Sustainable and Innovative
Specguard’s roofing systems meet challenges of commercial buildings
Specguard, a formulating and manufacturing company, focuses on meeting the important issues facing the fluid-applied commercial roof systems market. According to Larry Lizotte, Vice President and Sales Director, today’s innovative technologies give his company the ability to produce products that meet the challenges facing low slope commercial roofs. These challenges require products and systems that provide superior adhesion, high tensile strength, ponding water capability, ease of application and sustainable, environmentally conscious features.
In the early 2000s, Specguard, based in Wilmington, California, began developing white reflective roof coating products to meet the strict requirements of the state’s Title 24 program. Along with the environmental requirements, Specguard focused on formulating products that would provide long-term durability in the tough environment that exists on commercial roofs. “The environmental issues are important and generally all coatings can meet those requirements,” Lizotte says, “but the products’ performance in the key areas including high adhesion and water resistance are the ones we focus on the most.”
Price, application process and system compatibility are important factors for contractors. Specguard’s systems are designed for ease of application to help reduce labor cost. The company’s systems are compatible with the four major types of commercial roofs: built-up, metal, foam and single-ply. The roof systems are sustainable, with a renewable option once the original warranty has expired.
Specguard is the coating division of Marine Fenders International Inc. In the mid-1970s, Jerry Thermos, Founder and President of Marine Fenders International Inc. and Specguard, began his career in the chemical industry, targeting various products and chemical systems for commercial, Navy and other military markets for the U.S. government. In the late 1990s, Thermos began to shift into selling formulated coating systems for the construction market. The company attributes much of its success and influence to Tim Thermos, an innovative chemist and the companies’ inspiration. With Tim’s mentoring, Jerry now has more than 45 years of experience in the chemical and manufacturing industry and has carried on that innovative focus.
Targeting Products to Match Industry Needs
As the fluid-applied roof system market continues to grow, Specguard is proactive and focused on targeting the needs of the industry for product performance. Lizotte says the raw materials manufacturers recognize the growth of the fluid-applied roof systems market and continue to improve and develop materials to meet the increased performance expectations. “We are always focused on increasing our products’ performance,” Lizotte says. “We have experienced technical staff that fully buys into that concept. We continually work with our technology partners to produce the best products available.”
Quality, Consistency with Every Batch
Specguard is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer. This certification requires that the company follow manufacturing protocols involving documentation, specific processes, traceability of materials and employee training to ensure consistent quality of Specguard’s products, Lizotte explains.
Most of Specguard’s roofing products are sold directly to contractors, providing the best value possible, Lizotte says. The company also works with property management groups, building owners, facility managers, consultants and architects to specify its products. The company’s focus is to continue to bring more specified projects to its contractor group. It also provides application training for facility managers and personnel.
Lizotte points to completed projects in California and beyond. One example is the Neptune Foods building, Terminal Island, California. Other projects are buildings at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus and Sterilite Corp. in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Beyond these projects, Specguard’s roof system has been used on hotels, such as the Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center; the Henderson Executive Airport, Henderson, Nevada; the vehicle maintenance building, Port of San Diego, and many more.
In addition to the roofing systems, Specguard manufactures flooring systems and marine-grade spray polyurea products. The company’s single component polyaspartic is a unique product mainly used for industrial and garage floors. Other products include concrete joint fillers.
Our Biggest Asset
Specguard has 35 employees, including some production personnel who have been with the company for more than 30 years. The company’s chemist and Technical Director is Lou Macaspac, in charge of quality control and product development. Other key personnel are Mark Wilder, Operations Manager; Randy Smith, Operations Coordinator; Kim Owens, Office Manager; Steve Opdahl, IT Manager; and JohnMark Wood, Engineering. Recently the company has hired some younger employees, Lizotte says, including Production Manager Cesar Avila, who brings a new perspective to Specguard’s production process. “We appreciate everyone’s focus and dedication to quality and customer service.”
Helping Our Employees and Our Community
The company helps its employees by promoting continuing education programs, providing tuition sponsorship to community colleges and beyond.
In the community, Specguard supports local youth sports programs and is a longstanding member of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. The company seeks out opportunities to help with community projects and provide materials for causes to help the underprivileged.
The company’s culture puts emphasis on ingenuity and innovation, Lizotte adds. “One of our slogans says ‘The choice is always quality or price; with Specguard you get both.’ Our customers tell us we’re the best-kept secret. We want to change that.”