U.S. patent application number 11/651976 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for highly reflective roofing materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Garland Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Fred Fensel, Brian Lamber.
Application Number | 20070110961 11/651976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38041179 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070110961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fensel; Fred ; et
al. |
May 17, 2007 |
Highly reflective roofing materials
Abstract
A roofing or siding system having an improved average resulting
reflectivity. The roofing and/or siding system is at least
partially coated with a plurality of granules. At least one layer
of paint is applied to the roofing and/or siding system to increase
the resulting reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system.
Inventors: |
Fensel; Fred; (Shaker Hts,
OH) ; Lamber; Brian; (Strongsville, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY SHARPE LLP
1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE, SEVENTH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
The Garland Company, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38041179 |
Appl. No.: |
11/651976 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10951973 |
Sep 29, 2004 |
|
|
|
11651976 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/143 ;
427/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2009/00 20130101;
E04D 5/12 20130101; B32B 2419/06 20130101; B32B 37/24 20130101;
B32B 2395/00 20130101; Y10T 428/24372 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/143 ;
427/186 |
International
Class: |
E01F 9/04 20060101
E01F009/04; B05D 1/12 20060101 B05D001/12 |
Claims
1. A prefabricated roofing or siding system comprising an adhering
surface on which at least one layer of granules are at least
partially secured thereto, and at least one layer of paint.
2. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein said
paint is a highly reflective paint.
3. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein at
least a portion of said granules are highly reflective
granules.
4. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, including at
least two layers of granules, each layer of said granules has a
different average particle size.
5. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein at
least one layer of paint is positioned on a top layer of said
granules.
6. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein at
least one layer of said paint is positioned between two layers of
granules.
7. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein at
least one layer of paint is positioned between said adhering
surface and a layer of said granules.
8. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
resulting reflectivity of said roofing or siding system is at least
about 60%.
9. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein said
adhering surface includes an asphalt and/or bitumen surface.
10. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein
said adhering surface includes an adhesive surface.
11-45. (canceled)
46. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
resulting reflectivity of said roofing or siding system is at least
about 50%.
47. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 46, wherein a
resulting reflectivity of said roofing or siding system is at least
about 60%.
48. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
majority of said granules applied to said adhering material are
partially embedded in said adhering material.
49. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein
said roofing or siding material includes a composite fabric.
50. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules comprise silicon
dioxide and over 50 weight percent aluminum oxide and having a
weight percent ratio of aluminum oxide to silicon dioxide of about
0.8-10:1, and having an average reflectivity of at least about
55%.
51. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules comprise silicon
dioxide and at least about 94 weight percent aluminum oxide and
having a weight percent ratio of aluminum oxide to silicon dioxide
of about 15-8000:1, and having an average reflectivity of at least
about 55%.
52. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules comprise crushed
porcelain, said porcelain including silicon dioxide and at least
about 25 weight percent aluminum oxide and having a weight percent
ratio of aluminum oxide to silicon dioxide of at least about 0.2:1,
and having an average reflectivity of at least about 55%.
53. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules comprise:
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 at least about 45 weight percent SiO.sub.2 up to
about 54 weight percent Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 up to about 0.5 weight
percent CaO up to about 0.1 weight percent MgO up to about 0.1
weight percent TiO.sub.2 up to about 0.8 weight percent Na.sub.2O
up to about 0.05 weight percent K.sub.2O up to about 0.03 weight
percent.
54. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules comprise:
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 about 45-74 weight percent SiO.sub.2 about 20-52
weight percent Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 about 0.3-1.3 weight percent CaO up
to about 0.1 weight percent MgO up to about 0.1 weight percent
TiO.sub.2 up to about 3 weight percent Na.sub.2O+K.sub.2O up to
about 0.65 weight percent
55. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules comprise:
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 at least about 94 weight percent SiO.sub.2 up to
about 0.1 weight percent Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 up to about 0.15 weight
percent CaO up to about 0.12 weight percent Na.sub.2O up to about
0.35 weight percent
56. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules comprise:
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 at least about 99 weight percent SiO.sub.2 up to
about 0.1 weight percent Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 up to about 0.15 weight
percent CaO up to about 0.12 weight percent Na.sub.2O up to about
0.35 weight percent
57. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said highly reflective granules are non-coated
granules having a generally white color.
58. The roofing or siding system as defined in claim 1, wherein
said paint has a generally white color.
Description
[0001] The present invention is a divisional of U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/951,973 filed Sep. 29, 2004, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to a roofing and/or siding
materials, and more particularly to improved roofing and/or siding
materials having increased reflectivity.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,379,358; 3,255,031; 3,479,201; 3,528,842;
4,120.132; 4,288,959; 4,478,869; 5,088,259; 5,474,838; 5,540,971;
5,573,810; 5,695,373; 5,813,176; 5,965,626; 6,110,846; 6,194,519;
6,207,593; 6,296,912; 6,296,921; 6,341,462; and 6,360,511; and
United States Patent Publication No. 20040071938 published on Apr.
15, 2004 are incorporated herein by reference to illustrate various
types of roofing and/or siding systems on which the granular
material of the present invention can be used, to also illustrate
various manufacturing techniques for making such roofing and/or
siding systems, and/or to further illustrate various types of prior
art granules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Weather resistant granules of various hues, embedded on the
surface of various types of roofing and/or siding, have been used
extensively to provide an aesthetically pleasing color to such
surfaces. In North America, asphalt-based roofing materials are a
popular medium for covering roofs of homes and other structures.
Asphalt-based roofing materials typically come in shingle or roll
form, the shingle being the more widely used material. A typical
asphalt shingle has an asphalt substrate and a multitude of
granules placed thereon. The granules are generally embedded in the
asphalt coating on the surface of an asphalt-impregnated base
material such as roofing felt. The granules, which are embedded in
one surface of the asphalt-impregnated and/or asphalt-coated fiber
sheet material, form a coating to provide an inherently
weather-resistant, fire-resistant, and/or decorative exterior
surface. Because the granule coating provides the aesthetic effect
observable with respect to the roofing material, the appearance of
the granules is of major marketing importance. For this reason, a
pigmented color coating is ordinarily applied to the granules to
enhance their visual decorative effect.
[0005] The granules employed for roofing and siding are generally
derived from a hard mineral base rock such as slate, basalt or
nephelite. The granules are typically ground to a particle size of
about 10 to about 35 US mesh. These granules, which comprise a base
substrate, are then coated with a pigment composition having a
thickness of about 4 to about 18 microns. Colored roofing granules
are typically prepared by heating mineral rock granules of about
12-40 US mesh up to approximately 1000.degree. F. A paint slurry
containing a pigment is then applied to the heated granules in a
mixer. Kaolin clay is used extensively in silicate paint
formulations for coloring roofing granules. It serves as a filler,
extender, moisture release agent, and reactant to aid film
insolubilization during high temperature firing. Although kaolin
clay is a major component of such coating formulations, it alone
lacks the brightness and opacity needed to hide the dark underlying
base rock of the granule. Light colored roofing granule coatings
using natural kaolin clay frequently require appreciable amounts of
TiO.sub.2 to achieve desired color specifications. Light colored
roofs are particularly favored in many areas. The TiO.sub.2 is
commonly used in conventional insolubilized alkali silicate
coatings, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,379,358;
3,255,031; and 3,479,201, which are incorporated herein by
reference. Other types of coating compositions have been used. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,528,842, which is incorporated herein by
reference, discloses artificially colored roofing granules. These
granules consist primarily of crushed and screened minerals, in
which the granules are coated with a suitable pigment contained in
an inorganic matrix or bond. Some common pigments include red iron
oxide, yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide, chrome hydrate, chrome
oxide, chrome green, ultramarine blue, phthalocyanine blue and
green, carbon black, metal ferrites, and mixtures thereof. The bond
is usually applied in the form of a soluble silicate solution and
is insolubilized either by heat treatment or by a combination of
heat treatment and chemical action. Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Company ("3M") has offered pigmented roofing granules
known under the trade designations "LR-7000", "LR-7070", 3M Brand
"4100", and 3M Brand "9300". These granules include multiple
silicate-clay coatings which may include cuprous oxide or zinc
oxide. Other types of pigment compositions include an aqueous
slurry of an iron oxide pigment and a mixture of a silicate and
clay.
[0006] Although the color of a particular roofing system plays an
important role in determining which roofing system will be
purchased by consumers, other factors are also of importance in
determining the color of a particular roofing system. One such
factor is the energy efficiency of the roofing system. Several
cities and states are beginning to consider legislation or
currently require some roofing structures to have a certain
resulting reflectivity. This is of particular importance in
temperate regions, such as in the Southern and Southwest regions of
the United States. For instance, California is planning to require
in 2005 "cool roof" systems to have a resulting reflectively of at
least 70% and a emmissivity of at least 0.9. Lighter colored roofs
are known to reduce the roof temperature, thereby reducing the
cooling costs of the roofed structure. For instance, on a
90.degree. F. sunny day, the roof temperature of a light colored
granular coated roof can be about 20-30.degree. F. cooler than an
aluminum roof system and about 70-80.degree. F. cooler than a black
asphalt roof. As a result, the lighter colored roof system can
amount to an energy savings of about 5-10%. The cooler temperature
of the light colored roof system not only reduces the cooling costs
associated with the building, but the heat generated by the light
colored roof contributes less heat to the surrounding environment,
thus improving air quality, especially in urban areas.
[0007] Typical light colored roofing systems have light colored
granules having a reflectivity of up to 30% and a resulting roofing
reflectivity of up to 27%. Darker colored granules typically have a
lower reflectivity and a resulting roofing reflectivity that is
less than roofing systems having lighter colored granules. The
Garland Company has recently developed a highly reflective granular
roof system that has a resulting reflectivity of at least 45%. This
granular roofing system is disclosed in United States Patent
Publication No. 20040071938 published on Apr. 15, 2004. Although
this granular roof system constituted a significant advance in the
roofing, the achievable resulting reflectively on granular roofing
systems form on a bitumen layer was limited to less than 70%. The
bitumen layer on the roofing system is a generally black color,
thus has a low reflectivity. When coating the bitumen layer with
reflective particles, some of the bitumen surface remains exposed,
thus reducing the resulting reflectivity of the roofing system.
[0008] One practice for obtaining a highly reflective surface on a
roofing system is in apply a thick coating of highly reflective
white paint to the surface of the installed roofing system.
Typically a wet paint coating thickness of about 32 mils or more
was applied after the roofing system is installed on a structure.
Although the application of a highly reflective paint layer on the
existing roof system achieved a resulting reflectivity of 70% or
greater, the application of the paint on the roof system was
expensive due to the large volume of paint needed to obtain the
needed paint coating thickness to achieve the desired resulting
reflectivity, and from the labor and materials required to apply
the paint to the surface of the roofing system. Furthermore, the
application of a paint coating on an existing roof system can be
problematic due to the problems associated with paint spray during
application of the paint and/or the added weight to the roof system
due to the application of the thick paint layer.
[0009] In view of the continued demand for greater energy savings,
there is a demand for a prefabricated roofing system having
increased reflectivity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to roofing and/or siding
materials and a method of making such materials having improved
reflectivity, and more particularly to roofing and/or siding
material having a resulting or effective reflectivity of at least
about 60%. The present invention is applicable to many types of
roofing and/or siding materials including, but not limited to,
shingles, cap sheet roll roofing, modified bitumen, metal roofing
and/or siding, plastic roofing and/or siding, and wood roofing
and/or siding. The present invention is particularly applicable to
prefabricated roofing systems such as, but not limited to,
shingles, cap sheet roll roofing, modified bitumen, metal roofing
and/or siding, plastic roofing and/or siding, and wood roofing
and/or siding wherein the roofing materials are manufactured off
site and then subsequently installed on a roof and/or siding of a
building or other type of structure.
[0011] Roofing systems having a bitumen- or asphalt-based
water-resistant layer are well-known. Due to their chemical
composition, these water-resistant layers are highly absorptive of
radiation. In fact, these roofing layers may be regarded in an
uncoated state as black-body absorbers; that is, they effectively
absorb almost all of the radiation that impinges upon them. Such
asphalt surfaces absorb radiation, thereby resulting in increased
temperature which can result in thermal degradation of the roofing
system and/or increase the cooling costs of the roofed structure.
In warmer regions or more temperate regions, the bitumen- or
asphalt-based layer can be heated to temperatures that
significantly soften the bitumen- or asphalt-based water-resistant
layer, thereby exposing the softened layer to damage by foot
traffic, as well as damage to an individual's shoes. As a result of
these undesirable consequences of bitumen- or asphalt-based roofing
coatings, a layer of solid material such as, but not limited to,
granules is typically applied to the surface of the bitumen- or
asphalt-based layer. The solid material has been found to increase
the life of the bitumen- or asphalt-based layer, and in some cases,
reduce the temperature of the roof surface when exposed to the
sunlight. The solid material is also used to alter the appearance
of the roof surface, provide weather protection to the roof
surface, improve the fire rating of the roofing surface, reduce
photo degradation of the roofing surface, improve impact resistance
of the roofing surface (e.g. hail damage, foot traffic), improve
slip resistance of the roofing surface, and/or provide an
anti-blocking effect when the roofing material is rolled after
manufacture. As a result, it is now common to embed a layer of
roofing granules and/or another type of solid material in an
exposed surface of such a roofing system, whether that system be
discrete membrane panels such as shingles, rolled membrane products
(e.g. modified bitumen, cap sheet roll roofing), or formed in place
membranes, such as are formed by mopping liquid bitumen- or asphalt
based roofing material atop a roofing base.
