Division 07: Thermal & Moisture Protection

Agriboard Industries
www.agriboard.com
April 2005
Agri-Panel compressed wheat straw panels for structural walls, curtain walls, floors, and flat roofs in commercial buildings use no adhesive binders and incorporate a natural mineral to resist termites, carpenter ants, and other pests. The 7 7ž8''-thick panels have a thermal R-value of 25.4 and their agricultural fiber serves as a natural insulator to resist hot and cold fluctuations.

Alcoa Home Exteriors
www.alcoahomes.com
January 2005
Structure is the first premium siding permanently bonded to Dow’s Styrofoam brand extruded polypropylene foam. When installed properly, Structure can improve the R-Value of exterior walls by up to 25 percent, and reduce high frequency noise and wind sounds by up to 50 percent. It is available in double 6'' and wide-style 7'' planks.

Aloha Landscaping Inc.
www.drip-grip.com
September 2006
DripGrip is designed to hold subsurface drip irrigation lines securely at root level. Using hook and loop fasteners, DripGrip creates a mechanical attachment to the filter fabric, eliminating labor-intensive gluing and toxic adhesives. DripGrip has two height configurations supporting the most common media depths, 4'' and 6''.

American Hydrotech
hydrotechusa.com
May 2010
InstaGreen Sedum Carpets are rolled mats of vegetation that can be installed on low- and steep-sloped roofs. All carpets are delivered with a minimum of 75% coverage and achieve 90% coverage after two years. Perennial plants or plugs can be planted through the mat after installation for added flexibility.

American Polysteel, LLC
www.polysteel.com
August 2001
Polysteel claims that its insulating concrete forms provide superior energy efficiency, lower job site waste, and give off no CFC's in the production process. They are members of the Energy and Environmental Building Association, charter members of the Green Building Association of Central New Mexico, an Energy Star Insulation Partner, and a Energy Star Homes Ally.

Arpa USA
www.arpausa.com
December 2008
Used in Europe for over 20 years as a surface for ventilated-rain-screen facades, Building Grade exterior laminate is mechanically strong, impact- and scratch-resistant, vandalproof, and high-velocity-hurricane-zone compliant. Made of 40 percent post-industrial waste and 70 percent rapidly renewable resources, it comes in three thicknesses and 50 patterns.

Atlas Roofing
www.atlasroofing.com
June 2000
Atlas Roofing has HCFC free polyiso rigid board insulation.

Autumn River
www.autumnriver.biz
September 2005
In a new application for an old material, Autumn River is using silica gel —the material commonly found in shoe boxes labeled “Do Not Eat”—to remove moisture from within building cavities, thereby eliminating the conditions required for mold growth.

The Desiccant Strip is a 61ž2' length of spun polyethylene material formed into pouches containing engineered silica gel. The strip has been designed to guarantee that upon installation, moisture levels within a building cavity are rapidly brought below the point where mold and other decay agents can function. Once the strip has absorbed moisture it will not release the moisture back into the wall cavity until the relative humidity within the cavity has been reduced dramatically and stays down. Independent testing has proven that the strip impacts the R-Value of wall cavities in a positive way. The product is commonly installed by the insulation contractor prior to applying the vapor retarder.

Bekaert ECD Solar Systems
www.ovonic.com/unisolar.html
May 2002
San Francisco International Airport has installed a 20-kilowatt array of building-integrated PV roofing panels to provide a portion of the power needed at one of the airport's support buildings The system, designed and installed by Renewable Energy Resources of Occidental, California, uses “peel and stick” Uni-Solar PV laminates bonded to metal roofing pans and installed in modular units.

Bosch
www.boschappliances.com
March 2007
Bosch has added an EcoWash option to its latest collection of Energy Star-qualified Nexxt washers. Introduced at last month¹s Builders¹ Show, the EcoWash option will be added to other Bosch products in the near future. A single push of the ³green² button optimizes heating cycles for greater efficiency, without affecting cleaning results. All Nexxt washers exceed the strict 2007 federal regulatory standards for energy.

Butler Manufacturing
www.butlermfg.com
September 2004
R Steel is a structural, non-cavity wall panel system that performs as a substrate for interior and exterior finishing. The energy-efficient 6'' and 8'' wall panel system replaces metal studs, insulation, and exterior sheathing. Exterior materials including brick veneer, stucco, stone, or metal are easily applied. R-Steel’s Perform Guard EPS insulation, molded to a steel core, is EPA registered, mold-resistant, non-corrosive, and non-toxic.

Carlisle Energy Services
www.carlisleenergy.com
December 2009
Consisting of cylindrical solar tubes and Carlisle’s Energy-Star qualified roofing membranes, the Spectro360 PV system brings a third dimension to the rooftop PV world where up to 20% of the energy production is attributed to light that is reflected off the roofing membrane onto the underside of the cylindrical tubes. 

