By Western Colloid. 

From roofs made of beeswax and clay to fluid applied reinforced roofing systems, commercial roofing has had an interesting history!

Commercial roofing has come a long way over the last few centuries. Many advancements have been made to the roofing process, including the cool roofs and fluid applied reinforced roofing (FARR) systems from Western Colloid. But we want to take a trip back in time and look at where commercial roofing started and how far we’ve come today. 

Where roofing coatings began

The use of roof coatings dates back to at least 3000 BC in Egypt. There they used coatings made of beeswax, clay, balsam and pitch. Later, in 1000 BC, they made their varnishes from arabic gum. Some of the earliest roofs to exist were made from soil, clay and water mixtures. The roofs would often be waterproofed by pastes made of sand, limestone, gypsum and water.  

Formulations of roof coatings began to see advancements in the late 17th century. Chemists in Europe began to develop tar and polymer coatings that are still used in roofing today. One of the more major developments was that of built-up roofing (BUR) in the 19th century. This groundbreaking process came about when it was discovered that hot tar could be layered with felt and covered with gravel to create a solid roof structure. The hot tar was later replaced by asphalt and the felt was replaced by fiberglass mats, creating the more modern version of BUR roofing we know of today. 

In the 1960s, companies were developing variations on the BUR concept with different products making up the various layers. This led to the creation of a single sheet that was combined with elastomeric polymers and bitumen to create a modified sheet (modified bitumen) that would be torched and mopped with asphalt, cold adhesive products or even self-adhered.    

Along with the creation of modified bitumen came rubber and thermoplastic membranes. These membranes are the polymerized rubber of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and the two major types of thermoplastics used in roofing: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic olefin (TPO). FARR coatings were not far behind. 

Roofs of today 

We have always loved asphalt roofs because they have the ability to melt a little bit in the heat of the sun and reseal the roof penetrations. Since the hot asphalt is mopped on and flooded on a roof it almost creates a monolithic surface. 

Asphalt roofs can be good, but asphalt is often hazardous to work with and has a strong smell. In addition, petroleum asphalt products are much less viable today. The tear resistance and flexible qualities of modified bitumen roofs are great, but this can still involve installing a petroleum product with a torch or mop.   

The reflective surface and energy efficiency of TPO roofs is a plus, however, the TPO membrane is also less resistant to chemicals such as grease. It is also prone to cracking. Installation of these roofs vary from ballasted to using a chemical adhesive, also known as adhered or through the use of mechanical fasteners. All seams must be heat welded together so we worry about the problems presented by the many seams that are found on these thermoplastic roofs.

The durability and chemical damage resistant properties of PVC roofs are great. These are also installed using the same methods as TPO, by using ballast, fully adhering the membrane with a chemical adhesive or using mechanical fasteners. But you still get those pesky seams with this type of roof. 

EPDM has earned a reputation for weatherability, hail resistance and flexibility. In most cases these types of roofs have a black surface and are adhered with chemical adhesives. But these roofs do not have cool roof properties due to their dark surface.  

Most roofs with rolled membranes are at risk of experiencing leaks around the seams, penetrations and ponding water areas. The surfaces of these roofs deteriorate because of the sun and weather, and they also crack, split and oxidize. There is a greater possibility of leaking with rolled membraned products. You can get solar reflectivity with PVC and TPO products, but you still run into the problem of seams and patchwork around the penetrations. There is also deterioration with most membrane products as a result of ponding water, a common occurrence with flat roofs. This leads us to the innovative fluid applied reinforced roofing systems.

What we love about a FARR roof coating system 

Take the best parts of all the products being applied today and combine them into one product, and you have fluid applied reinforced roofing. FARR roof coating systems have no seams and therefore offer more security against leaking and ponding water. These systems install easily without any need for rock ballast, chemicals, screws or plates that could potentially penetrate the roof membrane and cause more leakage. 

Specifically Western Colloid’s pioneering FARR products also offer energy efficiency, durability and a solid warranty that other roofing systems do not. Plus, if a customer has a failing BUR, Modified Bitumen, EPDM, TPO or PVC roof, they can all be reconditioned with Western Colloid’s fluid applied system. We firmly believe that liquid/fluid applied roof systems are the way of the future.  

