By Evelyn Witterholt. 

DuraGlaze Plus makes it easier than ever for contractors to seal windows and doors. 

Have you ever applied a sealant to a door or window and wanted to change the look of your seal? Most other sealants cure too fast, making these changes impossible to make. But with the DuraGlaze Plus sealant from Chem Link, you’ll have a larger window of workability while still crafting a watertight building envelope. 

DuraGlaze Plus is an elastic, high-performing sealant that is designed to be used on fenestrations, perimeter sealing, curtain walls and more. It is completely solvent-free, made of 100% solids and will not shrink. The sealant also comes in three different colors: white, gray and arch dark bronze. 

One of the most groundbreaking features of DuraGlaze is that it has a longer working time for tooling fenestrations. If you seal a door or window, you can easily rework the sealant to your desired look without worrying about it drying too fast. The sealant has a thick consistency and can be applied to damp surfaces. If you want to paint over the area where you’ve applied the sealant, you can do so after 24 hours. 

DuraGlaze Plus is the ideal sealant for large commercial building projects. It is compatible with a variety of substrates, including anodized aluminum, galvanized metal, vinyl siding, Kynar 500® PVDF Coated Metal and more. Although it has an extended tack time, once it’s adhered to the surface, it creates a long-lasting bond that is weather resistant and watertight. The sealant can be used for: 

• Window and door frames 
• Pre-cast concrete  
• Block and masonry 
• Curtain walls 
• Expansion joints 
• Storefront systems 
• Weather sealing 
• Cove joints  
• Parapets  
• Air infiltration sealant 

Highlights from the last day of IRE 2023.

Editor's note: The following is a transcript of a conversation the Coffee Shop crew had after day three of the International Roofing Expo 2023. 

Karen Edwards: This is late night with Karen Edwards and we at RoofersCoffeeShop, are going to talk about the IRE. So, guys, we went to a speakeasy after the show to celebrate and have a dirty martini and it was fabulous. And it was a little secret door. We had to put a code in it was at the Statlar Hotel. It was so much fun.

James Ellsworth: And the most memorable part I felt, was that to get in you had to know some esoteric history. And to know that the code to get in was the year the world First World War started. And the fact that the Titanic was part of the North Star liners.

Karen Edwards: Okay, I have to say that a highlight of the day for me was being on the Patrick Carr Show podcast. I had no idea who this guy was. I've been told he's an influencer in the industry. He has sponsors of his show in the form of Leap and JobProgress who are partners of RoofersCoffeeShop. And he listens to the Weekly Blend with Heidi and I, every week and said we give him the inside information on what's happening in the industry. And I couldn't believe that people actually watch the Weekly Blend. I know they do.

Tim Ellsworth: I had a person come up in the booth today. And it was the best experience I've ever witnessed. I handed them these new bumper stickers we have that are all in Spanish and he just about dropped on the ground. He was so excited and so happy to have this happen that someone appreciated that aspect and recognized the Spanish-speaking people in the industry. And anyway he's taking that back to Louisiana. Yeah, he was from Louisiana. And yeah, he was great. Yeah, that was my that was my highlight of the of the trade show.

Karen Edwards: Tim. I am so happy that you got to experience that because that is one topic that we talked about on the podcast with Patrick. And he was kind of saying he didn't see a lot of the field workers who are the ones who are actually installing roofs. And I see so many people on the roof at these shows. And immediately what popped into my head was, SRS Distribution. They have a Para Latinos lounge, they had a Para Latinos happy hour. On Tuesday they had a mariachi band, they are embracing this. And this is where our industry is going. And I was super excited to see that. 

James Ellsworth: Karen I couldn't agree with you more. 

Lauren White: James and I again, wandered around the show floor. We got 9,393 steps in today, we didn't quite hit 10,000 however. But it was so nice. Because it was a quieter day, day three is usually quieter, got to have more calmer conversations with people because not everyone was crowding to chat with them. And what was cool too when we were recording, we were having interviews in the booths to put on social media and promote later on and turn into articles. But what's cool too, is that people from those companies were filming us filming the interviews to put on their social medias. So there were just cameras and phones everywhere and it was surreal. But it was great and we had the chickens. The chickens made their debut on day three, check the chicken out on TikTok, aka ChikTok, because Chuck is making its debut and it's amazing. And now James gets to share more about the show floor.

