FAQS
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What is the difference between vinyl and EPDM membranes?
EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer membranes are comprised of a rubber compound that is cross linked for added strength and durability. Seaming options are limited to adhesives and tapes, and the membrane cannot be hot air welded. Vinyl roofing's hot air welded seams have significantly greater peel and shear strength.

White vinyl roofing is highly reflective and meets the requirements of the EPA's ENERGY STAR® program. The program seeks to reduce energy use and reduce greenhouse gases by implementing strategies that lower power demand, improve municipal air quality and reduce the impact of urban heat islands. Vinyl membranes also can be manufactured in virtually any color to match the design objectives of the architect and building owner.

Is dioxin emitted from vinyl roofing membranes during their manufacture, installation or use?
No dioxins are generated during the manufacture, installation or use of vinyl roofing membranes.

How do vinyl membranes behave/react/perform in a fire situation?
Vinyl roofing membranes are inherently flame resistant. They are difficult to ignite, burn very slowly and do not support combustion, tending to self extinguish when the source of flame is removed. Vinyl roofs have passed both FM and UL fire testing, achieving unlimited slope approvals.

The National Fire Protection Association selected a vinyl roof for its headquarters building in Quincy, Mass., in 1998. The eight-story building is where the fire codes and standards affecting virtually every building, process, service, design and installation in society today are developed. A vinyl roofing system's inherent fire resistance was an important design consideration for all involved.

Are there advantages to using highly reflective vinyl roofs in northern climates?
Yes. The advantages of cool roofing apply to cooler climates as well as warmer climates. The cooling benefits of a highly reflective roof far outweigh the potential winter month heating benefits of a less reflective roof surface. There are several primary reasons for this. First, the solar angle is lower in the winter, so reflectivity and absorption are not as important. 1 Second, the days of the winter months are shorter so less total energy is hitting the roof to be absorbed or reflected over the same period of time as during the summer. 2 Third, the ratio of cloudy to sunny days increases during the winter, so again, not as much solar energy is striking the roof. 3 Fourth, snow piled up on the roof during parts of the winter reflects the sun's energy. 4 Fifth, in many cases, resources cheaper than electricity, such as natural gas or oil, are used to heat buildings in the winter. 5 Finally, cool roofs can have more impact on energy cost than energy use. That is because cool roofs cut energy use during peak power demand when the rates are the highest. Some northern utility companies offer rebates and incentives for tactics like cool roofs that help facilities cut down on the peak demand load.6 Additionally, regardless of the climate, highly reflective roofs contribute to a reduction in the urban heat island effect, thereby helping to reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

1 "Do Cool Roofs Fit in Cool Climates?", Building Operating Management, March 2004, Greg Zimmerman.
2 Ibid
3 Ibid
4 Ibid
5 Ibid
6 Ibid