At Western Colloid, we are committed to producing systems that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Our products and systems have the right classifications and approvals that you require and the warranties that you need. Furthermore, we are committed to reducing landfill use by indefinitely extending the life of existing roof systems. 

Contact us today to learn more about our company and our well-deserved 50-year-old reputation. 

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit westerncolloid.com. 

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Learn about the companies that are driving the industry towards a greener future.

It is no secret that now more than ever is the time to focus on greener roofing solutions and for companies to reduce CO2 emissions. As manufacturers innovate to provide products that work longer and use greener practices, consumers and contractors alike can do their part to make sustainable choices. We have rounded up some pioneering companies that are driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.  

Re-use and recycle 

Environmentally responsible materials are more popular than ever, which is why an endlessly recyclable metal that won’t lose its strength and durability is a key component in EXCEPTIONAL® Metals’ pledge to reduce their environmental impact. 

Malarkey adds upcycled rubber and plastic polymers from used tires and water bottles to help extend shingle life. The upcycled materials improve the shingle's resilience and strength, creating an incredibly durable material that will last through extreme weather conditions like intense wind, rain and impact. 

Often on a roof made of a thousand pieces of tile, there are only a few broken tiles. Rather than reroofing, which comes at a substantial environmental cost, All Points Tile & Slate makes it easy to simply replace the few bits of damaged tile. Completely re-doing a roof creates harmful emissions during production while unnecessarily filling landfills. This is why All Points Tile is driven to provide local, national and international customers with the ability to identify, procure, color-match, store and deliver tiles. These processes make fixing a roof and replacing tiles much greener, while also making it easier for contractors to quickly finish the job and deliver a beautiful roof. 

Certifiably sustainable 

Sika strives to be transparent about their products from a full life cycle “cradle to grave” point of view. As such, Sika products are certified sustainable and designed to meet LEED standards in order to build a brighter future for our environment. 

Sika has been publishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its products since 2012 and its extensive EPD portfolio covers all of its construction target markets, from roof to basement. The only liquid-applied roofing and waterproofing systems that offer a fully disclosed cradle-to-grave EPD are Sikalastic RoofPro products. 

Duro-Last, Inc. is the first manufacturer to publish a product specific PVC environmental product declaration (EPD) for single-ply membranes, reporting the lifecycle environmental impact of each of their membrane products. Duro-Last also leads the roofing industry with the most certifications under NSF/ANSI 347, and is one of the only two manufacturers to achieve the highest-level platinum certification.  

Green technology 

Malarkey is committed to the environment and developed the industry’s first smog-reducing shingle by incorporating 3M smog-reducing granules. These granules are used in all of Malarkey’s shingles. You won’t even be able to tell the granules are there because they blend into the shingle’s color.   

Another way to reduce smog and the Urban Heat Island effect is through the use of green roofs. SOPREMA makes it easy to incorporate vegetated roofing systems into any roofing business with SOPRANATURE® green roof, which uses natural vegetation, like grasses and shrubs, to turn the roof, a usually neglected space, into a green oasis. 

The roof layers act as a soil and drainage system, compensating for the hampered ecosystems resulting from urban development, offering a multitude of economic and environmental benefits to building owners and communities. 

In addition to their innovative green roofing solutions, SOPREMA is deeply engaged in developing sustainability initiatives within their communities. For instance, they have a company recycling program and employees who have worked at SOPREMA for 20 years get a tree planted on the property in their name.

Energy efficiency 

Western Colloid's Cool Roof Systems can make a huge difference in the heating and cooling costs of your building, specifically with Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) systems. The cost of upgrading or restoring your roof with this system is offset by the cost savings for your building. Additionally, your roof upgrade may qualify for government rebates, tax deductions or write-offs. 

Similarly, ATAS has a variety of cool roof products designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, bringing a new definition of “cool” to sustainability by bringing down the temperature.   

Conclusion 

These are just a few of the ways that the roofing industry is working towards ensuring a brighter, cleaner and certifiably greener future. Roofing products that extend the life of the roof, promote efficiency and save materials from landfills are smart choices for contractors and homeowners and show just how much you care about our planet and making sustainable choices to preserve it.  

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS President. 

