Patent Publication Number: US-2007107358-A1

Title: Concrete tile system and method of manufacture

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
      The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/724,831, filed Oct. 7, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including any figures, tables, or drawings. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The subject invention relates to a selectively interlocking tile covering system for homes, buildings, or other structures. Specifically, the subject invention relates to a four-sided interlocking tile panel covering system that utilizes an insulated lightweight concrete tile. The subject invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the concrete tiles and means for utilizing the tiles as a roof covering system.  
      In many parts of the world, concrete or clay tiles are utilized on homes, buildings and an assortment of other structures. In their simplest design, overlapping tiles are positioned on an underlying support system. When used for roofing, the tiles are placed on the roof decking or other support system. Such installations are usually not overly secured and are easily destroyed under extreme environmental conditions. Such tile systems are especially vulnerable during high wind conditions, for example during hurricanes. It is not uncommon for high winds passing or crossing over the tiles to produce a negative pressure or Bernoulli effect, whereby air space under unsecured or ineffectively secured tiles is evacuated by high winds causing tiles to be more easily raised up from underlying roofing structure and displaced, or completely removed from a roof. Tile roofing systems have been devised that are more secure, but such systems often require complicated means for manufacturing and installing tiles, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,743,059 and 6,604,336; or for securing them to the underlying roof structure, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,323,580; 5,522,187; and 5,921,045.  
      In addition, it is well-known in the art that insulating the roof and/or walls of a structure can increase energy efficiency. But, there have been few options available that provide direct roofing insulation that is cost-effective and easily installed. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,062,250; 5,069,950; and 5,787,668.  
      The subject invention addresses these issues by providing a roofing tile panel and a system of installation that creates a roof covering having high wind resistance, as well as insulating properties. The tiles of the subject invention are also relatively easy to manufacture and install, making them a cost-effective alternative to standard roofing tiles. Also provided in the subject application is a roofing accessory that is easily installed and can increase the wind resistance of existing tile designs.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY  
      The subject invention pertains to tile panels, as well as systems of manufacturing and installing said tile panels. The tile panels of the subject invention are particularly well-suited as a roof covering system. However, a person with skill in the art after reviewing the following description will recognize a diverse number of other uses for the tile panels and teachings of the subject invention, including for example, as a covering for walls, siding, etc.  
      In one embodiment, the tiles are manufactured of a lightweight concrete having sufficient strength to withstand extreme weather and wind conditions, as well as normal handling or foot traffic often required for installation and maintenance, especially when utilized as a roof covering. In a further embodiment, the subject invention provides a tile panel assembly wherein the tile panels may comprise insulation affixed thereto. The tile panels are constructed so as to present an overlapping configuration that can, preferably, interlock on all four sides to provide resistance to negative pressure wind uplifting. In a still further embodiment, the tile panels utilize a backing material to lend additional strength to the tile panels and, further, to reduce the amount of air space between the underlying roof structure and the panels. For example, a foam, or foam-like, material can be utilized to fill the space under the tiles and reduce air space. Reduction of the available air space can further reduce or eliminate the effects of wind uplift caused by negative pressure, i.e., the Bernoulli effect, and can additionally provide insulation properties to the tiles.  
      In certain embodiments, the backing material can also be formed to provide a four-sided interlocking tile system that holds and/or stabilizes tile panels against each other and the underlying roof structure(s), as well as reducing the amount of surrounding air space. However, in certain alternative embodiments, the sheathing surface can be formed, according to the subject invention, to provide a four-sided interlocking tile system also capable of holding and/or stabilizing tile panels against each other and the underlying roof structure(s).  
      By way of example, one or more edges of the tiles are cut, shaped or otherwise formed to provide a selectively-interlocking covering, similar to, for example, a mortise and tenon arrangement. In a further embodiment, the leading edge of a tile of the subject invention is formed to provide an interlock channel, or mortise-like opening, and the trailing edge is formed to provide an insertion edge, or tenon-like extension. Thus, in this embodiment of the roofing system of the subject invention, the insertion edge, formed at or near the trailing edge of one tile, engages the interlock channel formed at or near the leading edge of another higher adjacent tile, such that the leading edge of the higher tile overlaps the trailing edge of the lower tile. In preferred embodiments, the leading edge overlaps the trailing edge and covers the mounting hole of the first tile, minimizing its exposure to the elements. The means for interlocking the leading edge of one tile with the trailing edge of another, lower tile is located higher (up-roof) than the mounting hole and fastener that are proximal to the trailing edge of the lower tile panel.  
      In an embodiment, the tile panels, once interlocked, can be attached to an underlying roofing structure, or roof decking utilizing standard roofing nails or screws. The tile system of the subject invention also provides specialized tiles for covering roof apex points, hip lines, and drip edges.  
      Alternative embodiments of the subject invention utilize tiles that have a mortise and tenon (also referred to as tongue-and-groove) type, or similar, configuration. In this embodiment, the leading edge of a tile is formed with at least one protrusion or tenon and the trailing edge of one, or conversely two, tiles form at least one corresponding opening or mortise. In such embodiments, the tenon(s) of a first tile can be positioned within the mortise(s) of one or more second tile(s), such that the leading edge of the first tile overlaps the trailing edge of the second tile(s).  
      Still further alternative embodiments of the subject application provide tile brackets that can be affixed to or incorporated into the upper surface of existing prior art tiles, or the novel tiles of the subject invention. The brackets secure the leading edge of tiles to provide greater wind resistance. In such embodiments, one or more tile brackets can be affixed to or incorporated into the upper surface of a first tile, at or near its trailing edge. A second tile is positioned to overlap the trailing edge of the first tile such that the leading edge of the second tile is received by the one or more tile brackets positioned on the trailing edge of the first tile. The tile bracket arm is generally designed to extend over the leading edge of the second tile to prevent it from being lifted once positioned in the tile bracket(s).  
      The various embodiments of the subject invention are designed to secure at least the leading edges of installed tiles and, in preferred embodiments, the side and/or trailing edges as well, to prevent wind-uplift and/or the Bernoulli Effect from removing or breaking the tiles during high wind conditions. The more secure the edges of the tiles, and the less air space under the tiles, the less likely the tiles will be lifted off or broken off by high winds. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In order that a more precise understanding of the above recited invention is obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered as limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the subject invention illustrating a barrel-style tile.  
       FIG. 2A  is an end-view of the upwardly-curved side of a tile shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 2B  is an end-view of a flat tile embodiment of the subject invention.  
       FIG. 3A  is an end-view of the downwardly-curved side of a tile shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3B  is a bottom plan view of a flat tile embodiment of the subject invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section of a downwardly-curved section of the tile shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section of an upwardly-curved section of the tile shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 6A  is a side-view of an alternative embodiment of the subject invention illustrating a flat-style tile.  
       FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view of the connecting means and interlocking mechanism of an embodiment of the subject invention as shown in  FIG. 6A .  
       FIG. 7A  is an end-view of an embodiment of a crown panel that can be utilized with the subject invention.  
       FIG. 7B  is a side-view of an embodiment of a crown panel that can be utilized with the subject invention.  
       FIG. 7C  is a cross-section of a side-view of an embodiment of a ridge panel that can be utilized with the subject invention.  
       FIG. 7D  is a side view of an embodiment of the crown panels shown in  FIGS. 7A, 7B , and  7 C, illustrating how they can be interconnected.  
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hip panel that can be utilized with the subject invention.  
       FIG. 8B  is a cross-section of a side-view of the embodiment of a hip panel shown in  FIG. 8A .  
       FIG. 9  is a side-view of an embodiment of a drip panel that can be utilized with the subject invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the embodiment of a drip panel, as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a roof end panel that can be utilized with the subject invention.  
       FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tenon and mortise (or tongue-and-groove) tile design that can be utilized with the subject invention. This embodiment illustrates a dove-tail configuration.  
       FIG. 12B  is a view of  FIG. 12A  wherein the full configuration of the tenon and mortise (or tongue-and-groove) of this embodiment can be seen.  
       FIG. 12C  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tenon and mortise (or tongue-and-groove) tile design that can be utilized with the subject invention. This embodiment illustrates an alternate dove-tail configuration.  
       FIG. 12D  is a view of  FIG. 12C  wherein the full configuration of the tenon and mortise (or tongue-and-groove) of this alternative embodiment can be seen.  
       FIG. 13A  is a perspective view a tile bracket embodiment of the subject invention.  
       FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tile bracket of the subject invention.  
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the tile panel of the subject invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DISCLOSURE  
      With reference to the attached figures, which show certain embodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen that the subject invention pertains to four-sided interlocking tile panels and systems for utilizing and installing the tile panels. One embodiment utilizes an overlap interlocking system wherein an edge of one tile overlaps and interlocks with an edge of another tile. A second embodiment utilizes a tenon and mortise (or tongue-and-groove) mechanism wherein one or more tenons of one tile can interlock with one or more mortises formed by at least one other tile. A third embodiment provides a tile bracket mechanism that can be affixed to a first tile so as to secure the leading edge of an overlapping second tile. The selectively-interlocking tile panel embodiments and the tile bracket mechanism will be discussed in detail below.  
      I. Overlap Interlocking Tile Panel  
      The Overlap Interlock tile panels of the subject invention can provide increased durability and resistance to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme environmental events with high wind conditions. The tiles are preferably manufactured from one or more lightweight concretes, known in the art, which allows them to advantageously be utilized in a variety of construction areas, usually without additional reinforcement of the underlying support system, for example a roof decking. In addition, the tiles of the subject invention are reinforced with a backing material, for example a foam or foam-like material, that provides additional strength and insulating properties, as well as minimizing airspace beneath the tiles, lending them advantageous characteristics in high wind conditions. When installed, the tile panels  10  of the subject invention are secured on all sides, wherein at least two sides utilize a selectively interlocking system and at least two other sides are secured by the overlap of adjacently positioned tiles. These features, combined with the backing material to minimize air space under the tiles, can provide a high wind resistant four-sided interlocking roof cover. In preferred embodiments, the panels are rigid; the rigidity ideally being a characteristic conveyed by the material used to make the sheathing surface, the backing material, or both of them.  
      For the purposes of this application only, the tile panels of the subject invention are described as a roof covering. This description should not be construed as a limitation in practicing the subject invention.  
      With reference to the attached figures, which show certain embodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen that the tile panels  10  comprise a sheathing surface  12  that overlays a backing material. The sheathing surface  12  can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, various metals, plastics, glass, woods, as well as natural or petroleum-based products or any combinations or composites thereof, etc., as are well known and would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In standard applications, tiles are usually manufactured from clay, concrete, or various composites or blends thereof, and such materials as those and others mentioned herein above may also be utilized in conjunction with the subject invention. Such tiles may also be reinforced with a variety of materials. However, standard clay or concrete, especially if reinforced, tends to be heavy, and may require additional reinforcement of roofing structure and decking. Therefore, it may be preferable, but not required, to use a lighter weight material.  
      In alternative embodiments, the sheathing surface  12  of the tile panel of the subject invention is manufactured from a lightweight concrete, for example, various cellular concrete products, or lightweight aggregate concretes, such as GRANCRETE®, or other similar products as are well known to those skilled in the art. In a further alternative embodiment, a foaming agent may be incorporated into a concrete mix, as is also known in the art, to reduce weight, without adversely affecting the strength of the concrete necessary for utilization with the subject invention.  
      The methods and techniques of manufacturing tiles are well-known in the art. For example, tiles can be formed in molds, extruded, or stamp constructed. The sheathing surfaces  12  of the subject invention can be manufactured, utilizing standard techniques, to required thicknesses, which will be determined by their ultimate construction application. For example, when utilized as wall or siding cover, it may be possible to construct the sheathing surface  12  of a relatively thin layer of lightweight concrete. However, for other applications, for example roofing construction, a thicker layer of lightweight concrete could be utilized. When utilized as roofing tile panels, the sheathing surface  12 , in a preferred embodiment, is approximately ⅛″ to about ½″ in thickness. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness is from about ¼″ to about ⅜″. In a most preferred embodiment, the sheathing surface  12  is about 5/16″ in thickness. In addition to other desirable characteristics, known to those with skill in the art, lightweight concrete provides sufficient durability to allow walking, kneeling, etc. on the tiles during installation. The concrete is also resistant to wind and water. If desirable, the concrete can also be tinted or colored before, during, or after the manufacture of the tile panels of the subject invention using well-known techniques and products. Utilizing lightweight concrete for the sheathing surface  12  allows the tile panels  10  to be used on standard roofing or decking assemblies  16 , usually without the need for reinforcements, which are sometimes necessary with standard clay or concrete tile roofs. It is also possible to utilize existing manufacturing techniques, molds, etc. that would be used with standard clay or concrete tile manufacture. Therefore, the tile panels of the subject invention can save costs on manufacturing, construction materials, and time. A further advantage of lightweight concrete is that it can be molded and shaped to provide almost any desired configuration, for example as shown in  FIG. 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the tile panels of the subject invention are colored and shaped to look like standard clay tiles. However, it should be understood that any shape or configuration could be utilized, including variations on the standard clay tile design. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the tile panels of the subject invention are a flat or shingle-type style. In a further alternative embodiment, the shingle tiles of the subject invention are manufactured and colored to mimic standard shingles, slate or other flat or contoured tile designs.  
      In most tile roofing construction, tiles are laid in an overlapping fashion and it is usually the weight of the tiles and the friction between the rough tile surfaces that hold the tiles in place. In some situations, the tiles may be secured to the roof decking, or underlying support structure. This can be accomplished by a variety of means including the use of grout or an adhesive, or nailing or screwing the tiles to the roof decking. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, each tile panel  10  is secured to the roof decking. This provides resistance to wind-lifting or other forces that could reposition the tiles. Therefore, in a further preferred embodiment, one or more openings or mounting holes  14  are created in the tiles, by techniques known to those with skill in the art, to accommodate their attachment to a roof decking. For example, the holes may be formed in the sheathing surface  12 , and/or the backing material during manufacture of a tile panel  10 , or alternatively could be created in the tile panel after manufacture. In a further preferred embodiment, the openings or mounting holes  14  can be formed at angles, such that the nails or screws are inserted at angles relative to the roof decking  16 , rather than perpendicular to the roof decking. In a still further preferred embodiment, the openings or mounting holes  14  are at approximately 40° to about 75°, relative to the roof decking or other support surface. This technique can increase the holding strength of nails or screws. Another consideration is the number of mounting holes created in the tiles, which will vary depending upon the type of tile. It is preferable for the tiles to have a sufficient number of mounting holes  14  so as to provide adequate resistance to wind lifting. The mounting holes  14  extend through the sheathing surface  12  and the associated backing material  20 , which will be discussed below. The mounting holes  14  can be in any location on the tile panel. However, for certain tile shapes, for example, barrel-style tiles it is preferable for the mounting holes  14  to be located where there is a minimum distance between the sheathing surface and the support structure, e.g., roof decking. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , if utilizing barrel-style tiles, it may be preferable to have mounting holes  14  in the downward-curved areas, preferably at the bottom of a curve, closest to the roof decking. Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , it is preferred that mounting holes  14  be located in an area of the tile that is proximal to its trailing edge so that the mounting hole is covered by the overlap of another tile when in its final assembled configuration, so that exposure of the fastener to the elements is minimized.  
