Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the GAF Plant in Mt. Vernon

As a commercial roofing contractor, you're responsible for choosing the right materials for each job. But with so many options available, making a decision can be difficult.Increasingly, industry professionals have been turning to silicone roof coatings for their strength and durability. These coatings can help extend the life of a structurally sound roof and potentially save property owners time and money by delaying a full reroof. Plus, their restoration properties work great with most commercial roofing systems, like EPDM, built-up, bitumen, and metal roofs. What Are Silicone Roof Coatings?Silicone coatings are high-performance, waterproof protective roof coatings. Adding this coating to a structurally sound roof can help extend the life of the existing roof. Silicone is inorganic, so it can maintain its properties in inclement weather conditions. It's also flexible and can absorb most normal roof movement to help avoid cracking and losing its protective features.Benefits of Silicone Roof CoatingsIn addition to flexibility and extending the life of the existing roof, silicone coatings offer several other benefits. Laura Soder, senior product manager for liquids and coatings at GAF, explains that GAF silicone coatings are designed to help protect against leaks and provide related advantages.UV Ray ProtectionThe major benefit of silicone coatings is ultraviolet (UV) ray protection. "GAF silicone is formulated with titanium dioxide, providing exceptional UV stability and high solar reflectance," she says. This UV protection can help lower roof top temperatures, which may translate into more efficient operation of roof top units.Cost-EffectiveSilicone coatings are cost-effective solutions that can help delay the cost of materials and labor needed to replace the entire roof. They work great with most commercial roofs and pair exceptionally well with metal roofs.Restores and Helps Extend the Life of the Existing RoofSoder notes that silicone coatings adhere well to metal roofs, making them an excellent way to extend the service life of metal roofs. Before application, brush away light rust or spot-treat heavier rust. "There are a lot of metal roofs out there, and for those that are structurally sound and require only moderate restoration, you can easily add years to the roof's life by coating them with silicone," she says.Moisture-ResistantSilicone coatings are also known for their moisture-resistant capabilities. Since silicone is inorganic, it resists degradation in areas that pond water, making it an ideal choice in areas that experience rain or snow.Works in Hot and Cold WeatherSilicone has a wide temperature application range. Because it doesn't contain water, you can apply it at lower temperatures than acrylic and other roof coatings. It provides a monolithic, seamless waterproofing layer over existing metal roofs. Silicone will also flex with metal in cold and hot weather.How Silicone Compares to Elastomeric CoatingsCompared to acrylic and other elastomeric roof coatings, silicone has some advantages.Acrylics are water-based protective coatings with UV resistance —but they shouldn't be installed where there is ponding water, as they can break down and start delaminating. Silicone is a moisture-cure material, meaning it reacts with moisture in the air and cures to a finished film.Soder explains that both materials are flexible and appropriate for use over metal. But if you have any standing water, acrylic isn't the best choice. "While silicone is more expensive, it typically weathers at a much slower rate than other coatings," she says. That said, one of silicone's drawbacks compared to other elastomeric roof coatings is that it's slippery when wet.Navigating Installation and ApplicationWhile silicone coatings can help extend the life of an existing roof, Soder notes it's best to install the coating before the end of the existing membrane's service life.Since leaks tend to happen at roof seams, add silicone sealant to these areas. Sealants are formulated differently than coatings—they use different silicone polymers, giving them a heavier body and stronger build. Silicone sealants are formulated for high-stress areas and can help absorb movement at critical points in the roof. They work hand in hand with a silicone coating to protect the roof.Before you apply any coating, ensure the roof is clean, dry, and sound. "Clean means free of contaminants, dust, oils, leaves, and other debris," Soder says. You can use GAF Cleaning Concentrate to power wash your roof.Since silicone is moisture-cure, the roof needs to be dry before applying. Coating over a wet surface can affect adhesion and is often one of the biggest mistakes you can make when installing. You want the coating to start the curing process from moisture in the air, not from moisture on the roof.How to Apply Silicone CoatingsApplying a silicone roof coating involves five steps:Clean any debris off the roof and test that the coating will properly adhere to the surface.Ensure the roof is in sound condition. Repair broken sheet metal, and replace missing or damaged fasteners.Treat all seams and fasteners with silicone sealant like GAF Silicone Mastic. Apply it at 60 mils or 1/16-inch wet thickness with a brush.Use the same sealant on any curbs, penetrations, and drains.Finally, apply the silicone roof coating to the entire roof. Some coatings, like GAF Unisil Silicone, require two coats, while others such as the GAF High Solids Silicone may need just one.Understanding Maintenance Needs and LongevityMaintaining a silicone roof coating is essential. Addressing issues before they become problematic can help minimize the cost of repairs and maximize the service life of the coating.As the roof flexes over time, issues with the seams might develop. A good rule of thumb is to get a roof inspected every six months. Applying a silicone sealant can help address areas with leaks or cracks. Silicone sealant is UV stable and doesn't require a top coat, according to Soder.Adding Silicone Roof Coatings to Your ToolboxWith many benefits, silicone roof coatings should be front of mind when planning roof restoration projects. And with several options available, you can choose the best type for each roof you work on. Have more questions about roof coatings? GAF technical service reps are more than happy to assist you on your next coating project.

