Archive for category: Blog

Green roofs are one of the biggest modern design trends for houses, apartment buildings, and commercial properties all across the country. Whether plants, flowers or grass, adding vibrant greenery to your rooftop can not only enhance aesthetic appeal and property value, but also add valuable functional benefits to your project.

The biggest hassle of green roofs is the maintenance required to maintain natural plant life in such an inhospitable environment. That’s why developers are using realistic-looking artificial grass landscaping to add a pop of greenery without all the maintenance time and costs.

Artificial turf can be easily installed on any rooftop using Tile Tech’s innovative turf tray, and the solution provides numerous benefits for properties of any size in any location. If you’re considering rooftop turf, here are four of the many ways in which roof turf can improve your roof’s performance.

Increase Your Roof’s Lifespan

One of the primary goals of any building development or home renovation is return on investment. One way to guarantee an ROI is to ensure your investment lasts as long as possible.

Installing rooftop turf alongside durable porcelain pavers will increase the lifespan of your rooftop by protecting it from the elements. From rain and snow to UV light and fluctuating temperatures, your roof has many harsh conditions to stand up to year after year. By installing rooftop turf, you’re creating a barrier between your rooftop and these elements, which allows the roof to remain in better condition for longer. 

Green roofs have been proven to double or even triple the life expectancy of your rooftop. By protecting your roof’s waterproofing underlayer, you can not only reduce material waste from re-roofing, but also save hundreds or thousands of dollars on repairs in the long run.

Improve Drainage

Adequate drainage is a crucial component of any rooftop design, as excess rainfall can cause flooding if appropriate drainage isn’t in place. Even if the rainfall does drain away from the building, as much as 75 percent of that water runs off into urban areas and can pose a risk to local animal life.

Green roofs with turf trays have been proven to better retain rainwater, reducing the volume of runoff and even improving the quality of that runoff. By storing water in plants and substrate, more water can be released back into the environment naturally, reducing the strain on local infrastructure. Plus, with a dedicated comprehensive drainage system, artificial turf rooftops result in runoff stormwater that is cleaner than runoff from a conventional rooftop, better protecting the local environment and its inhabitants.

Boost Energy Efficiency

One of the most popular reasons for switching to a green roof is increased energy efficiency. With a conventional rooftop, poor insulation can often lead to substantial heat loss in winter and stifling heat retention in summer.

By utilizing a turf tray on your green roof, you can reduce this effect and stay more comfortable year-round with lower HVAC usage. Plants absorb the sun’s energy, reducing indoor temperatures in the summer without the use of AC. Some artificial turf varieties even boast properties that allow the turf to stay up to 15 percent cooler in the heat. 

By protecting your building from direct solar heat and minimizing heat loss during winter, you can conserve energy, reduce your utility bills, and lower your carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefit the Environment

Rooftop turf can also save you money and help you do your part to protect the environment through reduced maintenance. Since artificial grass is low maintenance and doesn’t require daily watering to remain green, you can save thousands of gallons of water every year. This reduced water usage is crucial in certain climates and environmentally beneficial everywhere. 

You can also eliminate your use of harmful substances such as gasoline and toxic fertilizers since deck turf doesn’t require any of the typical lawn maintenance — such as mowing, edging, and weed elimination — to remain pristine and evergreen.

If you want an easy-to-install roof deck solution within budget, look no further than Tile Tech and our innovative Turf Tray system. To learn more about the many products and services Tile Tech offers, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.

Whether you want to transform your roof deck, pool deck, backyard patio or any other exterior walkway, adding level hardscaping can make your property look like new and give you the outdoor oasis you’ve always envisioned. Deck pavers, especially when combined with versatile options like roof turf or pool deck tiles, can turn even the most uneven terrain into a perfectly level and functional entertaining space on any budget.

How? The key is the versatility of adjustable pedestals. Porcelain deck pavers can be used in conjunction with adjustable deck supports to create a comprehensive and easy-to-install paver system that can be DIY’d or professionally installed on time and on budget. 

