The Garland Company, Inc., a Cleveland-based roofing and building envelope manufacturer, has introduced a smog-reducing cool roofing granule called StressPly Legacy FR Mineral. This innovation is poised to revolutionize the roofing industry by offering a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution for building owners.
The innovative granule boasts a higher reflectance cool gray color, which helps reduce the urban heat island effect and lower energy consumption.
How the Granule Works
The magic lies in the granules' ability to convert smog into water-soluble salt. When exposed to sunlight, the minerals in the granules bond with nearby smog molecules, transforming them into water-soluble salt.
This salt is then washed away by precipitation, effectively removing smog from the atmosphere.
The granules are “rejuvenated” after the process, ready to tackle more smog. The salt (nitrate) returns to the natural nitrogen cycle, where it is readily absorbed by plants.
Environmental Impact
Garland estimates that a typical 20,000-square-foot commercial roof covered in StressPly Legacy FR Mineral cool gray can reduce smog equivalent to 216 trees or 14,000 miles of car emissions—the average American's annual driving miles.
This impressive reduction in smog pollution not only contributes to cleaner air but also helps mitigate climate change.
Beyond Smog Reduction
The StressPly Legacy FR Mineral granule goes beyond smog reduction. It also incorporates sustainability into its core design, ensuring that its environmental impact is minimized throughout its lifecycle.
Sustainable Manufacturing
The granule itself is composed of six different environmentally-conscious raw materials.
These include a high-strength ASTM D6162 Type III puncture-resistant reinforcement that incorporates yarns from recycled plastic bottles.
StressPly Legacy: Sustainability at the Forefront
The StressPly Legacy line was developed with sustainability as a guiding principle.
The membrane features repurposed polymers, diverting materials like Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, plastics, crumb-rubber from tires and recycled materials away from landfills.
A Sustainable Product Throughout the Lifecycle
The packaging is crafted with 100% recycled materials, including corrugated sheets, pallet bags, roll tape, and stretch film, further minimizing its environmental footprint.
A Greener Future
The innovative StressPly Legacy FR Mineral cool gray granule represents a significant leap forward in the roofing industry, offering a solution that not only enhances the longevity of roofs but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
This technology has the potential to transform the industry, paving the way for cleaner air and a healthier planet. The fact that the granule reduces smog equivalent to 216 trees or 14,000 miles of car emissions speaks volumes about its environmental impact.