James Ellsworth: I thoroughly enjoyed being able to talk with the folks on the floor and hear from the people about what they were seeing, hearing from everyone about what was important to them. Also seeing the new things we had Equipter give us a full demonstration of their rig up and down left and right forward and back. It was quite a scene. Not to mention, we had multiple demonstrations from Franklin International's Titebond product, Tropical Roofing Products, Chem Link. But we had great conversations. RESISTO talked with us about their products.

Lauren White: Vicwest was also great. We got to see their metal shingles and metal siding that look like wood paneling and wood shingles. They even have slate and they're introducing clay but it's all made out of metal and it looks so realistic. James has more because he was very excited about this.

James Ellsworth: Well speaking of slate reminds me of the Slate Roofing Contractors Association who had a guy on the floor crafting a slate roof, crafting the shingles on the floor with a drill and a hammer. And then at the end of the day just for fun made a hat and I love it and it was wonderful. And he also made a little decoration that said "Love it." It was great. And Lauren got to sit down with a fella who was in Russia just before the invasion.

Lauren White: Yes, I did. Him and the gentleman who was making the slate hat, went to Russia to learn onion dome metal roofing and they were the first people from the states to go over there and learn that technique. And the family who hosted them, is still safe thankfully, they're still in contact. But that was a very interesting conversation. So stay tuned for that one.

Karen Edwards: Well, we brought the chickens out. It's the last day of the trade show. We brought the chickens out and they are so much fun. They are so much fun. It just it brings you even closer to your neighbors. And have to commend Will Riley from Centerpoint Connect on his beef jerky, this hot and spicy jerky. We all had some. It was amazing. 

Tim Ellsworth: The flying chickens are always fun on the third day because you bring them out about two or three hours before the show closes. And it's just a kind of fun time. The show is slower always on the last day. It's a fun time to get to know your neighbors a little bit better. And it lightens the mood and everybody has a smile on their face when you fly a chicken 30 feet or 40 feet to your neighbor's booth and it hits them you know in the head or wherever. And they go, 'What the heck happened?' 

Lauren White: I have to say one more thing, this is my third IRE and they keep getting bigger. And I'd say this is probably the best attendance just in terms of people attending and booths, it was a huge floor. Everyone we talked to whether it's in the soundstage, in the booth or in their own customer booths, everyone was thrilled with the outcome, very happy with who they saw and how many people were there. And I mean we're exhausted. Heidi is already in bed.

Karen Edwards: Half our team is in bed.

James Ellsworth: Yes. But we had a great time we have almost no more swag left. And we're ready to go home tomorrow or go exploring Dallas tomorrow.

Karen Edwards: I am on a flight tomorrow morning. Driving in Hank the tank to get there. I've been here a week and it's nice to go home to family and pets and normalcy. Because it's crazy. When you're at the IRE. You don't even know what's happening in the world. You don't know what's happening in your business. You live in this world while you're here. Connected but disconnected as Lauren says it. But it's hard. It's tiring. We had a good time and yet we still get stuff done. So, signing off. Sleep well.

Until next time!

Tune into our YouTube channel to see all of our coverage from IRE 2023! 

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

These four roof sealant systems from Chem Link are sure to fit any customers’ roofing needs. 

If you’re in need of a roof sealant system for all types of penetrations, consider what Chem Link has to offer! Since 1990, Chem Link has been committed to creating innovative products that push the roofing industry forward. For example, their roof sealant systems can be used to replace old-style metal pitch pans. All of the following sealant systems do not need any flashing or mechanical attachments and can be installed in under 15 minutes: 

1 - E-Curb® Penetration Seal System 

This complete seal system comes equipped with precast components and a 1-part moisture cure pourable sealant. The sealant itself is made from polyether and can be used on a variety of roofing types including, but not limited to, PVC, TPO, EPDM and asphalt built-up roofing (BUR). Plus, the E-Curb System makes installing attachments, such as solar panels, much easier! By creating tight seals around penetrations for solar panels and HVAC, E-Curb will provide your customers with peace of mind that their attachments are secure. 