      In a further preferred embodiment, the tiles can be connected to the roof decking utilizing standard screws or nails and equipment known to those with skill in art. In addition, an adhesive, grout, sealing, or similar material can be used in addition to nailing or screwing the tiles to the roof decking. This can assist in maintaining the proper positions of the tile panels, and in regions of more prevalent strong wind conditions, provide desirable additional resistance to wind-lifting. In a preferred embodiment, an adhesive, such as those known in the art, is applied either to the backing material of the tile panels, the surface of the support structure, or both of them, prior to installation to adhere the tile panels to the roof decking or other support structure.  
      The tiles of the subject invention can be manufactured to a variety of lengths and widths. Tile panels  10  that cover a larger surface area can be easier to install and reduce labor costs. In one embodiment, the tile panels  10  of the subject invention could be manufactured to a standard size of approximately 12- in length (from the leading edge  150  to the trailing edge  300 ) and approximately 18″ in width (side-to-side). However, in a preferred embodiment, the tile panels  10  of the subject invention can each cover approximately 3 to 4 feet of surface area. However, a person with skill in the art will recognize that the length and width of the tiles would be based upon the desired roof style and design. Utilizing moldable lightweight concrete makes it possible to create numerous tile designs, including for example, Roman, Greek, Italian, English, Spanish, etc. designs, or entirely unique tile designs, without significantly altering the methods of the subject invention. Further, the ultimate shape and size of the tiles utilized with any design will be dependent upon the given structure to which the tiles are to be installed.  
      As mentioned above, wind-lifting of tiles on a roof is a significant factor to consider in many areas of the world. In order to combat this effect, it is desirable to reduce or minimize the amount of air space under the tile panels. The subject invention utilizes a material on the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface  12  to reduce the amount of air space under the tiles. By reducing the amount of air space that is present under tile panels  10  when assembled according to the teachings herein, the tile panel  10  is less susceptible to lifting by wind. Numerous materials and techniques useful for filling or reducing the air space on the bottom side  24  of the tile panels  10  of the subject invention will be apparent to one with skill in the art. For example, backing materials can be selected from various materials, including plastics, woods, metals, lightweight concretes, ceramics, clays, foams, or combinations or composites thereof.  
      In one embodiment, the tile panels are constructed of materials capable of rendering a “cellular solid” product. In this embodiment, the tile can be created with any of a variety of decorative outer surface shapes, and styles, but could have a bottom surface  24  that conforms to the shape of the support surface to which it will be attached. For example, a barrel-style tile panel to be utilized on a roof decking could have a rolling or curved top surface  26  and the bottom surface  24  could be substantially flat so as to lay or be adhered flush against the roof decking.  
      In other embodiments, a backing material  20  can be utilized with the subject invention. In a preferred embodiment, the backing material  20  utilized with the subject invention should be water resistant and easily formable to accommodate a variety of shapes of tile panel  10 . It should also be of sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape during manufacture and installation of the tile panels and during high wind conditions. Further, a high insulation capability, or R value, is desirable. Depending upon the type or style of backing material utilized, it can be applied, affixed or connected to the sheathing surface by a variety of techniques known in the art. By way of example, certain types of backing materials  20  can be pre-formed to the required shape of the sheathing surface to which it will be adhered, or alternative means to conform the shape of the backing material  20  to the required shape of the sheathing surface  12  may be utilized.  
      In a further example, backing materials  20  may be applied to the inside surface of the sheathing surface  12  by various spray techniques known to those with skill in the art, or, as another example, layers of backing material could be stacked and formed to fill the space under the sheathing surface  12 . In a further example, the backing material can be formed in molds compatible with the shape of the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface  12 . In various alternative embodiments, the backing material may be extended beyond the edges of the sheathing surface. In various alternative embodiments, the backing material may be extended beyond one or more edges of the sheathing surface. In generally preferred embodiments, the backing material does not extend beyond, and may be offset from, one or more edges of the sheathing surface.  
      In an alternative embodiment, the sheathing surface  12  can be manufactured to have a relatively flat bottom side  24 , regardless of the design, contours or shape of the top side  26  of the sheathing surface. Thus, it would not be necessary to mold or form backing material  20  to the shape of the potentially variable top side  26 . In this embodiment, backing material can be attached to the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface  12  using a variety of techniques, without the need to shape or mold the foam to conform to a particular shape of the sheathing layer. The bottom of the sheathing layer  12  can be flat and flat panels of backing material  20  could readily be fixedly attached thereto.  
      In still further alternative embodiments, the sheathing layer  12  comprises a composite material. Such a composite material could comprise, for example, foam particulate matter or a foam core encapsulated in concrete, clay, or other material. In such an embodiment, the sheathing surface  12  could be prepared, as described above, with any variety of top side  26  configurations and a bottom surface  24  that conforms to the shape of the support surface to which it will be attached. In further alternative embodiments, additional backing material  20  could be affixed to the bottom surface  24  of the composite material to provide additional insulation and/or resistance to wind lifting by thoroughly filling all available air space under the sheathing surface  12 .  
      In preferred embodiments, substantially rigid, closed-cell foam is utilized as a backing material  20  with the tile panels  10  of the subject invention, for example, not limited to, polystyrene and/or polyurethane foam. Substantially rigid, closed-cell foam backing material  20  can resist water absorption and/or retention and provide additional strength to the tile panels of the subject invention. Further, it can provide a high insulation capacity and can be made to conform to any shape or style of sheathing surface, flat or otherwise. In more preferred embodiments, polystyrene and/or polyurethane foam is used in conjunction with the sheathing surface  12 .  
      In further preferred embodiments, the tile panels  10  are of a laminate construction, wherein foam backing material  20  is pre-formed to match the shape of the underside  24  of the sheathing surface to which it is to be adhered, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 1-5  and in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . In other embodiments, the backing material can be offset from one or more edges of the sheathing material. In alternative embodiments, the backing material can extend to one or more edges of the sheathing surface or, in a still further alternative embodiment, the backing material can extend over and/or beyond one or more edges of the sheathing surface.  
      The rigid closed-cell foam backing material  20  can be fixedly attached to the sheathing surface in a variety of ways, including using adhesives or tapes, screws, nuts, bolts, nails, etc. It can also be integrated into the sheathing surface, for example by providing a means for the lightweight concrete of the sheathing surface  12  to incorporate into a surface of the foam backing material  20 , such as, for example, during the manufacturing process.  
      In one embodiment, concrete or other suitable tile material can be poured, sprayed, or otherwise distributed into a tile mold and vibrated to evacuate any air pockets or bubbles in the material. A pre-molded foam surface  22  can then be pressed into, or otherwise brought into contact with the concrete on the eventual bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface before the concrete “sets” into the preferred tile panel shape. In this embodiment, it is important that the surface of the foam that is to be laminated with the concrete be relatively clean and free of debris so as to ensure good adherence with the concrete or other material. In another embodiment, the molded surface  22  of the foam backing material  20  is prepared prior to being pressed into the concrete to provide a corrugated or roughened surface, grooves or other types of depressions for the concrete to enmesh with or adhere to, in order to hold the foam securely against the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface.  
      In a preferred embodiment, an expanding foam liquid material is utilized with the tile panels of the subject invention. In this embodiment, any of a variety of foams in a liquid or semi-liquid form, known to those with skill in the art, can be poured, sprayed, or otherwise distributed onto at least a portion of the back of a tile sheathing surface. In a preferred embodiment, almost the entire back surface of a tile sheathing surface is covered with expanding foam. In a further preferred embodiment, the subject invention is utilized with a liquid foam material that forms a closed-cell, rigid, or semi-rigid foam backing material. For example, urethane or polyurethane foam liquid are well-known in the art and could be used with the subject invention. However, a person with skill in the art would be able to determine one or more foam materials that would be suitable for use in the particular environment and/or the intended use of the tile panels of the subject invention. For example, in certain applications, it may be preferable to utilize open-cell foam.  