[0012] Roofing and/or siding shingles and cap sheet roll roofing
and/or siding usually employ a web of fibrous base material. The
base material typically is a nonwoven fabric such as, but not
limited to, felt (organic, glass fiber, polyester, polypropylene,
etc.), fiberglass, or similar materials, which are commonly coated
with a material. One non-limiting material is a bituminous
composition such as, but not limited to, bitumens, modified
bitumens, tars, pitches, asphalt, and the like. As can be
appreciated, other types of coatings (e.g., polymers, etc.) can be
use as an alternative coating or in conjunction with a bituminous
composition. The bituminous composition can include a filler such
as, but not limited to, inorganic fillers or mineral stabilizers,
organic materials such as polymers, recycled streams, or ground
tire rubber, slate flour and/or powdered limestone. A solid
material such as, but not limited to, granules are then pressed
into the layer of bituminous composition while it is in a warm,
softened condition. Typically a majority of the solid material is
applied to the bituminous composition so that at least a portion of
the solid material extends above the bituminous composition layer.
Upon cooling, the solid material remains attached as a surface
layer of bituminous composition. Finely divided materials such as,
but not limited to, mica flakes, talc, silica dust or the like can
be applied and/or made adherent to the non-weather exposed surface
of the shingle to prevent sticking of the adjacent layers of the
material when placed in packages or shipment or storage.
Non-limiting examples of shingles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,194,519; 6,296,912; and 6,341,462, which are incorporated herein
by reference. These shingles or a modified version of these
shingles can be formed by the manufacturing process of the present
invention to form highly reflective shingles. The process of the
present invention can be used to form such shingles off site at a
manufacturing facility and then have such shingles delivered to a
construction site for installation of a building or other type of
structure.
[0013] Modified bitumen materials incorporate the use of a
composite fabric that are at least partially impregnated with a
bituminous composition. The composite fabric typically includes,
but is not limited to, a layer of woven or nonwoven material
connected to one or more layers of low shrinkage warp strands
and/or one or more layers of low shrinkage weft strands. The layers
are typically stitched together, knitted together, at least
partially melted together or otherwise bound together to maintain
the integrity of the fabric. The resultant fabric may be coated
with a resin or sizing to prevent slippage between the several
layers of the fabric and impart a measure of stiffness to the
fabric; however, this is not required. The fibers comprising the
warp stands, the weft strands, and/or the woven or nonwoven
material can include fibers selected from a variety of sources such
as, but not limited to, natural materials, polymeric materials,
inorganic materials or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples
of such fibers include polycrystalline fibers, fiberglass,
thermoplastic fiber filaments (e.g., polyamide fibers of poly
(p-phenylene terephthalate), poly (o-phenylene terephthalamide),
ultra low shrink polyester), cotton, cellulose, natural rubber,
flax, ramie, hemp, sisal, wool, linen (flax), paper, wood pulp,
polyamides, polyesters, acrylics, polyolefins, polyurethanes, vinyl
polymers, and derivatives, or mixtures thereof. The fibers can be
continuous filaments, fibers, strands and/or yam; however, this is
not required. Similar to shingles, the composite fabric is coated
with coating material such as, but not limited to a bituminous
material and then commonly coated with a solid material such as,
but not limited to, granules that are then at least partially
pressed into the layer of bituminous material while it is in a
warm, softened condition. Typically a majority of the solid
material is applied to the bituminous composition so that at least
a portion of the solid material extends above the bituminous
composition layer. Non-limiting examples of modified bitumen
materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,474,838; 5,540,971;
5,695,373; 6,296,921, which are incorporated herein by reference.
These modified bitumen materials or a modified version of these
materials can be formed by the manufacturing process of the present
invention to form a highly reflective modified bitumen materials.
The process of the present invention can be used to form such
materials off site at a manufacturing facility and then have such
materials delivered to a construction site for installation of a
building or other type of structure.
[0014] Metal, plastic and wood roofing and/or siding have also been
coated with solid material such as, but not limited to, granules to
provide texture, color and/or improved durability. Typically, the
solid material is adhered to the metal, plastic and/or wood roofing
and/or siding by the use of an adhesive such as, but not limited
to, polymer adhesives, glue, bitumen, asphalt, etc. Non limiting
examples of metal, plastic and/or wood roofing and/or siding are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,120,132 and 4,288,959, which are
incorporated herein by reference. These metal, plastic and/or wood
roofing and/or siding systems or a modified version thereof can
incorporated the forming process of the present invention to form a
highly reflective metal, plastic and/or wood roofing and/or siding
system.
[0015] The present invention is particularly directed to a roofing
and/or siding system that has a resulting reflectivity of at least
about 60%, and more particularly at least about 70% and will be
particularly described with reference thereto. The improved
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system provides several
benefits to the roofing and/or siding system. The increased
resulting reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system reduces
the temperature of the surface of the roofing and/or siding system,
especially on warm, sunny days. The reduced surface temperature of
the roofing and/or siding system reduces the amount of heat
transfer from the surface of the roofing and/or siding system to
the structure positioned adjacent the roofing and/or siding system.
As a result, less energy is required to maintain the structure
adjacent the roofing and/or siding system at a cooler temperature.
The reduced surface temperature of the roofing and/or siding system
also reduces the contribution of the roofing and/or siding system
as an urban heat island, which can have negative effect on air
quality in urban areas. As a result, the improved roofing and/or
siding system is more environmentally friendly. The increased
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system also increases the
life of the roofing and/or siding system. Increased roof
temperatures result in the increased rate of degradation to the
materials that make of the roofing and/or siding system (e.g.
bitumen, asphalt, woven materials, nonwoven materials, adhesives,
etc.). In addition to the adverse of effects of high temperatures,
sunlight, especially UV light, can increase the rate of degradation
of the materials that make up the roofing and/or siding system. The
improved reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system of the
present invention increases the life of the roofing and/or siding
system by reducing the surface temperature of the roofing and/or
siding system, thus reducing the rate of thermal degradation. The
improved reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system of the
present invention also increases the life of the roofing and/or
siding system by reducing the amount of sunlight that penetrates
into the surface of the roofing and/or siding system. The improved
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system of the present
invention also enables the roofing system to be classified as a
"cool roof." Such a roofing classification provides many advantages
for buildings such as, but not limited to, tax incentives,
relaxation of various envelope criteria of a building with respect
to energy classifications, etc. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the average resulting reflectivity of the roofing and/or
siding system is at least about 60%. In one aspect of this
embodiment, the average resulting reflectivity of the roofing
and/or siding system is at least about 65%. In another and/or
alternative aspect of this embodiment, the average resulting
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system is at least about
70%. In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment,
the average resulting reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding
system is about 70-99.9%. In yet another and/or alternative aspect
of this embodiment of the invention, the average resulting
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system that includes a
bitumen material is at least about 60%. In one non-limiting example
of this aspect, a roofing and/or siding shingles and cap sheet roll
roofing and/or siding usually employ a web of fibrous base material
that includes a bitumen material has an average resulting
reflectivity of about 65-85%. In another non-limiting example of
this aspect, a modified bitumen material has an average resulting
reflectivity of about 65-85%.
[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the solid material
that is applied to the various roofing systems of the present
invention is typically a light colored material such as, but not
limited to a white colored solid material. One non-limiting light
colored solid material is white colored granules which can be
applied to roofing and/or siding systems. Commonly used white
colored granules have a reflectivity of about 28-30%, which results
in prior art roof and/or siding systems having an effective or
resulting reflectivity of less than 28%. Granules having a color
other than white generally had a reflectivity of less than about
28-30%, thereby resulting in prior art roof and/or siding systems
having an even lower effective or resulting reflectivity. A new
class of highly reflective granular material was disclosed in
United States Patent Publication No. 20040071938 published on Apr.
15, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. This highly
reflective granular material and/or similar materials can be used
on the roofing and/or siding systems of the present invention to
enhance the resulting or effective reflectivity of the roofing or
siding system. The solid material that is applied to the roofing
and/or siding system can be the same type of solid material, or can
be a mixture of different types, textures, shapes, and/or colors of
solid material. As set forth above, the solid material can include
a) common granular material the same as and/or similar to, but not
limited to, the granules identified in the prior art above, b)
granular material the same as or similar to the granular material
disclosed in United States Patent Publication No. 20040071938,
and/or c)-other solid material such as, but not limited to, broken
or crushed glass, graphite, polymer material (e.g., polymer balls,
plastic beads, etc.), sand, metal (e.g., metal flakes, metal balls,
etc.). In another and/or alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the average reflectiveness of the solid material used on
the roofing and/or siding is at least about 35%. As can be
appreciated, sold material having an average reflectivity of less
than 35% can be used. In one aspect of this embodiment, the average
reflectiveness of the solid material is about 35-99%. In another
and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the average
reflectivity of the solid material is about 40-99%. In still
another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the average
reflectivity of the solid material is about 50-99%. In yet another
and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the average
reflectivity of the solid material is about 60-99%. In still yet
another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the average
reflectivity of the solid material is about 65-99%. In still
another and/or alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
majority of the solid material is a light colored material. In one
aspect of this embodiment, a majority of the solid material is a
single color. In another and/or alternative aspect of this
embodiment, a majority of the solid material is white colored.
[0017] In another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, the solid material applied to the roofing and/or siding
system is a durable material that facilitates in increasing the
life of the roofing and/or siding system. In one embodiment of the
invention, the solid material applied to the roofing and/or siding
system has an average hardness of over about 3 Moh's hardness. As
can be appreciated, a solid material having a Moh's hardness of 3
or less can be used. The hardness of the solid material granules
can affect the durability of the roofing and/or siding system. An
increased hardness of he solid material can extend the life of the
roofing and/or siding material In one aspect of this embodiment,
the average hardness of the solid material is about 3.5-10 Moh's
hardness. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment,
the average hardness of the solid material is about 4-10 Moh's
hardness. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the
invention, the average porosity of the solid material is low;
however, this is not required. Solid material that is highly porous
can be susceptible to several problems (e.g., absorption of water,
oils and/or dirt; discoloration, fracturing, etc.). In still
another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the opacity
of the solid material is typically selected to be sufficiently high
to limit the amount of light passing through the granules; however,
this is not required. Certain types of light are known to cause
accelerated degradation of the bitumen and/or asphalt of a roofing
and/or siding system. The solid material can be the same opacity,
or can be a mixture of different opacities. In one aspect of this
embodiment, the average opacity of the solid material is over about
50%. In another aspect of this embodiment, the average opacity of
the solid material is at least about 70%.
[0018] In yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, the roofing and/or siding system is coated by a multiple
solid material coating method. The industry standard for granules
coated on shingles, modified bitumen, and/or cap sheet roll roofing
is typically No. 11 grade granules (typically 8.times.40 US mesh
having an average particle size of about 19 US mesh (i.e. 937 mm
sieve designation)). This size of granules typically coats about
95-98% of the surface of the asphalt or bitumen layer of the
roofing material. As a result, some of the asphalt or bitumen layer
remains exposed, even when two coating layers of granules are used
and/or the non-adhered granules are reapplied to the surface of the
granular coated roofing material. Since the exposed surface is the
black bitumen, the black exposed surface acts as a black body and
absorbs light, thus significantly reducing the resulting or
effective reflectivity of the roofing material. The present
invention typically utilizes the improved process and method of
coating shingles, modified bitumen, and/or cap sheet roll roofing
as disclosed in United States Patent Publication No. 20040071938;
however this is not required. It can be appreciated that this
improved coating process can be used on other types of roofing
and/or siding systems. The improved process and method of coating
the surface of various types of roofing and/or siding systems
includes the steps of applying a solid material material having a
first average particle size, and subsequently applying another
layer of solid material having a second average particle size,
wherein the first average particle size is greater than the second
average particle size. The use of at least two different sizes of
solid material has been found that significantly improved coverage
by the solid material on the asphalt or bitumen layer of the
roofing and/or siding material. As such, the amount of exposed
asphalt or bitumen is reduced, thereby increasing the resulting
and/or effective reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system.
Use of multiple sized particles of solid material can increase the
average reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system by about
1-10% or more. As can be appreciated, more than two coating layers
can be applied to the asphalt or bitumen layer of the roofing
material. However, if more than two layers are applied, the last
coating layer typically includes the smaller-sized granules. The
multiple solid material particle size coating process can also used
on other types of roofing and/or siding systems wherein an adhesive
is typically used to secure the solid material the roofing material
(e.g., metal roofing, plastic roofing, wood roofing). When multiple
coating procedures are used to apply the sold material on the
roofing and/or siding material, generally the solid material is
applied and/or spread onto the roofing and/or siding system until
at least about 75% of the top surface is covered by-the solid
material. For shingles, cap sheet roll roofing and modified bitumen
roof systems, the coverage of the first layer of solid material is
typically at least about 80%, and typically at least about 90%. As
can be appreciated, other coating percentages can be used. After
the last coating of solid material is applied to the roofing and/or
siding system, the top coverage of the solid material is generally
at least about 90%. For shingles, cap sheet roll roofing and
modified bitumen roof systems, the combined coverage of all the
layers of solid material is typically at least about 95%, and
typically at least about 98%. As can be appreciated, other coating
percentages can be used. In one embodiment of the invention, a
first layer of solid material having a first average particle size
is applied to a roofing and/or siding system. After the first layer
of solid material is applied to the roofing and/or siding system,
the solid material can be at least partially pressed onto the
surface of the roofing and/or siding material to enhance the
adhesion of the solid material to the roofing and/or siding system;
however, this is not required. In addition, after the first layer
of solid material is applied to the roofing and/or siding system,
the loose solid material can be removed from the surface of the
roofing and/or siding material so as to enable subsequent coatings
of solid material to adhere to the surface of the roofing and/or
siding system; however, this is not required. In another embodiment
of the invention, a layer of solid material having a first average
particle size is applied to a roofing and/or siding system. This
layer of solid material includes at least two distinct particle
sizes of solid material. After this layer of solid material is
applied to the roofing and/or siding system, the solid material can
be at least partially pressed onto the surface of the roofing
and/or siding material to enhance the adhesion of the solid
material to the roofing and/or siding system; however, this is not
required. In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the
invention, at least one coating layer is formed by a solid material
having an average particle size of larger than about 30 US mesh,
and at least one other coating layer of solid material has an
average particle size of less than about 30 US mesh. As can be
appreciated, different size ranges of granules can be used on
different types of roofing and/or siding systems. As a result, the
average particle size of the of the granules will typically depend
on the type of roofing and/or siding system, and/or the desired end
use of the roofing and/or siding system. In one aspect of this
embodiment, at least one coating layer is formed by a solid
material having an average particle size of larger that about 25 US
mesh, and at least one other coating layer is formed by a solid
material having an average particle size of less than about 25 US
mesh. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the
ratio of the average particle size of at least one layer of solid
material to the average particle size of at least one other layer
of solid material is at least about 1.3:1. In another and/or
alternative aspect of this embodiment, the ratio of the average
particle size of at least one layer of solid material to the
average particle size of at least one other layer of solid material
is about 1.5-50:1.