2 - Chemcurb® 1-Part Penetration Seal System 

This seal system also creates a durable and watertight seal around any sized roof penetrations. While the E-Curb system is more lightweight and economical, the ChemCurb system is made from a thicker, more durable polyester resin. Its components come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the type of penetration. Much like the E-Curb system, it also seals in place with a polyether pourable sealant and can be used on a variety of roof types. 

3 - Chemcurb® Pro Pack Penetration Seal System 

This system is a more comprehensive version of the Chemcurb 1-part system mentioned above. It still has the same precast curb components, but the sealant system is a bit more complex. The pro pack uses a 2-part pourable sealant, rather than a 1-part sealant like the aforementioned seal systems.  

4 - Hot Pipe E-Curb™ Penetration Seal System 

For installations that need a service temperature between -80°F to 400°F, Chem Link’s Hot Pipe E-Curb Penetration Seal System is perfect! Much like their other seal systems, this one can be installed quickly on a variety of roof types. It comes with pre-cast components and an RTV silicone pourable sealant. The product also sets rapidly upon being exposed to moisture. 

Learn more about Chem Link in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.chemlink.com. 

About Evelyn  

Evelyn works as a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofing, she’s either at the gym lifting weights or curled up on the couch watching a movie.

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Here’s what’s been trending on RoofersCoffeeShop®(RCS) this past month. 

This last month has shown us that metal roofing is still a popular topic! Our second most popular article last month was announcing the launch of MetalCoffeeShop.com, our sister-site dedicated to everything metal. We also saw a rise in popularity for articles on metal trade shows and conventions, like the recent Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 100th Annual Convention or the upcoming METALCON! 

Our visitors were also loving our articles about technology last month. Two of our top 10 articles highlighted advancements being made in roofing technology and both were written by John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group! 

Although metal roofing is seeing growth in the industry, our readers still love the beauty of asphalt roofing. Our number one article of the month came to us from Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) where they highlighted the winner of their 2022 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program. 

Check out our top 10 articles from the last month below: 

Honorable Mention (#6-#10):  

10- The Future of Carbon Capture Technology in Roofing 

9- Design Definitions: Understanding the Basics of Metal Roofing Styles 

8- Indicators Your Company Needs To Improve Its Safety Culture 

7- Military Snaps to Attention 

6- Win a METALCON Total Experience Pass 

Read the Top 5 articles: 

5- FRSA 100th Annual Convention is Right Around the Corner 

4- Empowering Women to Lead 

3- Drones in Roofing 

2- RoofersCoffeeShop® Announces MetalCoffeeShop™ 

1- Island House Wins National Asphalt Roofing Award 

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news. 

About Evelyn  

Evelyn works as a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofing, she’s either at the gym lifting weights or curled up on the couch watching a movie.  

By Evelyn Witterholt.

Chem Link’s new ChemCurb® system can be installed in under 15 minutes and keeps water out of penetrations.

Have you ever wanted to ditch your need to use old pitch pans? Chem Link’s latest innovation in sealant systems makes your dream a reality! Their ChemCurb® Pro Pack Penetration Seal System eliminates the need for old metal pitch pans with a more flexible system.

The ChemCurb system comes with precast curb components, pourable urethane sealant and a structural adhesive/sealant. There is no need for flashing or mechanical attachments when installing the system and it can be installed in under 15 minutes. You can use the ChemCurb on:

• Granulated modified bitumen
• PVC
• EPDM
• PIB
• TPO single ply (note: you must use a TPO primer beforehand)
• Asphalt
• Coal tar built-up roofing

Installing ChemCurb

Before installing the system, you should ensure that the bonding surfaces are free from contamination and are completely dry. If they are not, this could hurt the performance of the sealant. You can remove any caulk, mastic, cement or other previous existing penetration contaminants with a wire brush. You can also clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol. Although the product can be installed at a wide range of temperatures, if you are installing the system at temperatures below 32°F (0°C), contact Chem Link’s customer service for the correct guidelines.

For step-by-step installation guidelines, check out the data sheet. After proper installation, the ChemCurb system will have waterproofed all penetrations with a rubber seal.

Learn more about Chem Link in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.chemlink.com.

About Evelyn

Evelyn works as a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, AskARoofer and MetalCoffeeShop. When she isn’t writing about roofing, she’s either at the gym lifting weights or curled up on the couch watching a movie.

By Chem Link. 

M-1 by Chem Link can be used in almost any situation requiring a sealant, forming a waterproof seal without releasing carcinogens. 