      As mentioned previously, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the amount of air space under and around the tile panels. For the backing material  20  to effectively reduce the air space, it should fill as much available space as is practical between the roof decking  16 , or other support structure, and the underside  24  of the sheathing surface. Therefore, the surface of the bottom side of the backing material  28  can ideally conform to the shape of the roof decking or other support to which it will be adhered. For example, the surface of the bottom side of  28  of a backing material  20  can be flat so as to lie against a standard plywood roof decking  16 . In the preferred embodiment, tile panels  10  with cross-sections of various heights, such as for example, barrel- or Spanish-style tiles, will have the thickness of the backing material vary across different sections of the tile. An example of this embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , wherein  FIG. 1  is an example of a tile panel utilizing a curvilinear sheathing surface  12  and  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate how the thickness of the backing material  20 , such as, for example, foam, will vary at different length-wise cross-sections of the tile panel  10 .  
      As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the tile panels of the subject invention can be manufactured with any of a variety of foam backing materials. As mentioned above, one side of the foam backing material can be pre-formed to conform to the shape of the tile sheathing surface. In this embodiment, the side of the backing material that will be in contact with the roof decking  16  can also be manufactured in shapes that will conform to the surface shape(s) of the roof decking. In a preferred embodiment discussed above, the backing material can comprise a liquid expanding foam. In this embodiment, the fully expanded and sufficiently cured foam can be cut by techniques known in the art to any shape necessary to conform to a roof decking.  
      For certain applications of the tile panels of the subject invention, such as a roof covering, it may be necessary to adjust the angle at which the tile panels overlap. This can ensure that the tile panels more accurately or closely follow the angle or pitch of a roof. In standard roofing tiles, it is well known in the art to taper or slant the trailing edge  150  of a tile so that overlying tiles do not adopt a step-wise progression up the slope of the roof, which can prevent the tiles from laying flush with the roof decking or other underlying support, particularly at or near the lower roof line or ridge line. In the subject invention, the backing material  20  can be molded, cut or otherwise formed to achieve an angle sufficient to ensure flush mounting of the installed tiles on a roof. For example,  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate flat tile panels wherein the backing material is formed at an angle such that the thickness of the foam material at the trailing edge  300  of the tile panel is less than that at the leading edge. This allows the trailing edges of tile panels to be overlapped by the leading edges of tile panels and still maintain generally complete contact with a roof decking.  
      As mentioned above, the tile panels may be secured to an underlying support using nails, screws, etc., optionally along with an adhesive, grout, or similar material. By maximizing the contact area between the backing material  20  and the underlying support, it allows for a greater surface area between the backing material  20  of the tile panel and the underlying support structure to be held together using an adhesive, grout, or other material. The thickness of the foam can vary depending upon the type or style of sheathing surface utilized, the environmental conditions, available installation space, or type of foam utilized, etc. A person with skill in the art will be able to determine an appropriate foam thickness to achieve adequate insulation properties and/or tile support. In order for the tile panels  10  to overlap, as usually desired for tile installations, it is necessary to ensure that the backing material  20 , such as, for example, foam, or other material (composite, cellular solid, etc.) under the sheathing surface is contoured or formed to provide sufficient clearance to accommodate the surrounding tiles. In certain embodiments, the backing material  20  of foam or other material extends only partially to the edges of the tile panels  10 . This provides an insertion gap  30  around the tile panels  10  to accommodate the surrounding tile panels  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the backing material  20  is extended to the edge of the tile panels  10  a sufficient distance so that, when installed, it will buttress against the backing material  20 , for example, foam, or other material, in the surrounding tile panels to create a substantially contiguous, preferably foam, layer across a roof or other structure under the sheathing surface  12 . This allows for the interlocking of the tiles during installation, which further increases their resistance to wind-lifting. One example of this embodiment is shown in the barrel-style tile panels in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , wherein the overlapping side edge  32  of the first sheathing surface  12 , shown in  FIG. 3 , is angled to fit over and against the underlying side edge  34  of a second sheathing surface  12  so that the backing material  20  underneath both sheathing surfaces  12  is adjacent to form an essentially contiguous layer. A further example of the overlapping side edges  32  and  34  are shown in  FIGS. 2B and 3B , wherein flat-style panels are shown with an overlapping side edge  32  and an underlying side edge  34  shown on a tile panel.  
      For certain styles of tile panels  10 , it is possible to further include one or more interlock channels  36 , for example, as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5 ,  6 A and  6 B. One or more interlock channels  36  can allow the tile panels  10  to be firmly seated against each other to provide further stability after installation. The one or more interlock channels  36  can further reduce the ability of tile panels  10  to be lifted, twisted or otherwise displaced. In this embodiment, the edge of the sheathing surface  12  of an upper located tile panel  10  is positioned above a lower second tile panel  10 , which has been mounted on the support structure, and the interlock channel  36  of the upper tile panel engages the edge of the sheathing surface  12  of the lower mounted second tile panel. As mentioned above, the offset, preferably foam, backing material  20  on each tile panel when installed will be adjacent to form an essentially contiguous layer under the sheathing surfaces  12 . An example of this embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . In a preferred embodiment, a tile panel  10  comprises at least one interlock channel  36  at the leading edge  150  to accommodate the trailing edge of at least one other tile panel  10 . In this embodiment, an interlock channel is formed under one or more sheathing surfaces wherein the bottom side of the sheathing surface defines some portion of the interlock channel, such that the top side of the trailing edge  300  of one sheathing surface is in contact with the bottom side of the leading edge  150  of a second sheathing surface.  
      In alternative embodiments, the leading edge  150  of a sheathing layer can be modified to include one or more interlock channels. In such embodiments, the trailing edge  300  of a first sheathing surface of one tile panel can be positioned within the interlock channel  36  in the leading edge  150  of the sheathing surface of an adjacent tile panel. To accommodate an interlock channel  36 , the sheathing surface  12  can comprise an overall greater thickness, or it can be formed thicker at one or more edges so that an interlock channel  36  can be formed therein.  
      In a still further alternative embodiment, one or more interlock channels  36  can be formed entirely within the backing material  20 . For example, the backing material  20  can be sufficiently extended to the leading edge  150  of a first tile panel  10  sheathing surface  12  so that an interlock channel can be formed therein that will accommodate the trailing edge  300  of a second tile panel  10  sheathing surface  12 . In this embodiment, the edge of the sheathing surface  12  of the second tile panel that is engaged with the interlock channel  36  of the first tile panel will be in contact only with the backing material. Thus, the edges of the sheathing surfaces  12  will be substantially covered with backing material and will not be in contact.  
      In a yet further alternative embodiment, the backing material of the second tile panel can be extended past the edge, or may even cover or partially surround, the trailing edge  300  of the sheathing surface, for example as shown in  FIG. 14 . In this embodiment, when the leading edge  150  and the trailing edge  300  are engaged, the backing material  20  of the interlock channel  36  of the first tile contacts the backing material  20  surrounding, or partially surrounding, the trailing edge  300  of the second tile panel. This can provide an even more airtight seal to prevent windlift.  
      In most roofing designs, there are one or more roof apex points or drip edges that must be covered in addition to the other areas of the roof structure. In tile roofs, these areas usually require special tiles to “cap” or seal the exposed edge. Following are examples of a specialized ridge crown panel  40 , hip panel  50 , gable panel  60 , drip edge panel  70 , and a valley seal  80  that can be utilized with the installation method and tile panels  10  of the subject invention.  
