New ASTM Standard for Lightweight Roof Aggregate
Titled ASTM E2788, Specification for Use of Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Component in the Growing Media and Drainage Layer for Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems, it was developed by Subcommittee E60.01 on Buildings and Construction, part of ASTM International Committee E60 on Sustainability.
Carlisle Construction Materials to Add PVC Manufacturing
Carlisle Construction Materials (CCM), is adding a PVC roofing membrane manufacturing operation to its Greenville, Ill. campus.
John Altmeyer, President and CEO of CCM said, “PVC is a significant and growing segment of the commercial roofing market, both in the US and in many international markets, so our entry into the PVC market is a natural move for the business. Our expertise and experience in EPDM and TPO single-ply membranes will assist us greatly in PVC.”
PVC roofing membranes made at the facility are expected to be available for shipment by the end of the first quarter of 2014.
Lawsuit between Polyguard And Meadows is Settled
Litigation between Polyguard Products, Inc. and W.R. Meadows, Inc. has been settled. The dispute was over which company held the rights to certain underslab and blindside waterproofing technology.
In late March, PolyGuard and W.R. Meadows announced that the lawsuit had been settled, and W.R. Meadows could continue to make and market the disputed product lines under a licensing agreement from PolyGuard. Terms of the license were not disclosed.
Single Ply Roof Membrane Standard Published
To develop the standard, they used an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited consensus process, which included input from manufacturers, suppliers, regulatory officials, academia, industry representatives and end users.
The new NSF/ANSI 347 Sustainability Assessment for Single Ply Roofing Membranes, “provides a transparent way for manufacturers of single ply roofing membranes to demonstrate their commitment to applying more sustainable approaches to product development and corporate operations, and enables them to differentiate their products in the marketplace.”
Commonly used in the green building industry, single ply roofing membranes provide a waterproofing layer in both vegetative and conventional roof systems. The new NSF/ANSI 347 standard provides a framework for assessing the environmental and societal impacts of single ply roofing membranes across the product life cycle, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management.
“The roofing industry, as well as the overall construction industry, is transitioning to more sustainable products,” said James R. Kirby, who oversees technical communications for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). “The NSF/ANSI 347 standard is leading the transition to more ecologically friendly roof membranes and their manufacture.”
Henry Company Acquired By Investors
Henry Company, a leading manufacturer of roofing products has been acquired by an investor group. Private equity firm Graham Partners has the largest ownership stake. Other co-investors include the private equity firm OceanBridge Partners, members of current management, and the company’s former owners. The company was purchased from AEA Investors, which had owned a majority stake in Henry since 2005. Terms of the transaction were not released.
Brian Strauss will remain president and chief executive officer of Henry, and the existing senior management team will continue to lead the company. “We are enthusiastic about the partnership with Graham and look forward to working together,” said Strauss.
Henry is one of the largest waterproofing manufacturers in North America. Their roof coatings and cements, air and vapor barriers, underlayments, waterproofing products, spray foam, green roofing systems, and other products are sold under a variety of brand names, including Henry (roof cements and coatings), Bakor (building materials), Blueskin (air and vapor barriers), Aqualite® (wax emulsions), Black Knight (roof coatings and driveway sealer) and Permax (spray foam).
MFM Underlayments Approved By Miami-Dade
MFM Building Product’s IB Underlayments have been approved as hurricane resistant in Florida’s Miami-Dade region. The MFM IB line of underlayment products are self-adhering, mineral-faced membranes that self-seal around nails and other fasteners. They’re typically applied to roof decks at edges, valleys, vents, skylights and chimneys to protect from leaks caused by ice dams, melting snow and wind-driven rain.
Now, several of the MFM IB product lines, including IB-3 IceBuster, IB-3 StormStopper, and IB-3 ShingleStarter, have been “formally approved by Miami-Dade to comply with the Florida Building Code including the High Velocity Hurricane Zone.”
A copy of the official report, numbered NOA No. 11-1205.03 can be found at www.miamidade.gov.
Green Roof Popularity Skyrockets
Vegetated roofing is one of the fastest-growing construction trends. According to one survey, it doubled in popularity just in the last 12 months. The trade group Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) announced the results of their 2012 Annual Industry Survey of Corporate Members in May. Among the most astonishing results was the rate of acceptence of green roofs.
“The green roof industry grew by 115% over the course of 2011, up significantly from 28.5% growth recorded in 2010,” said Steven W. Peck, president of GRHC.
While Peck didn’t speculate on the factors driving the growth rate, it’s possible that the new wind and fire codes, as well as government incentives, played a major role.
