The Garland Company, Inc. announced the newest addition to its StressPly family of modified bitumen roofing membranes: StressPly^Ⓡ Max. This patent pending membrane is formulated for maximum strength, superior fire resistance, and exceptional weathering.

The StressPly Max membrane features a dual polyester and fiberglass reinforcement, delivering a high-tensile value further enhanced by a graphene modified bitumen. The incorporation of graphene into the asphaltic compound provides superior strength, with an internal reinforcement exceeding one thousand pounds. Julie Anne Geyer, Director of R&D for Garland, explains, "graphene, renowned for its exceptional strength and unique honeycomb lattice structure, enhances the asphaltic compound by forming a robust interconnected network. By integrating graphene with our high tensile strength reinforcement, we have engineered a reinforced matrix that significantly enhances the structural performance of StressPly Max, taking its strength to the next level."

Beyond its remarkable durability, Geyer explains that “graphene also improves low-temperature flexibility, allowing the membrane to conform more easily to corners and complex roof details while also contributing to enhanced fire resistance.” Combined with a specialty blend of fire retardants, it forms a latent char layer that maximizes its fire resistance, ultimately assisting Garland achieve its Class A fire rating.

StressPly Max now also incorporates TripleBoost™, Garland's additive blend designed to improve a roof's long-term performance. TripleBoost contributes to the roof's longevity by preventing mineral loss and protecting its high-performance polymers with antioxidants and UV stabilizers.

"As a renowned industry leader for the highest performing membranes," Garland's President, Matt McDermott, explains, "at Garland, we have a commitment to ourselves and our clients. We believe we can always get better, and we strive to take innovation to the next level by continuing to raise the bar."