[0019] In still yet another and/or alternative aspect of the
present invention, the roofing and/or siding system is coated with
at least one layer of a highly reflective paint. The application of
one or more layers of paint on the roofing and/or siding system can
significantly increase the reflectivity of the roofing and/or
siding system. The one or more layers of paint can be a solvent
based paint, a latex based paint, acrylic based paint or other type
of paint can be used. When more than one layer of paint is used,
the paint layers can be the same or different as to paint type,
color, composition, reflectiveness, solid content, durability,
drying time, etc. The one or more layers can be applied in a same
or dissimilar method. For instance, one or more paint layers can be
applied by a spraying process, and one or more other layers could
be applied by a dipping process and/or some other process.
Traditional dying paints or fast drying paints can be used.
Generally the paint has a light color and a reflectivity, when dry,
of at least about 75%. The application of the one or more layers of
paint on the roofing system not only increases the resulting
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system, the one or more
paint layers a) fills in the uncovered regions of the roofing
and/or siding system and spaces between the solid material on the
roofing and/or siding material thereby reducing the amount of
exposure of the low reflective materials (e.g. asphalt, bitumen,
etc.), b) fills in the spacing between the solid material to form a
more smooth roofing surface, which smoother surface can be more
aesthetically pleasing and/or increase the effective reflectivity
of the roofing and/or siding system, c) improve the bonding of the
one or more layers of solid material to the roofing and/or siding
system, d) increase the strength and/or durability of the roofing
system, and/or e) provide additional sealing and/or insulative
properties of the roofing and/or siding system. In one embodiment
of the invention, the paint has a generally white color. In another
and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, one or more layers
of paint can be applied prior to, during and/or after the coating
of the roofing and/or siding system with one or more coating layers
of solid material. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one
layer of paint is applied to the surface of the roofing and/or
siding system after all the coating layers of solid material have
been applied. In another and/or alternative aspect of this
embodiment, at least one layer of paint is applied to the surface
of the roofing and/or siding system prior to the coating layers of
solid material being applied. The paint can be allowed to fully or
partially dry prior to applying one or more layers of solid
material on the paint coating, or one or more layers of solid
material can be applied immediately after the application of the
paint coating. When the one or more layers of solid material are
applied to the roofing and/or siding material prior to the paint
coating being fully dried, the paint coating can facilitate in the
adhesion of the solid material to the roofing and/or siding system.
In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, at
least one layer of paint is applied to the surface of the roofing
and/or siding system after at least one layer of solid material is
applied to the roofing and/or siding material, but prior to the
application one or more additional coating layers of solid
material. The paint can be allowed to fully or partially dry prior
to applying one or more layers of solid material on the paint
coating, or one or more layers of solid material can be applied
immediately after the application of the paint coating. When the
one or more layers of solid material are applied to the roofing
and/or siding material prior to the paint coating being fully
dried, the paint coating can facilitate in the adhesion of the
solid material to the roofing and/or siding system. In still
another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the one or
more layers of paint can be applied at a thickness to achieve the
desired physical properties (e.g., effective reflectivity,
strength, solid material adhesion, etc.) of the roofing and/or
siding system, when more than one layer of paint is applied, the
thickness of each layer can the same or different. For instance, if
a layer a paint that is applied after at least one layer of solid
material has been applied to the roofing and/or siding material,
but before one or more other layers of solid material have been
applied may have a thicker, thinner or the same paint coating
thickness than a layer of paint that is later applied after all the
layers of solid material have been applied to the roofing and/or
siding system. The thickness of each wet paint layer is generally
at least about 0.5 mils, and typically less than about 50 mils;
however, other coating thickness can be used. The thickness of the
paint layer can depend on one or more factors such as, but not
limited to, the solids content of the paint, the reflectivity of
the paint, the point in time of applying the paint during the
formation of the roofing and/or siding system, the drying time of
the paint, the type of roofing system, the desired effective
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system, the desired
surface roughness of the roofing and/or siding system, the amount
of solid material adhesion provided by the paint coating, the cost
of the roofing and/or siding system, the time and/or complexity of
manufacturing the roofing and/or siding system, the flexibility of
the roofing and/or siding system, etc.
[0020] It is a principal object of the present invention to provide
an improved roofing and/or siding system that has an result or
effective reflectivity of at least about 60%.
[0021] Another and/or alternative object of the present invention
is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system having an
exposed surface of highly reflective solid material.
[0022] Still another and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that
includes one or more layers of a highly reflective paint.
[0023] Yet another and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that
includes at least one layer of highly reflective paint that has
been applied to the roofing and/or siding material prior to at
least one layer of solid material being applied to the roofing
and/or siding material.
[0024] Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system having
highly reflective properties that can be manufactured off-site and
have the desired resulting or effective reflectivity without having
to apply additional coating layers such as, but not limited to, a
highly reflective paint on site and/or after the roofing and/or
siding system as been partially or fully installed on a building or
other type of structure.
[0025] A further and/or alternative object of the present invention
is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system which has a
desired weatherability, desired strength and color stability as
well as a desired heat stability.
[0026] Still a further and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that
is commercially feasible and economical to manufacture.
[0027] Yet a further and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that
is coated by a solid material by use of a multi-coating
process.
[0028] Still yet a further and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that
has a reduced amount of surface exposure of low reflecting
surfaces.
[0029] Another and/or alternative object of the present invention
is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that has a
reduced surface temperature when exposed to sunlight.
[0030] Still another and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that
reduces energy costs associated with the cooling of a
structure.
[0031] Yet another and/or alternative object of the present
invention is the provision of a roofing and/or siding system that
resists heat degradation.
[0032] These and other objects and advantages will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon reading and following the
description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate
various preferred embodiments that the invention may take in
physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts
wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a prior art roofing
and/or siding system;
[0035] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of an apparatus utilizing a dual
solid material coating method;
[0036] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an alternative apparatus
utilizing a dual solid material coating method;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a roofing and/or siding
system formed by multiple sized solid materials;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of another roofing and/or
siding system formed by multiple sized solid materials;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a prior art roofing
and/or siding system illustrating the initial formation of the
roofing and/or siding system in accordance with the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a roofing and/or siding
system illustrating a layer of paint applied to the roofing and/or
siding system in accordance with the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of another roofing and/or
siding system illustrating a layer solid material applied onto the
layer of paint in accordance with the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of still another roofing
and/or siding system illustrating a layer solid material applied
onto the layer of paint in accordance with the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an apparatus utilizing the
coating method of the present invention to form the roofing and/or
siding material as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9; and,
[0044] FIG. 11 is an elevation view of an alternative apparatus
utilizing the coating method of the present invention to form the
roofing and/or siding material as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention
only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 illustrates a
prior art roofing system 10. The roofing system 10 is secured to a
roof, roof substrate (e.g., base sheets), or subroof R by any
suitable arrangement. The roofing system 10 is a shingle that
includes a bitumen- or asphalt-based material 12, 15, a
reinforcement material 14 therebetween, and layer of granules 16.
The reinforcement material 14 is typically a felt or fiberglass
material that is commonly used in the art. The reinforcement
material 14 is shown as being fully embedded in the bitumen- or
asphalt-based material 12. The granules 16 are illustrated as being
partially embedded and secured in the bitumen- or asphalt-based
material 12. The granules are typical granules used in roofing
materials. The granules are generally derived from a mineral base
rock such as greenstone, greystone, nephylene syenite, gravel
slate, gannister, granite, quartzite, andosite, rhyolite and the
like. The granules may be coated to color the granules and/or
provide the granules with antimicrobial resistance. The granules 16
are shown to be spherical and have the same size. In practice, the
granules have a variety of different shapes. One common size of
granules used on shingles is No. 11 grade particles. No. 11 grade
particles are known in the industry to have a particle range of
about 8.times.40 US mesh having an average mesh size of about 19 US
mesh (i.e. 937 mm sieve designation).
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 1, much of the exposed surface of
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 12 is covered by granules 16;
however, there exists spaces between the granules. Typically about
90-98% of the exposed surface of bitumen- or asphalt-based material
12 is covered by granules 16. These spaces allow sunlight as
indicated by the arrows to bypass the granules and contact the
upper surface of bitumen- or asphalt-based material 12. The
exposure of the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 12 to the
sunlight results in absorption of much of the sunlight by the
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 12, as indicated by the arrows,
which lowers the reflectivity of the roofing system 10. The
absorption of the sunlight by the bitumen- or asphalt-based
material 12 can also increases the rate of degradation to the
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 12, which can reduce the life of
the roofing and/or siding system 10. The absorption of sunlight by
the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 12 can also result in an
increased temperature of the roofing and/or siding system 10, which
temperature increase can accelerate the degradation of the bitumen-
or asphalt-based material 12.
[0047] Referring again to FIG. 1, granules 16 are illustrated as
reflecting some of the sunlight and allowing a portion of the
sunlight to be transmitted through the granules, as indicated by
the arrows, which is then absorbed by the bitumen- or asphalt-based
material 12. The amount of absorption of light by the granules can
be limited by the use of highly reflective granules. Non-limiting
examples of highly reflective granules us illustrated in United
States Patent Publication No. 20040071938 published on Apr. 15,
2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 4, a roofing and/or siding system 20
is illustrated. The roofing and/or siding system 20 is secured to a
roof, roof substrate, and/or subroof R by any suitable arrangement.
As can be appreciated, roofing and/or siding system 20 can be
secured to other surfaces such as, but not limited to, the side of
a structure, the floor of a structure, a deck, a street, a
sidewalk, a parking lot, a driveway, the ground, etc. The roofing
and/or siding system 20 includes a top layer of bituminous
composition 22, a reinforcement material 24, a bottom layer of
bituminous composition 25, and granules 26. The roofing and/or
siding system 20 can be roofing shingles, cap sheet roll roofing,
or modified bitumen. The bituminous composition is typically
bitumen and/or asphalt; however, other or additional constituents
known in the art can be used. The thickness of the bituminous
composition is selected to meet the desired end use of the roofing
and/or siding system 20. The reinforcement material 24 can be any
known fabric material, composite material, felt or fiberglass
material, or additional or other material that is known in the art
for use in roofing and/or siding systems. The composition,
thickness, and/or arrangement of the reinforcement material 24 is
selected to meet the desired end use of the roofing and/or siding
system 20. For a modified bitumen roofing and/or siding system,
reinforcement material 24 is typically a composite material;
however, other or additional materials can be used. For a shingles,
or cap sheet roll roofing and/or siding systems, reinforcement
material 24 is typically a felt or fiberglass fiber material;
however, other or additional materials can be used. The
reinforcement material 24 is illustrated as being fully embedded
between the top and bottom layers of bituminous composition;
however, this is not required. For instance, the bottom layer of
bituminous composition can be eliminated. In addition, the
composite material may only be partially embedded in the bituminous
composition. As can also be appreciated, additional layers of
composite material and/or bituminous composition can be used. The
upper surface of the top layer of bituminous composition 22
includes two different sizes of granules 26, 28. Most of granules
26, 28 are illustrated as being partially embedded and/or secured
in the upper surface of bituminous composition 22. As can be
appreciated, some of granules 26, 28 may be fully embedded in the
bituminous composition and/or not embedded in the bituminous
composition to meet the desired end use of the roofing and/or
siding system 20. As illustrated in FIG. 4, granules 26 are
substantially spherical. In practice, the granules have a variety
of different shapes. The shape and size of granules 26 is merely
illustrative. Likewise, granules 28 are shown to be spherical. In
practice, the granules have a variety of different shapes. The
shape and size of granules 28 is also merely illustrated to show
that these granules have an average size that is less than the
average size of granules 26.
[0049] Granules 26, 28 are made or and/or are coated with a highly
reflective material that reflects most, if not all, of the sunlight
that contacts the granules as shown by the arrows; however, this is
not required. As illustrated in FIG. 4, more of the upper surface
of bituminous composition 22 is covered by the granules that
roofing system 10 of FIG. 1. As such roofing system 20 prevents
more sunlight that is directed toward the roofing and/or siding
system 20 from being absorbed by the bituminous composition 22. The
smaller granules 28 occupy many of the spaces between the larger
granules 26, thereby increasing the amount of coverage of the upper
surface of the bituminous composition 22. The increased amount of
granule coverage on the upper surface of the bituminous composition
22 is a significant improvement over the prior art roofing and/or
siding system 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The increased coverage of the
upper surface of the bituminous composition 22 increases the
average reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system, and can
also reduce the rate of degradation of the bituminous composition
22, reduce the surface temperature of the roofing and/or siding
system, and/or extend the life of the roofing and/or siding system.
