FiberTite

Why Select FiberTite® Roofing Membranes Over Other Roofing Products?

FiberTite is a unique DuPont Elvaloy® (Ketone Ethylene Ester – KEE) based roofing system that was invented over a
quarter century ago. Today, over 99% of FiberTite roofs ever installed are still performing. Their success can be summarized by four facts:

  • FiberTite roofing membranes start with the industry’s heaviest base fabric. Add to that a proprietary knit design, and you’ve got a roofing system with superior puncture and tear resistance.
  • FiberTite’s proprietary formula includes the industry’s highest KEE content, allowing their roofing membranes to maintain excellent flexibility, as well as chemical and UV resistance.
  • FiberTite was invented, and is manufactured, by Seaman Corporation, a recognized world leader in coated fabrics for over 55 years.
  • FiberTite is the only roofing membrane that exceeds the new ASTM D 6754-2 standard for Elvaloy KEE Content

vs. PVC – It’s the Plasticizer Migration Issue

Conventional PVC membranes rely on very high levels of liquid plasticizer to manufacture a flexible membrane. Over time, heat, UV, chemicals and other environmental contaminants extract the plasticizer to the surface of the membrane where it’s washed away by wind and rain. This plasticizer migration reduces flexibility and leaves the membrane more susceptible to damage from thermal shock, hail impact and foot traffic. Obtaining a dependable repair weld eventually becomes impossible.
Instead of relying on high levels of liquid plasticizer for flexibility during the manufacturing process, FiberTite roofing membranes use the highest Elvaloy KEE content. KEE’s inherent excellent chemical resistance, and the high content combined with the FiberTite proprietary formula allows our roofing membranes to maintain flexibility over time.

vs. TPO – No Long-Term Track Record

TPO roofing membranes were first introduced in 1992. Yet the majority of TPO manufacturers didn’t enter the market until the mid- to late- 90s. And TPO continues to be in the experimental phase – all are in their second, third and in some cases fourth generation of formulations.
Because the basic formula of FiberTite roofing membranes was developed from years of experience, they got it right the first time. The FiberTite formula has never changed since its introduction over 25 years ago

vs. EPDM – Less Seam Strength, Less Energy Efficiency

EPDM is a thermoset material, which requires a mechanical seal using tape or glue. This mechanical seal becomes the weak link, and can lead to leaking and waterproof issues.
FiberTite roofing membranes are made of a thermoplastic material, and provide a molecular weld via sealing the seam with a heat source. Molecular welds are 10 times more secure than those created with a mechanical seaming process.
FiberTite, is Energy Star® compliant and reduces energy costs. As an example, according to the Department of Energy, a white membrane saves $ .07 per square foot every year in ‘cloudy’ Akron, Ohio. Savings in sunnier, warmer climates can save over $ .20 per square foot.

FiberTite vs. Built-Up and Modified Bitumen

Potential Installation Issues, Poor Protection from the Elements and Energy Inefficiencies

Built-up roofing (BUR) and modified bitumen roofing systems require the construction of multiple waterproofing membrane layers. Consequently, they are subject to a number of installation errors. Combine these factors with extremely poor resistance to UV, chemical resistance, ponding water and poor energy efficiency, and what you have is an inferior roofing product. Because none of these factors are an issue with single-ply roofing membranes, they continue to take market share from asphalt roofs.
All of the ‘protection’ needed for your roof is engineered into one monolithic FiberTite sheet, reducing the probability of
installation error. And FiberTite’s high KEE polymer content provides excellent chemical resistance. In addition, FiberTite roofing membranes provide excellent puncture resistance via the industry’s heaviest fabric, coupled with their proprietary knit design.

vs. PVC Plus Elvaloy Roofs

FiberTite’s success has given rise to an increasing number of PVC membrane manufacturers introducing a PVC sheet that includes some Elvaloy. Their formula only includes a minimal amount of Elvaloy and does not provide the flexibility and protection that a FiberTite membrane roof does.
In fact, FiberTite contains the highest level of Elvaloy, and is the only product that meets the ASTM D 6754-2 standard for KEE (Elvaloy) content.