The Garland Company, Inc., based in Cleveland, has launched a new cool roofing granule named StressPly Legacy FR Mineral, designed to reduce smog.
According to Matt McDermott, president of Garland’s U.S. roofing division, the company takes pride in leading the industry in both innovation and sustainability. He emphasized that any addition to their StressPly product line must meet Garland’s high standards for durability and waterproofing.
In a news release dated September 24, Garland announced that StressPly Legacy FR Mineral features a cool gray granule that reflects light to reduce smog. When activated by sunlight, the granules bond with smog particles, transforming them into water-soluble salt that is washed away by rain. This process allows the granules to be reused while also returning the salt to the natural nitrogen cycle, benefiting plants.
Garland claims that a standard 20,000-square-foot commercial roof using StressPly Legacy FR Mineral can provide a smog-reducing benefit equivalent to that of 216 trees or 14,000 miles of car emissions, the typical annual driving distance for most Americans.
Julie Geyer, director of research and development at Garland, highlighted the product’s focus on sustainability, noting that it comprises six different eco-friendly raw materials, including puncture-resistant reinforcements made from recycled plastic bottles.
StressPly Legacy utilizes repurposed polymers to keep materials such as Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, plastics, and crumb rubber tires out of landfills. The membrane features a smooth surface with up to 27% pre-consumer recycled content, 12% post-consumer recycled content, and 1% bio-based materials. Furthermore, the packaging is made from 100% recycled materials and emphasizes sustainability across other components like pallet bags and roll tape.
McDermott stated that the sustainable benefits of the StressPly Legacy line extend beyond just the roofing, offering long-lasting watertight performance that contributes to improved outdoor air quality. He asserted, “At Garland, we say, ‘There’s nothing greener than a roof that lasts.’”
For more information, please visit garlandco.com.