Single Ply is Riding High!
MuleHide Products Co. Inc.Special Solutions Support
Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc. offers EPDM, TPO and self-adhering TPO, and PVC and Dec-K-ing Walkable PVC.
New for 2005, Mule-Hide is offering a free reference tool for professional applicators of the company's expanded line of low-slope maintenance and repair products. This tool consists of slide charts bound together into one booklet. There is a slide chart for each low-slope roof type: built-up roofing, EPDM, Hypalon, metal, modified bitumen, PVC and TPO. Users select solutions based on specific roof problems whether spot patching, general repairs or maintenance. The applicable products are displayed in a "recommended solutions" window.
When asked what Mule-Hide offers contractors that sets the company apart from competitors, Baumann points to a focus on customer service. "Mule-Hide is so dedicated to meeting contractor needs we even designed a symbol to represent the service level we provide. We call it ‘Special Solutions Support,' which stands for the following: individualized assistance, attention to detail, project level technical assistance and alternative methods of installation."
Baumann also points to the fact that Mule-Hide is available nationwide through ABC Supply Co., with over 270 locations, where field technical representatives hold ongoing training seminars.
Regarding the overall market, "Single-ply had a tremendous year in 2004 with both EPDM and TPO enjoying double-digit growth. That trend is continuing in 2005," says Baumann. She notes that the "green" trend is gaining momentum as well, and is strongest in urban areas where the urban heat island and energy savings are a major concern. Baumann defines "green" as meaning both healthy for the environment and sustainable. And she believes that it is important to consider the health of roofing crews and building occupants as well. Thus, "The trend for flame-free, fume-free roofs is driving strong growth in self-adhering systems." To this end, Mule-Hide offers self-adhering modified bitumen and TPO as well as EPDM fully adhered with a water-based adhesive.
"Cool roof trends continue to drive growth in white single-ply membranes and elastomeric acrylic coatings for cool roof restorations and as a field-applied coating on BUR, mod bit or black EPDM roof," continues Baumann. "Mule-Hide offers a complete line of cool roof solutions." Pointing to cool roofing initiatives in California, Portland, Ore., Chicago, Pennsylvania, and the Twin Cities, Baumann observes, "Many other cities are in the process of reviewing building code requirements for stormwater runoff -Chesapeake Bay, Md., Dallas, Madison, Wis., and Boston are a few."
Mule-Hide also offers garden roofs with the GreenGrid™ system, featuring lightweight modules that arrive at the building site pre-planted and ready for installation. The modules can be placed directly onto the roofing membrane or other roof types and since they are composed of recylced plastics can earn LEED points. Baumann emphasizes the company's industry-exclusive "Wrap-Around-Warranty," which covers both the roofing system and the garden roof, and notes that the GreenGrid modular system is currently specified by the City of Chicago.