The increased coverage provided by the two sizes of granules can
results in a 1-5% or more increase in resulting and/or effective
reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system. The size of
granules 26 is selected to meet the desired end use of the roofing
and/or siding system 20. One non-limiting example for shingles, cap
sheet roll or modified bitumen roofing and/or siding systems is to
use No. 11 grade particles or No. 14 grade particles (particle
range of 12-40 US mesh and an average US mesh size of 22 US mesh
(i.e. 754 mm sieve designation)) for granules 26, and to use
28.times.48 designated particles having an average US mesh size of
about 50 US mesh (i.e. 304 mm sieve designation) for granules 28.
As can be appreciated, other sized particles can be used for
granules 26 and/or granules 28.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an apparatus
for forming a roofing and/or siding system 20 such as shingles, cap
sheet roll roofing or modified bitumen by use of a multiple
granular coating process as described in detail in United States
Patent Publication No. 20040071938 published on Apr. 15, 2004.
Reinforcement material 24 is passed through a coater 30 containing
liquid bituminous composition 32 to at least partially impregnate
the reinforcement material. As the reinforcement material 24 is
passed through a coater 30, the reinforcement material is guided by
one or more guide rollers 34, and a continuous hot bituminous
coated strip 36 is formed. As can be appreciated, other processes
can be used to coat the reinforcement material with the bituminous
composition. As can also be appreciated, more than one coating of
bituminous composition can be applied to the reinforcement
material. The bituminous coated strip is then passed beneath a
hopper 40 which applies granules 26 (primary granules) on the upper
surface of the bituminous coated strip. These granules are
typically highly reflective granules; however, this is not
required. A gate 42 controls the amount of granules 26 that is
deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip. As
can be appreciated, many different types of devices can be used to
control the spread pattern and/or amount of granules 26 being
applied to the bituminous coated strip. The amount of granules 26
deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip is
typically selected to cover most of the upper surface of the
bituminous coated strip; however, this is not required. The
coverage of granules 26 on the upper surface of the bituminous
coated strip is generally represented by the coverage of granules
16 in FIG. 1. For instance, when No. 11 grade granules are used,
the coverage provided by the granules is typically about 90-98%
(ASTM D6225).
[0051] After granules 26 have been deposited on the upper surface
of the bituminous coated strip, granules 28 (secondary granules)
are then deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated
strip as the bituminous coated strip passes under hopper 50. These
granules are also typically highly reflective granules; however,
this is not required. Granules 28 have a smaller average particle
size than the particle size of granules 26. The amount of granules
28 deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip
from hopper 50 is controlled by gate 52. As can be appreciated,
many different types of devices can be used to control the spread
pattern and/or amount of granules 28 being applied to the
bituminous coated strip.
[0052] The amount of granules 28 deposited on the upper surface of
the bituminous coated strip is typically selected to substantially
fully cover the remaining exposed upper surface of the bituminous
coated strip; however, other amounts of granules 28 can be used.
Typically, the amount of granules 28 deposited on the upper surface
of the bituminous coated strip is less than the amount of granules
26 deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip;
however, this is not required. The smaller sized granules 28 are
deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip
between the spaces left by the previously deposited granules 26.
After the smaller sized granules 28 are deposited on the upper
surface of the bituminous layer, less than about 5% of the
bituminous layer remains exposed, and typically less than about 2%
of the bituminous layer remains exposed. As a result of this
multiple coating, multiple size granule coating process, a
significantly greater portion of the upper surface of the
bituminous coated strip is coated by granules. The increased
coverage of the bituminous layer provided by the two sizes of
granules results in an increase in resulting or effective
reflectively of the roofing and/or siding system 20. As can be
appreciated, more than two layers of granules can be applied to the
bituminous layer. Typically, the smaller sized granules are coated
onto the bituminous layer after the larger sized particles have
been applied; however, this is not required. The size ratio of
granules 26 to granules 28 is generally at least about 1.5:1.
[0053] After the granules 26 and 28 are deposited on the upper
surface of the bituminous coated strip, the bituminous coated strip
is typically passed around a drum 60; however, this is not
required. As the bituminous coated strip travels about drum 60,
many of granules 26, 28 are at least partially pressed into the
bituminous coated strip. Typically a majority of the granules are
at least partially pressed into the bituminous coated strip. In
addition, as the bituminous coated strip travels about drum 60,
loosely adhered granules 26, 28 fall from the surface of the
bituminous coated strip. These granules can be disposed of and/or
recycled for later use. After bituminous strip passes around drum
60, the bituminous coated strip can be guided by one or more guide
rollers 62 to a cooling section and/or pressing section, not shown.
The cooling process is not required. One or more press rollers 64
can be used to at least partially press granules 26, 28 into the
bituminous layer for improved adhesion of the granules to the
roofing and/or siding system; however, this is not required. After
the bituminous coated strip is cooled and/or pressed, the
bituminous coated strip can be rolled up and/or formed into
shingles. The process steps of cooling, pressing, rolling, and
shingle formation are well known in the art, thus will not be
described herein.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 3, another apparatus is illustrated
for forming a roofing and/or siding system 20 such as shingles, cap
sheet roll roofing or modified bitumen as also described in detail
in United States Patent Publication No. 20040071938 published on
Apr. 15, 2004. Reinforcement material 24 is passed through a coater
70 containing a liquid bituminous composition 72 to at least
partially impregnate the reinforcement material. As the
reinforcement material 24 is passed through a coater 70, the
reinforcement material is guided by one or more guide rollers 74
and a continuous hot bituminous coated strip 76 is formed. As can
be appreciated, other processes can be used to coat the
reinforcement material with the bituminous composition. As can also
be appreciated, more than one coating of bituminous composition can
be applied to the reinforcement material.
[0055] The bituminous coated strip is then passed beneath a hopper
80 which applies granules 26 (primary granules) on the upper
surface of the bituminous coated strip. These granules are
typically highly reflective granules; however, this is not
required. A gate 82 controls the amount of granules 26 that is
deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip. As
can be appreciated, many different types of devices can be used to
control the spread pattern and/or amount of granules 26 being
applied to the bituminous coated strip. The amount of granules 26
deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip is
typically selected to cover most of the upper surface of the
bituminous coated strip; however, other amounts of granules 26 can
be used. The amount of granules 26 deposited on the upper surface
of the bituminous coated strip is typically selected to cover most
of the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip; however, this
is not required. The coverage of granules 26 on the upper surface
of the bituminous coated strip is generally about 90-98% when No.
11 grade granules are used.
[0056] After granules 26 have been deposited on the upper surface
of the bituminous coated strip, the bituminous coated strip is
passed about a drum 90; however, this is not required. As the
bituminous coated strip travels about drum 90, many of granules 26
are at least partially pressed into the bituminous coated strip.
Typically a majority of granules 26 are at least partially pressed
into the bituminous coated strip; however, this is not required. As
the bituminous coated strip travels about drum 90, loosely adhered
granules 26 fall from the surface of the bituminous coated strip.
These granules can be disposed of and/or recycled for later use.
The fallen granules expose regions in the bituminous layer that are
not covered by granules 26. These exposed regions can be better
filled by smaller granules that are subsequently applied to the
bituminous layer than applying another layer of granules 26. It has
been found that in many of the final products, there is increased
coverage of the bituminous layer when loose granules 26 are removed
prior to applying granules 28; however, such prior removal of loose
granules 26 is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 3, there is a
hopper 92 positioned adjacent to drum 90. Hopper 92 is used to
collect the loose granules for disposal and/or for later use. As
can be appreciated, the use of hopper 92 is optional.
[0057] After the bituminous coated strip passes around drum 90, the
bituminous coated strip is fed to drum 94; however, this is not
required. The path of the bituminous coated strip between drums 90
and 92 is illustrated as an "S" shape; however, other shaped paths
for the bituminous coated strip can be used. As the bituminous
coated strip passes about drum 94, the bituminous coated strip
passes under press roller 96; however, this is not required. Press
roller 96 is used to at least partially press granules 26 into the
bituminous layer for improved adhesion of the granules to the
roofing and/or siding system. Use of press roller 96 results in
granules 26 twice being at least partially pressed into the
bituminous coated strip (i.e. first by drum 90 and second by press
roller 96 and drum 94). As can be appreciated, the use of press
roller 96 is optional. Typically after the bituminous coated strip
passes under press roller 96, a majority of granule 26 are
partially embedded in the bituminous layer.
[0058] After bituminous coated strip passes about drum 94, granules
28 (secondary granules) are then deposited on the upper surface of
the bituminous coated strip as the bituminous coated strip passes
under hopper 84. These granules are typically highly reflective
granules; however, this is not required. The amount of granules 28
deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip from
hopper 84 is controlled by gate 86. As can be appreciated, many
different types of devices can be used to control the spread
pattern and/or amount of granules 28 being applied to the
bituminous coated strip. The amount of granules 28 deposited on the
upper surface of the bituminous coated strip is typically selected
to substantially fully cover the exposed upper surface of the
bituminous coated strip; however, this is not required. Typically,
the amount of granules 28 deposited on the upper surface of the
bituminous coated strip is less than the amount of granules 26
deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip;
however, this is not required. The smaller sized granules 28 are
typically deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous coated
strip between previously deposited granules 26. These smaller sized
granules are better able to occupy the spaces between larger
granules 26 as illustrated in FIG. 3. After the smaller sized
granules 28 are deposited on the upper surface of the bituminous
layer, less than about 5% of the bituminous layer, remains exposed,
and typically less than about 2% of the bituminous layer remains
exposed. The reduced amount of exposure of the bituminous layer
results in an increase in resulting or effective reflectivity of
the roofing system.
[0059] As can be appreciated, additional coatings of granules can
be applied to the bituminous layer to attempt to increase the
coverage by the granules; however, this is not required. Typically,
the smaller sized granules are coated onto the bituminous layer
after the larger sized particles have been applied; however, this
is not required. As a result of this multiple coating, multiple
size granule coating process, a significantly greater portion of
the upper surface of the bituminous coated strip is coated by
granules.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 3, after the bituminous coated strip
passes under hopper 84, the bituminous coated strip travels to drum
98. Positioned adjacent to drum 98 is a press roller 100. Press
roller 100 is used to at least partially press and at least
partially embed newly applied granules 28 in the bituminous layer.
Press roller 100 will also at least partially press and at least
partially embed granules 26 in the bituminous layer. Typically
after the bituminous coated strip passes press roller 100, a
majority of the granules are partially embedded in the bituminous
layer. As can be appreciated, the use of press roller 100 is
optional. As the bituminous coated strip passes about drum 98,
loosely adhered granules 26, 28 fall from the surface of the
bituminous coated strip. As can be appreciated, the use of drum 98
is optional. The fallen granules can be disposed of and/or recycled
for later use. As illustrated in FIG. 3, there is a hopper 102
positioned adjacent to drum 98. Hopper 102 is used to collect the
loose granules for disposal and/or for later use. As can be
appreciated, the use of hopper 102 is optional.
[0061] Once the bituminous coated strip passes about drum 98, the
bituminous coated strip is typically guided by one or more guide
rollers to a cooling section and/or pressing section; however,
these are not required. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the bituminous
coated strip passes about drums 104, 105, 106. As the bituminous
coated strip passes about these drums, granules 26, 28 are further
at least partially pressed and partially embedded in the bituminous
layer, and/or loose granules fall from the bituminous coated strip.
As can be appreciated, the use of drums 104, 105 and/or 106 is
optional. Another press roller 106 is illustrated as being
positioned adjacent to drum 106. The press roller is to used to
partially press and at least partially embed granules 26,28 in the
bituminous layer. As can be appreciated, press roller 108 is
optional.
[0062] After the bituminous coated strip is cooled and/or pressed,
the bituminous coated strip is rolled up and/or formed into
shingles. The process steps of cooling, pressing, rolling, and
shingle formation are well known in the art, thus will not be
described herein.
[0063] The process described above can be used to form a roofing
material have high reflectivity. For instance, when highly
reflective granules having a size designation of 12.times.40 having
an average particle size of about 19 US mesh (i.e. 958 mm sieve
designation) are used for granules 26 and highly reflective
granules having a size designation of 40.times.70 having an average
particle size of about 47 US mesh (i.e. 330 mm sieve designation)
are used for granules 28, the coverage of the bituminous layer by
granules 26,28 is over 98% and has a resulting reflectivity of
about 55%. Such a product is offered by The Garland Company under
the name StressPly EUV with Star Burst Minerals. Although this
product by The Garland Company is a significant improvement in the
resulting reflectivity of roofing materials having a bituminous
layer, this resulting reflectivity is below the minimum required
resulting reflectivity of 65% required by many communities or
states to classify the roofing system as a "cool roof." The minimum
required resulting reflectivity of roofing systems in California to
be classified as a "cool roof" is proposed to be 70%.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 5, another roofing and/or siding
system 110 is illustrated. Roofing and/or siding system 110 is a
metal, plastic and/or wood roofing and/or siding system. The
roofing and/or siding system 110 is secured to a roof or subroof R
by any suitable arrangement. The roofing and/or siding system 110
includes a base substrate 112 such as, but not limited to, a sheet
of plastic, metal or wood. The base substrate is typically a rigid
or semi-rigid structure. The thickness of the base substrate is
selected to meet the desired end use of the roofing and/or siding
system 110. Applied to the top surface of the base substrate is an
adhesive layer 114. The adhesive layer can be formed by any type of
adhesive desirable. Some non-limiting examples include, but are not
limited to, polymer adhesives, glue, bitumen, asphalt, etc. The
thickness of the adhesive layer is selected to meet the desired end
use of the roofing and/or siding system 110. Granules 116, 118 are
coated on the adhesive layer and secured to the base substrate by
the adhesive layer. These granules are typically highly reflective
granules; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated,
some of granules 116, 118 may be fully or partially embedded in the
adhesive layer and/or not embedded in the adhesive layer. Typically
a majority of the granules 116, 118 are partially embedded in the
adhesive layer. The composition, size, layer thickness, and/or
physical properties of the granules are selected to meet the
desired end use of the roofing and/or siding system 110. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, granules 116 are substantially spherical. In
practice, the granules have a variety of different shapes.