     EXAMPLE 1  
     Roof Drip Edge Panel  
      In most conventional roof structures, particularly tile roof structures, the drip edge of the roof is a weak point which allows the ingress of the elements, particularly wind. It is wind ingress on the leading edge of a roof line that can be particularly severe. In high wind conditions, the edge can be lifted from the support structure exposing the underlying roof decking to the elements, or, in extreme circumstances, completely removing the tiles. Therefore, it is desirable to close or seal the drip edge to resist wind-lift.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the subject invention provides for a drip edge panel  40  that can secure and protect the leading drip edge tile panels  10 . The drip edge panel  40  can comprise a variety of materials, which will become apparent to one with skill in the art. However, in a preferred embodiment, the drip edge panel  40  comprises a lightweight concrete, as described for the sheathing surface. In one embodiment, a drip edge panel  40  is an elongated panel comprising a leading edge guard  44  and one or more mounting holes  14 .  
      A drip edge panel can comprise a variety of decorative or functional shapes, or surface configurations. In addition, a person with skill in the art will readily recognize numerous shapes for drip edge panels or components thereof that would be appropriate for use with the subject invention. Such modifications are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.  
      A drip edge panel  40  is designed to be inserted and secured under the tile panels  10  at the edge of a roof, particularly on a roof drip edge. Once installed, the leading edge guard  44  on the drip edge panel  40  provides a “wind-break” on the front side of the leading edge of tile panels  40 , which can reduce or eliminate wind-lifting of the leading edge tile panels. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the front profile  48  of the leading edge guard  44  is compatible with the profile of the tile panel  10  against which it will be used. For example, if utilized with barrel-style tile panels, the front profile  48  may be curvilinear to match the profile of the barrel-style tile panels.  FIG. 10  illustrates an example of this type of drip edge panel  40 .  
      In a further preferred embodiment, the drip edge panel  40  comprises at least one interlock flange  42  on the backside  45  of the edge panel that can be inserted into an interlock channel  36 , discussed above, in a tile panel  10 . An interlock flange  42 , for example as shown in  FIG. 9 , can provide further stability to and proper installation of a drip edge panel  40 , as well as helping to secure the interlocked tile panel  10  against wind lifting. The interlock flange can be contiguous or comprise one or more sections.  
      In a still further preferred embodiment, a drip edge panel  40  can comprise a drip edge  46  along the front of the leading edge guard  44 . The drip edge  46  can be straight, bent or curved to any desired angle and may have a variety of designs or decorations incorporated into or thereon. The drip edge  46  can provide a controlled flow of water from the tile panels  10  away from the roof fascia and sides of a home or building.  
      The drip edge panels can be secured using a variety of techniques and methods. They can be secured to the edge of the roof structure and/or the tile panels  10  at the roof edge.  
      However, in a preferred embodiment, the drip edge panels  40  further comprise mounting holes  14 . Once positioned, the drip edge panels can be secured using standard roofing nails or screws in the mounting holes  14 . The proximity of the nails and/or screws along the edge of a roof and the use of an interlock flange  42  in an interlock channel  36  lends the tile panel  10  system of the subject invention even further resistance to wind-lifting.  
     EXAMPLE 2  
     Ridge Crown Tile Panel  
      Standard roof designs usually have at least one roof ridge which must be sealed, particularly on tile roof designs, to protect underlying roof structure or roof decking from the elements. This can be accomplished with a variety of techniques and devices known to those with skill in the art. Usually overlapping concave curved or rounded tiles are installed along the roof ridge to prevent ingress of water and other elements under the tiles. Often, a beam of 2″×4″ or 2″×6″ board is positioned along the ridge line to which the curved or rounded tiles may be secured with one or more nails or screws and, often, an adhesive material. However, these techniques, with or without the additional board, create large areas of air space under the tiles making them susceptible negative pressure effects and wind-lift.  
      To address this problem, the subject invention utilizes a crown tile panel  50 . A crown tile panel can comprise a variety of decorative or functional shapes, or surface configurations. A person with skill in the art will readily recognize numerous shapes for crown tile panels that would be appropriate for use with the subject invention. Such modifications are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.  
      A preferred embodiment of the crown tile panel  50  of the subject invention comprises an elongated curved sheathing surface  52 , similar to that described above, having a concave bottom side  24  or curved profile that can be installed in an overlapping fashion across a roof ridge. An example of this embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In a further embodiment, the sheathing surface  12  of the crown panel  10  comprises an interlock method to assist in maintaining the position of the installed tiles along the roof ridge. In this embodiment, the top surface  26  or convexly curved profile trailing edge  300  of the crown panel  50  comprises a notch or groove  54  around the convex circumference of the sheathing surface. The leading edge  150  of the tile comprises a collar  56  extending around at least a portion of the concave bottom side of the crown panel  50 , and follows the circumference of the curved tile panel  50 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 7B . When laid end to end, the collar  56  on a first crown panel can be positioned in the groove  54  of a second crown panel in an essentially straight line along a roof ridge, of which an embodiment of this assembly is shown in  FIG. 7D .  
      The crown panels  50  of the subject invention can be secured to the roof ridge similarly to the other tiles described above, in that they can be adhered to the tile panels  10  with adhesives, grouts or similar materials. Alternatively, a 2″×4″ or 2″×6″ board can be positioned along the roof ridge, between the tile panels  10  and the crown panels  50  secured thereto with standard nails or screws, optionally in addition to using an adhesive or similar material.  
      In an alterative embodiment, a locking track  58  is incorporated with the crown panels  50  to facilitate better adherence to a roof ridge beam  100 , such as a 2″×4″ or 2″×6″ board or other similar device. In a preferred embodiment, the locking track  58  is a substantially U-shaped frame of approximately the same length as a crown panel  50 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A, 7B  and  7 C. In further preferred embodiments, the locking track  58  is designed to fit over a roof ridge beam with minimal amount of space between the locking track  58  and the beam. As will be discussed below, the locking track  58  can, further, be fixedly attached to a beam via an adhesive applied to the inside of the locking track  58 , the beam, or both. The dimensions of the locking track  58  utilized with the subject invention can vary. Such variances can be adjusted according to the size, shape and length of the beam, manufacturing and/or installation considerations, construction materials, etc. Crown panels currently known in the art usually sit on a roof ridge beam, such that the only contact between them is where the underside of the crown panel touches the top edge of the roof ridge beam. However, in a preferred embodiment of the crown panel of the subject invention, the dimensions of the locking track  58 , which actually straddles at least a portion of the beam and extends along at least a portion of the sides of the beam, are such that there is approximately 25% to about 200% additional surface area or more that can be utilized to contact, hold and/or adhere the crown panel  50  to a beam. In a further preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the locking track  58  are such that there is at least about 200% more surface area that can be utilized to contact, hold, and/or adhere to the crown panel  50  to a beam.  
      The locking track  58  of the subject invention should comprise material suitable for contact with and, preferably, adherence to, a roof beam, for example, various types of plastics, woods, metals, concretes, foams, or combinations or composites thereof, may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the locking track  58  comprises a rigid material of sufficient durability and strength to hold a crown panel  50  in place along the roof ridge and withstand environmental conditions for several years. It can be molded into the sheathing surface, or defined in the backing material, or incorporated in addition to the backing material and the sheathing surface.  
      In a further preferred embodiment, foam or foam-like backing material  20  is utilized with the crown panels on both sides of the locking track to further reduce the amount of air space under the crown panels  50 , and provide additional benefits as described above. The foam backing material  20  utilized with the crown panel  50  should be configured so as to accommodate the surrounding roofing tile panels  10  against which it will be set. Therefore, it may be necessary for the foam backing material  20  to be molded or fixedly attached in an accommodating fashion so that the crown panels  50  can be positioned against the roof tile panels  10  so as to reduce the ingress of elements, particularly wind, under the crown panels  50 .  FIG. 7A  depicts a cross-section of a crown panel wherein the foam backing material  20  is molded towards the apex of the curve to accommodate the surrounding roof tile panels against which it would be placed in operation.  
