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Garland Co. Inc. Introduces Smog-Reducing Cool Gray Roofing Granule

The Garland Company, Inc. (Garland), a full-service roofing manufacturer and building envelope solution provider based in Cleveland, Ohio, announced the introduction of industry leading smog-reducing cool roofing granule, StressPly Legacy FR Mineral. Setting the bar for sustainability in commercial roofing technology, StressPly Legacy spares no sacrifice in quality, allowing it to uphold the Garland standard for high-performance roofing systems.

“We are ecstatic to lead the industry, yet again, in innovation and sustainability,” said Matt McDermott, President of The Garland Company’s US Roofing Division. “It is crucial that any addition to our StressPly product line upholds the Garland standard for durability, waterproofing, and performance. Garland introduced our high-performance modified bitumen membrane line in 1980, which has evolved and expanded vastly. We wholeheartedly believe this new addition will continue the legacy of our StressPly line.”

StressPly Legacy FR Mineral now includes a higher reflectance cool gray smog-reducing granule in its mineral surface. These granules are activated by sunlight, causing the minerals to bond with nearby smog molecules, converting them into water-soluble salt, which washes away with precipitation. From there, the granules are rejuvenated and ready to be used again, while the salt (nitrate) is returned to the natural nitrogen cycle, allowing it to be utilized by plants.

A typical 20,000 square-foot commercial roof covered in StressPly Legacy FR Mineral cool gray has an estimated smog-reducing benefit equivalent to 216 trees, or 14,000 miles of car emissions, the average miles an American drives annually*.

“Garland is always looking for ways to improve upon our membrane to achieve new levels of durability and sustainability, and our new product StressPly Legacy FR Mineral is a prime example,” said Julie Geyer, Director of Research and Development. “The compound consists of six different environmentally-conscious raw materials, including a high-strength ASTM D6162 Type III puncture-resistant reinforcement that contains yarns from recycled plastic bottles.”

StressPly Legacy was developed with sustainability as a core focus. StressPly Legacy consists of repurposed polymers that divert materials such as Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), plastics, crumb rubber from tires, and recycled materials away from landfills. StressPly Legacy is a smooth surfaced membrane that utilizes up to 27% pre-consumer recycled content, 12% post-consumer recycled content, and 1% bio-based content. Garland didn’t stop there; sustainability continues into each piece of the packaging. The corrugated sheets are crafted with 100% recycled materials and continue to incorporate sustainability aspects into the pallet bag, roll tape, and stretch film. Rounding out the 360 degree approach, the product ships carbon-neutral thanks to a transportation carbon offset, which is truly a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Garland’s StressPly Legacy line’s sustainable benefits go above and beyond the roof, the watertight performance lasting longer than the average commercial roof, and improving the outdoor air quality,” said McDermott. “This is why at Garland, we say, ‘There’s nothing greener than a roof that lasts.’"