Carlisle SynTec
Carlisle-syntec.com
May 2010
Carlisle SynTec’s new Vegetated Sedum Tiles provide instant vegetative coverage for commercial roofing systems. After the tiles are dropped in place over Carlisle’s growth media, the installation is complete, eliminating the need for landscapers and the labor associated with planting a large roof area. The tiles are shipped in a manner that prevents damage and mold, two common concerns with shipping in a rolled packaging method. Four tile choices are available: All Season Mix, Tuff Stuff Mix, Shade Mix, and Color Max Mix

Carlisle SynTec
carlisle-syntec.com
February 2011
Made of 100% postconsumer recycled content, Carlisle’s Stained Glass Stone is available in 12 colors to help enhance the design of roof gardens or plazas. To install, the glass stone is hoisted to the rooftop and deposited over a 1" or thicker drainage composite, such as Carlisle’s MiraDRAIN G4, and then applied at a minimum of 10 pounds per square foot.

CENTRIA
www.buildbetterwalls.com
December 2009
Invelope steel and foam panels create a weather-tight backup wall system for metal-framed commercial buildings. It provides a moisture and vapor barrier, drainage plane, and insulation — as well as a mounting system for brick veneer or terra cotta cladding — all in one panel system. Made from corrosion-resistant steel wrapped around a polyisocyanurate foam core and similar to Centria’s Formawall, Invelope comes in 32’’-wide interlocking panels and is available in 12’ and 20’ lengths and in 2’’ (R-14) and 3’’ (R-21) thicknesses.

CertainTeed
www.certainteed.com
CertainTeed's Solar Powered Roof Vent is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional residential power attic ventilators. The vent utilizes a Siemens solar panel to collect and deliver power directly from the sun to a 24-volt DC motor inside the power vent. Because the tempered solar-glass panel is separate from the low-profile, galvanized-steel dome, it can be positioned anywhere on the roof for optimal energy collection.

Collins Products LLC
www.collinswood.com
August 2001
In 1993, The Collins Companies became the first privately-owned forest products company in North America to be FSC-certified. Since then, every Collins product line from particleboard to softwood and hardwood lumber, has gone through the process to become FSC-certified. TruWood, from Collin Products, has become the first and only Forest Stewardship Council certified engineered siding in the world. TruWood siding replicates the random knots and meandering grain of Western Red Cedar. It was designed and crafted by a German artisan in Rochester, New York, who took a piece of Western Red Cedar and hand-chiseled and sculptured a precise mirror-image metal plate capturing the naturalistic irregularity that nature created.

The company has received Green Cross certification from Scientific Certification Systems that its particleboard is manufactured entirely from postindustrial waste fibers. While most particleboard manufactured today contains a high percentage of wood waste from other manufacturing processes, Collins is committed to using no virgin fiber in its particleboard.

Columbia Green Technologies
www.columbiagreenroof.com
March 2007
The Advanced Vegetative Roof System is a water-efficient green roof system that incorporates Zeba branded moisture-release technology for faster, fuller vegetation establishment and lower maintenance costs. Zeba¹s cornstarch-based granules work like a sponge, holding and releasing water as needed, and reducing the need for irrigation systems. The system weighs 15 lbs. per square foot when fully saturated.

Crane Performance Siding
www.vinyl-siding.com/index1.html
March 2003
Crane developed CraneBoard7 as a new solid core siding offering to matchthe 7'' siding profile. CraneBoard7 has a seamless appearance and a 5 8'' profile with no visible nail heads. Unlike fiber cement, CraneBoard7 is lightweightand is impervious to moisture. The backing has an R-value of 4.0 and carries the Energy Star logo, the only siding that can make this claim, according to themanufacturer.

Custom-Bilt Metals
www.custombiltmetals.com
Excessive heat absorption by roofing materials requires more energy to keep interior spaces cool and comfortable. Custom-Bilt Metals' Ultra-Cool coatings increase the reflectivity of a standing-seam roof to 38.3 percent, compared to identical colors with conventional coatings that achieve only a 25.2 percent level. Each additional percentage point of reflectivity reduces metal temperature by 1 degree, allowing for a significant difference, especially in medium to darker colors.

Detec Systems
www.detecsystems.com
October 2005
Detec Systems works with architects and developers to install sensors within the building envelope of new or existing structures to protect against moisture damage and the long-term effects (rot, mold growth, air quality degradation) associated with it. Detec offers the first commercial available moisture detection and monitoring system for wood, masonry, and steel frame structures. Components of the system include moisture detection tape, which monitors moisture levels in the building’s wall cavities and exterior sheathing materials, and remote zone sensors that can accept up to eight wired inputs.

Dow
dowsolar.com
May 2010
Expected to be widely available next year, Dow’s Powerhouse Solar Shingle installs and performs like a standard asphalt shingle — there is no on-roof wiring, minimal through-roof penetrations, and no need for an electrician at the installation — but works as a building-integrated PV system. The shingles are cost competitive with frame-mounted panels on asphalt roofs and offer significant savings over integrated PV panels used on tile or slate roofs.  