      In a further preferred embodiment, the locking track  58  is fixedly connected to the crown panel  50 . This can be accomplished by several means known in the art, including, but not limited to adhesives, screws, nuts, bolts or other attachment means. In a preferred embodiment, the locking track  58  further comprises an anchor end  59  that is pressed, pushed, or otherwise set into the lightweight concrete during the manufacture of the sheathing surface  52 . In a further preferred embodiment, the anchor end  59  comprises ridges, grooves, holes, or other means whereby the concrete can integrate with the anchor end  59  so that, when the lightweight concrete is firm, the locking track  58  is securely affixed to the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface.  
      During installation the crown panel is positioned over the roof beam with the locking track  58 . Mounting holes  14  in the crown panel can be used to secure it to the beam. Additionally, an adhesive, grout, additional cement, or similar materials can be used to further secure the locking track  58  to the beam. Additional crown panels are positioned end to end via the tongue  56  and groove  54  mechanisms described above.  
      In still further preferred embodiments, portions of the backing material  20  or locking track  58 , or both of these, can extend slightly forward at their leading edge  150  so as to be received under the trailing edge  300  of an adjacent crown panel during installation, thereby providing still further increased resistance to wind lifting.  
      It is well known in the art to use caps on the ends of the roof ridge tiles to close and/or seal the exposed tile ends. In an embodiment of the subject invention, crown panel caps may also be utilized to close, seal or otherwise cover the ends of the curved tile panels at the ends of the roof ridges. In a preferred embodiment, the caps utilized with the subject invention will also utilize a locking track  58 .  
     EXAMPLE 3  
     Hip Tile Panel  
      The hip of a roof is a point where a roof makes a turn to go in another direction. Usually, hip lines extend downward from an essentially horizontal roof ridge. This presents another area that should be sealed against the elements, particularly wind and water. To cover and protect these areas when using the tile panel of the subject invention to cover a structure, the subject invention utilizes an elongated hip panel  60 . A hip panel  60  of the subject invention combines features of the crown panel and the tile panel to provide a secure, wind and weather resistant covering for a roof hip. An example of one embodiment of a hip panel  60  of the subject invention is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In a preferred embodiment, the hip panels  60  overlap in an end-to-end fashion along the line of a roof hip.  
      A hip tile panel can comprise a variety of decorative or functional shapes, or surface configurations. In addition, a person with skill in the art will readily recognize numerous shapes for hip tile panels that would be appropriate for use with the subject invention. Such modifications are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.  
      One embodiment of a hip panel comprises a sheathing surface  62  with a curved profile, similar to that used for crown panels  50 . In this embodiment, the concavely curved surface defines the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface and the convexly curved surface defines the top side  25  of the sheathing surface. However, the sheathing surface  62  may resemble any shape or configuration, and can include other decorative or functional features as necessary or desired. It is most important that the sheathing surface  62  provide sufficient protection and drainage characteristics to protect the underlying roof support structures.  
      In a further embodiment of a hip panel, a locking track  64  is integrally connected to the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface  62 , similarly as discussed previously for a crown panel  50 . The locking track  64  of the hip panel  60  is of sufficient length to ensure proper and secure placement of the hip panel, but does not interfere with the insertion of additional hip panels above or below it. An example of a locking track  64  used with a hip panel of the subject invention is shown in  FIG. 8B . Thus, when installing a hip panel  60 , a beam, for example, but not limited to, a 2″×4″ or 2″×6″ board, is installed along the length of the roof hip line, between the tile panels  10  on either side of the roof hip line. The beam can be held in place by a variety of techniques and methods that will be apparent to one with skill in the art. However, in a preferred embodiment, the beam utilized with the hip panel  60  of the subject invention is secured to the roof structure with straps of sufficient strength to withstand extreme weather or high wind conditions. In a further preferred embodiment, hip panels  60  are positioned along the length of the beam using the locking track  64  to ensure proper and secure placement.  
      In a still further embodiment, hip panels  60  can be held in place along the length of the beam utilizing devices or methods known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the hip panels  60  further comprise mounting holes  14 , as discussed above, through which standard roofing nails or screws can be used to secure the hip panels  60  to the beam. In a further preferred embodiment, an adhesive, grout, or similar material is also utilized between the beam and the locking track  64  to further secure the hip panels  60  to the beam.  
      In a still further embodiment, the hip panels  60  comprise foam backing material  20  on the bottom side  24  of the sheathing layer  62 , on both sides of the locking track, as described above for the crown panels  50 . As discussed above, the foam backing material  20  fills the air space under the hip panels  60  to combat negative pressure effects and provide a further insulation factor.  
      In an alternative embodiment, the foam backing material can be formed with locking channel  64  therethrough such that a separate locking channel would not be necessary. In this embodiment, the foam-formed locking channel  64  is seated and affixed directly onto the beam.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the foam backing material  20  is molded, formed or otherwise positioned so as not to interfere with the placement of a hip panel  60  against the tile panels  10  on either side of the roof hip line, for example as shown in  FIG. 8A . In a further preferred embodiment, the foam backing material  20  provides an additional means for interlocking the hip panels  60  during installation. In this preferred embodiment, the foam backing material  20  of the hip panels  60  further comprises one or more interlock channels  66  at the leading edge  200  of the hip panel  60  for example, as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In addition, the trailing edge  400  of the hip panel provides an overlap  68  in the sheathing layer  62  that corresponds to the shape of the interlock channel  66 .  
      During installation, the hip panels  60  are placed in an ascending over-lapping fashion, wherein the overlap  68  at the trailing edge  400  of a first installed, usually lower, hip panel is inserted under the sheathing surface  62  of a second installed, usually higher, hip panel so that the overlap  68  of said first hip panel inserts into the at least one interlock channel  66  in the foam backing material  20  at the leading edge  200  of the second overlapping hip panel  60 .  
      In a further preferred embodiment, the foam backing material  20  of one hip panel  60  is configured complementary to the foam backing material  20  of the adjacent hip panels forming an essentially continuous layer of foam backing material  20  under the installed hip panels  60 . This can help combat negative pressure effects and provide an additional insulation factor.  
      It is also well known in the art to use caps on the ends of the roof hip tiles. In an embodiment of the subject invention, hip panel caps may also be utilized to close, seal or otherwise cover the ends of the hip panels  60  at bottom of roof hip line. In a preferred embodiment, the caps utilized with the subject invention will also have a locking track  68 , and the overlapping and interlocking capabilities described for the hip panels to allow proper drainage.  
     EXAMPLE 4  
     Gable Panel  
      A roof with a gabled end is one with a straight slope falling from the roof ridge to the eave creating a peak on the side or front facade. Gabled roofs have rakes on the gabled facades that should be protected to prevent access of rain and wind under the roofing tiles to the underlying roof support structures.  
      The subject invention utilizes a gable end panel  70  to cover and protect this area of a roof. In one embodiment, the gable end panel  70  comprises several features of the above-described tile  10 , crown  50 , and hip  60  panels. One embodiment of a gable end panel  70  of the subject invention is shown in  FIG. 11 .  
      A gable end panel can comprise a variety of decorative or functional shapes, or surface configurations. In addition, a person with skill in the art will readily recognize numerous shapes for gable end panels that would be appropriate for use with the subject invention. Such modifications are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the gable end panels  70  of the subject invention comprise a curved sheathing surface  72 , a leading edge  200  and a trailing edge  400 , an outside edge  78  of the sheathing layer  72  that extends over the roof rake and an inside edge  79  that extends over the roof or other structure. In another preferred embodiment, the outside edge  78  of the sheathing surface is elongated to cover a greater area of the fascia board or beam, discussed below. This can provide a more controlled drainage of water from the roof. However, it should be understood that the gable end panels  70  of the subject invention may resemble any shape or configuration, and can include other decorative or functional features as necessary. It is most important that the shape of the gable end panel provide adequate drainage and protection for the underlying roof support from the environmental elements, particularly rain and wind. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that numerous functional or decorative shapes may be utilized for the sheathing surface  72 .  