Likewise, granules 118 are shown to be spherical. In practice, the
granules have a variety of different shapes. The relative size of
granules 116 and 118 are illustrate merely to show that one size of
granule is larger than another. Granules 116, 118 are made of
and/or are coated with a highly reflective material that reflects
most of the sunlight that contacts the granules as shown by the
arrows; however, this is not required. Most of the upper surface of
adhesive layer 114 is covered by the granules, thereby preventing
most of the sunlight directed toward the roofing and/or siding
system 110 from contacting and/or being absorbed by the base
substrate 112. As can be appreciated, the adhesive layer can be
formulated so as to at least partially function as a reflective
layer to further prevent sunlight from contacting and/or being
absorbed by the base substrate 112.
[0065] Referring again to FIG. 5, smaller granules 118 occupy the
spaces between the larger granules 116, thereby increasing the
amount of coverage of the adhesive layer 112. The increased amount
of granule coverage on the adhesive. The increased coverage
provided by the granules typically results in a 1-5% or more
increase in reflectivity of the roofing and/or siding system. The
increased coverage of the adhesive layer 114 can also reduce the
rate of degradation of the base substrate 112, reduce the surface
temperature of the roofing and/or siding system, and/or extend the
life of the roofing system. The size of granules 116 is selected to
meet the desired end use of the roofing and/or siding system 110.
In one non-limiting example, granules 116 are No. 11 grade
particles or No. 14 grade particles; however, other sizes can be
used. The size of granules 118 is selected to have an average
particle size of less than the average particle size of granules
116. One non-limiting example would be to use a particle
designation of 12.times.40 having an average US mesh size of about
19 US mesh for granules 116 and a particle designation of
28.times.48 having an average US mesh size of about 50 US mesh
(i.e. 304 mm sieve designation) for granules 118. Although this
roofing system is a significant improvement in the resulting
reflectivity of such roofing systems, the resulting reflectivity
typically is below the minimum required resulting reflectivity of
65% required by many communities or states to classify the roofing
system as a "cool roof."
[0066] As previously stated, the resulting reflectivity of the
various roofing systems described above can be increased by the use
of highly reflective granules. White granules such as offered by 3M
a reflectivity in the range of about 28 to about 30%. Granules such
as those described in United States Patent Publication No.
20040071938 have a higher reflectivity, thereby increasing the
resulting reflectivity of the roofing system. These materials
include, but are not limited to, Grog, Mullite, tabular alumina,
and/or crushed white porcelain.
[0067] Grog is a recycled alumina scrap from fire brick and kiln
furnaces. Grog has an off-white color. Grog includes a majority of
aluminum in the form of aluminum oxide. Grog can include other
components such as silicon in the form of silica, iron oxide,
calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide and other materials.
One particular form of Grog is set forth e as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Component Weight % Range Typical Al.sub.2O.sub.3
86-93 89 SiO.sub.2 5-12.4 8.5 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.1-0.5 0.3 CaO 0.1-1
0.5 MgO 0.04-0.8 0.5 TiO.sub.2 0.1-1 0.7 Alkalies 0.1-0.5 0.3
[0068] The weight percent ratio of aluminum to silicon in the Grog
is generally at least about 2:1, and typically about 2.2-30:1, and
more typically about 2.3-20:1. The weight percent of aluminum and
silicon in the Grog is generally at least about 75%, typically at
least about 85%, and more typically at least about 90%. Grog has a
reflectivity of generally at least about 55%, typically at least
about 60%, and more typically about 65-70%. When Grog is used on a
roofing and/or siding system, the resulting reflectivity of the
roofing and/or siding system is generally over 45%, typically at
least about 50%, and more typically about 56-60%.
[0069] Mullite is a white calcined mineral that includes a majority
of aluminum and silicon in the form of aluminum oxide and silica.
Mullite can include other components such as iron oxide, calcium
oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium
oxide, and other materials. One particular form of Mullite is set
forth as follows: TABLE-US-00002 Component Weight % Range Typical
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 at least 45 45.1 SiO.sub.2 up to 54 53.1
Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 up to 0.5 0.29 CaO up to 0.1 0.09 MgO up to 0.1
0.05 TiO.sub.2 up to 0.8 0.56 Na.sub.2O up to 0.05 0.04 K.sub.2O up
to 0.03 0.01
[0070] Another particular form of Mullite is set forth as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 Weight % Typical Typical Typical Typical Component
Range "47" "60" "70" "HP" Al.sub.2O.sub.3 45-74 47.2 60 70.5 73.16
SiO.sub.2 20-52 50.1 37.3 24.6 24.52 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.3-1.3 0.5
0.5 0.5 0.4 CaO up to 0.1 Trace MgO up to 0.1 TiO.sub.2 up to 3 2.5
2.3 2.75 0.35 Na.sub.2O + K.sub.2O up to 0.65 0.65
[0071] The weight percent ratio of aluminum to silicon in the
Mullite is generally at least about 0.7:1, and typically about
0.8-10:1, and more typically about 0.8-5:1. The weight percent of
aluminum and silicon in the Mullite is generally at least about
80%, typically at least about 90%, and more typically at least
about 93%. Mullite has a reflectivity of generally at least about
55%, typically at least about 60%, and more typically about 68-70%.
When Mullite is used on a roofing and/or siding system, the
resulting reflectivity on the roofing and/or siding system is
generally over about 45%, typically at least about 50%, and more
typically about 55-65%.
[0072] Tabular alumina c includes a majority of aluminum in the
form of aluminum oxide. Tabular alumina can include other
components such as silica, iron oxide, calcium oxide, sodium oxide,
and other materials. One particular form of tabular alumina is set
forth as follows: TABLE-US-00004 Component Weight % Range Typical
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 at least 99 99.7 SiO.sub.2 up to 0.1 0.03
Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 up to 0.15 0.13 CaO up to 0.12 0.04 Na.sub.2O up to
0.35 0.26
[0073] The weight percent ratio of aluminum to silicon in the
tabular alumina is generally at least about 9:1, and typically
about 15-8000:1, and more typically about 50-4000:1. The weight
percent of aluminum and silicon in the tabular alumina is generally
at least about 90%, typically at least about 95%, and more
typically at least about 98%. Tabular alumina has a reflectivity of
generally at least about 55%, typically at least about 65%, and
more typically about 70-85%. When tabular alumina is used on a
roofing and/or siding system, the resulting reflectivity on the
roofing and/or siding system is generally over 45%, typically at
least about 50%, and more typically about 52-60%.
[0074] Crushed porcelain is typically from broken or recycled white
dinnerware. As a result, the granules of the present invention can
be a recycled material. The crushed porcelain typically has an
aluminum oxide content of at least about 25 weight percent. The
weight percent ratio of aluminum to silicon in the crushed white
porcelain is generally at least about 0.2:1, and typically about
0.25-2:1, and more typically about 0.25-1:1. The weight percent of
aluminum and silicon in the crushed white porcelain is generally at
least about 75%, typically at least about 80%, and more typically
at least about 85%. White crushed porcelain has a reflectivity of
generally at least about 55%, typically at least about 60%, and
typically about 65-70%, When crushed white porcelain is used on a
roofing and/or siding system, the resulting reflectivity on the
roofing and/or siding system is generally at over about 45%,
typically at least about 48%, and more typically about 50-55%. As
can be appreciated, other types or white china or dinnerware can be
used so long such china and dinnerware has a sufficiently high
reflectiveness.
[0075] Prior to the present invention, if the roofing or siding
materials did not have a resulting or effective reflectivity of
65%, the application of a highly reflective paint had to be applied
to the surface of the roofing or siding system to increase the
resulting or effective reflectivity of the roofing or siding
system. Although the application of a paint layer could be used to
obtain a resulting reflectivity of 65% or greater, the thickness of
the applied paint layer typically had to be greater than about 12
mils of wet paint and typically about 12-32 mils for granular
coated roofing systems the consisted of shingles, cap sheet roll
roofing or modified bitumen. The paint layer thickness on metal,
plastic or wood roofing systems varied depending on the size of the
granules and the color of the metal, plastic or wood substrate.
Typically the thickness of the wet paint layer applied to such
roofing systems was greater than about 10 mils. This large amount
of paint typically was cost prohibitive to use due the expense of
the large quantity of paint and the cost of labor to prepare the
roofing or siding system for the paint and the applying of the
paint to the roofing or siding system. The present invention
overcomes these limitations of past roofing systems by the
development of a roofing system and/or siding system and a method
of forming or manufacturing such a roofing and/or siding system
that requires significantly less paint, thus reducing the material
and labor cost to form a highly reflective roofing system on site.
In addition, the present invention is directed to some
prefabricated roofing and/or siding systems that can be
manufactured off site and have the desired resulting or effective
reflectivity so that the need for applying a paint on site is
eliminated, thus saving labor costs during the installation of the
roofing and/or siding system.
[0076] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6-9 which illustrate a
shingle, cap sheet roll roofing material or modified bitumen
roofing material 200. The roofing material 200 is designed to be
secured to a roof, roof substrate (e.g., base sheets), or subroof R
by any suitable arrangement. The roofing material 200 includes a
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202, 204, a reinforcement
material 206 therebetween, and layer of granules 208. The
reinforcement material 206 is typically a felt or fiberglass
material that is commonly used in the art; however, other materials
can be used. The reinforcement material 206 is shown as being fully
embedded in the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202. The
granules 208 are illustrated as being partially embedded and
secured in the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202. The granules
can be typical granules used in roofing materials or highly
reflective granules. In the particular embodiment described herein,
granules 208 are highly reflective granules similar to or the same
as the highly reflective granules disclosed in United States Patent
Publication No. 20040071938 published on Apr. 15, 2004, which is
incorporated herein by reference. These high reflective granules
have an average reflectivity of at least about 45%, and typically
at least about 50%. The granules 208 are shown to be spherical and
have the same size. In practice, the granules have a variety of
different shapes. One common size of granules used on shingles is
No. 11 grade particles. No. 11 grade particles are known in the
industry to have a particle range of about 8.times.40 US mesh
having an average mesh size of about 19 US mesh (i.e. 937 mm sieve
designation).
[0077] Referring again to FIG. 6, much of the exposed surface of
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 is covered by granules 208;
however, there exists spaces between the granules. Generally a
majority of the surface of the bitumen- or asphalt-based material
202 is covered by granules 208. Typically about 90-98% of the
exposed surface of bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 is
covered by granules 108. The coverage provided by the highly
reflective granules reduces the amount of exposed black surface
from the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202, thereby increasing
the resulting or effective reflectivity of roofing material 200.
Although much of the surface of the bitumen- or asphalt-based
material 202 is covered by granules 208, spaces exist between some
of granules 208 which exposes the bitumen- or asphalt-based
material 202. These spaces allow sunlight to bypass the granules
and contact the upper surface of bitumen- or asphalt-based material
202. The exposure of the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 to
the sunlight results in absorption of much of the sunlight by the
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202, which lowers the resulting
or effective reflectivity of the roofing material 200. The
absorption of the sunlight by the bitumen- or asphalt-based
material 202 can also increases the rate of degradation to the
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202, which can reduce the life
of the roofing material 200. The absorption of sunlight by the
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 can also result in an
increased temperature of the roofing material 200, which
temperature increase can accelerate the degradation of the bitumen-
or asphalt-based material 202.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 7, roofing material 200 of FIG. 6 is
illustrates as including a layer of paint 210. The paint layer can
be applied in a single application or by multiple applications. The
paint layer can be applied in many different ways such as, but not
limited to, spray coating, dipping, pouring and subsequently
spreading, etc. If more that a single application is used to apply
the paint layer, the process for applying each layer can be the
same or different.
[0079] Paint 210 is a highly reflective paint that has a
reflectivity of at least about 70% when dry. Typically the paint
color is white; however, this is not required. The paint layer is
shown to be applied after granules 208 have been applied to the
surface of bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202. As can be
appreciated, a layer of paint can additionally or alternatively be
applied to the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 prior to
applying the layer of granules 208. If the paint layer is applied
to the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 prior to applying the
layer of granules 208, the granules are typically applied to the
paint layer prior to the paint layer fully drying so as to
facilitate in the adhesion of the granules to the surface of the
roofing material; however, this is not required. Indeed, if the
granules are applied after the paint has substantially or fully
dried, a binder can be used to facilitate in the adhesion of the
granules to the top surface of the roofing material.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the layer of paint at least partially
coats many of granules 208 and at least partially fills in the
spaces between granules 208. Typically a majority of granules 208
are at least partially coated with the paint and a majority of the
spaces between the granules are at least partially filled in by the
paint. The paint layer not only increases the resulting
reflectivity of the roofing material, the paint layer facilitates
in the binding of the granules to the roofing material, increases
the strength and/or durability of the roofing material, positively
affects the aesthetic properties of the roofing material, and/or
positively affects other properties of the roofing material.
[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the thickness of the paint layer
is thinner on the top surfaces of granules 208 than the thickness
of the paint layer between the granules. This varying of thickness
is due in part to the viscosity of the paint. FIG. 7 also
illustrates that the thickness of the paint layer between granules
208 is less than the height of granules 208 that are extending
above the surface for the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202.
As such, the roofing material maintains a non-smooth texture.