As part of its effort to build resilient communities, GAF provides students across the country with opportunities to gain work experience and hands-on training. The GAF co-op program offers participants autonomy and leadership in project management, engineering design, budgeting, project installation, and more.Over the years, the GAF co-op recruiting program has helped students advance academically, grow professionally, and earn competitively while working full time with North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer.How the GAF Co-Op Program WorksThe program gives students high-impact, hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector. They perform meaningful work alongside supportive GAF mentors and senior leadership while earning a competitive wage. Participants can also receive credits from their university, which they can apply to their coursework.Differences between a Co-op and an InternshipInternships and co-ops have a few notable differences. At GAF, the main difference is the length of time. Internships at GAF usually last 10 weeks, but the co-op program is six months. While internship programs often allow students to stay enrolled in school and complete coursework as they gain professional training, co-op participants must take a semester off to gain full-time work experience.Not all companies pay internship participants for their work. However, at GAF, both interns and co-op students are paid competitive hourly wages. GAF also offers financial relocation assistance for qualifying co-op program candidates.Finally, participants in the GAF programs are there to learn real skills that will help them advance their future careers. GAF interns and co-op students are given the same responsibilities, and chances to collaborate on major projects, as full-time employees.Recent GAF Co-Op Success StoriesMin U, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Maryland, says he "fell in love with manufacturing" thanks to his placement on an engineering project. The experience gave him a firsthand account of the role engineering plays in manufacturing safety, profit, and operations. This ultimately led him to shift his career goals from construction management to manufacturing engineering.When Dante Stellar, an industrial engineering student at Virginia Tech, met GAF representatives at a career fair, he says he didn't expect to become a self-proclaimed "nerd for shingles" and develop a passion for manufacturing. However, that's exactly what happened. And that newfound passion paid off when Dante won Student of the Year from Virginia Tech's Cooperative Education and Internship Program. Dante notes he's now eager to return to GAF and aspires to become a manufacturing leader in the world of shingles.Michael Hesseltine, an electrical engineering student at Texas A&M University, chanced upon a GAF co-op recruiting listing online. After a series of interviews, he landed a project engineering co-op in Ennis, Texas. Working with the Ennis team on major projects solidified his manufacturing engineer career goals.Co-Op Students Complete Meaningful WorkStudents in the GAF co-op program are involved in meaningful projects and get to see their work's impact on day-to-day operations.During his time in Ennis, Michael designed a baler that compacts fiberglass scrap, reducing site disposal trips and costs. He also oversaw renovations of the site's maintenance mechanical break room from start to finish. He notes that his favorite contribution was helping design the electrical system for a dewatering press.In Baltimore, Min's core project was ensuring site compliance with state regulations for discharging stormwater runoff. Min managed all the project contractors and budget with his manager's and mentor's support. Throughout his time there, Min was exposed to Lean methodologies, 5S, risk mitigation, insurance compliance, cost control, and procedure standardization. He gained an overall understanding of manufacturing equipment and business.At the Tampa plant, Dante worked on a rock pad storage expansion project and installed a starwheel machine guarding the manufacturing line, among other important projects. According to Dante, the defining moment of his co-op experience was his granule silo refurbishment project, which involved replacing eight silos, including floor plates and support beams.Dante explains the trust and opportunities his mentors provided were key to his success. "At GAF, I was given the chance to interact with contractors, and immerse myself in the plant, which accelerated my learning," he says.Co-Op Students Build Professional RelationshipsThrough "lunch and learn" sessions, leadership speaker series, meetings with senior leadership, and mentorship, co-op students build long-term professional relationships.Dante was given the chance to showcase the coordination and safety efforts involved in his granule silo project to the GAF executive leadership team in Parsippany, New Jersey.For Min, getting the right feedback to grow meant having the right relationships. He notes the mentorship from his manager Alex Smith and engineering manager Mike Kloda was key to his progression. As advice to future co-op participants, he explains that "everyone is here to help... but it's up to you to drive that forward."Meanwhile, the autonomy and leadership opportunities program leaders gave Michael allowed him to grow technically and professionally. "I was often the go-to person for projects, managing contractors and ensuring everything was on track," he says.Joining an Industry Filled with OpportunityThe GAF co-op program helped Min, Michael, and Dante start and solidify their careers in manufacturing engineering. Following their experience, each student was excited and motivated by the autonomy, responsibility, and growth opportunities they were given. In fact, Min has since accepted a full-time role as a project engineer at the GAF plant in Baltimore. His expected start date is July 7, 2025.GAF is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. It believes a talented and diverse organization can drive innovation, growth, and transformation more effectively. To further bolster inclusivity, GAF offers academic and merit scholarships, partners with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to recruit from the nation's most diverse talent at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, and reaches out to candidates at career fairs nationwide.Bright and motivated minds who want to explore manufacturing have plenty of opportunities. From shingles to solar to environmental impact, GAF offers many exciting career paths.Are you ready to do work that matters and be empowered to explore a leadership role? Discover the co-ops, internships, and job opportunities available at GAF.