The Dow Chemical Company
www.styrofoam.com
March 2001
In June 1996, Styrofoam brand products joined the EPA's Energy Star Insulation Program as a charter member. The Energy Star program highlights Styrofoam brand products as a key product in allowing builders to achieve home energy efficiencies at least 30 percent greater than the Model Energy Code. Energy savings not only lower utility costs but lower CO2 emissions.

Durisol
www.durisolbuild.com
February 2002
The Durisol Wall Form system is composed of only natural raw materials - specially graded wood shavings which are neutralized and mineralized before being bonded together with cement. Hardened Durisol is light weight, porous, and durable. Durisol has no toxic ingredients, it does not support combustion, and offers no food for vermin. The softwood aggregate is a by-product from the lumber industry, as well as recycled wood from building waste.

Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.
800/248-0280
Roof Track II is a recycled PVC walkway pad for low-slope roofs. It's made of the trimmings from PVC roofing.

ECO-Block LLC
www.eco-block.com
April 2000
Insulating concrete forms, which are modular blocks made of expanded polystyrene, are being used to build reinforced concrete walls for commercial and residential construction. Once put in place, the ECO-Block system creates the form into which the concrete is poured. After the concrete has cured, ECO-Block stays in place and becomes the insulation (interior and exterior) for the walls of home.

E-Crete
e-crete.com
February 2002
E-Crete is an emerging manufacturer of lightweight, high strength autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, while relatively new to U.S. designers and builders, have been used for over 75 years in a variety of commercial, industrial, and residential construction applications worldwide in a variety of climates. This green building material reduces noise pollution, is fire, termite and mold proof, and improves indoor air quality to a much higher degree than traditional construction materials such as wood and stucco, and masonry.

Elk
www.elkcorp.com
November 2005
Elk has created the first colored asphalt shingle that meets the initial performance levels of the Energy Star program. The Cool Color Series shingles feature 3M Cool Roofing Granules and are available in a choice of earth-toned colors: Cool Weathered Wood, Cool Antique Slate, and Cool Barkwood. Prestique Color Cool Series shingles carry a 40-year limited warranty and up to a 90mph limited wind warranty with a special application technique.

Energy Alternatives
www.nuenergyalternatives.com
May 2010
In addition to offering the benefits of a traditional ridge vent, the Greenward system from Energy Alternatives harvests escaping hot attic air and uses it to preheat the incoming water of a hot-water tank. “This is not a solar system, although a majority of the heat comes from the sun,” explains Kevin B. Scott, president of Energy Alternatives. “It’s an ambient heat collector.”

 Introduced at last year’s GreenBuild show in Phoenix, the Greenward system utilizes flexible PEX tubing that contains a water/corn-based glycol solution that picks up the heat from escaping attic air. A differential temperature-control sensor, located by the ridge vent, is triggered when the temperature of the water in the storage tank is 20 degrees cooler than the temperature of the ridge vent. A circulator pump is then activated and pushes the hot solution down in a closed loop around the tank, where it heats up the incoming city or well water, before going back up to the roof area. “It’s a very low-tech solution for a high-tech problem,” says Scott. “A perfect example of utilizing existing energy that is normally wasted.” The system contributes to the Optimized Energy Performance credit in programs such as LEED for Homes and LEED for New Construction.

According to the manufacturer, the Greenward Ridge Vent can reduce energy consumption by just over 12 million Btus a year and reduce CO2 emissions by just over 1,400 pounds annually. Scott says that many variables, including climate, shingle color, and attic size, affect how the system performs. The company is still collecting data from test homes in Tucson, the Carolinas, and Atlanta. One test, held in New York State on a day with temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, showed the ridge vent temperature at 120 degrees and the solution at 100 degrees, which helped the system raise 80 gallons of water from 65 to 90 degrees.

The system was recently installed in a LEED-certified home built by Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, Missouri’s largest green builder. “The product installed like any other ridge vent,” says Kyle Hunsberger, director of construction for the chapter. ”After that, the rough-in is just a matter of connecting the PEX lines to the location of where your storage tank will be.” He cites an easy install, discreet profile, and the elimination of unsightly solar panels as the main benefits of the system. Hunsberger is monitoring the utility bills for the home and hopes to use the system on future projects.

Scott claims a main advantage of the system is the price point — the complete system comes in under $6000, fully installed. While he sees interest nationwide, “the hotter the attic, the more hot water we will generate.” For those in colder climates, the solution in the tubing is formulated in order to prevent freezing. The system works with both traditional on-demand water heaters as well as tankless hot-water heaters, adds Scott, and will help prolong the life of the heater.

In February, Greenward won a Green Dot Award, which rewards excellence in environmental responsibility. This year, the system will be on display at the Western States Roofing Expo in Las Vegas in June and the GreenBuild show in Chicago in November. Scott says that this is just the beginning of his company’s role in the green marketplace. “This is our flagship product, and we have more products in the pipeline.” 