However, the filling of the spaces by the paint does form a
smoother top surface of the roofing material. As can be
appreciated, the amount of paint applied to the top of the roofing
material can be controlled to a) form a smooth top surface wherein
the paint layer in the spaces between the granules equals or
exceeds the height of granules 208 that are extending above the
surface for the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202, or b) form
a textured surface as shown in FIG. 7. The degree of roughness of
the roofing material can be in part controlled by the thickness of
the paint layer. It has been found that smoother the top surfaces
of the roofing material which include a partially exposed highly
reflective paint layer have a greater resulting or effective
reflectivity than less smooth top surfaces. The thickness of the
wet paint layer is typically at least about 0.5 mils (approximately
0.03 gal./100 ft.sup.2). Typically the wet paint layer is less than
about 50 mils (approximately 3.13 gal./100 ft.sup.2); however, this
is not required. In one non-limiting example, the thickness of the
wet paint layer from a paint having a reflectivity of at least
about 75% to form a roofing material having a resulting
reflectivity that exceeds about 65% is about 5-25 mils. The
thickness of the dried paint layer generally depends on the amount
of solids in the paint. For example, a paint having about 62%
solids has a dried layer thickness of about 20 mils from a 32 mils
thick wet paint layer. It has been found that a single layer of
granules in combination with a layer of highly reflective paint can
form a roofing material having a resulting reflectivity of 65% or
greater. This highly reflective roofing material can be formed by a
manufacturing process at a site that is remote to the site that the
roofing materials are to be installed. Two non-limiting examples of
manufacturing process that can be used to form this roofing
material is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 1, which will be described
in detail below. The roofing material formed by an off site
manufacturing process (e.g., prefabrication process) has a
resulting reflectivity when applied to a roof of a building or
other type of structure without having to further treat the surface
of the roofing material.
[0082] The type of paint used on the roofing material is limited
only to the ability of the paint to properly bind to the bitumen-
or asphalt-based material 202 and/or granules 208. The paint can be
a water based paint, latex based paint, acrylic based paint, a
latex-acrylic based paint, a urethane based paint, a solvent based
paint (e.g. petroleum based solvent, alcohol based solvent, etc.)
an the like. Non-limiting examples of a few types of paints that
can be used include, but are not limited to, fast drying latex
paint, waterborne dryfall paint, acrylic paint, and methanol
solvent based paint. Typically the color of these paints is white
or extra white; however, this is not required.
[0083] As described so far above, the roofing material is a
shingle, cap sheet roll roofing material or modified bitumen
roofing material. It will be appreciated that the broad concept of
the invention can be applied to other types of roofing systems. As
can be appreciated, the concept of the present invention can also
be used on wood, plastic or metal roofing systems. The highly
reflective paint can be applied prior to and/or after the granules
are applied to the wood, plastic or metal roofing system to obtain
a highly reflective roof material. This roofing material could be
manufactured off site (e.g., prefabricated).
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of roofing
material 200 illustrated. In this embodiment, the structure of the
roofing material is similar to the roofing material illustrated in
FIG. 7, but includes an additional layer of granules 212. The upper
surface of the top layer of bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202
includes two different sizes of granules 208, 212. As described
above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, a majority of the granules 208
are partially embedded in layer 202; however, this is not required,
as stated above, the paint layer 210 can be applied in a single
application or by multiple applications. The paint layer can be
applied in many different ways such as, but not limited to, spray
coating, dipping, pouring and subsequently spreading, etc. If more
that a single application is used to apply the paint layer, the
process for applying each layer can be the same or different.
[0085] Paint 210 is a highly reflective paint that has a
reflectivity of at least about 70% when dry. Typically the paint
color is white; however, this is not required. The paint layer is
shown to be applied after granules 208 have been applied to the
surface of bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202. As can be
appreciated, a layer of paint can additionally or alternatively be
applied to the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 prior to
applying the layer of granules 208. If the paint layer is applied
to the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 prior to applying the
layer of granules 208, the granules are typically applied to the
paint layer prior to the paint layer fully drying so as to
facilitate in the adhesion of the granules to the surface of the
roofing material; however, this is not required. Indeed, if the
granules are applied after the paint has substantially or fully
dried, a binder can be used to facilitate in the adhesion of the
granules to the top surface of the roofing material.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, the layer of paint at least partially
coats many of granules 208 and at least partially fills in the
spaces between granules 208. Typically a majority of granules 208
are at least partially coated with the paint and a majority of the
spaces between the granules are at least partially filled in by the
paint. The paint layer not only increases the resulting
reflectivity of the roofing material, the paint layer facilitates
in the binding of the granules to the roofing material, increases
the strength and/or durability of the roofing material, positively
affects the aesthetic properties of the roofing material, and/or
positively affects other properties of the roofing material.
[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the thickness of the paint layer
is thinner on the top surfaces of granules 208 than the thickness
of the paint layer between the granules. This varying of thickness
is due in part to the viscosity of the paint. FIG. 8 also
illustrates that the thickness of the paint layer between granules
208 is less than the height of granules 208 that are extending
above the surface for the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202.
As such, the roofing material maintains a non-smooth texture.
However, the filling of the spaces by the paint does form a
smoother top surface of the roofing material. As can be
appreciated, the amount of paint applied to the top of the roofing
material can be controlled to a) form a smooth top surface wherein
the paint layer in the spaces between the granules equals or
exceeds the height of granules 208 that are extending above the
surface for the bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202, or b) form
a textured surface as shown in FIG. 8. The degree of roughness of
the roofing material can be in part controlled by the thickness of
the paint layer. It has been found that smoother the top surfaces
of the roofing material which include a partially exposed highly
reflective paint layer have a greater resulting or effective
reflectivity than less smooth top surfaces. The thickness of the
wet paint layer is typically at least about 0.5 mils (approximately
0.03 gal./100 ft.sup.2). Typically the wet paint layer is less than
about 50 mils (approximately 3.13 gal./100 ft.sup.2); however, this
is not required. In one non-limiting example, sieve designation)
for granules 212. As can be appreciated, other sized particles can
be used for granules 208 and/or granules 212. As can also be
appreciated, a layer of paint could be applied on the roof material
after granules 212 have been applied; however, this is not
required.
[0088] As described so far above, the roofing material illustrated
in FIG. 8 is a shingle, cap sheet roll roofing material or modified
bitumen roofing material. It will be appreciated that the broad
concept of this aspect of the invention can be applied to other
types of roofing systems. If the desired resulting reflectivity is
not obtained, another layer of paint can then be applied after the
second layer of granules has been applied. This additional layer of
paint will typically be a much thinner layer than prior art paint
applications that were applied to the top granular surface. As can
be appreciated, the concept of the present invention can also be
used on wood, plastic or metal roofing systems. The highly
reflective paint can be, but is not required to be, applied prior
to a first layer of granules is applied to the wood, plastic or
metal roofing system. A layer of paint is applied prior to the
second layer of smaller granules to obtain a highly reflective roof
material. Another layer of paint could be applied after the second
layer of granules is applied; however, this is not required. This
roofing material could be manufactured off site (e.g.,
prefabricated).
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of roofing
material 200 illustrated. In this embodiment, the structure of the
roofing material is similar to the roofing material illustrated in
FIG. 6, but includes a layer pf highly reflective paint 207 that
has been applied to the top surface of the bitumen- or
asphalt-based material 202 prior to the application of granules 208
and 212. The upper surface of the paint layer includes two
different sizes of granules 208, 212. A majority of the granules
208 are partially embedded in layer 207; however, this is not
required. As stated above, the paint layer 207 can be applied in a
single application or by multiple applications. The paint layer can
be applied in many different ways such as, but not limited to,
spray coating, dipping, pouring and subsequently spreading, etc. If
more that a single application is used to apply the paint layer,
the process for applying each layer can be the same or
different.
[0090] The paint that forms paint layer 207 is a highly reflective
paint that has a reflectivity of at least about 70% when dry.
Typically the paint color is white; however, this is not required.
As can be appreciated, a layer of paint can additionally be applied
after one or more granules coatings have been applied to the
roofing material. Granules 208 are typically applied to paint layer
207 prior to the paint layer fully drying so as to facilitate in
the adhesion of the granules to the surface of the the thickness of
the wet paint layer from a paint having a reflectivity of at least
about 75% to form a roofing material having a resulting
reflectivity that exceeds about 65% is about 5-25 mils. The
thickness of the dried paint layer generally depends on the amount
of solids in the paint. For example, a paint having about 62%
solids has a dried layer thickness of about 20 mils from a 32 mils
thick wet paint layer. It has been found that a single layer of
granules in combination with a layer of highly reflective paint can
form a roofing material having a resulting reflectivity of 65% or
greater. This highly reflective roofing material can be formed by a
manufacturing process at a site that is remote to the site that the
roofing materials are to be installed. Two non-limiting examples of
manufacturing process that can be used to form this roofing
material is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, which will be described
in detail below. The roofing material formed by an off site
manufacturing process (e.g., prefabrication process) has a
resulting reflectivity when applied to a roof of a building or
other type of structure without having to further treat the surface
of the roofing material.
[0091] The type of paint used on the roofing material is limited
only to the ability of the paint to properly bind to the bitumen-
or asphalt-based material 202 and/or granules 208. The paint can be
a water based paint, latex based paint, acrylic based paint, a
latex-acrylic based paint, a urethane based paint, a solvent based
paint (e.g. petroleum based solvent, alcohol based solvent, etc.)
an the like. Non-limiting examples of a few types of paints that
can be used include, but are not limited to, fast drying latex
paint, waterbome dryfall paint, acrylic paint, and methanol solvent
based paint. Typically the color of these paints is white or extra
white; however, this is not required.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, granules 212 are partially embedded
and/or secured in the upper surface paint layer 210. As can be
appreciated, some of granules 212 may be fully embedded in the
paint layer and/or not embedded in the paint layer to meet the
desired end use of roofing material 200. Typically, granules 212
are applied to paint layer 210 prior to the paint layer fully
drying; however, this is not required. When granules 212 are
applied prior to the paint layer becoming fully dried, the
non-fully dried paint facilitate in the adhesion of the granules to
the surface of the roofing material. Indeed, if granules 212 are
applied after the paint has substantially or fully dried, a binder
can be used to facilitate in the adhesion of the granules to the
top surface of the roofing material. As illustrated in FIG. 8,
granules 208 are substantially spherical. In practice, the granules
have a variety of different shapes. The shape and size of granules
208 is merely illustrative. Likewise, granules 212 are shown to be
spherical. In practice, the granules have a variety of different
shapes. The shape and size of granules 212 is also merely
illustrated to show that these granules have an average size that
is less than the average size of granules 208.
[0093] Granules 208, 212 are generally made or and/or are coated
with a highly reflective material that reflects most of the
sunlight that contacts the granules; however, this is not required.
Typically, granules 212 are formed of a highly reflective material.
In one non-limiting design of the roofing material, both granules
208 and 212 primarily are and/or are coated with a highly
reflective material. In another non-limiting design of the roofing
material, granules 208 have an average reflectivity that is less
than the average reflectivity of granules 212. In still another
non-limiting design of the roofing material, granules 208 have an
average reflectivity of less than 45% and granules 212 have an
average reflectivity of 45% or greater. In yet another non-limiting
design of the roofing material, granules 212 have an average
reflectivity of at least 65%. As can be appreciated, the roofing
material can include a combination of two or more of these
non-limiting designs.
[0094] The inclusion of granules 212 on the surface of paint layer
210 provides additional overage for the roofing material. As such,
the addition of granules 212 assist in reflecting more sunlight off
the roofing material by at least partially covering the black
bitumen- or asphalt-based material 202 that still may be exposed
after application of granules 208 and paint layer 210. These
smaller granules also occupy the spaces between larger granules
208, thereby increasing the amount of coverage by the granules of
the upper surface of the roofing material. This increased amount of
granule coverage not only can increase the resulting reflectivity
of the roofing material, but also forms a more uniform surface of
the roofing material, positively affects the physical properties of
the roofing material, reduce the rate of degradation of the roofing
material, reduce the surface temperature of the roofing material,
extend the life of the roofing material, and/or and/or positively
affects the aesthetics of the roofing material. The increased
coverage provided by granules 212 can results in a 1-5% or more
increase in resulting and/or effective reflectivity of the roofing
material.
[0095] The size of granules 212 is selected to meet the desired end
use of roofing material 200. One non-limiting example for shingles,
cap sheet roll or modified bitumen roofing and/or siding systems is
to use No. 11 grade particles or No. 14 grade particles (particle
range of 12-40 US mesh and an average US mesh size of 22 US mesh
(i.e. 754 mm sieve designation)) for granules 208, and to use
28.times.48 designated particles having an average US mesh size of
about 50 US mesh (i.e. 304 mm roofing material; however, this is
not required. Indeed, if the granules are applied after the paint
has substantially or fully dried, a binder can be used to
facilitate in the adhesion of the granules to the top surface of
the roofing material. The paint layer not only increases the
resulting reflectivity of the roofing material, the paint layer
facilitates in the binding of the granules to the roofing material,
increases the strength and/or durability of the roofing material,
positively affects the aesthetic properties of the roofing
material, and/or positively affects other properties of the roofing
material. As can be appreciated, the amount of paint applied to the
roofing material can be controlled to obtain a desired surface
roughness of the roofing material. The degree of roughness of the
roofing material can be in part controlled by the thickness of the
paint layer. It has been found that smoother the top surfaces of
the roofing material which include a partially exposed highly
reflective paint layer have a greater resulting or effective
reflectivity than less smooth top surfaces. The thickness of the
wet paint layer is typically at least about 0.5 mils (approximately
0.03 gal./100 ft.sup.2). Typically the wet paint layer is less than
about 50 mils (approximately 3.13 gal./100 ft.sup.2); however, this
is not required. In one non-limiting example, the thickness of the
wet paint layer from a paint having a reflectivity of at least
about 75% to form a roofing material having a resulting
reflectivity that exceeds about 65% is about 5-25 mils. The
thickness of the dried paint layer generally depends on the amount
of solids in the paint. For example, a paint having about 62%
solids has a dried layer thickness of about 20 mils from a 32 mils
thick wet paint layer. It has been found that a single layer of
granules that is at least partially embedded within a layer of
highly reflective paint can form a roofing material having a
resulting reflectivity of 65% or greater. This highly reflective
roofing material can be formed by a manufacturing process at a site
that is remote to- the site that the roofing materials are to be
installed. Two non-limiting examples of manufacturing process that
can be used to form this roofing material is illustrated in FIGS.
