New Ideas

Membranes are strong

The Garland Co. Inc. has introduced StressPly® Max polymer-modified bitumen membranes, which provide tensile strength of 1,000 pound-feet per inch and elongation of more than 16 percent.

The StressPly Max membranes' composition reportedly ensures effective waterproofing with a combination of styrene-butadiene-styrene and styrene-isoprene-styrene rubbers and Kevlar® fibers for long-term weathering performance.

Website: www.garlandco.com
Telephone: (800) 321-9336

TPO membrane withstands heat

GAF Materials Corp. has developed EverGuard® Extreme™ TPO Single-Ply Roofing, a new grade of EverGuard TPO membrane that reportedly has higher reflectivity and heat resistance and can withstand conditions exceeding ASTM International standards.

EverGuard Extreme is designed to withstand the high temperatures resulting from the use of flexible photovoltaic modules attached directly to its surface. The white membrane, available with a smooth or fleeceback surface, is available in 60- and 80-mil thicknesses.

GAF Materials also has added two new polymer-modified bitumen membranes to its Ruberoid® family: Ruberoid EnergyCap™ MOP FR and Ruberoid MOP PLUS SMOOTH. The two products are designed for new roofing and reroofing applications.

Ruberoid EnergyCap MOP FR is a fire-resistant membrane with a factory-applied layer of TOPCOAT® EnergyCote™ elastomeric coating. The product's heavyweight polyester mat core reportedly makes it durable and resilient, allowing it to resist splits and tears.

The smooth-surfaced Ruberoid MOP PLUS SMOOTH consists of a strong, nonwoven polyester mat coated with flexible, SBS polymer-modified bitumen.

Website: www.gaf.com
Telephone: (877) 423-7663

Welding machine is efficient

Leister Process Technologies has introduced the BITUMAT B2, an updated version of its BITUMAT, designed for polymer-modified bitumen sheet welding.

The BITUMAT B2 is a flameless, hot-air welding machine that reportedly provides safer, more accurate and more efficient results than traditional torch welding of polymer-modified bitumen. Unlike open-flame processing, only one user is required to properly operate the BITUMAT B2.

The BITUMAT B2 reportedly can reach welding speeds up to 39.4 feet per minute, making it more cost-effective than open-flame processing. The machine is said to produce void-free, consistent, repeatable welding seams up to three times stronger than those produced by torch welding.

Website: www.leister.com
Telephone: (630) 760-1000

Roof accessories introduced

Firestone Building Products Co. LLC has introduced three TPO and polymer-modified bitumen roof system accessories: X-Tred™ Walkway Pad, UltraPly™ TPO XR Stick™ Adhesive and LiquiGard™ Membrane Adhesive.

X-Tred Walkway Pad is a versatile, easy-to-install, self-ballasting walkway pad made from 100 percent TPO. The pad is said to have a unique cross-tread design and weight per square foot that eliminates the need for heat welding the pad to the roof membrane, allowing it to be loose-laid over TPO, EPDM, PVC and various asphalt roof systems.

UltraPly TPO XR Stick Adhesive reportedly helps minimize the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). UltraPly TPO XR Stick Adhesive is a two-part polyurethane adhesive that can be used over insulation, concrete, lightweight concrete, wood and metal.

LiquiGard Membrane Adhesive is a two-part urethane adhesive that forms strong bonds between roof membranes and substrates, creating resistance to high winds. LiquiGard does not contain VOCs and is an option for hospitals and applications where using asphalt, heat welding with torches or odorous solvents is not acceptable.

Website: www.firestonebpco.com
Telephone: (800) 428-4442

Hat provides hands-free lighting

Ergodyne has launched its GloWear® 8940 PowerCap,™ a baseball-style cap that uses four LEDs—two installed in the brim for longer distance lighting of up to 50 feet and two under the brim for close-up tasks. The cap allows for safe, convenient and productive hands-free project and workspace illumination.

PowerCap's LEDs are powered by four replaceable CR2032 lithium batteries that reportedly provide more than 30 hours of continuous light.

Website: www.ergodyne.com
Telephone: (800) 225-8238

Underlayments install quickly and save energy

RKW U.S. Inc. has introduced two products—Aptra Elements™ and Roof TopGuard Craftsman.™

Aptra Elements is a metallic, highly reflective roof underlayment that reportedly reduces home and building energy costs and keeps houses warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The underlayment material is said to maintain strength and flexibility without metal surface rub-off or oxidation. Aptra Elements is available in various weights for wall and other roof system components.

RoofTopGuard Craftsman roof underlayment is based on RKW's RoofTopGuard II™ technology but weighs 40 percent less and is said to be faster and easier to install than 30-pound felt paper. The underlayment reportedly offers waterproof secure protection and durable strength with economical pricing for temperate climates where high-wind protection is not required. RoofTopGuard Craftsman is made of reflective gray, nonwoven-coated spunbond polypropylene, and each roll covers 1,000 square feet.

Website: www.rkwus.com
Telephone: (706) 232-3027

System combines membrane with fleece

Duro-Last® Roofing Inc. has introduced its Fleeceback™ System, which combines Duro-Last's thermoplastic membrane and 5 1/2-ounce fleece material bound to the underside of the membrane. The system reportedly can be used for direct-to-deck applications, nonnailable deck applications and projects where a specific appearance is desired. It is available in 50- and 60-mil thicknesses in full rolls only.

Duro-Last Roofing also has added a new color—terra cotta—to its standard membrane offerings. The membrane's thermoplastic formulation is said to provide flexibility, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and flame resistance. Terra cotta-colored membranes are available in 50-mil thicknesses.

Website: www.duro-last.com
Telephone: (800) 248-0280