Attendees will experience networking, educational opportunities, fun events and great speakers. 

Those who are attending the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show will experience some of the best networking, education and hospitality in the roofing industry. The conference will welcome building enclosure professionals from across North America to the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida March 17 – 22, 2022. 

“Our 2021 convention, which took place in September, was a success, but we’re pleased to be holding our 2022 convention at the normal time in the spring,” said Brian Pallasch, executive vice president and chief executive officer at IIBEC. “IIBEC members are looking forward to the networking, educational opportunities and great speakers that make our international convention and trade show the premier event for building enclosure consultants and industry professionals.” 

“Exhibitors are excited to be returning to in-person events like the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show,” said Karen McElroy, vice president of events at IIBEC. “We know the strong interest we’re seeing among exhibitors will be matched by the interest in their products and services among the building enclosure professionals who will attend the trade show.” 

Several RoofersCoffeeShop partners will be at the show including: 

1. Duro-Last 819 

2. SOPREMA 713 

3. EVERROOF 417 

4. FlashCo 908 

5. Metal-Era 332 

6. S-5! 626 

7. Sika 600, 601 

8. Western Colloid 514 

9. Leister 110 

10. ATAS International 411 

11. CertainTeed  821 

12. IB Roof Systems 229 

13. Johns Manville  201 

14. Master Builders Solutions  518 

15. ROCKWOOL  501 

16. Roof Hugger 415 

17. National Women in Roofing (NWiR)  113 

18. Nations Roof 106 

19. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 316 

20. Single Ply Roofing Institute (SPRI) 215 

In addition, Johns Manville will be hosting a hospitality event to celebrate their 50th Bursi Anniversary on March 18, 2022, from 7:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Conway Room, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. There will be cocktails and appetizers served during the reception. They are excited to celebrate their 50th Anniversary for the BURSI Program and would love to hear any stories attendees may have to share from attending past BURSI events. Be sure to RSVP here. 

According to IIBEC, the education will be off the charts, “Those looking to boost their continuing education hours (CEHs) at the show will earn 2.0 CEHs for spending up to four hours on the trade show floor and 3.0 CEHs for spending more than four hours at the trade show. The convention also includes more than 17 hours of live, in-person educational seminars. Kicking off the educational content on Friday, March 18 is an auxiliary seminar, “Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Product-Approval Process,” presented in three sections: the history of the Florida Building Code’s HVHZ section; Miami-Dade product-control requirements for fenestration and cladding components and systems; and Miami-Dade product-control requirements for roofing components and systems.” 

The opening general session will feature Duncan Wardle, founder of iD8 & innov8, who will share how he created magical consumer experiences while head of innovation and creativity at Disney, and how his unique Design Thinking process can help embed a culture of innovation into today’s workforce. 

Whether you are already attending or still thinking about attending, there is time to register and make a great plan for the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. Simply visit their website for full event details. 

Learn more about IIBEC in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit iibec.org

By Western Colloid. 

How contractors can help customers understand the different harmful elements roofs are constantly up against.  

Roofs are exposed to damaging environmental elements perhaps more than any other component of the building. As roofing contractors know, roofs get blasted by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, harsh weather conditions and significant temperature changes. Explaining how roofs need to withstand the forces of wind, weather and potential exposure to harmful chemicals is critical for building owners to understand. 

These conditions compound one another and render roofing materials subject to deterioration over time. Such deterioration can affect a roof’s integrity, water-shedding performance and can cause the roof to fail prematurely. This can be disruptive to building occupants and costly to building owners. Here are key conditions that should be discussed during the roofing process. 

Thermal shock 

Thermal shock occurs when changes in temperature happen so quickly that it stresses your roofing system materials. The surface layers contract against the inner layers, leading to the development of tensile stress and the propagation of cracks. 

Rapid expansion or contraction can damage materials that have lost their elasticity. And since the different parts of a roofing system expand and contract at different rates, various simultaneous movements caused by quick, extreme temperature changes can cause problems, especially in horizontal-to-vertical transition areas. 

Thermal shock can happen all year long, not just during cold weather snaps. Think of a summer shower turning into hail. Since the roof surface temperature is much hotter than the ambient temperature already, the drop in temperature in the middle of that storm is even greater. A sudden temperature drop of 30-50 degrees will stress the roof. 