Fi_Foil Company
www.fifoil.com
April 2006
Fi-Foil reflective insulation will qualify for potential LEED Core & Shell (LEED-CS) Green Building Rating System credits for speculative commercial, agricultural, and industrial buildings where the finished interiors are not part of the initial design process.Fi-Foil's reflective insulation products can boost energy efficiency in furred-out masonry walls, vertical wall cavities, roofs, and floors in both new and renovated core and shell developments. This is achieved by a reduction of heat flow and the significant reduction in the transmission of radiant heat flow.

The Garland Company
www.garlandco.com
December 2007 updated
StressPly EUV Mineral is Garland's latest modified bitumen technology. The high performance membrane (featuring a fiberglass/polyester reinforcement) has a mineral surface with a reflectivity rating that doubles the standard mineral used in the roofing industry today. This specially developed mineral significantly lowers ambient roof temperatures, resulting in energy savings that Garland claims no other multi-ply, mineral surfaced roofsystem can match. In addition, the system provides long-term UV weathering resistance while incorporating post-consumer recycled rubber from scraptires.

Green-Lock is a 100 percent solids, VOC free, single component structural adhesive that ensures a strong bond to a multitude of materials throughout the building envelope. When cured, it provides 300 lbs. of shear strength when bonding wood, metals, and masonry.

GE Plastics
www.geplastics.com
September 2006
In the Netherlands, greenhouses are among the largest consumers of fossil fuel. By constructing an experimental wide span greenhouse with GE¹s Lexan ZigZag sheet double-wall polycarbonate roofing panel, the Hydro Huismann horticulture company intends to produce more energy than it will use. Lexan ZigZag offers higher light transmission than single pane glass, and insulation similar to multiwall glass or polycarbonate sheet. These energy-efficient properties will enable approximately 1Ž3 of the heat generated in the greenhouse to be sold as surplus.

Grace Construction Products
www.graceconstruction.com
June 2005
Grace Vycor Plus self-adhered flashing features a cord embedded in the adhesive layer that allows the release paper to split in half. This cord enables proper integration of the flashing with other key moisture protection elements of the wall. By protecting structures from water infiltration, Grace Vycor Plus reduces the risk of rot and mold development.

Green Products LLC
www.greenproducts.net
February 2005
The Environmental Liquid Membrane System was originally created through research grants provided by the U.S.D.A. and the United Soybean Board. The ELMS family of products bring advance polymer chemistry based on environmentally friendly components to the industrial roofing and waterproofing market. ELMS has a number of industrial applications where a UL Class A flame-resistant, 100% waterproof membrane can be utilized. Its adhesion to low-sloped roofing assemblies combined with its 100% waterproofing capabilities, even under ponding water, makes it a candidate for many industrial roofing applications. ELMS solar reflective white membranes are U.S. EPA Energy Star approved and have an emissivity rating of .93, making it extremely efficient in reducing solar heat gain to a building. The majority of the ELMS line of building coatings and paints are considered Agricultural products by the U.S.D.A. due to their high agricultural oil polymer content. No poisons or pollution are created in the manufacture, application, or the disposal of the ELMS product line.

Green Roof Blocks
www.greenroofblocks.com
May 2005
Green Roof Blocks are self contained portable units that hold four-square-feet of drought-resistant sedum foliage. The units are placed on the existing roof and provide building owners with a decorative and affordable way to have lush greenery sprouting from their roofs. In addition, Green Roof Blocks help to reduce energy consumption and costs, decrease storm water run off, and preserve the life of the roof by up to four times.

Highland Craftsmen
www.barksiding.com
November 2005
Once the staple cladding for summer retreats in the Appalachian Mountains, Chestnut Bark became unavailable after the chestnut blight of the 1940’s. Today, Highland Craftsmen, a North Carolina-based manufacturer, is part of a “Bark House” revival, crafting shingles from more durable poplar bark.

Highland Craftsmen’s bark siding is kiln dried, which prevents shrinking and cracking once the bark shingles are applied to a structure. The bark contains no chemical additives, yet resists infestations and can meet stringent municipal building code standards for flammability.

Using careful harvesting methods, the team loosens whole cylinders of bark from trees fallen for other uses. The cylinders of bark are flattened and cut by hand into standard shingle length. After damaged or cracked sections are removed, the shingles are carefully stacked, and then placed under pressure to prevent curling. The stacks are then kiln-dried to the proper moisture content, sterilized, and then stored in a climate-controlled warehouse until ready to use.

The company offers a full range of complementary products to enhance a bark-shingle home, including handrails, posts, mantel pieces, custom furniture, and bark panels and sheets for interior applications.

HolzBuild
www.holzbuild.com
February 2007
A new pre-fabricated solid wood cladding option is now available from Austrian manufacturer Binder Holzbausysteme exclusively through their U.S.

representative, HolzBuild. The panels will be introduced at Construction Expo in New York City this May and at GreenBuild in Los Angeles in October.