What Are Adjustable Deck Supports?

Adjustable deck supports, also referred to as adjustable pedestals or roof pedestals, are essentially what they sound like — pedestals upon which your deck pavers rest. They create space between the porcelain deck pavers and the ground below, allowing you to create a level surface while leaving space for drainage, electrical wires or any other under-floor components necessary for your outdoor space.

Tile Tech’s roof pedestals can be adjusted up to two feet in height, turning even the most unwalkable slope into a level terrace. Our pedestal paver system also includes built-in self-leveling with additional slope compensation plates at the bottom of the pedestal system. The stackable caps allow for slope adjustment up to 3 percent, and the screw adjustment allows for quick and easy fine height tuning of an additional ¾ inch, 1½ inch, or 4 inches, depending on the model used.

What Are the Types of Adjustable Pedestals?

At Tile Tech, we offer two main types of adjustable deck supports: standard adjustable pedestals and hybrid adjustable pedestals. Both of our adjustable pedestal systems consist of seven standard pieces and a user-supplied SDR-35 PVC pipe which are used with our deck paver products to create a self-leveling deck.

Fixed pedestals are another option for deck support. Less versatile than their adjustable counterparts, fixed deck supports are best for raised decking that has a support surface that is already perfectly level. Fixed pedestals are primarily used to create an airflow space between a building’s surface and the deck pavers.

Do I Really Need Roof Pedestals?

While there are other options for creating an outdoor deck or terrace, adjustable deck supports are by far the easiest, most versatile, and most affordable way to turn hilly terrain into a level walkway.

Tile Tech’s adjustable pedestals are incredibly easy to install and remove, and they’re created to work seamlessly with our deck pavers, making porcelain paver installation a breeze. Additionally, if you ever need to repair or replace a tile in the future, adjustable pedestals allow you to easily pop out individual deck pavers and replace them in record time.

Whether you’re building a rooftop deck that needs underfloor wiring or a backyard patio that needs to remain level over sloped terrain, there’s no simpler or more cost-effective option than Tile Tech’s adjustable pedestal system.

Tile Tech is proud to be a leader in adjustable deck supports and deck pavers, manufacturing one of the easiest-to-use deck systems on the market. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including porcelain outdoor tiles and adjustable pedestals, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.

With today’s climate crisis, doing everything possible to help reduce environmental impact is crucial for U.S. residents. Although it may not feel like you can do anything to make a significant difference, even small changes add up to a world of a difference. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to achieve a more eco-friendly home, try something as simple as switching up your roof’s porcelain deck pavers. Not only will it make your home more comfortable and more sustainable, but it will also save you money! Here’s how Cool Roof pavers can help your wallet and the environment year-round.

What Are Cool Roofs?

Most traditional rooftops — more than 90 percent of rooftops in the United States — are made with asphalt and other dark-colored materials. These dark materials absorb high amounts of solar heat, increasing heat island effect and contributing to global warming. In addition, since high amounts of heat are absorbed into the roofing material, that heat is then transferred to the building below, increasing the need for AC in the summer.

Cool Roof pavers, by contrast, are eco-friendly roof deck pavers made from premium, ultra-white raw materials. By utilizing white and ultra-light colored pavers, Cool Roof pavers have a high reflective value and low emissivity rate, resulting in a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) value. This high SRI value means that the sun’s heat is reflected off the Cool Roof pavers and emitted back into the atmosphere, reducing heat absorption and heat transfer to the building below.

Cool Roof pavers are installed on top of your roof using our standard adjustable pedestals or hybrid adjustable pedestals to achieve a quick and cost-effective elevated roof deck. Even if your roof is sloped or uneven, our roof pedestals will give you a perfectly level finish that makes your rooftop ideal for a pool deck, rooftop garden, or entertaining space.

