By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

GCP’s Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD® is designed to protect the home from wind-driven rain and ice dams, here are some talking points for recommending the product to homeowners.  

As extreme weather continues to become the new norm, construction and repairs need to bolster themselves to be able to withstand anything that Mother Nature throws at the roof. More and more homeowners are looking for waterproofing products that protect the home and avoid damage or need for repair. Let your customers know that be it rain, snow or ice, they can count on GCP’s Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD® self-adhered roofing underlayment to offer superior protection from water getting into the house. MoneyPit recently answered some frequently asked questions from homeowners about this product. Read on to learn more about how to recommend this product to homeowners and answer questions they may have.  

They ask: Why Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD®? 

You reply: The Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD® underlayment has defended homes against ice dams for over 40 years and remains a best-in-class self-adhered roof underlayment that provides premium leak protection. The lasting watertight bond created by Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD® lies in its specially-formulated layer of rubberized asphalt adhesive.   

Further, tell your clients that Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD® offers superior watertight laps, which serve a crucial function in keeping the roof dry.   

They ask: What is an ice dam and what dangers do they pose to the home?   

You reply: Ice dams occur when snow on your roof melts due to the warm air in the attic space or solar radiation. Water flows down the slope towards the roof eve where it refreezes over the unheated space. This dam traps water from falling off the roof, meaning that it can cause a leak into the building. Ice dams can not only damage the walls of a home, but coverings, gutters and other roof components. These repairs can be difficult and expensive. 

They ask: Won’t shingles and the felt underlayment prevent leaks?   

You reply: Nope. Shingles and felt are designed to shed water from the roof, but cannot prevent ice dam leaks. Ice dams trap the water that shingles shed off of the roof, and a felt underlayment can soak up this water leading to leaks. This is why a self-adhered roofing underlayment makes such a huge difference in protecting a roof from leaks, as they are the last line of defense between a home and water infiltration. Premium performance self-adhered underlayments, such as Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD®, seal around the fasteners used to attach shingles and other roof coverings, which helps prevent the water behind an ice dam from leaking into the house.  

They ask: Where should the self-adhered underlayment be installed?  

You reply: Most basic building code requirements mandate that a membrane should be applied along the eaves, in the valleys on the roof. However, it is recommended that you also protect potential trouble spots and apply underlayments where leaks have happened in the past. Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD’s Ripcord® split release on demand, allows for easy-to-install detailing that can protect the roofs most vulnerable areas, offering protection to leak-prone areas of the roof deck, such as valleys, chimneys and roof to wall transitions. 

They ask: What if I don’t live in a place where it snows? Do I still need to use self-adhered underlayments?   

You reply: Yes! Because even if you live in a warmer climate, the same areas of your roof are vulnerable to wind-driven rain. For example, hurricanes can cause shingle blow-offs, a roof covered with Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD® would avoid major damage.  

Conclusion 

Homes need to be built with materials that can handle all that is thrown their way. Give your customers peace of mind by installing Grace ICE & WATER SHIELD® self-adhered roofing underlayment on their roof to add another layer of protection against leaks.  

Learn more about GCP Applied Technologies in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit gcpat.com. 

Photo credit: MoneyPit

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) is set to host its 94th annual trade show.  

This year’s North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Convention and Trade Show is expected to have a great turnout. The event is set to take place March 1 – 3 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although the deadline for registration has passed, we are currently offering a free pass that contractors can use at the door to attend the event. 

With nearly 200 booths and quality educational seminars, this convention is great event for contractors in the northeastern United States to attend. RoofersCoffeeShop® will be there at booth 529, so swing by and say hi to Heidi Ellsworth, Karen Edwards and Tim Ellsworth. At the booth we’ll be giving out our special 20th anniversary celebratory swag! 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) will also be there at booth 130 and they will be hosting a networking event on March 2 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Members from the NWIR board of directors and local councils will be attending and time will be devoted to discussing empowering women in the roofing industry. Register for the event today! 

Here are some other booths work checking out: 

• ABC Supply – Booth #411 

• A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply – Booth #425 

• APOC – Booth #118 

• ATAS International – Booth #226 

• Beacon Building Products – Booth #401 

• CertainTeed – Booth #301 

• DECRA Metal Roofing – Booth #125 

• Duro-Last – Booth #233 

• Estimating Edge – Booth #606 

• Flascho – Booth #127 

• GCP – Booth #326 

• Hunter Panels – Booth #612 

• ICP Group – Booth #620 

• IKO – Booth #229 

• Johns Manville – Booth #417 

• Leap – Booth #531 

• Owens Corning – Booth #114 

• Polyglass – Booth #228 

• Sashco – Booth #624 

• Sika – Booth #325 

Learn more about NERCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nerca.org.   

About NERCA 

NERCA is the founder of the NEREF scholarship. They are the regional association for roofing contractors covering the northeast part of the country.  Their territory includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Delaware.

VYCOR® enV-S™ self-adhered weather resistive barrier protects This Old House^® 2022 Project.

GCP, a leading global provider of construction products, is pleased to announce that its Vycor® enV-S™ fully-adhered weather resistive barrier was selected for the renovation of the This Old House® West Roxbury, Massachusetts project and will be featured on the February 10, 2022 episode.

The new This Old House® episodes feature the renovation of a tired Victorian home, transforming it to a vibrant updated state. GCP’s self-adhered Vycor® enV-S™ weather barrier and VYCOR® Pro flashing were both used on the home to protect it from the worst that Mother Nature has to offer, even New England’s blizzards and wind-driven rain.

GCP’s Vycor® enV-S™ is the latest in residential building science to create an air-tight, yet breathable home. The self-adhering, exterior membrane brings together the weather protection benefits of keeping water out, with the breathability of traditional housewraps. Unlike conventional housewraps, installation of VYCOR® enV-S™ weather resistive barrier requires no mechanical fastening or taping of seams, avoiding tears and costly reworks. The membrane bonds to the sheathing, self seals at overlaps and seals around fasteners used to install siding and other wall elements. This results in exceptionally low levels of air leakage, and improved energy efficiency of the home.

For added protection, GCP’s VYCOR® Pro self-adhered flashing tape was used to prevent the migration of water and air through the window and door openings of the home. Keeping water out is the key to preventing rot of structural elements and mold growth. GCP’s fully-adhered weather barrier and flashing system are the best solution for a house's longevity no matter the location as extreme weather can happen anywhere.

“Like us, This Old House has been working on homes for decades with a focus on superior performance, weather protection and energy efficiency,” said GCP Product Management Leader Brian Chang. “It was a pleasure working with the This Old House crew on back-to-back projects. They know that the weather isn't what it used to be. A well-built home means building for all weather conditions. We are proud that GCP’s VYCOR® fully-adhered weather barrier and flashing system was chosen to protect the Victorian home from the challenges that a worsening climate may present.”

The episode that includes GCP’s VYCOR® products is titled “Pruning 101” and airs February 10, 2022 at 8 pm ET on PBS. Check your local listings.

Full episodes are also available online the Sunday night after each episode's original airdate via the following link: http://thisoldhouse.com/watchtoh. You can also watch recent episodes on PBS.org, PBS digital apps, The Roku Channel and the This Old House app.

About GCP Applied Technologies

GCP is a leading global provider of construction products that include high-performance specialty construction chemicals and building materials. GCP partners with producers, contractors, designers and engineers to achieve performance and sustainability goals. The company has a legacy of first to market and award-winning solutions that have been used to build some of the world’s most renowned structures. GCP is focused on continuous improvement for its customers, end-users and the environment.

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS COO 

Materials, milestones, product innovations and safety were some of the hottest topics in 2021. 

A new year is a good time to look back at the previous year to not only note the hot topics but to also learn from what happened as we move into 2022. One of the ways we do that at RoofersCoffeeShop® is to take a look at what some of our most-read stories from the year were. 

Our most-read story of the year was not surprisingly related to material shortages and supply chain issues. It’s definitely been a challenge for the industry and remains that way. Understanding the reasons behind the challenge and learning how others are navigating the issues is powerful information.  

Safety, giving back, award-winning projects, innovative products, growing markets, partnerships and being prepared were all part of the top stories of the year. We’ve listed them out below and linked to them for easy reading!  

20 - Preventing Heat-Related Illness and Injury 

19 - The Time-Saving Watertight Solution You’ve Been Waiting For 

18 - TAMKO Knoxville Plant Celebrates 45-Year Milestone Anniversary & Recognizes Retirement of Longtime Leadership 

17 - Material Shortages & Price Increases 

16 - Polyglass Announces New Code Approvals for Fire-Resistant Polystick® XFR Underlayment 

15 - Metal Roofing on the Rise 

14 - Roofers Hailed as Heroes for Extinguishing California Brush Fire 

13 - Be Selective When Choosing a Distributor 

12 - How Drones Make Jobsites Safer 

11 - Are You Prepared for an Emergency? 

10 - JobNimbus and Sunlight Financial Partnership is a Match Made to Grow Your Business 

9 - The Case to Use Grace Ice & Water Shield® is Watertight 

8 - Updating your Marketing Plan? 

7 - Is That Capri Sun on Your Roof? 

6 - ABC Supply Co. Inc. Recognized as Top Workplace for 15th Consecutive Year 

5 - International Roofing Expo Opens Its Call for Presentations 2022 

4 - ARMA Announces Winners of 2021 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards 

3 - Employee Satisfaction is Essential for Long-term Success 

2 - ARMA Releases 2020 Q4 Report on Asphalt Roofing  Product Shipments 

1 - Roofing Industry Experiencing Price Increases 

Get the top news each week in your inbox when you sign up for the Week in Review email newsletter.

The business combination has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Saint-Gobain and GCP Applied Technologies respectively.

GCP Applied Technologies Inc. (NYSE: GCP) (GCP or the Company), today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Saint-Gobain will acquire all of the outstanding shares of GCP Applied Technologies for $32.00 per share, in cash, in a transaction valued at approximately $2.3 billion (approximately €2.0 billion).

The agreed upon price represents a premium of 39% above the volume-weighted average price per GCP share for the 30-trading days ended on the undisturbed date of November 30, 2021. Saint-Gobain has obtained undertakings from Starboard and Standard Investments (formerly known as 40 North) / Standard Industries to vote their respective stakes of 8.9% and 24.2% in favor of the transaction.

Closing of the transaction is subject to GCP Applied Technologies shareholders’ approval, antitrust approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions with closing expected in the second half of 2022.

Simon Bates, President and Chief Executive Officer of GCP, commented:
“Today opens an exciting new era in GCP’s rich history, for our shareholders, customers and employees. We are thrilled for GCP to join Saint-Gobain, the ideal strategic partner to support our growth. Thanks to its global platform, significant resources as well as commercial and innovation expertise, Saint-Gobain is perfectly positioned to ensure the success of GCP’s operations and people over the long term.”

Peter Feld, Independent Chair of the Board of GCP, added:
“The Board of GCP is unanimously supportive of this transaction and believes it provides full and fair value to all shareholders of GCP. Saint-Gobain represents a great partner for GCP and we are pleased to have reached this agreement. The Board would like to thank our leadership team and our dedicated employees for their significant contributions to GCP. These efforts have allowed us to achieve this great result.”

Benoit Bazin, Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain, commented:
“The acquisition of GCP is an excellent and significant step for Saint-Gobain to further reinforce its worldwide leadership in construction chemicals and strengthen its geographic presence in North America and emerging markets, both objectives being at the core of our “Grow & Impact” strategic plan. We are very happy and truly excited to welcome into Saint-Gobain the GCP teams, with whom we share the same industrial and commercial culture. Given GCP’s leadership in its sector with well-recognized brands, expertise, know-how and businesses that are highly complementary with Chryso and CertainTeed, we are convinced that this great combination will create a very strong platform, with improved reach, value added solutions and services delivered to our customers. Leveraging Saint-Gobain’s scale and innovation capabilities, with GCP’s attractive geographic footprint, this transaction will result in enhanced profitable growth and value creation for our shareholders and will provide attractive development opportunities for both teams around the world.”

RBC Capital Markets, LLC is acting as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel to GCP in connection with the transaction.

About GCP Applied Technologies
GCP Applied Technologies (NYSE: GCP) is a leading global provider of construction products technologies that include admixtures and additives for concrete and cement, the Verifi® in-transit concrete management system, high-performance waterproofing products, and specialty construction products. GCP products have been used to build some of the world’s most renowned structures.

For more information about GCP visit www.gcpat.com

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The high temperature self-adhered roofing underlayment is an environmentally conscious option for waterproofing sloped roofs. 

Keeping water out of homes is a crucial element when installing a new roof in regions prone to rain and high winds. One of the best ways to stop leaks in their tracks is by installing a quality underlayment. GCP’s GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD® HT roofing membrane offers everything you need for a high-performance underlayment that keeps water out and withstands high-temperature applications. 

GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD HT is made of a rubberized asphalt adhesive and a polymeric film, both of which work together to form a high-performance waterproofing membrane. Application of the product is easy due to its RIPCORD® function embedded in the adhesive. The RIPCORD allows the applicator to split the release easily, particularly in detail spots. The underlayment is designed to withstand high-temperature applications up to 260°F. 

The membrane is a great choice for preventing water penetration on sloped roofs as well as potential attacks from fungus or bacteria. It offers protection against leaks in protrusions, skylights and valleys. Its rubber asphalt layer is specially designed to seal around nails and fasteners and it forms water-tight overlaps without any need for special treatment. The membrane can be used under metal, slate, tile, cedar shakes and asphalt shingles. 

GCP suggests using the membrane with roofs designed to minimize ice dams, a build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs that can cause leakage. Quality insulation and ventilation can reduce the size of ice dams and prevent condensation on the interior of a home. Certain variables will impact just how much membrane coverage is required, such as climate, overhang size, valleys and sunlight exposure.  

With safety in mind, the membrane has an embossed, slip-resistant surface that increases traction, making it the perfect choice for keeping crews safe. It’s also supported by a team of local technical personnel who ensure the application is a smooth process. You can find a distributor of GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD HT here. 

Learn more about GCP in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.gcpat.com.

This acquisition is a decisive step in establishing Saint-Gobain’s leading position worldwide in construction chemicals. 

Saint-Gobain and GCP Applied Technologies announce that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Saint-Gobain will acquire all of the outstanding shares of GCP for $32.00 per share, in cash, in a transaction valued at approximately $2.3bn (approximately €2.0bn). 

GCP Applied Technologies is a major global player in specialty construction chemicals with approximately $1.0bn revenues, 50 manufacturing plants in 38 countries and employs around 1,800 people. It brings a global platform with established success in cement additives, concrete admixtures, infrastructure and commercial and residential waterproofing. GCP is a unique opportunity for Saint Gobain to establish a leading worldwide presence in the growing construction chemicals sector, delivering both sustainability and performance for customers. The combined platform of Weber, Chryso and GCP offers customers a highly comprehensive portfolio of construction chemicals solutions with strong complementary geographic footprints. 

The acquisition of GCP enriches the CertainTeed portfolio in North America in the residential as well as the commercial sectors, in addition to its strong presence in infrastructure. It enhances its ability to provide a wider customer base with innovative solutions and develop roofing and façade systems. GCP’s recognized high-end innovative solutions will complement the CertainTeed portfolio with their leading presence in roofing underlayment (Ice & Water Shield®) as well as in waterproofing (Preprufe®, Bituthene®). It will offer multiple cross-selling opportunities, improving performance for customers and accelerating growth. 

Simon Bates, President and Chief Executive Officer of GCP, commented, “Today opens an exciting new era in GCP’s rich history, for our shareholders, customers and employees. We are thrilled for GCP to join Saint-Gobain, the ideal strategic partner to support our growth. Thanks to its global platform, significant resources as well as commercial and innovation expertise, Saint-Gobain is perfectly positioned to ensure the success of GCP’s operations and people over the long term.” 

Benoit Bazin, Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain, commented, “The acquisition of GCP is an excellent and significant step for Saint-Gobain to further reinforce its worldwide leadership in construction chemicals and strengthen its geographic presence in North America and emerging markets, both objectives being at the core of our “Grow & Impact” strategic plan. We are very happy and truly excited to welcome into Saint-Gobain the GCP teams, with whom we share the same industrial and commercial culture.” 

About Saint-Gobain  

Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions for the construction, mobility, healthcare and other industrial application markets. Developed through a continuous innovation process, they can be found everywhere in our living places and daily life, providing wellbeing, performance and safety, while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and the fight against climate change. This strategy of responsible growth is guided by the Saint-Gobain purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”, which responds to the shared ambition of all the women and men in the Group to act every day to make the world a more beautiful and sustainable place to live in.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

See GCP products in action on the small screen in this New England reality television show. 

The television show Heart of Oak is an unscripted home-improvement reality series following Oak Development and Design as they build, design and renovate homes in Coastal New England. Oak Development and Design focuses on new construction and single-family homes, delivering quality renovations. Far from your average house flipping show, Heart of Oak is all about giving an authentic look into the business of building in New England. 

GCP has a number of their products featured in the show, as they are easy to install and durable. Their GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD® product is made of rubberized asphalt, and its watertight seal offers superior protection from the New England weather. 

See for yourself these great products in action! Tune in to see GCP in the following episodes: 

• 401, airing 10/23 - 10/24   

• 404, airing 11/13 - 11/14 and repeating on Thanksgiving weekend 11/20 - 11/21 

• 405, airing 11/27 - 11/28 

• 407, airing 12/11 - 12/12   

• 409, airing 12/25 - 12/26   

The show airs Saturday’s starting October 23 until January 1, 2022. This season promises to be full of excitement and will feature the Glades project, a multi-unit modular build boasting spectacular marsh and ocean views from a towering third-floor roof deck. You won’t want to miss The Kimball Beach project on Hingham Harbor featuring a Marvin Skycove window for a 180-degree harbor view that is absolutely stunning.  

Plus, this season will feature Heart of Oak’s largest build! The Popes project, a colonial New England home will be expanded from its original 3,800 square feet to 7,000 square feet. This episode will boast many unique features you have to see for yourself! 

Learn more about GCP in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit gcpat.com. 

Photo credit: HeartofOaktv.com

By GCP Applied Technologies. 

New NBA stadium keeps the water out with PREPRUFE® Plus. 

Project - Constructing the new Golden 1 Center 

When General Contractor Turner Construction was assigned to build the Golden 1 Center for NBA’s Sacramento Kings, they found it to be no easy task. Not only did they have to build the 17,500-seat stadium in less than two years, but they also had to find a way to waterproof it. 

"GCP Applied Technologies works with contractors that perform at a very high level and was able to accept the risk due to the high performing PREPRUFE® Plus product, technical expertise and global success on similarly critical projects,” said Stuart Hunter, vice president of the Waterproofing division of F.D. Thomas, the regional waterproofing contractor. “We took the lead in making sure the general contractor, concrete subcontractor, rebar subcontractor and plumbing subcontractor all worked together to meet GCP’s requirements and deliver on the aggressive schedule." 

Building in the water table 

“Unfortunately, heavy rains just weeks into the stadium construction project left the excavated jobsite under three or four feet of water,” according to Hunter. The stakes were high. The arena was being built below the water table and adjacent to two major river systems, so the stadium owner required a fail-safe below grade waterproofing solution. The Golden 1 Center had to operate dry, period. Once the skies cleared, the pressure was on F.D. Thomas to waterproof 280,000 square feet on time with no delays. F.D. Thomas held pre-job meetings to get all the trades dialed in to support a smooth, efficient installation.  

Leveraging a high-performance waterproof membrane 

To meet the requirements for operating dry, the contractors used high performance PREPRUFE® Plus waterproofing membrane. The owners especially liked the fact that more than 650 million square feet of PREPRUFE® membrane have been installed worldwide on thousands of high-profile, must-not-fail projects. As Hunter says, “It’s the industry workhorse.” 

More than 96 rolls of PREPRUFE® Plus membrane (30,000 square feet) were kicked out in a single day. This allowed F.D. Thomas to shatter all expectations, finishing the stadium construction job on time and on schedule, despite the weather and project challenges. 

Turner Construction officials were ecstatic with the waterproofing and the project results. 

Today the stadium construction project is open to the public and no below grade leaks have been reported, in spite of historic El Niño rains and a rising water table. To that, Hunter just grins and says, “Let it rain.” 

Learn more about GCP Applied Technologies in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit gcpat.com.

Original article source: GCP Applied Technologies

This Old House® selects GCP Applied Technologies' Bituthene Waterproofing System to protect 2021 project. 

GCP Applied Technologies, a leading global provider of construction products technologies, is pleased to announce that its post-applied waterproofing membrane, BITUTHENE®, was used on the renovation of the This Old House® Concord, Massachusetts project and will be featured on the Emmy Award-winning TV series this fall.

The new This Old House® episodes feature the renovation of an 1880 New England Cape in historic Concord, Massachusetts. GCP’s BITUTHENE® waterproofing system was used on the basement walls of the historic home. The post-applied waterproofing membrane has proven effectiveness on countless projects and was chosen to keep the home’s basement protected from water intrusion.

“We are proud to have another GCP product selected by This Old House,” said GCP Applied Technologies Product Management Leader Brian Chang. “After a year of record rainfall in New England it is clear that extreme weather is the new normal in every region, and the usual approach to building is no longer an option. We were pleased to assist the This Old House crew, bringing the old foundation to a new level of protection with the application of our BITUTHENE® waterproofing system. The homeowners will have peace of mind knowing the foundation of their historic home has unparalleled water protection.”

The episode that includes GCP’s BITUTHENE® is titled “Solid Foundation” and airs October 21, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS. Check your local listings. Full episodes are also available online the Sunday night after each episode's original airdate via the following link: http://thisoldhouse.com/watchtoh. You can also watch recent episodes on PBS.org, PBS digital apps, The Roku Channel, and the This Old House app.

About GCP Applied Technologies

GCP Applied Technologies is a leading global provider of construction products technologies that include high-performance waterproofing products for commercial and residential construction, additives for cement and concrete, the VERIFI® in-transit concrete management system, and specialty systems. GCP products have been used to build some of the world’s most renowned structures. More information is available at gcpat.com