How thermal shock affects material life cycles and lateral movement 

All materials have life cycles. Newer roofs aren’t that susceptible to thermal shock because they’re still flexible. But as the materials age, they begin to fatigue. They lose some elasticity and the ability to expand and contract at the same rate as when they were new. As a result, fatigued materials are more likely to incur damage during periods of extreme temperature changes. Typically, the older the roofing system, the higher the risk of thermal shock. 

Different materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion and contraction, meaning one material will change size due to temperature changes differently than another material. So, with a roofing assembly that consists of underlayment membrane, insulation, adhesives, fasteners and top membranes, each of those materials has a different coefficient and will therefore move at a different rate. 

Thermal shock resistance is the property of a material that makes it resistant to sudden and rapid temperature changes. Materials that have high thermal shock resistance properties, such as fluid or liquid applied roofing, can better withstand wide temperature variations. 

UV 

Sunlight strikes a roof with infrared and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Both wavelengths work against any roofing material. Commercial roofs are attacked more by sunlight’s energy because of the way the sun strikes them. A roof is responsible for shading the rest of a building, but it pays an enormous price to bring building owners that protection. 

High-energy ultraviolet (UV) attacks the composition of the roof’s surface. Whether it’s a metal roof, a modified bitumen roof or a single-ply membrane roof, a roofing system is primarily made up of chemicals. Those chemicals degrade over time from the UV light. The exposure to sunlight that causes these chemicals to deteriorate makes the surface brittle, that’s what makes reflectivity so important. 

How can building owners combat UV Radiation?  Two words, “cool roof” products!  Share how reflective materials can combat the harm caused by UV rays. Reflective roof coating systems are the best way to achieve that protection. 

Wind 

Wind exerts forces on roofing, particularly on taller structures and more exposed roofing surfaces. Since the kinetic energy of wind and the resulting pressures scale as the square of the wind velocity, high-wind areas require particularly careful attention. Beyond the concern for catastrophic failure of roofing due to wind, periodic vibrations of roofing materials can lead to material fatigue and crack formation.  

Harmful chemicals and organic materials 

Several other important minor atmospheric components include oxides of carbon, sulfur and nitrogen. When these gases dissolve in water, acids are formed. These acids can promote corrosive chemical reactions.  

Deposits on roofing originate with dry and wet deposition from the atmosphere. Products of combustion such as soot, unburned hydrocarbons, and fly ash are expected as well. Sea salt is expected (in coastal areas) as are organic compounds emitted by vegetation such as spores produced by plants and fungi. Due to the cleansing effects of rainwater, one expects that deposits on roofing may be depleted of water-soluble components.

Signs that a roof is at risk

Tiny fractures, while inherent and common in the normal aging process of a roofing system, could indicate the roofing materials are starting to dry out, making them brittle and more susceptible to stress. However, just as an asphalt parking lot can have many small cracks that can be coated to extend its life, fractures don’t always mean a roof is about to fail and needs replacing. 

The fractures contractors will want to pay particular attention to are those in the roof membrane itself and in areas where there’s a transition from horizontal to vertical. Sudden movement of materials in transition areas may loosen the flashing, which can create gaps that let in water.  

One of the biggest solutions to repair a damaged and aging roof is fluid applied reinforced roofing. It’s non-toxic for the environment and your crew as there are no harmful fumes or fire hazards. With its reflectivity, resistance to chemicals and elastomeric qualities it is the number one type of solution for any commercial roofing project.  

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit westerncolloid.com.

By Western Colloid. 

We answer the most common questions about our commercial roof products. 

For decades now, contractors trust Western Colloid’s commercial roof products to get the job done. With our years of experience, we have the answer to the most common questions about our products. Questions like: 

Do I need special equipment to install Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) Systems? 

Luckily, you don’t need any specialized equipment to install our FARR commercial roof products, it can be applied with brushes or rollers. However, for larger projects you will need the equipment found here for greater production. For example, you will need a pump, adapter, suction hose and bulk tank.  

What is the difference between our polyester roofing fabrics? 