Although the first U.S. project is still in the planning stages, the BBS panels have been in use in Europe for about five years. The multilayered, solid wood wall panels are made of Austrian Red Spruce or Larch, and come in 3-, 5-, 7-, and 9-layered versions. The standard panel width is 4.1', although multiple thicknesses and profiles are available. By laminating longitudinal and cross layers for the wall panels, the wood achieves greater strength and stability. Roof and floor panels are also available and feature two outer layers running in the same longitudinal direction on each side to improve stiffness and minimize deflection.

³One unique feature of these panels is that they are structural and have the potential to create a monolithic wall and therefore, a structural facade² says Antonio Guariento,owner of Holzbuild.

According to HolzBuild, a wall can be composed of vertically as well as horizontally placed panels. In fact often a panel (or part of a panel) is installed horizontally as a header above wall openings. The top side of the receiving panel can also be profiled to accommodate the joint between the panels.

The inner layers of the BBS panels are normally manufactured in Spruce and the outer layer in Larch, which is better suited to be exposed to the elements. The panels are made up of 99.4 percent solid wood and .6 percent formaldehyde-free glue, which also works as a liquid barrier.

Huber Engineered Woods
zipsystem.com
May 2010
The ZIP System roof and wall sheathing eliminates the need for house wrap and felt, saving time on the job site while providing a tight building envelope and superior moisture resistance during and after construction. The system’s new, more durable tape gun loads twice as fast as the previous version and durably seals panel seams, helping to reduce air leaks.

Icynene
www.icynene.com
October 2001
Icynene Insulation System is a spray-in-place, light density, expanding insulation foam. Icynene insulation is water based and contains no formaldehyde, CFCs, of HCFCs. Icynene has been tested and is recognized as safe by The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratories, the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, and the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cape Canaveral.

James Hardie Commercial
www.jameshardiecommercial
March 2010
Made from wood pulp, sand, cement, and water typically extracted and processed near each manufacturing facility, Reveal panel siding is 40 percent thicker than residential fiber cement panels.

Johns Manville
www.jm.com
June 2005 updated
Batt and blanket insulation products, including the company's ComfortTherm line, are certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a national leader in third-party verification of environmental related to product design. The SCS labeling on Johns Manville products includes a statement verifying that the glass fiber contains a minimum of 25 percent recycled glass, of which an 18 percent minimum is post-consumer remelted bottles, and 7 percent is pre-consumer glass.

Johns Manville will now manufacture a new line of entirely formaldehyde-free fiberglass building insulation for residential and commercial use. The insulation features a new binder composed of an acrylic resin rather than a phenol-formaldehyde binder. The change addresses concerns about indoor air quality in relation to building materials containing formaldehyde. Included in the line is EasyFit perforated fiberglass insulation. Vertical perforations in the fiberglass batts allow each section to be separated by simply tearing it apart instead of cutting, saving time and waste.

Spider, Johns Manville’s new spray-in formaldehyde-free, fast-dry insulation system, contains specially-designed glass fibers made primarily from sand. During the installation process, the fibers are mixed with a non-hazardous adhesive that eliminates the need for netting and dramatically speeds up drying schedules—on average more than six times faster than cellulose. When professionally installed, Spider reduces defects such as gaps, inadequate cavity-fill and settling, resulting in maximum thermal performance and reduced air movement. Spider reaches R-values of 15 in 2' x 4' wall cavities and 23 in 2' x 6' wall cavities.

Johns Manville Roofing Systems
January 2001
www.johnsmanville.com
The Roofing Systems Group of Johns Manville donated an UltraGard SR-80 roofing membrane to serve as the base for a “green roof” application at the renovated Earth Conservation Corps Center in Washington, D.C. Green roof technology involves putting a thin soil and vegetation layer over protection board applied to the waterproof membrane, covering the entire roof surface. This reduces storm water run-off and improves energy performance.

Kawneer
July 2011
kawneer.com
Ideal for low- to mid-rise commercial projects, the 1600UT curtain wall system works with other high-thermal-performing openings from Kawneer to create a complete facade solution that proactively addresses code requirements including the IECC, ASHRAE/INESA 90.1, and state codes. Kawneer says the 1600UT system can beat these requirements with double- and triple-glazed configurations.

Kingspan Insulated Panels
May 2011
kingspanpanels.us
Kingspan’s Optimo Series wall system offers designers a comprehensive range of building solutions for vertical and horizontal wall applications. Featuring a flat profile, the pre-engineered panel is available in smooth or embossed finishes, a variety of module widths, multiple color options, and trimless ends. The panels offer R-Values up to 30, superior airtightness, and low thermal bridging.

Knauf Insulation
www.knaufinsulation.us
November 2009
EcoBatt glasswool insulation combines a minimum of 30 percent (up to 50 percent) post-consumer recycled bottle glass with the bio-based Ecose binder which is up to 70 percent less energy intensive than the company’s previous binder. Ecose eliminates the artificial colors, acrylics, phenol, and formaldehyde traditionally used in fiberglass insulation binders. The line includes residential and commercial batts, blowing wool, and some high R-value commercial products.  