      In a further embodiment of a gable end panel  70 , a locking track  74  is integrally connected to the bottom side  24  of the sheathing surface  72 , similarly as discussed previously for a crown  50  or hip  60  panel. The locking track  74  of the gable end panel  70  should be of sufficient length to ensure proper and secure placement of the gable end panel, but should not interfere with the insertion of additional tile panels above or below it. An example of a locking track  74  used with a tile panel of the subject invention is shown in  FIG. 11 . To install a gable end panel  70 , a beam or fascia board, for example, but not limited to, a 2″×4″ or 2″×6″ board, is fixedly connected along the length of the roof rake line using techniques known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, gable end panels  70  are positioned along the length of the beam using the locking track  74  to ensure proper and secure placement. An embodiment of the locking track  74  that can be utilized with the gable end panels  70  is shown in  FIG. 11 .  
      In a preferred method of installation, the gable end panels  70  are installed in an ascending end-overlapping-end fashion using the locking tracks  74  to ensure proper and secure placement. In a further preferred embodiment, the gable end panels  70  comprise mounting holes  14  for securing the gable end panels  70  to a beam. In a still further preferred embodiment, an adhesive, grout or similar material is used between the locking track  74  and the beam to further secure the gable end panels  70 .  
      In a further embodiment, the gable end panels  70  comprise foam backing material  20  on the bottom side  24  of the sheathing layer  72 , on both sides of the locking track, as described above for the crown  50  and hip  60  panels. As discussed above, foam backing material  20  can fill air space under the gable end panels  70  to combat negative pressure effects and provide a further insulation factor. In a preferred embodiment, the foam backing material  20  can be molded, formed or otherwise positioned so as not to interfere with the placement of gable end panels  70  against the tile panels  10  on edge of gable roof end line, for example as shown in  FIG. 11 .  
      In a further embodiment, the foam backing material  20  provides an additional means for interlocking the gable end panels  70  during installation. In a preferred embodiment, the foam backing material  20  of the gable end panels  70  further comprises one or more interlock channels  76  at the leading edge  200  of the gable end panel  70  for example, as shown in  FIG. 11 . In addition, as described above for the hip panels  60 , the trailing edge  400  of the gable end panel  70  provides an overlap in the sheathing layer  72  that corresponds to the shape of the interlock channel  76 .  
      During installation, the gable end panels  70  are positioned similarly as described above for the hip panels  60 . The gable end panels  70  are installed in an ascending fashion, wherein the sheathing layer overlap in the distal end  400  of a first installed gable end panel slides under the proximal end  200  of the sheathing layer of a second installed gable end panel, and interlocks with the interlock channel  76  in the foam backing material  20  of the second gable end panel. In a further preferred embodiment, the foam backing material  20  of one gable end panel  70  is configured to abut against the foam backing material  20  of the adjacent gable end panels forming a substantially continuous layer of foam backing material  20  under the installed gable end panels  70 . This can combat negative pressure effects and provide an additional insulation factor.  
     EXAMPLE 5  
     Roof Valley Seal  
      The valley on a roof is created when a roof changes direction. It is the point where the two planes of a roof meet to form a seam. In current roofing installation, a flashing material is usually installed in this seam area to protect the underlying roof structure from water drainage. However, this technique does not combat negative pressure effects.  
      The subject invention utilizes a grout or mortar based material with sufficient strength to withstand environmental conditions, extreme or otherwise, to seal this area. With the tile panel system and installation of the subject invention, this will provide a roof sealed and protected from the elements, and able to withstand extreme weather and wind conditions.  
     EXAMPLE 6  
     Installation Method  
      The tile panels and associated specialized panels described above are preferably installed in a standard overlapping fashion well-known in the art. The tile and other panels of the subject invention are similarly installed. However, the interlock features for the panels provided with the subject invention require an additional consideration when installing the panels on a structure. The following installation method illustrates use of the tile panels as a roof covering. However, it will be understood by a person with skill in the art that this method can be modified for installation on other structures.  
      After insuring that all underlayment, e.g., support structures, flashing, etc., are installed, it is necessary to next determine the starting point for laying the first tile(s). In a preferred embodiment, the panels of the subject invention are designed to be installed starting from one of the lower edges of a roof. In a further preferred embodiment, the interlock features are designed so that the panels are installed starting from the right side of one of the lower edges of a roof.  
      After determining the appropriate starting point, the first tile panel should be placed against the support structure, e.g., roof decking, to determine whether it needs to be cut to accommodate the shape of the roof area to be covered. If necessary, the tile should be cut so that the angle of the cut is flush with roof edge against which it will be placed, whether it is a roof valley, hip, or gable end.  
      In this installation, the tile panels  10  are interconnected with the drip edge panels  40  along the edge of the roof line. Therefore, the initial tile panel  10  should be placed so as to determine where the associated drip edge panel  40  must also be placed. Once this has been determined and the positions fixed for the initial drip edge panel  40 , all of the additional drip edge panels can be installed along the roof edge using, preferably, an adhesive as well as nails or screws to hold them in place.  
      The tile panels  10  can then be installed starting against the drip edge panels  40 , from the right side all the way to the left side of the roof, preferably using an adhesive along with nails or screws to secure the tile panels in place. The second row of tile panels  10  is also started along the right side of the roof. It is further preferable for the seam of the tile panels  10  in the first row to be situated in the middle of the tile panel of the second, overlapping row of tile panels  10 , to create a staggered tile pattern. Therefore, as mentioned above, if it is necessary to cut the tile panel  10 , the cut should match as close as possible the angle of the roof edge against which it will be placed, whether it is a roof valley, hip, or gable end. As an example, if the starting point is a roof valley, it is preferable to leave no more than approximately 1″ between the tile panel and the valley edge. In the case of a hip or gable starting point, it is preferable for the tile panels to almost touch the hip or gable beam on which the hip panel and gable panels will later be installed.  
      Tile panels  10  can continue to be installed in this fashion across the roof until the final row along the roof ridge. At this point, it may be necessary to cut the tile panels  10  so that they cover the roof line and almost touch the roof ridge beam on which the crown panels will later be installed. It may also be necessary to drill or otherwise create holes in the tile panels  10  along the roof ridge line, if the ends with the mounting holes  14  must be cut away to accommodate the roof ridge beam. Once the entire roof surface has been covered with the tile panels  10 , the hip, gable and ridge crown panels can be installed where necessary.  
      The hip panels  60  are installed beginning from the bottom edge of the roof hip so the panels can be properly attached using the nails or screws before the subsequent hip panel is installed to overlap the first one. Again, it is preferable to use an adhesive along with the nails or screws to secure the hip panels against the beam. Once the first hip panel is in place and secured, subsequent hip panels can be installed using the locking tracks  64  to place and secure the hip panels against the beam and the interlock channel  66  to connect and secure the hip panels in an end-to-end and overlapping fashion along the roof hip line. All of the hip panels  60  should be installed in this fashion.  
      The gable panels  70  are installed similarly to the hip panels  60  beginning from the bottom edge of the roof gable line so they can be properly secured, preferably with an adhesive and nails or screws, and overlapped. As described above, gable panels  70  have an elongated outside edge  78  which should be positioned over the edge of the roof gable line to facilitate water drainage away from the roof and structure. Gable panels are positioned on a beam utilizing a locking track  74 , similar to the hip panels, and they interlock using an interlock channel  76 .  