We offer three grades of polyester roofing fabrics. First, a softer fabric (WCP-SS) is for uneven or rough surfaces. Next, a firmer polyester (WCP-SF) is best for smooth surfaces. Finally, we offer a combination of both (WCP-HS). This fabric comes in five widths and can be used on a variety of substrates. You can find a more detailed explanation on our fabrics here. 

What is the drying time of emulsion? Doesn’t it take 30 days to cure? 

No, it doesn’t! Our #298 Asphalt Emulsion’s drying time can vary based on many factors. For example, application rate, temperature, humidity and air movement can all affect drying time. In warm weather, a 6- to 10-gallon application should dry in 24 to 48 hours. However, a heavier application or application in shady areas or in cooler winter months could add two to four days to these times. 

Do your commercial roof products have a strong odor? 

No, there is very little odor/VOC’s with our products. Typically, emulsion has less odor than the average house paint. And our line of Elastahyde coatings have an odor similar to latex paint. In fact, our coatings are often used on schools and hospitals while occupied. 

How do I become an approved contractor? 

Our approval process is thorough but attainable. We will work closely with you to customize a plan that fits the needs of your business. What’s more, once you’re approved you will have the opportunity to install our leak free roofing systems to help you grow your business. Finally, once you become an Approval Contractor your status is reviewed each year. Please contact us today to learn more about becoming a Western Colloid approved contractor. 

Where can I buy Western Colloid Products? 

Western Colloid products are sold through most roofing distributors in the Western United States. Please contact us for a roofing distributor near you or to find out how to buy our products for your next project. 

Is a moisture scan required before installing your products on an existing insulated roof? 

Yes, it is recommended to perform a moisture scan prior to installing our products. This scan will locate wet areas that need to be removed and replaced. This protects the integrity of the re-cover roof assembly, the owner, contractor and Western Colloid. 

Have questions about our commercial roof products? 

Contact us today for more details or if you have any questions about our commercial roof products! We’re always happy to help. 

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit westerncolloid.com. 

Original article source: Western Colloid

By Western Colloid. 

Learn which reinforcement products were used to fix up the roof of this dental services building. 

Pacific Dental Services was in serious need of a roof repair for their California headquarters. Rather than tearing off their existing roof and replacing it, Western Colloid provided another solution! 

The problem 

Located in Irvine, California, Pacific Dental Services found themselves with over 100 leaks in their 124,000-square-foot roof. In fact, the building owners thought that their only option was to tear off the existing EPDM (a synthetic rubber roofing membrane) and replace it with a similar product. 

The solution 

First, the owners hired a contractor to handle the repairs to their commercial roof in California. It was this contractor who suggested using our Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) as a solution. In fact, we offer systems that are fully tested and approved by FM for installations like this one. 

To begin, the contractor used a temporary fix to stop the leaks with our #800 Elastic Cement and polyester reinforcement products.  

Next, they continued with an extra layer of protection in the waterways and drains. 

Finally, they used our #298 asphalt emulsion with polyester reinforcement.  Once cured, the system was surfaced with our ElastaHyde acrylic coating. 

The results 

Thanks to our superior products, we were able to save 30 – 40% on the overall project costs by not removing the old roof and saving man-hours on the installation. Additionally, future savings will be enjoyed with their now energy-efficient white roof. They also avoided disruption to their employees from a lengthy roof removal and re-installation process. Plus, debris and landfill waste were at a minimum. 

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit westerncolloid.com. 

Original article source: Western Colloid

About Western Colloid

For over 45 years Western Colloid has been recognized in the roofing industry as a leader in FARR – Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing, Reflective Coating Systems and Premium Asphalt Sealcoats.  Headquartered in Southern California, with five other manufacturing plants and distribution centers, Western Colloid is also known for extensive experience in coatings, pioneers in energy saving and cool roof products and unique paving solutions. For more information please visit us at www.westerncolloid.com.

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.  

Learn how A-1 Roofing & Building Maintenance saved $11,000 on material alone with just one product change, not to mention the labor savings. 

As Western Colloid’s senior field tech and trainer, Tim Ford spends a lot of time with contractors of all sizes, helping their crews learn how to perform quality installations that result in a long-lasting roofing system. He also is focused on helping contractors find the most efficient ways to be successful and profitable on every job.  

