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J UNE 2018 | 19 Roofing/Cladding Materials Business is strong for the Canadian roofing and cladding sector by ROBIN BRUNET I ncreasingly stringent building regulations may be a constant headache for developers, but they inspire innovation within the manufacturing commu- nity, especially with regards to roofing and cladding, the products of which must also withstand the harsh extremes of Canadian weather. For example, in April, Carlisle SynTec Systems (whose coatings, insulation, metal products, and other roofing systems are widely used throughout North America) announced a revolutionary new roofing system. RapidLock is an adhesive-free system that uses Velcro to fully attach 115-mil FleeceBACK RL EPDM or FleeceBACK RL TPO to InsulVase RL or SecurShield HD RL polyiso insulation. The Velcro system has numerous advantages over adhesive systems, starting with no VOCs or odours, and no temperature restrictions (crucial for building sites in northern regions); its wind uplift ratings are comparable to traditional fully adhered single-ply systems, and it has excellent resistance to hail and punctures. Another innovator in the roofing and cladding realm is Building Products of Canada (BP). It has been producing quality home building and home renovation products for over 100 years, with a focus on roofing and its diversified line of wood fibre products (although it has also distinguished itself historically in the siding business, having invented vinyl siding back in the 1960s and more recently the industry-leading Enermax acoustical panels). New from BP is the R-5 XP BP Insul-Sheathing panel. Combining the mechanical properties of BP's wood fibre panels and the insulation properties of Dow Chemical's extruded polystyrene, R-5 XP provides a continuous thermal resistance of R-5; doesn't require additional bracing (thus reducing material and labour costs); and meets air barrier and weather barrier standards (thus eliminating the need and the cost of housewrap). The panel's energy efficiency is not only achieved through added continuous insulation, but also through air tightness: when the panel is installed with the polystyrene facing outside, it makes the design and installation of the air-barrier system much easier thanks to its low air permeability. R-5 XP allows accumulated moisture to escape to the outside, keeping the wall dry and mould-free over time. R-5 XP is only one example of the many ways BP keeps current with ever- evolving building codes. As one of Canada's leading producers of building envelope materials, BP strives to offer its clientele code-compliant solutions that are both cost-efficient and environmentally sound. Although BP has focused increasingly on sustainability in the manufacture and performance of its products, this is not at the expense of esthetic considerations. For example, its Mystique 42 double-layer laminate shingle with its oversized tabs, features dramatic 3D shadow bands that create a sharp, slate look for any residence, and a palette of vintage colours to choose from further enhances Mystique 42's ability to improve a home curb appeal. John Carson, executive director for Altus Precast, reports that business is strong across North America "and the Canadian market is heating up for our producers as well with regards to our product and technology platforms." Altus's innovations are such that YouTube is awash with videos of its graphic concrete imaging technology, which allows durable patterns and images to be imprinted onto precast surfaces such as facades, walls, spandrels, and transporta- tion sound walls, opening up a huge range of design possibilities, while providing the resilience of precast concrete to architects, owners, and municipalities as well. Examples of enclosures and buildings using CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Walls are also abundant on YouTube. One such structure featured is The Heights at Montclair State University in New Jersey – a $211-million, 567,271-square- foot, two-tower residence whose owners used CarbonCast Insulated Architectural Cladding as an exterior wall system intended for horizontal and vertical place- ment. Each sandwich-type precast panel relies on C-GRID carbon fibre grid connectors between inner and outer concrete wythes to deliver all the benefits inherent to precast cladding, while incorporating rigid insulation in the panel. Protection Against The Elements Concrete Topped Insulated (CTI) roof panels, Alberta Research Council, Edmonton, AB. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TECH-CRETE PROCESSORS LTD.

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