Tuff-Gard Waterproof Coating Designed To Achieve Roof Longevity At Economical Price Point

SCARBOROUGH, ON – February 18, 2013 – Tuff-Gard, manufactured by Tuff-Gard Seamless Membrane Systems, Inc., is an asphalt emulsion product with polymers and a blend of latexes. It has an elongation property of up to 1800%. Tuff-Gard has been designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and to provide a waterproof coating to desired surfaces. The product can be used for many forms of waterproofing including roofing, foundations, pond liners, containment tanks, mining, and for marine use. Tuff-Gard has a high fire resistance level and is eco-friendly and VOC-free. The product can be applied in hot climates and can also withstand subzero conditions.

Tuff-Gard's founder, Joel Starkman, has worked with chemists to develop the product. He has been in the construction and roofing industry for more than 40 years. Starkman's knowledge and vast experience in the construction and roofing industry made him aware of the need for waterproofing products that provide longevity at an economical price level.

The manufacturer of Tuff-Gard has formulated several products that can be applied manually using Advantage 1, a single component brush and roller-applied product for horizontal surfaces, or Advantage 2, a trowel grade product for vertical surfaces. The caulking grade product, Advantage+, is used to seal cracks, in metal work (seams or eaves), and for small repairs.

The Tuff-Gard spray application consists of two components applied through a specially designed two-pump spraying machine. The machine blends the emulsion and catalyst. When sprayed, the product cures rapidly. The equipment reacts similarly to a traditional spray foam system, but the two components blend after being sprayed. According to Tuff-Gard, the equipment is also more economical.

Starkman has also developed a system where a conventional roof can be sprayed with 3 lb. roofing foam to insulate and add structural security to the roof. The Tuff-Gard membrane can then be applied to waterproof the system, leaving a seamless application.

According to the company, the Tuff-Gard system along with the 3 lb. spray foam becomes an economical roofing system that provides energy savings. The contractor can work with a client to determine the amount of insulation required to provide the desired energy savings. For example, 2 inches of spray foam provides an R-value of 12.8 and an energy savings of approximately 15 percent. Five inches of spray foam, provides an R-value of 32 and an energy savings of approximately 30 percent.

According to Tuff-Gard, the system can provide savings on roof repairs, energy costs, and maintenance on HVAC equipment. It can also add longevity to HVAC equipment and has the potential to add value to a property by reducing rotting and lost production time.

A Certified Applicator can offer a ten-year warranty for Tuff-Gard with an extended period of up to twenty-five years. This offers a built-in maintenance program giving the contractor an opportunity to return at the end of the term to inspect the roof and make any recommendations. If repairs are needed, the contractor can negotiate the cost with the client and extend the warranty for an additional term of five years, renewing the life expectancy of the twenty-five year system. At the end of the warranty, if an additional Tuff-Gard coating is required, it can be applied, and the warranty program will then be renewed.

Starkman said that currently, most spray foam applications are conducted within the premise of a home or building, but that the Tuff-Gard system will allow a certified contractor to quote on much larger projects. This would give a greater return for a day's work according to Starkman. He gives the example that a contractor spraying a house could normally apply up to 1,000 sq. ft. per day. When spraying a roof, he can apply 10,000 sq. ft. per day and receive ten times the profit for that day's work. The contractor can then apply the Tuff-Gard seamless membrane (which also can be applied at the rate of 10,000 sq. ft. per day), providing the additional profit.

Tuff-Gard Seamless Membrane Systems, Inc.'s dealer network was critical in establishing Tuff-Gard as a major roof coating. Certified Applicators attend a five-day training program before they are qualified to install the material. The program features two days of training for proper usage and maintenance of the spray equipment. The following two days are dedicated to learning spray procedures on an actual or mock-up roof. On the fifth and final day, Tuff-Gard will work with the Certified Applicator to give them an understanding of the business aspects of the program.

Tuff-Gard representatives will also attend the Applicator's first two projects in order to ensure successful application.

Tuff-Gard has shipped their products throughout North America, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. The company also plans to extend their distribution and dealership networks.

About Tuff-Gard Seamless Membrane Systems, Inc.: The creators and manufacturers of Tuff-Gard have over 40 years of experience in the roofing and building trades. Tuff-Gard is formulated to be a green, non-toxic and cost-effective sealing and waterproofing solution. For more information about Tuff-Gard Seamless Membrane Systems, Inc., please use the contact details and links provided below.