Cool Roofs Reduce Heat in Summer

Cool Roof pavers are advantageous all year long, but they’re most effective in hot climates. They’re engineered to support heat reduction efforts, so the sunshine of summertime allows them to do their best work for your utility bills.

Since the white of Cool Roof pavers efficiently reflects infrared light, which makes up approximately half of the sun’s energy, contractors utilize them in warm climates to make their projects LEED-certified and eco-friendly. Cool Roof pavers can also be combined with traditional metal, tile, and asphalt shingles for a customized solution that suits your area’s unique weather patterns.

Cool Roofs Maintain Heat in Winter

Many homeowners understand the advantage of Cool Roof pavers in the summer but wonder whether the material’s reflective value will make their home colder in the winter. Especially in colder climates such as the Northeast, Cool Roof pavers can be advantageous during summer heatwaves, but the heat-reductive properties may not be needed during the winter.

A team of researchers recently studied the effect of a cool roof versus a conventional black roof during the winter months. They found that, with consistent insulation in both homes, both structures had equal amounts of heat loss. Even with Cool Roof pavers, homes will not experience any more heat loss than with an asphalt roof, but they’ll be able to take advantage of the significant heat reduction benefits during all other seasons of the year.

Which Projects Benefit From Cool Roofs?

Cool Roof pavers can benefit projects of all sizes and in all climates. While properties in particularly warm climates will undoubtedly benefit the most, climate change is rapidly increasing average temperatures across the country and the globe, resulting in brutal summer heatwaves even in the chilliest climates.

If you have a residential or commercial property that you’d like to make more eco-friendly, Cool Roof pavers are a great choice. Not only will they reduce your carbon footprint, but on average, Cool Roof pavers can save a property owner 7 to 15 percent on total cooling costs over time. Whether you’re managing a commercial building or upgrading your dream home, Cool Roof pavers can benefit you.

If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including Cool Roof pavers, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.

Whether you’re flipping a property and want to get the most for your money, or you’re upgrading your forever home and want to create the perfect oasis, porcelain deck pavers are the way to go.

Endlessly versatile, durable and affordable, porcelain pavers can be used to completely transform the look of your backyard with just one easy-to-install hardscaping solution. If you want to maximize your backyard and bring its full potential to life, try these four ways to utilize porcelain deck pavers.

1. Create an entertaining space with gray stone porcelain deck pavers

When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than enjoying the outdoors with friends and family from the comfort of your own home. With porcelain pavers, you can create an elegant outdoor space for lounging or dining that can be the focal point of many joyous evening and weekend get-togethers.

Gray Stone porcelain pavers are perfect for a simple, classic look. The dark gray tones pair well with virtually every home exterior color and add a modern chic appearance. The mid-tone shade helps hide any dirt or wear, and the porcelain pavers require very little maintenance to stay in good condition. By combining long-wear porcelain deck pavers with a timeless dark gray hue, you can have a beautiful outdoor entertaining space that will look as good as new for years to come.

2. Mimic the luxury look of marble with quartzite white porcelain deck pavers

If you want the look of luxury on a tighter budget, look no further than white porcelain pavers. Quartzite White porcelain pavers mimic the appearance of marble but at a fraction of the cost — and with greater durability and functionality. Stain-resistant, slip-resistant, and easy to maintain, white porcelain deck pavers are a superior choice to costly natural marble.

White porcelain deck pavers are ideal for creating a patio, walkway, fireplace, steps or even a rooftop lounge. You can also use them to create a luxurious, hotel-like pool deck that will have you feeling like you’re in Santorini by just walking out your back door.

3. Elevate earth tones with sand porcelain deck pavers and pool copings

If you want to add a timeless, traditional style to your backyard pool deck, utilizing earth tones will help you achieve a Mediterranean vibe in your own home. Textured, earth-toned deck pavers such as Quartzite Sandy porcelain pavers or Sand Stone porcelain pavers will elevate your entertainment area and create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

Pair these textured pool pavers with matching pool copings for a seamless, modern appearance that will create the illusion of a bigger pool deck. You can also choose contrasting travertine pavers for your coping tiles to create a more chic and modern appearance.