Knight Wall Systems
knightwallsystems.com
August 2010
Combining steel framing, cladding, and framing members into a single unit, this all-in-one rain screen thwarts moisture while contributing up to eight LEED credits. Cladding options include brick, metal, tile, and composites — which can even be installed on out-of-plumb facades courtesy of a patented self-leveling feature. Specify framing with 2'', 4'', or 6'' brackets to accommodate different R-factors of insulation, which installs outside the building’s vapor barrier — while providing a drainage cavity.

Laminam
laminam.it
March 2011
The collaborative effort of a Modena-based maker of 0.12''-thick, color-through porcelain sheets and neighboring solar-tech company System Photonics, the Energia photovoltaic tile system integrates into the architecture of a building as a roof or ventilated facade material. Comprising superthin layers of ceramic, cell arrays, and tempered glass, each tile measures about 1⁄3'' -thick and comes in numerous hues.

LiveRoof LLC
liveroof.com
Developed as an enhancement to LiveRoof, a modular green roof system that allows for the natural sharing of water, nutrients, and beneficial organisms across the entire rooftop strata, RoofStone pavers are suitable for rooftop pathways, landings, and patios. The 1’-wide x 2’-long x 4”-thick pavers come in six colors, weigh 54 pounds each, and feature a base of 100 percent postindustrial polypropylene.

LP Building Products
www.lpcorp.com
December 2008
LP TechShield Foil provides the same benefits and performance as LP TechShield Sheathing but can be installed into existing homes. The foil is Energy Star qualified and may reduce monthly energy costs up to 17 percent by preventing radiant heat in the roof sheathing from entering the attic space.

Majestic Skylines
Majestic Slate Tile is rubber slate-look tile for steep-slope roofs made of industrial rubber and plastic. 800/572-7672.

Metl-Span
www.metlspan.com
December 2005
Metl-Span’s ThermalSafe panels provide up to two hours of fire-resistance and require no additional steps to insulate walls. They are made from raw materials that are environmentally friendly and have no VOCs or CFCs. Their ideal installations include industrial buildings, manufacturing plants, and warehouses.

Met-Tile
www.met-tile.com/coolroof.htm
November 2006
Met-Tile has become an Energy-Star partner for its metal tile panel roofing system which combines the look of tile with the performance of metal. The updated steel roofing line features a Super Series 4800 Super Cool architectural coating system in 10 colors. The coatings have solar reflectivity values ranging from 26 to 67 percent, which meets and in some cases exceeds Energy Star requirements.

Millennium Tiles
www.millenniumtiles.com
November 2005
Illinois-based Millennium Tiles claims to be the only manufacturer of stainless steel roofing and wall tiles worldwide. Initially targeted for the residential market, the tiles can be used in commercial and institutional projects as curtain walls or as a “green” roof to collect potable water or cut down on air conditioning needs. Competitively priced with high grade cedar, slate, clay or other metal roofing products, the Dade County-approved tiles are made of approximately 75 percent recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable. A built-in “shadow cup” adds the dimension of a more traditional shingle while significantly reducing noise.

In addition to the traditional silver color of stainless steel, Millennium Tiles can be colored with a prismatic process that raises the chromium oxide layer of the stainless. This process prismatically separates visible light into different wavelengths, resulting in different colors within the clear oxide surface. Since the oxide layer is clear, it is never subjected to UV deterioration and the color will stay the same for the life of the stainless. The only color change occurs in response to the light available during the day.

Currently, the tiles are produced in 9'' x 15'' or 7.75'' x 9'' sizes. In the next few months, Millennium will make the product in sheets as large as 48'' x 120'', which will allow for larger sizes to be fabricated. A complete accessory line of accent shingles and trim is available.

MonierLifetile, a Boral Roofing Company
boralna.com
February 2011
The photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide allow the manufacturers of building products such as paints, cements, windows, and ceramic tiles to offer customers a “self-cleaning” benefit that is claimed to substantially reduce concentrations of airborne pollutants such as VOCs and nitrogen oxides. The latest entry into this category is a new concrete roof tile from Boral Roofing Company’s MonierLifetile division, known simply as Smog-Eating Tile.

 “This is ‘normal’ concrete roof tile,” explains Bob Pacelli, Boral Roofing’s marketing communications manager. “Its only difference is that it has a surface made from purely inorganic minerals that reduces the formation of smog and does not promote organic growth.” Although the technology was first developed in Japan, the roof tile is claimed to be the first of its kind in the United States. The tile contains a specially prepared catalyst embedded in the upper part of the tile body; when exposed to sunlight, the catalyst speeds up the oxidation process, resulting in reduced pollution.

“The titanium dioxide is applied as a coating on the surface of the tile’s micro-mortar, which makes it less porous than a conventional color-through tile,” says Pacelli. This gives the tile the added benefit of being mold- and algae-resistant. The technology, marketed as BoralPure, is available on the manufacturer’s high- and medium-profile and flat tiles in 11 colors.