10 and 11, which will be described in detail below. The roofing
material formed by an off site manufacturing process (e.g.,
prefabrication process) has a resulting reflectivity when applied
to a roof of a building or other type of structure without having
to further treat the surface of the roofing material.
[0096] The type of paint used on the roofing material is limited
only to the ability of the paint to properly bind to the bitumen-
or asphalt-based material 202 and/or granules 208 and/or 212. The
paint can be a water based paint, latex based paint, acrylic based
paint, a latex-acrylic based paint, a urethane based paint, a
solvent based paint (e.g. petroleum based solvent, alcohol based
solvent, etc.) an the like. Non-limiting examples of a few types of
paints that can be used include, but are not limited to, fast
drying latex paint, waterbome dryfall paint, acrylic paint, and
methanol solvent based paint. Typically the color of these paints
is white or extra white; however, this is not required.
[0097] As illustrated in FIG. 9, granules 208 are substantially
spherical. In practice, the granules have a variety of different
shapes. The shape and size of granules 208 is merely illustrative.
Likewise, granules 212 are shown to be spherical. In practice, the
granules have a variety of different shapes. The shape and size of
granules 212 is also merely illustrated to show that these granules
have an average size that is less than the average size of granules
208.
[0098] Granules 208, 212 are generally made or and/or are coated
with a highly reflective material that reflects most of the
sunlight that contacts the granules; however, this is not required.
Typically, granules 212 are formed of a highly reflective material.
In one non-limiting design of the roofing material, both granules
208 and 212 primarily are and/or are coated with a highly
reflective material. In another non-limiting design of the roofing
material, granules 208 have an average reflectivity that is less
than the average reflectivity of granules 212. In still another
non-limiting design of the roofing material, granules 208 have an
average reflectivity of less than 45% and granules 212 have an
average reflectivity of 45% or greater. In yet another non-limiting
design of the roofing material, granules 212 have an average
reflectivity of at least 65%. As can be appreciated, the roofing
material can include a combination of two or more of these
non-limiting designs.
[0099] The inclusion of granules 212 on the surface of paint layer
207 provides additional overage for the roofing material. As such,
the addition of granules 212 can assist in reflecting more sunlight
off the roofing material. These smaller granules occupy the spaces
between larger granules 208, thereby increasing the amount of
coverage by the granules of the upper surface of the roofing
material. This increased amount of granule coverage not only can
increase the resulting reflectivity of the roofing material, but
also forms a more uniform surface of the roofing material,
positively affects the physical properties of the roofing material,
reduce the rate of degradation of the roofing material, reduce the
surface temperature of the roofing material, extend the life of the
roofing material, and/or and/or positively affects the aesthetics
of the roofing material. The increased coverage provided by
granules 212 can results in a 1-5% or more increase in resulting
and/or effective reflectivity of the roofing material.
[0100] The size of granules 212 is selected to meet the desired end
use of roofing material 200. One non-limiting example for shingles,
cap sheet roll or modified bitumen roofing and/or siding systems is
to use No. 11 grade particles or No. 14 grade particles (particle
range of 12-40 US mesh and an average US mesh size of 22 US mesh
(i.e. 754 mm sieve designation)) for granules 208, and to use
28.times.48 designated particles having an average US mesh size of
about 50 US mesh (i.e. 304 mm sieve designation) for granules 212.
As can be appreciated, other sized particles can be used for
granules 208 and/or granules 212. As can also be appreciated, a
layer of paint could be applied on the roof material after granules
212 have been applied; however, this is not required.
[0101] As described so far above, the roofing material illustrated
in FIG. 9 is a shingle, cap sheet roll roofing material or modified
bitumen roofing material. It will be appreciated that the broad
concept of this aspect of the invention can be applied to other
types of roofing systems. If the desired resulting reflectivity is
not obtained, a layer of paint can then be applied after the second
layer of granules has been applied. This additional layer of paint
will typically be a much thinner layer than prior art paint
applications that were applied to the top granular surface. As can
be appreciated, the concept of the present invention can also be
used on wood, plastic or metal roofing systems. This roofing
material could be manufactured off site (e.g., prefabricated).
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an apparatus
for forming a roofing material such as, but not limited to,
shingles, cap sheet roll roofing or modified bitumen by use of a
multiple granular coating process. Reinforcement material 224 is
passed through a coater 230 containing liquid asphalt-bituminous
composition 232 to at least partially impregnate the reinforcement
material. The speed at which the reinforcement material is moved is
about 1-100 ft./min., and typically about 20-60 ft./min; however,
other speeds can be used. As the reinforcement material 224 is
passed through a coater 230, the reinforcement material is guided
by one or more guide rollers 234, and a continuous hot
asphalt-bituminous coated strip 236 is formed. As can be
appreciated, other processes can be used to coat the reinforcement
material with the asphalt-bituminous composition. As can also be
appreciated, more than one coating of asphalt-bituminous
composition can be applied to the reinforcement material. The
coated strip is then passed beneath a hopper 240 which applies
granules 226 (primary granules) on the upper surface of the coated
strip. These granules are typically highly reflective granules;
however, this is not required. A gate 242 controls the amount of
granules 226 that is deposited on the upper surface of the
bituminous coated strip. As can be appreciated, many different
types of devices can be used to control the spread pattern and/or
amount of granules 226 being applied to the coated strip. The
amount of granules 226 deposited on the upper surface of the coated
strip is typically selected to cover most of the upper surface of
the coated strip; however, this is not required. The coverage of
granules 226 on the upper surface of the coated strip is generally
represented by the coverage of granules 208 in FIG. 6. For
instance, when No. 11 grade granules are used, the coverage
provided by the granules is typically about 90-98% (ASTM
D6225).
[0103] After granules 226 have been deposited on the upper surface
of the asphalt-bituminous coated strip, one or more layers of a
highly reflective paint 248 is applied by one or more sprayers 246
on the top surface of the coated strip. A paint feeding pipe 244
feeds to the highly reflective paint to the one or more sprayers.
As can be appreciated, the highly reflective paint can be applied
to the coated strip by other processes. The highly reflective paint
typically has a reflectivity when dried of at least about 75%. The
highly reflective paint is a fast drying paint that typically takes
less than 60 minutes to dry to touch; however, this is not
required. Non-limiting examples of fast drying paints include, but
are not limited to, dryfall paints, traffic paints, etc. The color
of the highly reflective paint is typically white; however, this is
not required. The rate at which the highly reflective paint drys is
partially dependent on the surface temperature of the coated strip
and the type of paint used. Typically the surface temperature of
the coated paint is over 100.degree. F. When a fast drying paint is
used, the paint can dry to touch in less than 45 minutes. A heating
or drying mechanism (e.g., air blower, oven, heating coils, etc.),
not shown, can be used to obtain faster dry times. The thickness of
the one or more wet paint layers is generally about 0.5-25 mils
(0.3-16 mils dry), and typically about 3-20 mils (1.5-13 mils
dry).
[0104] After the highly reflective paint is applied to the coated
strip, granules 228 (secondary granules) are then deposited on the
surface of the paint layer. Typically, granules 228 are applied to
the paint layer prior to the paint layer being fully dried so as to
facilitate in the adhesion of the granules to the roofing material.
Granules 228 are applied to the paint layer as the coated strip
passes under hopper 250. These granules are typically highly
reflective granules. Granules 228 have a smaller average particle
size than the particle size of granules 226. The amount of granules
228 deposited on the paint layer from hopper 250 is controlled by
gate 252. As can be appreciated, many different types of devices
can be used to control the spread pattern and/or amount of granules
228 being applied to the bituminous coated strip.
[0105] The amount of granules 228 deposited on the paint layer is
typically selected to substantially fully fill in the gaps
remaining between granules 226; however, other amounts of granules
228 can be used. Typically, the amount of granules 228 deposited on
the paint layer is less than the amount of granules 226 deposited
on the upper surface of the coated strip; however, this is not
required. The smaller sized granules 228 are deposited on paint
layer between the spaces left by the previously deposited granules
226. After the smaller sized granules 228 are deposited, the top
surface of the roofing material is more uniform as illustrated in
FIG. 8. It has been found that the application of the layer of
granules 228 increases the resulting or effective reflectively of
the roofing material. As can be appreciated, more than two layers
of granules can be applied to the roofing material. The size ratio
of granules 226 to granules 228 is generally at least about
1.5:1.
[0106] After the granules 226 and 228 are deposited on the roofing
material, the coated strip is typically passed around a drum 260;
however, this is not required. As the coated strip travels about
drum 260, many of granules 228 are at least partially pressed into
the paint layer. Typically a majority of granules 228 are at least
partially pressed into the paint layer. In addition, as the coated
strip travels about drum 260, loosely adhered granules 228 fall
from the surface of the coated strip. These granules can be
disposed of and/or recycled for later use. The drum can be a heated
drum to facilitate in the dry of the paint layer; however, this is
not required. After the coated strip passes around drum 260, the
coated strip can be guided by one or more -guide rollers 262 to a
cooling section and/or pressing section, not shown. The cooling
process is not required. One or more press rollers 264 can be used
to at least partially press granules 228 into the paint layer for
improved adhesion of granules 228 to the roofing material; however,
this is not required. After the coated strip is cooled and/or
pressed, the coated strip can be rolled up and/or formed into
shingles. The process steps of cooling, pressing, rolling, and
shingle formation are well known in the art, thus will not be
described herein.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 11, another apparatus is illustrated
for forming a roofing material such as, but not limited to,
shingles, cap sheet roll roofing or modified bitumen. Reinforcement
material 224 is passed through a coater 270 containing a liquid
asphalt-bituminous composition 272 to at least partially impregnate
the reinforcement material. The speed at which the reinforcement
material is moved is about 1-100 ft./min., and typically about
20-60 ft./min; however, other speeds can be used. As the
reinforcement material 224 is passed through a coater 270, the
reinforcement material is guided by one or more guide rollers 274
and a continuous hot asphalt-bituminous coated strip 276 is formed.
As can be appreciated, other processes can be used to coat the
reinforcement material with the asphalt-bituminous composition. As
can also be appreciated, more than one coating of
asphalt-bituminous composition can be applied to the reinforcement
material.
[0108] After the one or more coatings of asphalt-bituminous
composition are applied to the reinforcement material, one or more
layers of a highly reflective paint 279 is applied by one or more
sprayers 278 on the top surface of the coated strip. This
application of a layer of paint on the top of the
asphalt-bituminous composition is an optional process. As can be
appreciated, the highly reflective paint can be applied to the
coated strip by other processes. The paint can be atomized during
the spraying process obtain a more uniform coating; however, this
is not required. Such application of the paint layer is illustrated
in FIG. 9. The highly reflective paint typically has a reflectivity
when dried of at least about 75%. The highly reflective paint is a
fast drying paint that typically takes less than 60 minutes to dry
to touch; however, this is not required. Non-limiting examples of
fast drying paints include, but are not limited to, dryfall paints,
traffic paints, etc. The color of the highly reflective paint is
typically white; however, this is not required. The rate at which
the highly reflective paint drys is partially dependent on the
surface temperature of the coated strip and the type of paint used.
Typically the surface temperature of the coated paint is over
100.degree. F. When a fast drying paint is used, the paint can dry
to touch in less than 45 minutes. The thickness of the one or more
wet paint layers is generally about 0.5-25 mils (0.3-16 mils dry),
and typically about 3-20 mils (1.5-13 mils dry).
[0109] After the one or more coatings of asphalt-bituminous
composition are applied to the reinforcement material or after the
paint layer has been applied to the top surface of the
asphalt-bituminous composition, the coated strip is then passed
beneath a hopper 280 which applies granules 226 (primary granules)
on the upper surface of the coated strip. These granules are
typically highly reflective granules; however, this is not
required. A gate 282 controls the amount of granules 226 that is
deposited on the upper surface of the coated strip. As can be
appreciated, many different types of devices can be used to control
the spread pattern and/or amount of granules 226 being applied to
the bituminous coated strip. The amount of granules 226 on the
upper surface of the coated strip is typically selected to cover
most of the upper surface of the coated strip; however, other
amounts of granules 226 can be used. The amount of granules 226
deposited on the upper surface of the coated strip is typically
selected to cover most of the upper surface of the coated strip;
however, this is not required. FIG. 6 is representative of the
amount of coverage provided by granules 226. The coverage of
granules 226 on the upper surface of the coated strip is generally
about 90-98% when No. 11 grade granules are used.
[0110] After granules 226 have been deposited on the upper surface
of the coated strip, the coated strip is passed about a drum 290;
however, this is not required. As the coated strip travels about
drum 290, many of granules 226 are at least partially pressed into
the coated strip. Typically a majority of granules 226 are at least
partially pressed into the asphalt-bituminous layer on the coated
strip or the paint layer on the coated strip; however, this is not
required. As the coated strip travels about drum 290, loosely
adhered granules 226 fall from the surface of the coated strip.
These granules can be disposed of and/or recycled for later use.
The fallen granules expose regions in the asphalt-bituminous layer
or paint layer that are not covered by granules 226. As illustrated
in FIG. 11, there is a hopper 292 positioned adjacent to drum 290.
