NEW Full System Warranty Option
Sika Sarnafil Announces Agreement with LiveRoof, LLC To Provide a Single-Source Green Roof Warranty
CANTON, Mass. – Sika Sarnafil, the worldwide market leader in thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membranes, announced an agreement today with LiveRoof®, LLC, the horticultural science company that developed and manufactures the LiveRoof® Hybrid System, to warranty the plant material of the LiveRoof system as well as the performance of its waterproofing membranes and accessories in green roof installations using both companies’ products.
“Sika Sarnafil is excited to partner with LiveRoof on a single source green roof warranty,” said Brian J. Whelan, senior vice president of Sika Sarnafil. “Single source warranties provide the building owner with peace of mind and single point-of-contact responsibility for their green roof projects.”
The LiveRoof Hybrid Green Roof System is a turnkey green roof solution pre-vegetated with fully grown plants at the nursery – eliminating the need for on-site expert horticulturists and decreasing maintenance requirements. Designed by horticulturists and experts in soil science, architecture, roofing, logistics, and ergonomics, LiveRoof modules can be vegetated with various plant mixes to address regional climates and particular project design goals. The modules are easily moved aside for roof inspections or repairs.
Green roof systems have evolved from simple planters to complete engineered systems, specially designed for climate, storm water management, and aesthetic objectives. The LiveRoof system is typically installed by roofing contractors enabling quicker completion and contractor responsibility. The Sika Sarnafil and LiveRoof 20-year single source warranty provides building owners with the best protection offered in the industry.
“Facility managers, general contractors and roofers have to be confident in the performance of every product used on the rooftop, and they want clear, comprehensive warranties,” states Dave MacKenzie, horticulturist and president of LiveRoof, LLC. “Our agreement with Sika Sarnafil provides them with the ability to offer a single source warranty on green roof installations using LiveRoof.”
Sika Sarnafil has been waterproofing green roofs and other landscaped areas across Europe for over 35 years and in the United States for over 25 years. With over 15 billion square feet of roofing and waterproofing membrane installed worldwide, architects, specifiers and building owners know they can depend on Sika Sarnafil for proven products and system performance.
The Sarnafil G476 membrane is specially designed for sub-grade environments, compounded to remain watertight in extreme conditions, including constant dampness, ponding water, high and low alkaline conditions, and exposure to plant roots, fungi and bacterial organisms.
With the increased desire for high-performance buildings and sustainable building products, green roofs have become a “growing” roofing option in North America. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) reports the green roof industry grew by 16.1 percent to more than seven million square feet in 2009 despite the severe economic conditions.
Benefits of Green Roof Systems
- Storm Water Retention – Green roofs greatly lessen erosion and storm water burden on sewer systems.
- Reduction in Energy Consumption – Green roofs can reduce peak energy demand by lowering a building’s heating and cooling costs.
- Reduction in the Urban Heat Island Effect – Dark roofs absorb and retain heat while plants naturally cool their surrounding environments.
- Waterproofing Membrane Protection – A green roof protects the waterproofing membrane from damaging UV rays and freeze-thaw cycling, extending its lifespan.
- Improved Air Quality – Green roofs filter air and produce oxygen.
- LEED and Green Globes – Green roofs contribute to certification within these programs.
- Sound Insulation – Soil and plants can be great sound insulators.
- Aesthetics – Green roofs are visually stimulating and can make great areas for recreation and pleasure.
- Increased Property Value – Installing a green roof can increase property values by providing a valuable building asset.
Sika Sarnafil and LiveRoof are exhibiting at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) on February 16-28, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Convention Center (North Halls). Sika Sarnafil will be at booth #426. LiveRoof will be at booth #460.
About Sika AG
Sika AG, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, is a globally active company supplying the specialty chemicals market. It is a leader in processing materials used in sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting load-bearing structures in construction (buildings and infrastructure construction) and in industry (vehicle, building component and equipment construction). Sika’s product lines feature high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, damping and reinforcing materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring and roofing and waterproofing membranes. Sika AG has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries worldwide, including Canton, MA and approximately 12,000 employees link customers directly to Sika and guarantee the success of all of its business relationships. With this business structure, Sika generates annual sales of CHF 4.2 billion. For more information about Sika Sarnafil in the U.S., visit www.sikacorp.com.
About LiveRoof®, LLC
LiveRoof, LLC (www.liveroof.com) is the horticultural science company that developed the LiveRoof® Hybrid System: the only green roof solution installed as a naturally functioning ecosystem with thriving, fully mature plants. Combining the best elements of proven green roof technologies, LiveRoof establishes a seamless vegetative surface rooted in a continuous layer of soil to maximize environmental benefits, energy savings and rooftop aesthetics. Regional growers in its national network adapt LiveRoof plants for local conditions and customize plant selection for every project. LiveRoof’s natural function and natural beauty offer the highest level of green roof performance at the lowest level of acquisition-installation-maturation-maintenance costs. The proof is on the roof — showcased in LiveRoof projects that stand out as signature elements on commercial, public, university and school buildings in more than two-dozen states and Canada.
###
Notes to Editors: (1) A detailed corporate backgrounder on LiveRoof is available upon request. (2) LiveRoof press kits will be available in the press room at IRE.
Media Contact:
David Aquilina
612-716-5628
Sika Sarnafil Media Contact:
Kathleen Van Gorden
Kathleen Van Gorden
KVG Communications, Inc.
401-480-1840