Currently, the product is manufactured in Boral Roofing’s California and Nevada manufacturing plants, but there are plans to expand production into the manufacturer’s eastern plants throughout 2011, enabling the tiles to be shipped nationwide.

Smog-Eating Tile is featured on five “green” prototype homes by builder KB Home for its Alamosa community in West Lancaster, California, the first of which debuted at an event last July. KB Home collaborated with the City of Lancaster and the Chinese green-tech company BYD, which provided the homes’ solar, battery, and LED systems.  

“We are inspired by innovation and constantly seek out new technologies that reduce our homeowners’ overall impact on the natural environment and improve their quality of life,” says Craig LeMessurier, KB Home’s director of corporate communications. “The benefits of Boral’s smog-neutralizing tiles are quite dramatic, and we view this product as a revolutionary way to fight air pollution.”

While some design professionals may need more time to warm up to the new technology, the company has convincing numbers that demonstrate the roof tile’s potential for reducing pollution.

“Over a period of a year, 2,000 square feet of the tile can destroy approximately the same amount of nitrogen oxide as the average car produces driving 10,800 miles,” says Pacelli, “making this product one real way builders and owners can reduce the smog footprint and the diseases directly attributed to it.”

Mortar Net
www.mortarnet.com
November 2004
After testing revealed straight strip products inhibit air flow in and moisture flow out of weep holes, Mortar Net has discontinued the company’s Mortar Mitt straight strip product. The dovetail design of Mortar Net’s standard Mortar Net product was found to be more effective for cavity wall drainage than straight strip. The testing also inspired Mortar Net to redesign their Weep Vent product to improve air flow. Weep Vents block insects and debris while allowing moisture to escape.

Nap'tural
www.infotechfrance.com
February 2004
Batiplum is made of 70 percent duck feathers, 20 percent thermofusible textile fibers, and 10 percent hygienic wool. The blanket-like material is available for both walls and roofing. The textile fibers bond the wool and feathers, avoiding the need for resin.

New Century Building Systems
October 2001
Thyssen has introduced an insulated version of its Thyssen Solartec metal roof panels with integrated photovoltaic components for solar energy applications.

Onyx Solar
onyxsolar.com
February 2011
Based in Spain, Onyx Solar claims to offer the first photovoltaic glass specifically designed for installation in buildings. The photovoltaic properties allow the glass to generate electricity even in buildings where the orientation and inclination are not optimal. Still in development, this walkable roof system (shown) features a-SI glass, a material ideal for extended periods of exposure. 

Owens Corning
www.owenscorning.com
In addition to increasing a thermal efficiency, Owens Corning glass fiber insulation products contain more than 30 percent recycled glass. Material substitution, such as pipes manufactured with glass fiber reinforced plastic, rather than traditional concrete or metal, are efficient alternatives to traditional metal and concrete products.

Pactiv
www.pactiv.com/green-guard
February 2006
The extruded polystyrene foam composition found in Energy-Star rated GreenGuard SL Insulation Board from Pactiv provides a high R-value (5.0 per-inch-of-thickness), resulting in increased thermal protection in foundation and basement applications. Available in product thicknesses ranging from 1'' to 2'', each 2' x 8' or 4' x 8' section of board is tough enough to withstand the rigors of the jobsite, yet is lightweight, and easy to cut and install.

Petersen Aluminum
pac-clad.com
Approximately 9,500 sq. ft. of Petersen Snap-Clad panels and flush panels finished in zinc metallic were used to clad the new studio and residence hall facility for the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester, NH. Designed by Dennis Mires of local firm the Architects, the 32,000-sq.-ft, LEED Gold facility is the first urban campus building in the state to include alternative energies in design.

Potlatch
www.potlatchcorp.com
April 2005
Potlatch has partnered with fire-retardant treatment company Chemco to develop its SaferWood deck and siding panels, which combine Inland Red Cedar’s durability and resistance to decay and moisture with a Class A flame-spread rating. Chemco uses a vacuum pressure application process that removes moisture and air from wood cells and replaces it with an environmentally-friendly retardant.

R Control
www.r-control.com
Suitable for residential and commercial construction, R-Control's Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) one-piece structural system provides superior insulation in exterior walls, roofs, ceilings, and floors. Environmentally responsible engineered wood facings and solid EPS insulation are laminated to create a high strength structural component.

Rheinzink America
www.rheinzink.com
March 2010
Rheinzink America, a leading manufacturer of titanium zincroofing, wall cladding, and rainwater systems for the construction industry, produces the Design Drainage systems made of Rheinzink. The alternative to conventional copper or lead-coated copper home accessories, zinc is a naturally-occurring material that is durable, lasting 80-100 years, and develops a patina that regenerates itself naturally, protecting the metal and reducing the need for costly chemical maintenance.

In a multi-phased expansion of the Navy Federal Credit Union’s Pensacola, Florida campus, three buildings and a parking deck/energy plant have achieved LEED gold status. Approximately 134,000 square feet of Rheinzink flat lock tile finished in graphite gray were used on two buildings and the parking deck (a fourth building is to come). The panels, chosen for their recycled content, durability, and self-healing nature, interact with and complement a masonry facade.

