Spray-applied Waterproofing Membrane Makes Green Roofs Easy to Install and Maintain

BIRCH VALE, U.K. – November 10, 2009 – Launched at GreenBuild in 2008, VERDISEAL™ Waterproofing System from The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) has become a preferred brand for architects and engineers involved in “green roof” projects.  Protecting the roof from bulk water and root penetration, the spray-applied polyurethane creates a seamless monolithic barrier across the roof deck, side walls and any sloping surfaces in between.  Fast cure time, durability and design flexibility has made VERDISEAL the solution of choice when it comes to selecting a waterproofing product for even the most challenging roof structures.

“Green roofs are sprouting up everywhere around the world and, as they do, design and construction standards are evolving,” said John Knoblich, North American marketing manager, Dow Formulated Systems. “VERDISEAL Waterproofing System is the next generation in green roof membrane technologies that addresses the practical realities of putting a garden on top of a roof.”

With the durable performance of polyurethane, VERDISEAL eliminates the need for the root-resistant protective layer required for conventional membrane green roof systems, reducing steps and material. Root penetration through the membrane is a common cause of tears and leaks, which can lead to costly membrane repair or replacement.  Recent tests show that VERDISEAL is tough enough to resist root penetration by invasive root species such as bamboo.

VERDISEAL is applied without the use of bitumen, open flames or solvents. To ensure the membrane’s performance and longevity, Dow offers installers specialized training and certification program. When applied by Dow-certified installers, VERDISEAL carries a 30-year warranty – ten years more than the industry standard.

Science-Based, Field-Tested

Whether the project involves putting a green roof on the top of a new building or transforming a concrete roof into a community gathering place, VERDISEAL has a strong track record that has earned it a number of high-profile projects in the United States. Here are two recent examples:

• For a community roof garden on a luxury apartment building in Hoboken, N.J., VERDISEAL was applied to create a 20,000 square foot waterproof surface that could accept a wide choice of overburdens, from soil, plants and trees to concrete pavers and hot tarmac.
• For a plaza deck and courtyard at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, N.Y. VERDISEAL was used to address the issue of a leaking plaza deck.  Major restoration was executed seamlessly, and VERDISEAL demonstrated its excellent qualities by overcoming the challenges of difficult detailing and vertical surfaces.  Once finished, the green roof at the plaza deck and the courtyard were fully waterproofed, providing the Center’s employees, patients and visitors with a peaceful place to relax. 

Dow Hyperlast, the creator and manufacturer of VERDISEAL, brings 30 years of experience in developing innovative materials, products, and solutions for customers worldwide.  As one of the 30 systems houses within the Dow Formulated Systems global network, Dow Hyperlast leverages resources and material expertise of The Dow Chemical Company while developing technologically advanced formulations tailored to specific needs of customers and delivering regional support through a dedicated team of local technical sales representatives.

About Dow Formulated Systems

Dow Formulated Systems, a global business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), is a global industry leader in the development and formulation of fully formulated polyurethane and epoxy systems, focused on providing its customers worldwide with innovative tailor-made solutions through its Energy Efficiency, Alternative Energy & Composites, Infrastructure Life Preservation, Leisure & Lifestyle and Industrial Coatings businesses.

Dow Formulated Systems manufactures and markets custom-formulated rigid and semi-rigid, flexible, integral skin and microcellular polyurethane foams and fully-formulated systems, as well as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and binders used in applications ranging from residential and commercial construction, infrastructure repair, wind energy solutions, oil and gas, automotive, appliance, furniture, and shoe soles, to decorative moldings and athletic equipment.  Striving to meet the specific needs of its customers in their geographic regions, Dow Formulated Systems operates a global network of 30 system houses.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.4 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. The Company has 150 manufacturing sites in 35 countries and produces approximately 3,300 products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008, 98 manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 15,000 employees worldwide. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.  More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com. 

For editorial information, please contact Elise Heffelfinger, The Dow Chemical Company, + 41 0 44 728 3269;  For further editorial information in North America, please contact Marissa Peterson, Gibbs & Soell Public Relations, at +1 212 697-2600, mpeterson@gibbs-soell.com; For further editorial information outside North America, please contact Kim Crawley, Gibbs & Soell PR, +41 44 205-5565, kcrawley@gibbs-soell.com