M-1® Universal Adhesive/Sealant by Chem Link is a moisture cure, multi-purpose sealant designed to bond and seal to a wide range of construction materials. Chem Link’s flagship polyether product is made with versatility in mind. M-1 is designed to form a tough, elastic and waterproof seal to PVC, EPDM, most metals, wood, glass, masonry concrete, fiberglass and solvent-sensitive foams. 

M-1 is most often used for flashing, coping, skylights and HVAC applications, as well as an emergency repair sealant for temporary repair of leaks. It delivers nearly 400 psi shear strength and remains elastic after cure — up to 525% elongation, so it also performs as a structural adhesive. 

M-1 covers the building envelope 

Commercial roofing — Flashing and coping joints, sealing Reglet joints and termination bars, tight seals around penetrations, bonding walkway treads and just about any emergency roof repairs. 

Residential roofing — Chimney and step flashing, skylights, roofing details, cove joints. 

Penetrations — Sealing pipe, cable, conduit penetrations through walls and roofs. 

Walls, windows, doors — Masonry and curtain wall construction. 

Lightning protection — Bonding grounding cables. 

Solar — Mounting solar panels, assembling components, waterproofing power distribution. 

Masonry and concrete — Crack repairs, horizontal and vertical expansion joints, bonding metal brackets. 

Mechanical — Sealing ducts, insulation, flanges and piping. 

Sustainability 

Following Chem Link’s dedication to sustainability, M-1 is safe for workers, occupants and the environment. What does that mean? It is non-toxic, so there’s no need to clear the building when working with Chem Link’s green products. There are no carcinogens, so it is safe for all building occupants. 

Benefits of M-1

• It adheres to almost everything, so you can use it everywhere! 
• It contains 100% solids that don’t shrink. 
• Because it is moisture-curing, you can use it in the rain for emergency roofing or other applications like leaking condensation pans or pools. 
• It is paintable and available in numerous color choices, as well as in a true clear option. 
• It’s both an adhesive as well as a sealant. 
• It skins over in just 20 minutes and is non-flammable, non-staining, non-sag and non-slump. 
• Applies down to 32°F/0°C 
• Continuous service at 200° F/93°C 

M-1 is made in the U.S., as are most of Chem Link’s raw materials – the polymers, the cartridges and the boxes. 

Packaging

M-1 is available in 10.1 oz. and 28 oz. cartridges, 20 oz. sausages, and 5 oz. squeeze tubes; 2- and 5-gallon pails are available by special order. 

Learn more about Chem Link in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.chemlink.com. 

Original article source: Chem Link

By SOPREMA.

Learn more about M-1®, a multi-purpose sealant that can bond and seal most construction materials.

Chem Link has been producing high-quality adhesives and innovative sealants for over three decades. Since joining SOPREMA, they’ve furthered their efforts in creating valuable products and experiences for their customers. One such advancement is their M-1 Universal Adhesive and Sealant, a moisture cure sealant that can be used on just about any construction material.

About Chem Link

Committed to quality, Chem Link received its ISO 9001 certification in 2015, guaranteeing that all Chem Link products meet customer and regulatory requirements. In addition, Chem Link chemists, product development engineers, technicians and senior scientists are continuously working to improve quality standards. Chem Link has a fully staffed Research and Development facility focused on mastering polyether and silicone technologies. With the ability to customize and develop a formulation to optimize performance and characteristics, scientists continuously test products to ensure that they provide only the highest quality products to customers.

The Chem Link promise

Since day one, Chem Link has been an environmentally conscious company. Its internal processes are environmentally compliant, from product formulation to production and packaging. All products are solvent-free and have a low VOC content, meaning they pose no threat to the installer and are environmentally friendly.

The Chem Link team is dedicated to its pursuit of polymer technology that can be harnessed to meet the evolving demands of the marketplace while maintaining the highest environmental and safety standards. It was with this in mind that M-1 was created.

M-1 is a moisture cure, multi-purpose structural adhesive/sealant designed for bonding and sealing a wide range of construction materials. M-1 forms a tough, elastic waterproof seal to most roofing materials, masonry, wood, glass, aluminum and foam. M-1 bonds well to most building surfaces, including metal flashing, copings, skylights and HVAC surfaces.