When developing a new roofing product, it's important to ensure it meets the local roofing codes and requirements in multiple jurisdictions. These standards are often regionally similar, but some may require additional testing or the use of certain raw materials. The product development team at GAF works hard to ensure products meet some of the strictest codes, so they can provide years of protection no matter where they're installed.Jeremiah Hershberger, GAF product manager of residential accessories, recently discussed the role codes and standards play in residential roofing product development, specifically concerning roof vent code requirements.Why Are Product Codes and Standards Important?The main purpose of building codes and standards is to maintain public health, safety, and welfare in all structures. They do this by ensuring that buildings are constructed in such a way as to minimize potential hazards, like fire, structural failure, or storm damage.Building codes exist to improve the safety and livability of buildings. They set minimum requirements for the materials and systems installed, as well as their installation methods. In the US, building codes are upheld and enforced by state, county, and city governments through the permitting and inspection processes.Standards also provide minimum design and performance metrics for products and systems. However, unlike local building codes, they are often universally upheld (nationally or worldwide). Organizations like ASTM International and the National Fire Protection Association are responsible for creating, updating, and communicating these standards. Local building codes often use these standards to set minimums for product and installation quality.How Do Roofing Codes and Standards Affect Product Development?"The goal of product development at GAF is to provide enhanced value for our customers and contractors," Hershberger explains. Ultimately, customers need to be confident in the performance of GAF products and building codes and standards provide a minimum threshold for product performance. Accordingly, they must be taken into consideration when designing products.Codes are prescriptive performance requirements for buildings. They include both the materials used to construct the building and how they're installed. All products used in a particular building must meet the local code requirements for that county or city.Standards are used as bases of comparison. Types of standards include:Testing standards that define methods and minimum acceptable resultsRating standards that provide a way to fairly compare productsDesign standards that set the criteria for specific roof system designsWhen products are developed for use in many geographic areas, they must meet several locations' requirements. For instance, when developing a new off-ridge ventilation product, GAF considers not only how much net free area (NFA) the unit will have, but also the performance characteristics required to meet Florida Building Code, Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and Miami-Dade standards so the product can be used in areas that adhere to those codes.Why Does GAF Pay Attention to Codes and Requirements?"We want our customers to be confident in the performance of our products not based solely on our word but also on the basis of third-party standards that level set the industry," notes Hershberger. "Codes and testing requirements provide customers with that outside assurance that our products will hold up to the environmental rigors of a specific region or location."For example, TAS-100(A) tests a product's performance in wind-driven rain. The test provides information on how well a ventilation product will perform in such an environment and helps the product development team learn how likely it is that a ventilation product might leak, so we can then mitigate that risk.How Do Codes Affect Product Quality?Codes may specify what raw materials can be used to make a product or how it will perform in certain standardized tests. For instance, ASTM E108 or ANSI/UL790 Class A roofing fire ratings require a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, which directly affect the materials used to produce these products. Similarly, the UL 2218 Class 4 impact test or the ASTM E330 Uplift Pressure Test show how a product performs under naturally occurring forces (e.g., hail or wind)"GAF strives to find the balance between performance, strength, and ease of installation (or handleability)," Hershberger says. "This often leads us to develop products that use higher grade materials (better performance over time), are simpler to manufacture with fewer points of potential failure, and are easier to install correctly (ensuring repeatability)."How Codes Affect the Development of High-Quality Roof VentsCreating high-quality roof vents and rooftop accessories didn't occur by accident. The GAF development team focuses on roofing codes and requirements through an intentional design process to drive innovation. From product ideation to design, development, and launch, the team ensures products meet or exceed several codes and standards, including:Florida Building CodeSets minimum performance standards for roof construction, such as wind resistance, fire performance, and roof ventilation requirements. Products must be approved by the state before being installed.Miami-Dade CountyThis county in Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the country due to its classification as a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Products used there must also be approved by the county as meeting not only Florida Building Code, but the stricter county requirements.Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)Regulates insurance companies and the insurance/claims process in the state of Texas. Roofing products are evaluated based on TDI-adopted building specifications regarding products used and installation methods.Other tests performed to ensure product performance include:TAS-100(A). Determines the water infiltration resistance of a ridge area ventilation system (ridge vents, static vents, turbines, or powered vents).Simulated snow/ice dam. Ice dams can form when a roof is not properly ventilated, leading to snow melting and refreezing along the lower edge of the roof.UL2218 Class 4 impact test. The UL2218 test is a steel ball drop test that evaluates the impact resistance of roof coverings. Class 4 products are shown to withstand the 20-ft drop of a 2-inch diameter steel ball without cracking through significant damage.Ensuring Roofing Products Are Up to the TaskThe product team at GAF routinely performs these tests to ensure roofing materials meet local roofing code requirements. The company then makes the results publicly available, helping customers nationwide rest assured that they can rely on GAF roofing products to perform as expected.For more information on the GAF ventilation products that meet or exceed code requirements, explore the ridge and off-ridge ventilation offerings.