Roofing leaders weigh-in on heatless roofing practices
The momentum for flameless roofing solutions is building. As calls for safer and more sustainable roofing practices grow, professionals are voicing their preference for cold-applied or self-adhesive roofing products that get the job done with less risk of accidents.
“From our perspective, we feel that if you’re going to manage risk, the very first rule is how can you get rid of the risk. And If you can’t remove the risk, how do you manage it? And the easiest way is to remove the flame,” offers John McManus, Chief Operating Officer with the Flynn Group of Companies.
McManus is one of many industry veterans interviewed for SOPREMA Canada’s video, A Shift Towards Flameless Solutions.The online video is part of the roofing product manufacturers’ flameless solution campaign, which seeks to turn a spotlight on roofing membranes that can be attached to roofing systems without the use of flame (e.g., membranes with polyether-based adhesives, laminated roofing boards, etc.) In addition to eliminating the risks associated with having open flames on the job site, the campaign also emphasizes the benefits of using flameless solutions to eliminate unwelcome emissions and drive leaner operations.
“The use of flameless systems may require less equipment on site and the rooftop since there would not be a need for propane cylinders, torches, hoses, attachments, and other related equipment,” suggests Bob Brunet, Executive Director with the Canadian Roofing Contractors. “Further, if no open flame is used for installations there would be a need to perform a fire watch at the end of the day, which saves time and money.”
Saving costs
Roofing industry players are growing wise to the advantages of flameless solutions. And in addition to promoting safer job sites, one of the most appealing benefits is that cold-applied or self-adhesive products are less risky in the eyes of insurers.
“There is a serious problem obtaining insurance coverage, and it’s not just because of the oppressive insurance marketplace that we’re in right now. It’s because torch-applied and built-up roofing have caused major fires over the course of the past 20 years, and it’s never been curbed,” says Simon J. Fenn. Chairman of Fenn & Fenn Insurance. “The measures that being taken today are very positive measures, and as long as the insurance industry gets educated about those measures, then we will see a change in pricing for roofing contractors.”
Speaking from his own experience, Andy Sing, Senior Manager of Real Estate Services with Rogers Communications, notes: “One secondary benefit of [using flameless solutions] is the insurance aspect. Having a system like this really reduces the risk of having an incident.”
Clearing the air
There are several myths that continue to linger around flameless solutions despite their proven advantages. Nevertheless, many of these myths are based on either earlier products or general misunderstandings.
One myth is that applying cold-applied or self-adhesive materials requires specific training. And while it’s true that the application process involves a degree of training, it does not take long to equip talent with the skills they need.
Another misconception is that flameless solutions come with design challenges. Reversely, not only have flameless solutions been shown to deliver equal performance levels, sustainability, and costs as the alternatives, designers and engineers are becoming more confident in their use.
“As a roof designer, I find myself now confident that I can specify a flameless solution that adheres to building code requirements, provides long term solutions, and offers safer installations methods for the roof technicians and the buildings,” says Michael Hensen, Executive Director, IRC Building Services Group.
Raising the bar
The benefits of flameless solutions are becoming clear. The next step for the industry is to continue that momentum by raising awareness for such products through campaigns like SOPREMA’s and pushing flameless innovation.
“I think the innovations brought forward by the manufacturers is a big reason why there’s more acceptance to using flameless products in the present day,” says Hensen. “Now, there are assured solutions and testing assemblies that are being brought forth and available for contractors to install and for consultants to rely on in their specifications.”
Watch SOPREMA’s A Shift Towards Flameless Solutions video at www.soprema.ca/flameless-interview.