      Once the hip  60  and gable panels  70  have been installed, the crown panels  50  are used to close and seal the roof ridge. In a preferred method, installation of the crown panels  50  begins on the left side of the roof line, with the groove  54  end towards the right side of the roof line. Thus, the crown panels  50  are installed in a left to right fashion using the locking track  58  to place and secure the crown panels with the tongue  56  of one crown panel seated in the groove  54  of the adjacent crown panel  50 . Again, it is preferable to use an adhesive along with nails or screws to secure the crown panels.  
      The final step is to seal off the valley seams and the ends of the hip, gable or crown panels. Specialized caps as described above can be used to close the ends of the hip, gable or crown panels. Alternatively, or in addition, grout, cement or similar material can be used to seal these areas, as well as any valley seams. In addition, it is customary and preferable to further seal all open areas between the panels  10  and any hip  60 , gable  70 , or crown  50  panels to resist intrusion of wind or water under the roof system.  
      II. Tenon and Mortise Interlock Tile Panel  
      With regard to the above description of the overlap interlocking tile panels, an alternative embodiment utilizes a tenon and mortise (also called a tongue-and-groove) interlock system. An example of this selectively interlocking embodiment can be seen in  FIGS. 12A and 12B .  
      This embodiment utilizes a tenon and mortise interlock system  90 , wherein at least one tenon  92  is formed on the bottom side  24  at or near at least one edge of a tile panel  10  and at least one congruously shaped mortise  94  is formed into at least one other edge of the tile. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one tenon  92  is formed as part of the leading edge  150  of a tile and the mortise  94  is formed as part of the trailing edge  300  of a tile.  
      A mortise and tenon of the subject application may utilize a variety of shapes capable of being operably engaged or interlocked. In a preferred embodiment, the shape and/or configuration of the tenon and mortise will enable the tenon  92  to be engaged with the mortise  94  by sliding the tenon into the mortise. In a still further preferred embodiment, the tenon  92  and mortise  94  are formed in a dove-tail configuration, wherein, the tenon  92  is flared such that the base  97  that engages with the mortise  94  is wider than the apex  98  that intersects and fixedly connects with the bottom side  24  of the tile. Such a configuration is well-known in the art and a person with skill in the art will be able to determine the appropriate angle of flare required for the materials utilized for a sheathing surface  12 .  
      A corresponding groove or mortise  94  can be formed as part of at least one other edge of a tile, where the circumferential shape of the mortise  94  corresponds to the circumferential shape of the at least one tenon  92 , for example, as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of a mortise  94  are sufficiently larger than the dimensions of a tenon  92  to ensure that they can be fit together with general ease without damage to the tile panel  10  or having excessive space for movement or play between the sides of the tenon and the sides of the mortise.  
      In one embodiment, a tile panel  10  has at least one tenon  92  positioned at the leading edge  150 , but offset from the center line  500  between the leading edge  150  and the trailing edge  300 . A corresponding at least one mortise  94  is positioned at the trailing edge  300  of the tile and is offset from the longitudinal center line  500  to the opposite side of the tile as the tenon  92 . Thus, when the tenon of a first tile is inserted into the mortise of a second tile the tiles will be offset permitting a staggered pattern when numerous tiles are connected.  
      A preferred embodiment utilizes a modified dove-tail configuration. In this embodiment, a tile panel  10  has one tenon  92  centered at the leading edge  150 . A correspondingly shaped mortise  94  is divided between the comer edges  99  of the trailing edge  300  of the tile, such that a first side of a mortise  95  is formed at one comer edge  99  of the tile panel and a mirror-image thereof forms the second side of a mortise  96  at the opposite comer edge of the tile panel. In this embodiment, a complete mortise  94  is formed by two separate tiles, such that when two tiles are positioned side-by-side, with the trailing edges  300  being substantially co-planar, the combined comer edges define a full mortise  94 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, when a tenon is interlocked with a mortise, the tiles will preferably be arranged in a staggered and overlapping configuration. In a further preferred embodiment, to maintain their interlocking overlapped positions, the tile panels can be further affixed to a roof decking via techniques and device discussed above. The ability to interlock the leading edges  150  with the trailing edges  300  and by further affixing the tiles to a roof decking or other structure ensures that wind-lifting of the tiles, even in extreme weather and high-wind conditions will be reduced or eliminated.  
      III. Tile Bracket  
      A further alternative embodiment provides a tile bracket apparatus that can be incorporated into existing tiles or even certain embodiments of the tile panels of the subject invention. With regard to  FIG. 13A , it can be seen that an embodiment of a tile bracket  600  of the subject invention is fixedly attached to a tile using a flange  610 . The flange can be incorporated into a tile at the time of manufacture or affixed to the tile by a variety of techniques after manufacture, such as for example, with adhesives, screws, nails, bolts, combinations thereof, etc. For certain tile types, the tile brackets  610  of the subject invention could even be fixedly attached onto tiles already installed on a structure.  FIG. 13A  shows an example of a tile bracket that can be incorporated into the tile material.  FIG. 13B  shows an example of a tile bracket that can affixed to a tile by alternative techniques.  
      A bracket arm  615  is affixed to the flange  610  and extends generally perpendicularly from the flange  610 . The bracket arm  615  can extend from the flange  610  to any desirable height. However, in a preferred embodiment, the height of the bracket arm  615  will correspond to the thickness of the tile panels with which it will be used. Fixedly connected to the bracket arm  615  is a tile stop  620  that extends generally perpendicularly from that end of the bracket arm  615  opposite the flange  610 . The tile stop  620  is directed towards the trailing edge  300  of a tile and along with the bracket arm  615  forms a notch  630  into which the leading edge  150  of an overlapping tile panel  10  can be placed.  
      When the leading edge  150  of a tile or a tile panel of the subject invention is positioned within the notch  630 , the bracket arm  615  prevents the tile from changing position and the tile stop  620  prevents wind-lift of the leading edge. The tile panels can be further affixed to the roof decking  16  or other underlying structure by procedures and methods discussed above to provide further protection against wind-lift and/or repositioning of the tiles.  
      In a preferred embodiment, at least one tile bracket  600  is affixed approximately 3 inches to approximately 5 inches from the trailing edge  300  of a tile. This allows the tiles to be overlapped when positioned within the tile brackets  600 .  
      The tile brackets  600  can comprise any of a variety of materials having the necessary resistance to environmental conditions, including, for example, various metals, plastics, ceramics, clay, cement, wood, or composites thereof, etc. In addition, the tile bracket  600  or components thereof can embody any desired decorative features. For example, the tile brackets can be any of a variety of colors to complement and/or blend with the tiles or tile panels with which they are utilized, and the bracket arm  615  and/or the tile stop  620  can further embody any desired shape. In one embodiment, the tile brackets  600  are aluminum and the tile stop  620  is formed as a flattened flange  650  that can lie flush with the top surface  26  of a tile, as shown for example in  FIG. 13B .  
      In further alternative embodiments of the tile bracket  600  of the subject invention, any of an assortment of accessories can be affixed to or formed as part of the tile bracket. For example, snow guards are well-known in snowy climates. Therefore, in one alternative embodiment, snow guards can be incorporated into the tile brackets of the subject invention. By way of example, the tile stop  620  of a tile bracket  600  could be modified to include a snow guard apparatus. It is also well-known in the art to decorate snow guards with various shapes, motifs, styles, colors, and to adjust the angles, widths, etc., to accommodate various expected snowfall amounts. Such decorative or adjustable features could also be used with the snow guards incorporated into the tile brackets  600  of the subject invention.  
      A further alternative embodiment can incorporate various blades, vanes or fins for controlling the absorption of thermal energy. It is well-known in the art to utilize various materials to absorb heat and re-direct it away from an underlying structure, such as a roof. Thus, the tile brackets  600  of the subject invention could incorporate components for absorbing thermal heat and dissipating it into the surround environment. For example, various shaped projections, fins, rods, etc. could extend from the bracket arm  615  and/or the tile stop  620 .  
      All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.  
      It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.