 6,7 and central attachment holes 13 placed distal from the side edges 6. Preferably each external attachment hole 13 is placed at a distance X2 from the respective closest side edge that is less than 60 mm, preferably less than 55 mm, for example less than 35 mm.

[0112] In a not represented embodiment, the lower surface 3 of the roof tile 1 may be provided with a relief, such as a chamfer or taper present at one of the edges 4-7 of the roof tile 1, at the lower surface 3. Preferably, the chamfer or taper is present at least at the lower edge 5 of the roof tile 1. Such chamfer at the lower edge 5 offers the advantage of the roof tile 1, according to a view on the lower edge 5, looking relatively thin, e.g. looking like a thin slate roof element, while being provided with better weather and frost resistance than roof elements that are actually made of such materials like slate.

[0113] FIG. 2 represents an enlarged cross-section according to line II-II in FIG. 1.

[0114] The glaze coating 9 comprises a dcor, said dcor comprising a print 14, a glaze layer 15 of uniform color, which is situated below the print 14, and a transparent or translucent glaze layer 16, which is arranged over said print 14. It is noted that according to alternative examples the glaze coating 9 may be free from said transparent or translucent glaze layer 16 and/or from said print 14. In further alternative embodiments a glaze coating may absent and the print 14 and the relief may be provided at the upper surface 2 of the ceramic body 8. It is also noted that the glaze coating 9 may comprise a print 14 at least partially provided above said transparent or translucent glaze layer 16.

[0115] The print 14 is at least partially formed by lines 17 simulating the wood nerves 10. The upper surface 2 of the roof tile 1 is provided with a relief, which, in the represented example, is formed by a plurality of excavations 18 present in said upper surface 2. According to the present embodiment the relief is formed in the ceramic body 8 and manifest itself through the glaze coating 9, although according to non-showed embodiments the relief may be at least partially formed directly in the glaze coating 9.

[0116] In the represented example, by the relief, the texture of the roof tile 1, at the upper surface 2 thereof, simulates the texture of wood. In particular, the relief simulates the texture of the wood nerves 10 and the wood pores 11. For example, the relief is at least partially formed by lines 19 simulating the wood nerves 11.

[0117] Here, the relief is also used to represent the borders or transitions between the roof tiles 1A-1B-1C-1D, which, as aforementioned, are formed by the depressions 12 in the upper surface 2 of the roof tile 1.

[0118] In the example, the relief is performed in register with the print 14. For example, the lines 19 of the relief follow the course of the lines 17 of the print 14.

[0119] The attachment hole 13,13 is a through hole that passes through the entire thickness T of the roof tile 1.

[0120] FIG. 3 represents an enlarged view of the section that is indicated with F3 in FIG. 2.

[0121] The attachment hole 13,13 comprises a first enlarged portion 20 and a second narrow portion 21, wherein the first enlarged portion 20 is disposed close to the upper surface 2 of the roof tile 1. Between said first enlarged portion 20 and said second narrow portion 21 is formed an abutment 22 that defines a seat for a head of a nail as it will be described below.

[0122] In the present example, the first enlarged portion 20 of the attachment hole 13,13 comprises a diameter D1 of at least 10 mm, for example 13 mm. The second narrow portion 21 of the attachment hole 13,13 comprises a diameter D2 between 4 and 6 mm, for example between 4.5 and 5.5 mm.

[0123] In the present example, the first enlarged portion 20 of the attachment hole 13,13 has a depth T1 of at least 0.5 mm, for example 1.2 mm.

[0124] FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of an alternative roof tile 1 according to the present invention, with a view on the front face of the roof tile 1.

[0125] The roof tile 1 comprises a layer 23, which is situated below the ceramic body 8.

