Abstract:
The invention is a method of roof repair in which a roof component is resurfaced using a bonding agent, granules and a sealing agent to recoat damaged roof covering components.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This utility patent claims priority to provisional patent 61/874,237 filed on Sep. 5, 2013. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention concerns permanent spot-repair of roofing, including but not limited to, granule-coated asphalt shingled roofs. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Roofs often sustain a substantial amount of granular coated asphalt shingle damage after a hail storm. Hail damage typically consists of radial/circular areas of granule loss, which constitute latent damage and may affect the future performance and lifespan of the shingles. Granule loss can also be the result of material and/or installation defects, natural weathering, foot traffic from maintenance, and miscellaneous impact abuse. 
         [0004]    Currently, the only options a property owner or insurance company has when faced with the replacement of roofing components are: a) replace the entire roof surface, or b) replacing only the damaged shingles. 
         [0005]    Typically, In order to obtain a representative sampling of hail distress on granular coated asphalt shingles, sample areas are used. The method most frequently used by insurance companies is to divide the roof surface into 10′×10′ sections (known as “squares”). These areas are closely evaluated to determine whether an entire roof replacement or individual shingle replacement should be considered as more economically feasible. The general process to replace individual damaged shingles includes unsealing the adhesive strip on the damaged shingle and the shingle(s) on the first and second course immediately above the damaged shingle. 
         [0006]    The nails in the damaged shingle and in the shingle(s) on the course immediately above that also penetrate the damaged shingle are removed. After installation, the replacement shingle and all loosened tabs are hand-sealed with an asphalt adhesive. 
         [0007]    Depending on its location on the roof, this process requires manipulation of two to four other shingles in addition to the damaged shingle. Because this repair method affects many adjacent shingles, compromises the original watertight membrane and oftentimes results in a color mismatch due to pigmentation fading of the original shingles. Insurance companies with no other viable alternative, typically elect to replace the entire roof covering. Replacement of the entire roof shingle membrane is often an expensive proposition that can take days to complete. 
         [0008]    Because of this “repair by replace” practice, annually billions of pounds of roofing shingles are dumped in landfills accounting for 5% of all construction related waste. Landfilling asphalt shingles contributes to a series of environmental problems. Asphalt shingles are made exclusively of petroleum products which take centuries to decompose, do not compact well taking up valuable landfill space, and create caps in landfills causing harmful gases such as methane to develop that must be treated for many years after the disposal. Construction waste is also known to contribute to air pollution and global warming because of emissions associated with transportation, compaction, and waste decomposition. Finding alternative solutions to landfilling bulky construction waste such as asphalt roofing shingles, can eliminate approximately 1.7 million metric tons of harmful carbon dioxide emissions. Many states have banned or are considering banning the disposal of asphalt shingles because of their effect on the environment. 
         [0009]    Insurance companies, without a viable alternative to large-scale roof replacements, are forced to pay higher claim costs due to material, labor and disposal fees, leading to higher premiums paid by policy holders. 
         [0010]    Insurance companies, homeowners and roofing contractors need a more cost effective and environmentally sensitive way to repair roofs in damaged areas. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention is a method of roof repair that employs a bonding agent, granules and a sealing agent to recoat damaged granular roof-covering components. 
         [0012]    This process eliminates the need to replace the roofing components by using proprietary bonding agents that are applied directly to the damaged areas, and granules that can be applied to very closely match the existing roofing component color and texture. This method can be accomplished at a fraction of the cost and time normally expended in a total roof replacement. 
         [0013]    Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reference to the following detailed description. 
         [0014]    Note: As this invention concerns only a process, and the invention resides solely in coating an article of known and conventional character, no drawings are necessary or required. 35 U.S.C. §113, MPEP 601.01(f). 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    While the making and using of various embodiments of is the present disclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The disclosure is primarily described and illustrated hereinafter in conjunction with various embodiments of the presently-described systems and methods. The specific embodiments discussed herein are, however, merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0016]    This process eliminates the need of replacing existing granular coated roof surfacing components. This could significantly reduce the amount of asphalt roofing material that ends up in landfills and environmental issues that are created as a result. This process is also a much more cost effective way for insurance companies and property owners alike to replace roofing components with a product of like quality, craftsmanship, and material as the original. This cost savings will potentially be evidenced in lower claim costs for insurance companies and potentially passed through as lower homeowners&#39; premiums for consumers. 
         [0017]    This process can allow homeowners and contractors to repair damaged roofing components in a manner which is not yet available. This process is useful, in that it will eliminate billions of tons of waste from being dumped in landfills and will save insurance companies and policyholders billions of dollars, not to mention the trickle-down effect this process will have on the economy. 
         [0018]    One embodiment of the invention includes the process:
   1. identifying damaged roof components;   2. applying a bonding agent to damaged areas;   3. applying matching color and texture granules to damaged areas;   4. applying a sealing agent.   
 
         [0023]    The bonding agent is applied to the damaged area. The bonding agent adheres to the existing roof component and also acts as a filler, in the case of a hail impression or impact mark. This is accomplished by spreading the bonding agent smoothly over the damaged area creating a smooth surface for the application of the granules. The granules are placed in the bonding agent prior to the material setting up. As the bonding agent hardens, the granules attach permanently to the bonding agent as well as the roof material substrate. The granules act as an insulator, heat reflector and to keep the underlying roofing components from drying out which can cause premature failure. Once the former process is allowed to cure properly, a protective sealer is applied to the affected area. This sealer adheres to the granules, bonding agent and existing roof substrate. The sealing component leaves a protective surface film that helps stop granule loss, cracking, curling and leaking and extends the useful life of the component. 
         [0024]    This process could be used in any application where granules are used to protect a surface from moisture, heat, light, and impact.