When San Francisco, California-based A-1 Roofing & Building Maintenance first started applying Western Colloid’s fluid-applied roofing systems, most of their jobs were smaller ones. Their installations involved applying the emulsion, followed by a polyester fabric, and then topping it with an acrylic coating. Tim said that because the projects were small, they ordered the emulsion and coating in five-gallon buckets, using rollers and brooms to apply the system. 

As the company began to grow and take on larger jobs, they were still ordering the products in their five-gallon bucket packaging. “I visited a job site that they were doing, and it was a good size – 300 squares,” explained Tim. “For that size job, they needed 1,800 gallons of product and they ordered all of it in five-gallon buckets. There's a lot of labor wasted in handling all this material, getting the material on the roof, opening the bucket, and throwing away the bucket.”   

Tim says that he reached out to the owner of A-1 Roofing and explained that he has options to order product in larger sizes, from 55-gallon drums to a tanker that can hold 5,500 gallons. He also recommended that they purchase a pump and accessories so the installation would be less labor intensive.  

“The pump we recommend is able to apply up to 17 gallons of product a minute,” said Tim. “In the time it takes a crew member to just open the lid of a five-gallon bucket, the pump can have emulsion sprayed out over a large part of the roof, ready to have fabric put down.”   

Though it required about a $20,000 investment, the owner realized that on just one job he saved $11,000 in material savings by buying in bulk rather than in five-gallon buckets. The pump would quickly pay for itself. It was easy to get started too with Tim being on the job to show them how to operate the pump and change out the accessories to spray both the emulsion and the acrylic coating. 

“At Western Colloid, we really emphasize our customer service on the roof,” said Tim. “We will have a technician on the roof working side by side with you, not just standing in the background telling you what to do. We get next to you and get dirty with you.”  

Tim shared that the owner of A-1 Roofing & Building Maintenance was thrilled with the outcome of his investment in the pump and is realizing tremendous cost and labor savings on the company’s Western Colloid roofing systems installations.  

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit www.westerncolloid.com.

By Western Colloid. 

Build your business with a training program based on over 45 years of experience. 

Western Colloid understands that when it comes to training and developing your contractors, not all programs are created equally. Look no further for a program that works with your business and offers the level of personalized support your employees need. Western Colloid has been helping contractors build their business for over 45 years, offering training with the best products and procedures that make for a profitable partnership. 

Here is what you and your team can expect from this training program: 

A personalized experience 

We work hand in hand with each contractor to determine the best method for training their crews. For example, we have the ability to: 

• Send one of our technical experts to work alongside your team on a project. 

• Train members of your team on one of our worksites for a few days. This is an in-depth experience allowing your team to take turns rolling, spraying, cutting, detailing, etc. (This commonly leads to a 30-50% increase in your team’s production!).

• Perform a live virtual walk-through with contractors on the job via platforms like Zoom or FaceTime or provide feedback to photos of areas-in-question, outlining exactly how the project should be addressed. These options are great for smaller projects in remote areas. 

In addition, we have a Mentor Program for newer contractors to guide them through the process.  From bidding, to specification, to contract, we’ll help make you and your crew experts! 

The best products and procedures 

Western Colloid has been recognized in the roofing industry as a leader in Fluid Applied Roofing, Reflective Coating Systems, and Premium Asphalt Sealcoats. In addition, we have a long list of approvals and ratings (including California Title 24 and FM Global) that help make us one of the country’s top roofing manufacturers. We strive to do the best work with the best products. And to teach you and your team how to do the same! 

A profitable partnership 

Unlike roofing contractor training at any other company, we work with contractors to help build their business. If you are new to Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR), let us introduce you to these profitable roofing systems. In fact, the quality of the products combined with our excellent training programs and customer support creates many opportunities for roofing contractors. Best of all, we can help lower your liability while helping you be more profitable! 

More than just roofing contractor training 

We are proud of the relationships we have built over the years with our customers. We just don’t sell the products. We’re with you every step of the way! In fact, we offer sales support and exceptional warranties and maintenance programs in addition to installation training. For more information, please contact us today! 

Learn more about Western Colloid Training programs in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory. 

Original article source: Western Colloid

By Western Colloid. 