Hopper 292 is used to collect the loose granules for disposal
and/or for later use. As can be appreciated, the use of hopper 292
is optional. Drum 290 can be a cooling drum to cool the one or more
coatings on the coated strip; however, this is not required.
[0111] After the coated strip passes around drum 290, the coated
strip is fed to drum 294; however, this is not required. The path
of the coated strip between drums 290 and 292 is illustrated as an
"S" shape; however, other shaped paths for the coated strip can be
used. As the coated strip passes about drum 294, the coated strip
passes under press roller 296; however, this is not required. Press
roller 296 is used to at least partially press granules 226 into
the asphalt-bituminous layer or paint layer on the coated strip to
improve adhesion of the granules to the roofing material. Use of
press roller 296 results in granules 226 twice being at least
partially pressed into the asphalt-bituminous layer or paint layer
(i.e. first by drum 290 and second by press roller 296 and drum
294). As can be appreciated, the use of press roller 296 is
optional. When a paint layer has been applied to the coated strip
prior to the application of granules 226, press roller is not used;
however, the press roller can be used if desired. Typically after
the coated strip passes under press roller 296, a majority of
granule 226 are partially embedded in the asphalt-bituminous layer
or paint layer.
[0112] After granules 226 have been deposited on the upper surface
of the coated strip, one or more layers of a highly reflective
paint 312 can be applied by one or more sprayers 310 on the top
surface of the coated strip. The paint can be atomized during the
spraying process obtain a more uniform coating; however, this is
not required. As can be appreciated, the highly reflective paint
can be applied to the coated strip by other processes. The highly
reflective paint typically has a reflectivity when dried of at
least about 75%. The highly reflective paint is a fast drying paint
that typically takes less than 60 minutes to dry to touch; however,
this is not required. The color of the highly reflective paint is
typically white; however, this is not required. The rate at which
the highly reflective paint drys is partially dependent on the
surface temperature of the coated strip and the type of paint used.
When a fast drying paint is used, the paint can dry to touch in
less than 45 minutes. The thickness of the one or more wet paint
layers is generally about 0.5-25 mils (0.3-16 mils dry), and
typically about 3-20 mils (1.5-13 mils dry). If a paint layer is
applied prior to the application of granules 226, further
application of paint layers to the coated strip can be eliminated.
However, it can be appreciated that another paint layer can be
applied after the application of granules 226.
[0113] After the paint layer has been applied, granules 228
(secondary granules) are then deposited on the upper surface of the
paint layer as the coated strip passes under hopper 284. These
granules are typically highly reflective granules. The amount of
granules 228 deposited on the upper surface of the paint layer from
hopper 284 is controlled by gate 286. As can be appreciated, many
different types of devices can be used to control the spread
pattern and/or amount of granules 228 being applied to the paint
layer. The amount of granules 228 deposited on the paint layer is
typically selected to substantially fully fill in the gaps
remaining between granules 226; however, other amounts of granules
228 can be used. Typically, the amount of granules 228 deposited on
the paint layer is less than the amount of granules 226 deposited
on the upper surface of the coated strip; however, this is not
required. The smaller sized granules 228 are deposited on paint
layer between the spaces left by the previously deposited granules
226. After the smaller sized granules 228 are deposited, the top
surface of the roofing material is more uniform as illustrated in
FIG. 8. It has been found that the application of the layer of
granules 228 increases the resulting or effective reflectively of
the roofing material. As can be appreciated, more than two layers
of granules can be applied to the roofing material. The size ratio
of granules 226 to granules 228 is generally at least about 1.5:1.
As can be appreciated, additional coatings of granules can be
applied to the roofing material; however, this is not required.
[0114] After the coated strip passes under hopper 284, the coated
strip can travel under a heating or drying mechanism (e.g., air
blower, oven, heating coils, etc.), not shown, can be used to
obtain faster paint drying times; however, this is not required. As
can be appreciated, one or more drying mechanism can be used to at
least partially dry the paint after application of one or more
paint layers and prior to an application of a layer of granules
and/or at least partially dry the paint layer after a layer of
granules has been applied to the top of the paint layer.
[0115] Referring again to FIG. 11, after the coated strip has
granules 228 deposed on the paint layer, the coated strip can pass
under another paint application mechanism 316 to apply one or more
additional layers of paint via sprayers 316 on the surface of the
coated strip; however, this paint application step is not required.
The paint can be atomized during the spraying process obtain a more
uniform coating; however, this is not required. As can be
appreciated, the highly reflective paint can be applied to the
coated strip by other processes. The highly reflective paint
typically has a reflectivity when dried of at least about 75%. The
highly reflective paint is a fast drying paint that typically takes
less than 60 minutes to dry to touch; however, this is not
required. Non-limiting examples of fast drying paints include, but
are not limited to, dryfall paints, traffic paints, etc. The color
of the highly reflective paint is typically white; however, this is
not required. The rate at which the highly reflective paint drys is
partially dependent on the surface temperature of the coated strip
and the type of paint used. Typically the surface temperature of
the coated paint is over 100.degree. F. When a fast drying paint is
used, the paint can dry to touch in less than 45 minutes. The
thickness of the one or more wet paint layers is generally about
0.5-25 mils (0.3-16 mils dry), and typically about 1-15 mils
(1.5-13 mils dry). After the one or more paint layers have been
applied, the coated strip can travel under a heating or drying
mechanism (e.g., air blower, oven, heating coils, etc.), not shown,
can be used to obtain faster drying times; however, this is not
required.
[0116] After granules 228 have been applied to the coated strip,
the coated strip moves to drum 298. Positioned adjacent to drum 298
is a press roller 300. Press roller 300 is used to at least
partially press and at least partially embed newly applied granules
228 in the paint layer. Typically after the coated strip passes
press roller 300, a majority of granules 228 are partially embedded
in the paint layer. As can be appreciated, the use of press roller
300 is optional. Press roller is typically not used when a layer of
paint has been applied on the top surface of granules 228; however,
the press roller can be used. As the coated strip passes about drum
298, loosely adhered granules 228 fall from the surface of the
strip. As can be appreciated, the use of drum 298 is optional. The
fallen granules can be disposed of and/or recycled for later use.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, there is a hopper 302 positioned
adjacent to drum 298. Hopper 302 is used to collect the loose
granules for disposal and/or for later use. As can be appreciated,
the use of hopper 302 is optional. Drum 298 can be a heated drum to
facilitate in the drying of the one or more paint layers on the
coated strip; however, this is not required.
[0117] Once the coated strip passes about drum 298, the coated
strip is typically guided by one or more guide rollers to a cooling
section and/or pressing section; however, these are not required.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the coated strip passes about drums 304,
305, 306. As the coated strip passes about these drums, granules
228 are further at least partially pressed and partially embedded
in the paint layer, and/or loose granules fall from the coated
strip. As can be appreciated, the use of drums 304, 305 and/or 306
is optional. Drum 304, 305 and/or 306 can be heated drums to
facilitate in the drying of the one or more paint layers on the
coated strip; however, this is not required. Drum 304, 305 and/or
306 can be cooling drums to facilitate in the cooling of the
coating strip; however, this is not required. Another press roller
306 is illustrated as being positioned adjacent to drum 306. The
press roller is to used to partially press and at least partially
embed granules 228 in the paint layer. As can be appreciated, press
roller 308 is optional.
[0118] After the coated strip is cooled and/or pressed, the
asphalt-bituminous coated strip is rolled up and/or formed into
shingles. The process steps of cooling, pressing, rolling, and
shingle formation are well known in the art, thus will not be
described herein.
[0119] The process described above can be used to form a roofing
material have high reflectivity, several different roofing
materials can be prefabricated by the processes illustrated in
FIGS. 10 and 11. For instance, 1) a roofing material that includes
a layer of asphalt-bituminous coated on a reinforcement material,
one or more paint layers applied to the top surface of the
asphalt-bituminous coating, and one or more layers of granules
applied to the top surface of the paint layer, 2) a roofing
material that includes a layer of asphalt-bituminous coated on a
reinforcement material, one or more paint layers applied to the top
surface of the asphalt-bituminous coating, and one or more layers
of granules applied to the top surface of the paint layer wherein
in two distinct sizes of granules are applied (FIG. 9), 3) a
roofing material that includes a layer of asphalt-bituminous coated
on a reinforcement material, one or more paint layers applied to
the top surface of the asphalt-bituminous coating, one or more
layers of granules applied to the top surface of the paint layer,
and one or more paint layers are applied to the top surface of the
granules, 4) a roofing material that includes a layer of
asphalt-bituminous coated on a reinforcement material, one or more
paint layers applied to the top surface of the asphalt-bituminous
coating, one or more layers of granules applied to the top surface
of the paint layer wherein in two distinct sizes of granules are
applied, and one or more paint layers are applied to the top
surface of the granules, 5) a roofing material that includes a
layer of asphalt-bituminous coated on a reinforcement material, one
or more paint layers applied to the top surface of the
asphalt-bituminous coating, one or more layers of granules applied
to the top surface of the paint layer, one or more paint layers are
applied to the top surface of the granules, one or more layers of
additional granules applied to the top surface of the paint layer,
and one or more layers of paint are applied to the additional
granule layer, 6) a roofing material that includes a layer of
asphalt-bituminous coated on a reinforcement material, one or more
layers of granules applied to the top surface of the
asphalt-bituminous coating, and one or more paint layers are
applied to the top surface of the granules (FIG. 7), 7) a roofing
material that includes a layer of asphalt-bituminous coated on a
reinforcement material, one or more layers of granules applied to
the top surface of the asphalt-bituminous coating wherein in two
distinct sizes of granules are applied, and one or more paint
layers are applied to the top surface of the granules, 8) a roofing
material that includes a layer of asphalt-bituminous coated on a
reinforcement material, one or more layers of granules applied to
the top surface of the asphalt-bituminous coating, one or more
paint layers are applied to the top surface of the granules, and
one or more layers of additional granules applied to the top
surface of the paint layer (FIG. 8), and 9) a roofing material that
includes a layer of asphalt-bituminous coated on a reinforcement
material, one or more layers of granules applied to the top surface
of the asphalt-bituminous coating, one or more paint layers are
applied to the top surface of the granules, one or more layers of
additional granules applied to the top surface of the paint layer,
and one or more layers of paint are applied to the additional
granule layer. As can be appreciated, other types of roofing
materials can be formed by the manufacturing process set forth in
FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0120] The roofing materials that are formed can include wide
variety of paint types and/or granule types. For instance, when a
highly reflective paint is used and when highly reflective granules
having a size designation of 12.times.40 having an average particle
size of about 19 US mesh (i.e. 958 mm sieve designation) are used
for granules 226 and highly reflective granules having a size
designation of 40.times.70 having an average particle size of about
47 US mesh (i.e. 330 mm sieve designation) are used for granules
228, the resulting reflectivity of over 60%, and typically at least
65%.
[0121] Several non-limiting examples are set forth below that
illustrate the roofing materials in accordance with the present
invention. TABLE-US-00005 16 mils wft 5 mils wft 10 mils wft 15
mils wft 32 mils wft 5 mils wft 10 mils wft Paint Smooth Top of Top
of Top of Top of Between Between Type Coating Granules Granules
Granules Granules Granules Granules Traffic 82 63 64 67 77 69-74.9
-- Paint A Traffic 86 65-66 -- -- -- 70-72 70.4-77.5 Paint B
DryFall 81 62 63 65 70 -- -- Pain A
[0122] As illustrated above two different fast drying white traffic
paints were used, and one fast drying white dryfall paint was used.
All three of these paints were initially applied to a flat surface
at a thickness of about 16 mils wet paint to determine the
reflectivity of the paint. Each of the paints had a reflectivity of
over 80%, which is illustrated in the second column. The third
column illustrates the resulting or effective reflectivity of a
roofing material that has two coating coatings granules which are
top coated with about 5 mils of wet paint (e.g., about 0.313
gal./100 ft.sup.2 of paint). Non-limiting examples of the two
coating process are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The resulting
or effective reflectivity of the roofing materials ranged from
about 62-66%. The fourth column illustrates the resulting or
effective reflectivity of a roofing material that has two coating
coatings granules which are top coated with about 10 mils of wet
paint (e.g., about 0.625 gal./100 ft.sup.2 of paint). Non-limiting
examples of the two coating process are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and
11. The resulting or effective reflectivity of the roofing
materials for two of the paints tested ranged from about 63-64%.
The fifth column illustrates the resulting or effective
reflectivity of a roofing material that has two coating coatings
granules which are top coated with about 15 mils of wet paint
(e.g., about 0.938 gal./100 ft.sup.2 of paint). Non-limiting
examples of the two coating process are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and
11. The resulting or effective reflectivity of the roofing
materials for two of the paints tested ranged from about 65-67%.
The sixth column illustrates the resulting or effective
reflectivity of a roofing material that has two coating coatings
granules wherein a paint layer has been applied prior to the second
layer of granules being applied to the roofing material. The
thickness of the paint layer is about 5 mils of wet paint (e.g.,
about 0.313 gal./100 ft.sup.2 of paint). Non-limiting examples of
the two coating process are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The
resulting or effective reflectivity of the roofing materials for
two of the paints tested ranged from about 69-74.9%. The seventh
column illustrates the resulting or effective reflectivity of a
roofing material that has two coating coatings granules wherein a
paint layer has been applied prior to the second layer of granules
being applied to the roofing material. The thickness of the paint
layer is about 10 mils of wet paint (e.g., about 0.625 gal./100
ft.sup.2 of paint). Non-limiting examples of the two coating
process are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The resulting or
effective reflectivity of the roofing materials for two of the
paints tested ranged from about 70.4-77.5%.
[0123] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiment and alternatives thereof. It is believed that
many modifications and alterations to the embodiments disclosed
will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon
reading and understanding the detailed description of the
invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *