Builders in Non-Traditional Tile Markets Are Converting Asphalt ...

Tag : petroleum asphalt


The use of concrete roof tile is standard practice in the Sunbeltareas of the U.S., but in most areas of the U.S. asphalt shinglesare still the most common roofing material. This trend is changinghowever, as non-traditional roof tile markets are seeing thedistinct advantages of concrete roof tile versus asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles, with their inherently low life cycle and thenegative environmental impacts associated with the disposal of theproduct, are also a petroleum-based product. Since asphalt iscreated from crude oil, the cost of asphalt shingles is directlytied to that of oil and, consequently, as oil prices rise, so dothe price of asphalt shingles. These factors, as well as thesuperior aesthetics of concrete roof tile, are reasons for theincreasing occurrence of asphalt to tile conversion in many marketsacross the country.
Texas builders are finding that conversion from asphalt shingles totile is good for their business and good for the homeowners aswell. Kent Key Homes in Denton, Texas is building an all-tilesubdivision of 106 homes. They are using Tejas Espana byMonierLifetile on all of the Mediterranean style homes.
"Potential home buyers are used to seeing asphalt shingles in Texasso the tile roofs really draw attention and add to the appeal ofour homes," said Kent Key.
Beyond the ability of the tile to match the architecture andaesthetic curb appeal of the homes, its longevity as compared withasphalt shingles is a key selling point. While an asphalt shingleroof lasts maybe 20 to 30 years, a tile roof will last a lifetime.In the sometimes dramatic weather in Texas, there are alsoinsurance benefits due to MonierLifetile's upgraded hail rating.
The Tuscan Hills homes built by Kent Key are also touted as "greenhomes." In addition to the inherent energy efficient benefits of atile roof, the homes are also built with aluminum clad woodwindows, solid core doors and 19 Seer air conditioning units. KentKey Homes are so confident of the energy savings afforded tohomeowners that they promise homebuyers that the 2300 square footmodel will have a heating/cooling bill not to exceed $78 a monthand the 3500 square foot model, $117 a month.
ZK Homes in Houston, Texas was founded 4 years ago by Lee Ziebenand John Kirksey, Jr. Both Zieben and Kirskey Jr. and theirfamilies have years of experience in the development and realestate industry, but when they started their company they wanted tobe innovators from the outset. While asphalt shingles is the mostfamiliar product used on homes in Texas, ZK Homes chose to begintheir company with an eco-friendly emphasis. This means usingproducts such as MonierLifetile, an inherently environmentallyfriendly product, along with other products known for energyefficiency such as LoE rated windows, tankless water heaters, andhigh Seer rated air conditioning units.
"You see a lot of asphalt in Texas but we think that MonierLifetileconcrete roof tile adds a tasteful design element to our homes andas we tell homeowners, it adds long-term value to theirinvestment," said Lee Zieben. "I've also introduced MonierLifetileto other builders who are now using concrete tile on theirprojects," added Lee.
ZK Homes is doubling the size of their company each year focusingon building semi-custom patio and townhomes as in-fill in citycenter areas of Houston and Sugarland. Their flagship project is inthe heart of Sugarland -- 100 patio and town homes in the mid-$500to 800K range. The 4-year-old company has already made its mark inthe Houston area, winning 3 awards from the Greater HoustonBuilders Association in 2007 (Prism Awards for Garden/Patio Home ofthe Year; Product Design of the Year over $400,000; and FrontElevation of the Year -- $400,000 to $600,000).
"As our company grows, we are excited about the opportunities tofurther the green building movement in the Houston area through theuse of environmentally friendly building methods that createinnovative and sustainable living spaces for our customers," saidJohn Kirksey, Jr., ZK Homes partner.