Roy F. Weston, Inc.
www.greengridroofs.com
October 2001
Weston's GreenGrid System is a new green roof technology that is geared toward the needs and requirements of industrial, commercial, and government facilities. The interlocking GreenGrid modules are composed of recycled plastics and arrive at the work site planted and ready for installation. A recent study by Weston estimates that greening the rooftops of all city buildings in Chicago would result in nearly $100 million of annual energy savings.

Sempergreen
sempergreen.com/USA
May 2010
An extensive vegetated green roof manufactured by Sempergreen was completed last September on the main arena structure of Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. The nearly 2.5-acre green-roof project, led by the Minneapolis office of Leo A Daly, is the largest green roof in Minnesota and replaces 29 conventional roofs on five levels of the center. Tecta America was selected to construct, install, and maintain the roof, and was able to recycle almost 95% of existing materials. The roof uses pregrown mats as the base and will capture an estimated one million gallons of storm water per year.

Shildan USA, Inc.
www.shildan.com
July 2002
Shildan is the North American representative of the Moeding clay-tile façade system. The tiles are secured to an aluminum or wooden substructure using fasteners made from aluminum or stainless steel. The system's heat insulation consists of an all natural mineral-fiber material. All materials can be recycled and are UV-resistant, non-fading, resistant to frost, corrosion, salt water, and other aggressive substances.

Sika Sarnafil
www.sarnafilus.com
December 2007
Sika Sarnafil has green roofs systems for use on both concrete and metal deck applications. Their G476 Self-Adhered membrane is specially designed for sub-grade environments. It is compounded to remain watertight in extreme conditions including ponding water and exposure to plant roots, fungi, and bacterial organisms. No flammable adhesives or hot asphalt kettles are required, making installation safe and easy. Pictured here is an extensive green roof planted with over 6,000 sedum plants.

Stevens Roofing Systems
www.stevensroofing.com
May 2002
An energy efficient roof can significantly help to lower a building's interior temperature, and keep air conditioning costs down. White and light-colored roof materials reflect heat, while dark colors absorb light, which is transferred into heat that enters the building. A white Stevens membrane can reflect up to 86 percent of the sun's radiant energy.

Sto
www.stocorp.com
September 2005
Lotusan is an exterior coating recently introduced into the North American market by Sto that features a pronounced self-cleaning effect. Modeled on the microstructure of the lotus leaf (bottom, right), the coating features Bionics technology that imparts super-hydrophobic properties to the coating. The “Lotus Effect” is actually a natural phenomenon discovered on the Asian lotus plant—after each rainfall the plant leaves are immaculately clean and dry, as all the dirt has run off with the raindrops. The coating’s self cleaning effect (far left) makes it highly resistant to soiling, mold, mildew, and algae. Lotusan was first introduced in Europe in 1999, and has been applied to more than 300 million square feet of façade surfaces.

Structural Insulated Panel Association
www.sips.org
June 2001
Structural insulated panels (SIPS) provide top insulating value, and are made using younger, faster growing tree species such as aspen and non-CFC recyclable polystyrene.

Tecta America
www.tectaamerica.com
March 2008
Tecta America has introduced a new TectaGreen modular solution to complement its TectaGreen continuous green roof system. Made of recycled polyethylene, the modular system can be pre-planted or the units can be installed on the roof and filled on-site. Measuring approximately 2' x 2' x 4' the system includes plants tolerant of the rooftop environment and growing media that is blended and engineered for sustainable green roofs. All modular systems offer the same TectaGreen warranty.

Thermafiber
www.thermafiber.com
December 2009
Thermafiber makes a variety of mineral fiber insulation products from pre-consumer recycled iron-ore slag for commercial and residential thermal, sound attenuation, and fire-resistant construction applications. Formaldehyde emissions are far lower than the most stringent CARB Phase II levels for wood panel products.

Weston Solutions
www.greengridroofs.com
updated October 2006
GreenGrid, a division of Weston Solutions, introduces a new DIY Green Roofing System ideal for homes or smaller commercial buildings. The GreenGrid DIY Kit includes 2' x 2' x 4'' deep modules, GreenGrid¹s specially formulated lightweight soil media, and low-maintenance, drought-resistant sedum plants. After the soil media and plants are placed in the modules, the units can be placed directly on top of the existing roof. Although the system is light, the roof¹s structural integrity may need to be tested to verify it can support the extra weight.

The growth media engineered for Green roof systems must provide the nutrients necessary for the vegetation to survive and thrive in all types of climates and conditions. To accomplish this, Weston Solutions, manufacturer of the GreenGrid modular Green roofing systems, has developed a proprietary mixture of organic and inorganic growth media.

Formulated after years of research and field-testing, the growth media used in GreenGrid modular systems has the proper pH balance, air space, nutrients, and drainage to help maximize root development and improve plant growth, quality, and survival.