[0126] Said layer 23 is preferably made of a material different from ceramic or porcelain. In particular, it preferred that said layer 23 is made of one or more of the materials selected from the group consisting of: a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polyethylene terephthalate, a thermosetting polymer, such as polyurethane, and/or an elastomer, such as rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. The layer 23 and the ceramic body 8 are offset with respect to each other in the width and/or length direction of the roof tile 1. The layer 23 has a part 24 which extends beyond the ceramic body 8. In the represented example, the part 24 extends beyond one side edge 7 of the ceramic body 8. Further, in the present embodiment the ceramic body 8 extends beyond the side edge 31 of said layer 23 that is opposite to the part 24. Moreover, the ceramic body 8 extends beyond a lower edge of said layer 23.

[0127] The attachment holes 13,13 passes through the thickness of the layer 23. In particular, the second narrow portions 131 of the attachment holes 13,13 are partially formed in the layer 23.

[0128] The layer 21 and the ceramic body 8 may be laminated or press laminated together, for example by means of glue such as epoxy glue.

[0129] The ceramic body 8 forms between 25% and 75% of the thickness T of the roof tile 1 and preferably between 40% and 60% of the thickness T of the roof tile 1. The layer 21 forms between 25% and 75% of the thickness T of the roof tile 1 and preferably between 40% and 60% of the thickness T of the roof tile 1.

[0130] FIG. 5 represents a cross-sectional side view of part of an installed roof covering 25 with roof tiles 1 according to FIG. 1.

[0131] The roof tiles 1 are attached or fastened to a framework 26 by means of nails 27, which are put in the attachment holes 13,13.

[0132] The roof tiles 1 are installed in subsequent rows, of which only a few are represented in FIG. 7, namely the subsequent rows 28A-28B-28C. In particular, the roof tiles 1 are installed such that the roof tiles 1 of one row partially overlap the roof tiles of a previous row. For example, the roof tiles 1 of row 28C and 28B respectively overlap the roof tiles 1 of previous row 28B and 28A.

[0133] The overlap O between the roof tiles 1 of the respective rows is less than 20%. Or, in other words, the roof tiles 1 of row 28C and 28B respectively overlap the roof tiles 1 of previous row 28B and 28A, whereby the overlap O is such that less than 35% of the upper surface 2 of the roof tiles 1 of row 28A and 28B is covered by the roof tiles 1 of row 28B and 28C respectively.

[0134] The roof covering 25 comprises a plurality of under layers 29, in form of strips placed beneath a row 28A-28B-28C of roof tile. In particular, each strip of under layer 29 is placed beneath one row 28A-28B-28C. Said under layer 29 is made of a material different from ceramic or porcelain. In particular, said under layer may be made of one or more of the materials selected from the group consisting of: a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polyethylene terephthalate, a thermosetting polymer, such as polyurethane, and/or an elastomer, such as rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. In case polyethylene is used as a material for said layer, low-density polyethylene or HDPE is preferred, although the use of high-density polyethylene or LDPE is not excluded.

[0135] A denotes the inclination of the roof with respect to the horizontal.

[0136] It is noted that the structure of the glaze coating 9 is not represented in detail in FIG. 5.

[0137] FIG. 5 also show an example of use of a system 30 for installing the roof tile of FIG. 1 thereby forming said roof covering 25.

[0138] The system 30 comprises a nail gun 31 for pushing the nail 27 into the attachment hole 13,13. The nail gun 31 comprises a main body 32 configured for housing means 33 for ejecting the nail 27. The main body 32 of the nail gun 31 is further shaped for being handled by a user.

[0139] The nail gun 31 further comprises a centering element 34 configured to be coupled with the attachment holes 13,13 of the roof tiles 1.

[0140] It is noted that the structure of the nail gun 31 is not represented in detail in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 represents a side view of a centering element 34 according to the invention.

[0141] In the present embodiment the centering element 34 comprises a first annular portion 35 configured to be removably coupled to an ejecting nozzle of the nail gun 31. For example, the centering element 34 further comprises securing elements 36 for securing the first annular portion 35 to the ejecting nozzle. In the present embodiment, the securing elements 36 are in the form of a plurality of securing bolts. According to alternative examples the securing elements 36 may be in different forms, for example the first annular portion 35 may be threaded and be adapted to be screwed on a threaded portion of the ejecting nozzle.