4. Create the illusion of more space with light gray porcelain deck pavers

Virtually every homeowner in America wants to make their backyard look larger. Having a cramped or messy outdoor space can feel claustrophobic and drive down property value, so maintaining a well-landscaped lawn that appears as large as possible is ideal.

You can add dimension to your backyard design and create the illusion of more space with the help of light gray porcelain pavers such as Tile Tech’s Quartzite Cloud porcelain pavers. The light-colored hues reflect the sun’s rays and bring more light to the yard while juxtaposing with verdant green grass for a more expansive and sleek-looking backyard.

Porcelain pavers work best in this way as pool deck pavers, pool copings or walkways. You can also use rectangular slabs to create a seating area next to the pool. Porcelain pavers have anti-slip properties and are resistant to wear from pool chemicals, so they’re perfect for any backyard application, including pool decks.

No matter what you need to bring your backyard oasis vision to life, Tile Tech’s dozens of innovative deck pavers can help you execute your project to perfection. Paired with our adjustable pedestals, installation is a breeze, and the final look is second-to-none. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including pool pavers and coping tiles, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.

Adding artificial grass to your roof deck is a great way to incorporate lush, verdant landscaping into an urban jungle. Green space can be a precious commodity depending on where you live, so opting for rooftop turf can help you enjoy the soft, natural feeling of grass underfoot without the maintenance and square footage required for a natural grass backyard.

If you want to install synthetic turf onto your roof, choosing Tile Tech’s turf tray makes it easier than ever — but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you begin installing your roof turf.

1. Drainage

Efficient drainage is one of the biggest benefits of artificial grass over natural grass, and it’s especially important on a rooftop. If you’re installing roof turf, ensure that your rooftop has adequate drainage and water flow to avoid pooling water. If water builds up, you could have issues with mold, mildew or roof leaks.

Before installing your turf tray, confirm there’s somewhere for your water to drain. Then, be sure to utilize adjustable pedestals such as Tile Tech’s hybrid adjustable pedestals or standard adjustable pedestals during installation. Placing your turf trays on top of adjustable pedestals will allow you to create room for water flow underneath the turf. Setting the turf at a slight slant will also help ensure adequate drainage.

2. Magnification

Artificial turf is an incredibly durable and long-wearing product, which is why it’s preferred over natural grass for rooftop applications. However, magnification can be an issue since turf is made of plastic polyethylene fibers.

To gauge whether magnification, or the melting of turf caused by direct sunlight, will be an issue for your rooftop, place a plastic bag in the area where your roof turf would be. Supervise it over the course of the day, and if it hasn’t melted by midday, your rooftop turf will likely be just fine.

Magnification is most common on balconies or rooftops where you’ll experience the direct reflection of sunlight off of a neighboring building. White reflection lines along the surface of the rooftop are often a good indicator of whether your artificial grass will melt in that area.

3. Frame Installation

Whether you’re installing porcelain outdoor tiles or turf trays (and most property owners will install both), you’ll need to construct a frame using our adjustable deck supports in order to install the rooftop turf. 

We recommend measuring where the deck trays will go with chalk, then placing an adjustable deck support at each corner of a tile, including around the entire perimeter of the rooftop area. Don’t forget to leave room for spacers if needed. Once you’ve done this, you can easily snap your turf tray into place — no frame construction or adhesive necessary.

Rooftop turf is one of the most cost-effective and functional ways to add vibrant greenery to small, outdoor spaces like balconies or rooftops — and, thanks to Tile Tech, it’s also one of the easiest. Whether you want roof turf for a lounge space or spruce up a balcony, Tile Tech’s turf tray deck system makes it possible. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including adjustable pedestals and turf trays, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog, or quote for your next project.