And M-1 is Miami-Dade approved! It is one of only two structural adhesives/sealants to receive this strict High-Velocity Hurricane Zone approval, which is recognized nationally and internationally as meeting the most rigorous requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Learn more about Chem Link in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.chemlink.com.

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Replace your old-fashioned metal pitch pans with these highly versatile,1-part polyether pourable sealants. 

The precast components in these E-Curb® penetration sealants will completely eliminate your need for pitch pans. Unlike traditional pitch pans, Chem Link’s adaptable E-Curb System can be installed in under 15 minutes and does not require flashing or mechanical attachment.  

E-Curbs are designed to be used in conjunction with the following: 

• Granulated modified bitumen 

• Asphalt 

• Coal tar built-up roofing (BUR)  

E-Curbs are specified for the following single-ply roofing membranes: 

• PVC 

• EPDM 

• PIB 

• TPO  

E-Curbs are an excellent sealant choice for sealing penetrations around solar panel mounts, HVAC, electrical and structural supports.  

Before installation 

All surfaces that the sealant will be bonded to should be completely free from any contaminants that may worsen the sealant’s performance. Surfaces should be clean and dry. Clear away all previously applied products such as caulk, mastic, cement, asphalt, pitch pans, loose granules or gravel and all other substances with a wire brush. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective cleaner for sticky surfaces and will prepare your surface for an E-Curb installation. 

For installing in temperatures below 32°F (0°C), contact a customer service representative for detailed application guidelines.  

You mustn’t use E-Curbs on TPO roofs without using a TPO primer. Additionally, E-Curbs cannot be applied on Hypalon, and smooth APP membranes require a granulated target before application. This sealant sets rapidly when exposed to moisture, so consider the weather conditions before installing.  

Installation procedures vary depending on your roofing application. Before installing E-Curbs, be sure to read these reference data sheets for step-by-step guidelines. 

Learn more about Chem Link in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.chemlink.com.   

By Chem Link. 

Watch this video that details how to install the E-Curb penetration seal systems. 

Chem Link provides an extensive line of adhesives, sealants, systems and accessories used throughout the building envelope and adjoining surfaces. These products are used for both new construction and repair and maintenance. Learn more about Chem Link and its E-Curb Penetration Seal Systems in this quick video that shows you how to install the product. 

Specifications are available to install Chem Link E-Curbs on any granulated modified bitumen, built-up roofing system, PVC, EPDM, KEE and TPO single-ply membranes. Also, round E-Curbs are available in three-inch, four-inch, six-inch and nine-inch diameters. 

The video then walks you through the quick and easy installation process: 

• Seal the penetration base and prime the penetration with M-1® structural sealant. This prevents the 1-Part® pourable sealer from leaking onto the roof and provides a tighter bond to the roof penetration. Put M-1 one inch higher than the top of the curb so that inspectors see that the roof penetrations were primed with the sealant. 
• Apply a quarter-inch bead of M-1 structural sealant to the entire bottom perimeter and another bead down the middle of each curb section. 
• After the M-1 has been applied to the bottoms of the curved sections, position the curb in place, and press it down firmly onto the roof, flattening out the M-1 under the flange of the E-Curb. 
• Apply an additional bead of M-1 around the outside base perimeter into the slip joints until the bead is smooth. 
• Then, fill the entire E-Curb with 1-Part pourable sealer. Do not fill the bottom of the E-Curb with grout, granules, roof cement or insulation to take up volume; this will void the curb warranty. One-Part pourable sealer is immediately watertight after pouring, and it skins over in about 20 minutes at 70°F at 50% relative humidity. 

E-Curbs can be installed on any commercial single-ply roof system. E-Curbs are bonded to the roofs and made watertight with M-1 structural sealant and 1-Part pourable sealer; these products are totally sound free, odorless and cannot shrink. 

E-curbed rubber is very flexible and can accommodate roof movement. It saves labor costs associated with mixing and human error and eliminates waste because unused portions can be sealed and used for the next job. It's immediately watertight, even though it's been freshly poured. 

Chem Link E-Curb System can usually be installed in under 15 minutes and never requires flashing or mechanical attachment. Watch the video and see for yourself how quickly you can replace old-style metal pitch pans with this product. 

Learn more about Chem Link in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.chemlink.com. 

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.