As GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, prepares for the early 2015 move to its new world-class headquarters in Parsippany, the company is busy installing a new GAF EverGuard Extreme^® TPO roof on the property. As part of the process and reflecting its commitment to sustainable roofing choices, GAF will be recycling the old ISO insulation, the worn out EPDM membrane, and even the ballast removed during the reroof.
When referring to roof recycling, the common thought is about asphalt shingle recycling. This has been growing in popularity due in large part to GAF’s network of Certified Green Roofers, who promote the practice. But low-slope roofing offers excellent recycling opportunities as well, demonstrated by the 660 cubic yards (six truckloads) of EPS and XPS insulation and the 130,000 square feet (two truckloads) of EPDM generated in the GAF tear-off.
“Customarily, this material would have been destined for the landfill,” stated Martin Grohman, director of sustainability at GAF. “However, working in concert with Disposal Alternatives of Gloucester, MA, this material will be repurposed in a variety of ways—for crumb rubber, warehouse insulation, and other suitable applications.”
GAF has also used the project as an opportunity to make a training video on how to properly remove and prepare commercial roofing for recycling. While not every commercial roofing project can be recycled, when it is possible, professional roofing contractors are encouraged to explore the option—which can often even improve the economics of larger reroof projects.
To learn more about GAF, visit www.gaf.com.
To learn more about GAF’s green initiatives, visit www.gaf.com/green.
About GAF: Founded in 1886, GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple. GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles, which then evolved with the introduction of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System by extending the Lifetime coverage beyond just the roofing shingles.
With a focus on social responsibility, GAF developed Advanced Protection^® Shingle Technology, providing superior durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of natural resources. The company also developed single-ply and asphaltic roofing membranes with superior durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.
GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 125,000 professionals. CARE’s mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel. For more information about GAF, visit www.gaf.com.