[0142] The centering element 34 further comprises a second annular portion 37 configured to be coupled with the attachment hole 13,13. For example, the second annular portion 37 is configured to be at least partially inserted into the first enlarged portion 20 of the attachment hole 13,13. The second annular portion 37 has external diameter D3 substantially equal to, preferably slightly smaller than, the diameter D1 of the first enlarged portion 20 of the attachment hole 13,13.

[0143] FIG. 7 represents a cross-section according to line VII-VII in FIG. 6.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the first annular portion 35 has an internal diameter D4 substantially equal or slightly larger than the external diameter of the ejecting nozzle (not shown here, see FIGS. 8 and 9) so that they can be coupled each-other.

[0145] It is noted that the second annular portion 37 of the centering element 34 comprises an internal diameter D5 that is larger than the diameter D2 of the second narrow portion 21 of the attachment hole 13,13 since it is necessarily larger than an of the nail 27.

[0146] It is noted that, according to the example shown in FIG. 7, the securing elements 36 are adjustable, that is to say that they are configured to couple said first annular portion 35 to ejecting nozzles having a diameter falling into a predetermined range, for example between 15 mm and 25 mm. For example, the position of the securing elements 36 may be adjusted with respect to said first annular portion 35 according to the dimension of the ejecting nozzle.

[0147] FIG. 8 represents an enlarged view of the section that is indicated with F8 in FIG. 5.

[0148] It is noted that FIG. 8 further represent a step of a method for installing the roof covering 25.

[0149] The centering element 34 is removably attached to the ejecting nozzle 38 of the nail gun 31 by means of its first annular portion 35 and the securing means 36.

[0150] The second annular portion 37 of the centering element 34 is inserted into the attachment hole 13,13.

[0151] It is noted that the second annular portion 37 of the centering element 34 and the first enlarged portion 20 of the attachment hole 13,13 are coupled with a backlash B comprised between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, for example between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.

[0152] The nail 27 has been pushed by the nail gun 31 into the attachment hole 13 via the centering element 34.

[0153] The system 30, according to the example showed in FIG. 8, also comprises a cushioning element in form of an O-ring 40 interposed between the head 39 of the nail 27 and the abutment 22. For example, the O-ring 40 is made of an elastomeric material.

[0154] According to this example the O-ring 40 is fixed to the head 39 of the nail 27.

[0155] FIG. 9 represents an enlarged view of the section that is indicated with F8 in FIG. 5 according to an alternative system.

[0156] The system 30, according to the example showed in FIG. 9, comprises an alternative cushioning element in form of an O-ring 40 interposed between the head 39 of the nail 27 and the abutment 22. For example, the O-ring 40 is made of an elastomeric material.

[0157] According to this example the O-ring 40 is fixed to the abutment 22 of the attachment hole 13,13 of the roof tile 1.

[0158] With reference to the FIGS. 5 and 8, the installing method according to the invention, comprises the step of: placing the roof tile 1 above the framework 26; providing a nail gun 31 for pushing the nail 27 into the attachment hole 13,13; couple the centering element 34 to the ejecting nozzle 35 of the nail gun 31; inserting the second annular portion 37 of the centering element 34 into the first enlarged portion 20 of the attachment hole 13,13; pushing the nail 27 into the attachment hole 13,13 via the nail gun 30, thereby installing the roof tile 1.

[0159] Figures from 10A to 10E show some steps of a method for installing a roof tile covering 25 on a roof structure 26.

[0160] It is noted that the roof structure 26, as well as the top surface of the roof tiles 1, is illustrated in a simplified manner, i.e. non-detailed, for easiness of description.

[0161] The roof structure 26 comprises a hip 41, for example between two roof flaps, having an inclination B with respect to the horizontal.

[0162] FIG. 10A shows a first step of the method, wherein a plurality of roof tiles 1 are provided. A first part of said the roof tiles 1 are placed and fixed onto the roof structure 26 in order to form a first horizontal row 28A. Said first horizontal row 28A is interrupted at a distance C from the hip 41. C is equal or larger than the width W of the roof tile 1.

