A New Kind of Roofing Adhesive

According to EPA documents, organic solvents used in commercial products release over 886,000,000,000 pounds of VOC’s in the atmosphere each year in the U.S.  This is second only to transportation pollution, which releases about a trillion pounds of VOC’s annually. These two sources of VOC’s exceed all others combined. In spite of all the “Green” rhetoric, the consumption of solvents continues to grow without abate at about the rate of the annual Gross Domestic Product.

Construction materials make up a large amount of annual VOC pollution tonnage. Because these materials are not a fixed source of pollution, they have been poorly regulated. Solvents used in coatings, adhesives and sealants have been a cheap, convenient and unrestricted method of applying construction materials for many years. Although viable, alternative materials do exist, the persistent use of cheap, solvent release compounds has been sustained by powerful political and industry forces. As a result, safe and efficient alternatives have been struggling to enter the market.

The industry is now on the cusp of profound change due to the development of a new solvent free, sealant and adhesive chemistry with superlative performance capabilities--and complete safety.  

A new adhesive is about to make its debut.  It will be introduced at Greenbuild in Chicago in November.  A totally solvent free, single ply roofing adhesive capable of withstanding hurricane force winds is imminently qualified to replace flammable, 80% solvent based, widely used roofing adhesives--and reduce VOC pollution by over twenty-five million pounds.  It will deliver significant time and cost savings as well. This high performance product will earn 1 LEED Point for Low Emitting Materials and 5 NAHB Global Impact Points.  It presents zero health hazards and contributes nothing to global warming.

The new roofing adhesive is made by Chem Link in Schoolcraft, Michigan.