Easier application. Self-adhered products are the next step in prefabricated technology, taking out the need for additional equipment or specialized labor. Think "peel and stick!" SA products are less labor-intensive than many other traditional roofing system applications. Short on crew members that have been trained on how to handle fasteners and screws? That's okay. You won't need them.
Self-adhered membrane application can generally be summarized in three steps (though you always want to consult the full installation guidelines).
1. The membrane is rolled out over the prepared substrate.
2. Once the membrane has relaxed, the membrane is aligned and the release liner is removed. The membrane "sticks" or adheres to the substrate.
3. The process continues, with membrane ends overlapping at specific intervals.
Additional steps required. Please consult the full installation guide for instructions.
Faster application. Simple application steps make for a speedy application. Elevate SA products install 4x quicker than traditional EPDM and TPO and with fewer people.* Plus, Elevate SA products' uniform, factory-applied adhesive means consistent/uniform application of adhesive, no seam tape and no adhesive flash-off time.
Shawn Sullivan, Principal at Olsson Roofing, one of the largest commercial roofing companies in Illinois, can vouch for the speed and ease of FullForce™ EPDM, part of the Elevate SA family.
"At first, there was a big mental hurdle of having double the seams compared to a 20' wide sheet, but after trying it and recognizing the increased speed of installation due to not having to install seam tape, the product proved itself. It does take an adjustment in practice from an estimator's standpoint," he admitted, but "General Contractors are selling a schedule to their building owners, and we can go faster using FullForce."
Testimonials aren't the only thing to back up our claim. If you're working with a smaller crew and need to move fast, SA products are for you. Based on third-party testing:
- A crew of only two people can install FullForce™ EPDM SA 4.3x faster than the traditional application method.*
- A crew of only four people can install UltraPly™ TPO SA 4x faster than the traditional application method.*
A longer season for application. With Elevate SA products in your truck, you can keep roofing when your competitors call it quits on cold winter days. Elevate SA membranes can be installed in temperatures as cold as 20 °F (-7 °C).
Reduced safety and environmental concerns. Self-adhered membranes are more environmentally friendly since there are no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and any piece of the membrane can be cut and used for detailed applications, eliminating waste.
"Aside from being a high-quality product and simple assembly, [Elevate SA] takes bonding adhesive off the roof and reduces flammables," adds Mike Herlihy, Principal at Olsson Roofing. "Frankly, [Elevate SA products offer] much simpler details. All of which has made the transition into it much more attractive, and we're able to take these components to the customer and tell them you're going to enjoy these benefits as well."