The awards, ratings and approvals speak for themselves in terms of how Western Colloid exceeds expectations. 

Are you wondering how Western Colloid came to be one of the industry leaders as a commercial roofing manufacturer? Look no further, as here we give you a list of the standards our products meet and exceed. Western Colloid is proud of the quality products we make that meet the exact needs of our clients. We are always excited to show off what our products can do, so read on to learn about some of the seals of approval Western Colloid has garnered. 

FM Approved 

An FM Approved roof means you get a tested roof assembly, not just a collection of products and parts that may or may not perform well. In addition, FM requires ongoing manufacturer plant inspections that take place quarterly ensuring that products are manufactured with the same quality year after year. Therefore, many of our products and systems hold the FM Class-1 approval. 

ENERGY STAR® 

We’re dedicated to making products that save energy and are earth-friendly. As such, the ENERGY STAR®  symbol on our reflective coating products means the product meets ENERGY STAR® guidelines. 

Title 24 

Furthermore, our coatings meet strict California Title 24 rules. In effect, this lowers wasteful energy use in new and existing buildings. 

Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) 

We are proud members of the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) Product Rating Program. In fact, contractors, architects and building owners rely on this information to help them make the best choices for their projects. 

UL Listed 

The UL Listed label means that the product has been tested by UL to nation-wide safety and sustainability standards. The UL mark means our products have met these high standards. 

Meets International Code Council – Evaluation Service (ICC – ES) 

The International Code Council – Evaluation Service (ICC – ES) logo means our products meet building codes and requirements nationwide. 

Miami-Dade County approval 

Miami-Dade County has the strictest approval processes in the country. Above all we’re proud to make products approved for use on buildings in Miami-Dade County. 

An on-going process 

Gaining approval from these agencies is not just a one-time thing. For example, we keep extensive records at our facilities and adhere to tough quality control. We are always prepared for random audits to keep our approvals in good standing. 

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit westerncolloid.com. 

Original article source: Western Colloid

By Western Colloid.  

A rundown of what FARR is and the benefits of these systems. 

Fluid Applied Reinforced Roof (FARR) systems are coatings that are reinforced with two layers of polyester. These  coatings systems are incredibly versatile, because they were designed to be economical as overlays. FARR roof systems are easy and inexpensive to renew, and are overall puncture-resistant, energy-efficient, low VOC and self-adhering. This system will protect the existing roof and lengthen its lifespan significantly. 

Seamless, tough, flexible 

Western Colloid’s FARR systems are lightweight yet tough. Thanks to layers of waterproof asphalt emulsion and tough polyester fabric they can be surfaced with a very durable acrylic coating. We also offer systems made of high-performance acrylic coatings with tough polyester fabrics. Once installed, the seamless system is tough, flexible and resistant to all that nature can throw at it. 

Tested to meet building requirements 

Western Colloid uses many different labs to make sure our FARR system meets the toughest building requirements. In fact, they trust Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.), FM Global and other independent testing labs to continually test our systems and products. 

Superior quality 

FARR systems result in a seamless finish. This helps make future inspections and maintenance easy. What’s more, because these roofs can be resurfaced their life is extended for decades to come. They’re ready for installation on either existing roofs and new roofs including BUR, Modified Bitumen, Single Ply, Metal Roofing, Sprayed Polyurethane Foam and Gravel. 

This provides a number of benefits. These systems cut down upkeep costs, energy costs and equipment costs from day one. Additionally, they extend or eliminate the need to re-roof or deal with major repairs. They are also applied over existing roofs with very little hassle. The system will not affect employee/tenant productivity due to fumes. It can be shipped in bulk to the job site via our large fleet of tankers. Finally, our water-based systems mean every part of the installation process is non-toxic and harmless to the environment, leaving no toxic fumes or fire hazard. 

Highly rated 

Experience and performance are behind everything we do. Additionally, many of our FARR systems have received UL Class A ratings. These ratings mean that the Class A roofs have the greatest fire resistance. What’s more, many of our systems have gotten FM 4470 Class 1 approval. In order to achieve this rating, the system has to pass testing for fire, hail damage, water and foot traffic. 

Learn more about Western Colloid in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit westerncolloid.com.

Original article source: Western Colloid