[0163] In the illustrated embodiment the roof tiles 1 of the first horizontal row 28A are placed above a strip of the under layer 29.

[0164] FIG. 10B shows a second step of the method wherein one of said roof tile 1 is cut along a line inclined with respect to the long side of an angle equal to the inclination B of the hip 41 in order to obtain a trapezoidal piece 43 having at least one, preferably two, attachment hole 13,13. Said trapezoidal piece 43 placed and fixed onto the roof structure 26 substantially in correspondence of said hip 41 thereby leaving a gap G from the roof tiles 1 of the first horizontal row 28A.

[0165] FIG. 10C shows a third step of the method wherein one roof tile 1 is placed and fixed onto the roof structure 26 in correspondence of said gap G thereby filling the gap G itself so that the first horizontal row 28A of the roof covering 25 is completed.

[0166] FIG. 10D shows that the first and second steps are repeated for forming a second horizontal row 28B of the roof covering 2. It is noted that the gap G is larger than the width W of one roof tile 1.

[0167] FIG. 10E shows a further step of the method wherein the two roof tiles 1 are cut into two rectangular pieces 44 having at least one, preferably two, attachment hole 13,13. Said rectangular pieces 44 are placed and fixed onto the roof structure 26 in correspondence of said gap G thereby filling the gap G itself so that the second horizontal row 28B of the roof covering 25 is completed.

[0168] The present invention is in no way limited to the hereinabove described embodiments, but such system may be realized according to different variants without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0169] Further, the present invention relates to one or more of the items as listed below, numbered from 1 till 14:

[0170] 1. A porcelain roof tile installing system that comprises: a roof tile having a porcelain body provided with an attachment hole; a nail for being inserted into the attachment hole of the rooftile thereby installing the roof tile to a roof structure; a nail gun for pushing the nail into the attachment hole; wherein the nail gun has a centering element configured to be coupled with the attachment hole.

[0171] 2. The system according to item 1, wherein the centering element comprises an external shape that matches the internal shape of the attachment hole so that it may be partially inserted in the attachment hole.

[0172] 3. The system according to item 2, wherein the centering element is configured to be coupled with the attachment hole with a backlash comprised between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0173] 4. The system according to item 2, wherein the attachment hole comprises a first enlarged portion and a second narrow portion and wherein the centering element is configured to be coupled with the first enlarged portion of the attachment hole.

[0174] 5. The system according to any of the preceding items, wherein the centering element is removably mounted on an ejecting nozzle of the nail gun.

[0175] 6. The system according to any of the preceding items, wherein it comprises a cushioning element configured to be interposed between a head of the nail and an upper surface of the roof tile.

[0176] 7. The system according to item 6, wherein the cushioning element is fixed to the nail.

[0177] 8. The system according to item 6, wherein the cushioning at least partially surrounds the attachment hole.

[0178] 9. The system according to any of the preceding items, wherein the roof tile comprises a layer disposed below the porcelain body.

[0179] 10. The system according to item 9, wherein said layer disposed below the porcelain body is made of a polymeric material.

[0180] 11. The system according to item 9, wherein the attachment hole passes also through the layer disposed below the porcelain body.

[0181] 12. The system according to item 8, wherein the said layer extends beyond at least one edge of the porcelain body.

[0182] 13. The system according to any of the preceding items, that comprises a sub layer made of a material that is different from the material of the roof tile and that is adapted to be placed beneath the roof tile.

[0183] 14. A method for installing a roof tile on a roof structure, comprising the steps of:

[0184] placing a roof tile having a porcelain body comprising an attachment hole above a roof structure;

[0185] providing a nail for being inserted in the attachment hole of the roof tile;

[0186] providing a nail gun for pushing the nail into the attachment hole and having a centering element;

[0187] coupling the centering element with the attachment hole of the roof tile; and

[0188] pushing the nail into the attachment hole for installing the roof tile on the roof structure.

[0189] While certain systems and methods related to composite tile systems and methods have been disclosed in some exemplary forms, many modifications, additions, and deletions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the system, method, and their equivalents. The embodiments disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

[0190] Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other devices, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented herein. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.