Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to thermoplastic-olefin-based roofing membrane comprising a polymer blend. The polymer blend may comprise a thermoplastic olefin elastomer at about 30% to about 75% by weight of the polymer blend and a thermoplastic vulcanizate at about 10% to about 40% by weight of the polymer blend. The polymer blend may further comprise a thermoplastic polyolefin copolymer at about 5% to about 10% by weight of the polymer blend. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic olefin-based roofing membrane may be a single ply membrane configured to remain substantially free of swelling when exposed to an elastomer polymer compound. The thermoplastic olefin-based roofing membrane may be about 20 mils to about 40 mils thick. The thermoplastic-olefin-based roofing membrane may comprise a stretchability of about 14 lbf to about 30 lbf.

Abstract: A universal inside corner patch for patching inside corners formed by protrusions from a commercial low slope roof is disclosed. The universal inside corner patch includes a body having a central portion and a peripheral portion. A cutout is formed in the body extending from the peripheral portion to the central portion thereof. The cutout defines in the body a skirt having an edge on one side of the cutout and a flap having an edge on an opposite side of the cutout. Folding locations such as lines or other indicia on the body correspond to respective angles of an inside corner to be patched. When the skirt portion is overlapped with the flap portion with the edge of the skirt portion registering with one of the folding locations, the inside corner patch is configured to conform to an inside corner with an angle corresponding to the one of the folding locations. An adhesive may be disposed on a back surface of the body for adhering and sealing the corner patch in place.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to single ply roofing membranes comprising a top layer, a scrim layer, and a bottom layer. A bottom layer may comprise a bottom layer surface having at least one non-embossed band and an embossing region comprising embossing. Embossing may extend from the bottom layer surface into the bottom layer and may comprise truncated pyramids or frustums with curvilinear bases.

Abstract: A thermoplastic single ply protective roof covering may have two pressure sensitive rubber-based adhesive backings. These dual-adhesive backings may be used to provide for a non-heat welded seam having a combination of good seam strength and fire performance.

Abstract: A thermoplastic single ply protective roof covering may have two pressure sensitive rubber-based adhesive backings These dual-adhesive backings may be used to provide for a non-heat welded seam having a combination of good seam strength and fire performance.

Abstract: Various low VOC compositions of the present disclosure may be suitable for use as surface cleaners. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed composition may be used to clean membranes used on roofs and in the roofing industry. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed composition comprises various concentrations of soy extract and parachlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF). In an embodiment, the composition may further include a VOC and a filler.

Abstract: A universal inside corner patch for patching inside corners formed by protrusions from a commercial low slope roof is disclosed. The universal inside corner patch includes a body having a central portion and a peripheral portion. A cutout is formed in the body extending from the peripheral portion to the central portion thereof. The cutout defines in the body a skirt having an edge on one side of the cutout and a flap having an edge on an opposite side of the cutout. Folding locations such as lines or other indicia on the body correspond to respective angles of an inside corner to be patched. When the skirt portion is overlapped with the flap portion with the edge of the skirt portion registering with one of the folding locations, the inside corner patch is configured to conform to an inside corner with an angle corresponding to the one of the folding locations. An adhesive may be disposed on a back surface of the body for adhering and sealing the corner patch in place.

Abstract: A single ply mechanically embossed roofing membrane in a roll form for use in commercial applications on flat and low pitched roofs. The roofing membrane preferably includes a scrim or reinforcement sheet sandwiched between a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer is completely embossed with various configurations forming alternating ridges and valleys. The embossed roofing membrane improves roll blocking upon installation. The embossed roofing membrane can be installed by fully adhering or mechanically attaching to the roof deck.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a novel and cost effective application of a thermoplastic heat-welding rod for welding thermoplastic standing seam profiles and other similar materials to thermoplastic roofing membrane, and providing secure attachment without roof penetration and profile/membrane separation. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein provide a welding attachment or apparatus for performing such heat-welding of thermoplastic materials. In one embodiment, an apparatus for welding a thermoplastic profile strip to a thermoplastic membrane may comprise a first nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a first longitudinal edge of a horizontal base of a thermoplastic profile strip placed on a thermoplastic membrane. Also, such an apparatus may comprise a second nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a second, opposing longitudinal edge of the thermoplastic profile strip.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosed principles, a novel thermoplastic profile roofing strip and an apparatus for welding the thermoplastic profile roofing strip to a thermoplastic roofing membrane is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic profile roofing strip may comprise a horizontal base extending longitudinally and having a notched profile. In addition, the thermoplastic profile strip may comprise a vertical central portion laterally connected at one edge and normal to the horizontal base. In such embodiments, the vertical central portion extends longitudinally along the horizontal base to provide the improved profile. Related methods of welding a thermoplastic strip to a thermoplastic membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosed principles, a novel thermoplastic profile roofing strip and an apparatus for welding the thermoplastic profile roofing strip to a thermoplastic roofing membrane is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic profile roofing strip may comprise a horizontal base extending longitudinally and having a notched profile. In addition, the thermoplastic profile strip may comprise a vertical central portion laterally connected at one edge and normal to the horizontal base. In such embodiments, the vertical central portion extends longitudinally along the horizontal base to provide the improved profile. Related methods of welding a thermoplastic strip to a thermoplastic membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a novel and cost effective application of a thermoplastic heat-welding rod for welding thermoplastic standing seam profiles and other similar materials to thermoplastic roofing membrane, and providing secure attachment without roof penetration and profile/membrane separation. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein provide a welding attachment or apparatus for performing such heat-welding of thermoplastic materials. In one embodiment, an apparatus for welding a thermoplastic profile strip to a thermoplastic membrane may comprise a first nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a first longitudinal edge of a horizontal base of a thermoplastic profile strip placed on a thermoplastic membrane. Also, such an apparatus may comprise a second nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a second, opposing longitudinal edge of the thermoplastic profile strip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: We disclose a method of screening a mammal for a cancer associated with methylation of promoters of tumor-suppressor genes by collecting a sample of a body fluid or tissue of the mammal containing free DNA; isolating the free DNA from the sample; amplifying at least a portion of the promoter of each of a plurality of turner-suppressor genes associated with the cancer from the free DNA, to yield a plurality of amplified promoters; and quantifying methylation of each of the plurality of amplified promoters, to yield a methylation quantity. The method can have a high sensitivity and high specificity and can thus reduce the proportion of unneeded biopsies. It can also be performed with minimal invasiveness and discomfort to a patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: Roofing membranes of single ply heat seamable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) sheets are made with a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (MPO) blend. The membranes exhibit superior heat seam peel strengths and low temperature flexibility.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: Roofing membranes of single ply heat seamable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) sheets are made with a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (MPO) blend. The membranes exhibit superior heat seam peel strengths and low temperature flexibility.

Abstract: A reduced scrim reinforcement is provided in single ply roofing membranes having excellent wind uplift performance. Also provided is a method for making a roofing membrane having the scrim reinforcement incorporated therein.