GAF is leading the way in delivering solutions that help contractors save time and labor. Our latest innovation is the industry-first Everguard® TPO Primerless Cover Tape, a six-inch tape for stripping in edge metal that, just as its name implies, doesn't require the use of primer. This factory-built primerless cover tape consists of a non-reinforced TPO membrane that's backed with a butyl tape adhesive. It ensures that contractors achieve the highest quality installation with a uniform appearance and reduces the risk of leaks and callbacks.
Labor challenges are ever-present in the construction and roofing industries, and it's more important than ever for manufacturers to continue to innovate and empower contractors to do more with less. GAF is one of the leaders in researching, developing, and integrating the latest technology into roofing systems and accessories to help contractors do exactly that. This cover tape is one of the latest time- and labor-saving solutions to join GAF's "easier is better" family of products and accessories, which are designed to reduce contractors' time on the roof and help them save labor costs.
TPO Bonding Challenges
One of the benefits of TPO is its low surface energy and weak molecular attractions, which is how it keeps water from penetrating the membrane. But this benefit makes it hard for bonding, which is why contractors have traditionally needed to apply a TPO primer to create a layer with high surface energy for the adhesive to bond to.
The TPO primer helps make the surface of the TPO membrane tacky, so the adhesive used to strip in the edge would sufficiently adhere to the membrane. Application of the primer can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, as contractors must apply the correct amount and then wait for the primer to flash off before installing to cover tape. Thanks to GAF, contractors now have another option that eliminates the need for primer, saving hours on the roof and allowing them to move onto the next job sooner.
The Solution: Primerless Cover Tape
GAF has developed the first-in-the-industry primerless cover tape: EverGuard® Primerless TPO Cover Tape. The tape uses a proprietary high-tack, high-adhesion butyl tape that has low molecular weight "tackifying" resins and adhesion promoters to improve adhesion. The resins act like a primer and achieve full adhesion within 24 hours, comparable to traditional cover tape, which doesn't fully adhere until after 24 hours.
The research and development team at GAF spent years of development and field testing at multiple locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as gathering feedback from the GAF CARE team and field service representatives to ensure that this product would deliver the same performance and protection as traditional cover tape. Feedback from the field has been positive, as contractors who have experienced the benefits continue to choose it for their TPO roofing projects.
Saving Labor with Primerless Cover Tape
Applying a traditional primer is time-consuming, not to mention the time spent waiting for the primer to flash off. Eliminating the need for primer application can save hours on the jobsite, allowing workers to spend less time stripping in the edge and more time on other areas.
The rolls are six inches wide and come in 100-foot rolls for greater coverage per roll. Each case of two weighs only 37.4 pounds, making it easy to get onto the roof. Contractors also benefit from bringing fewer materials onto the roof, since there's no need for separate primer application.
Roofing It Right with Dave and Wally put the primerless cover tape to the test in the following video, where Dave installed traditional TPO cover tape that requires the primer, and Wally used the primerless cover tape. Wally completed his installation in 2.50 minutes compared to Dave's installation, which took 9.08 minutes to fully complete. Dave has years of commercial roofing experience, so someone who's not as experienced would probably take even longer to complete that installation.
Ease of Application
Application is easier than ever due to the butyl tape's proprietary adhesive backing and peel-and-stick installation. Contractors should ensure that the membrane and the edge metal surface are clean by using a solution of soap and water and then drying the area.
EverGuard® TPO Seam Cleaner or Low VOC TPO Seam Cleaner must be applied using a white cotton cloth as directed in the application instructions. The primerless cover tape is then applied using a silicone roller at a 45-degree angle.
Watch this Roofing It Right with Dave and Wally video to see these experienced professionals demonstrate the installation process:
The primerless cover tape can be used on slopes up to 3:12 and should be installed at an ambient air temperature of 40°F (4°C) and rising. Heat may be applied to the membrane and cover tape as needed.
A Quality Finish and Time-Saving Solution
Not only can contractors save time and labor using the industry-first primerless cover tape, but they can also benefit from an aesthetically pleasing finish that satisfies building owners and delivers powerful protection against leaks. With the same performance as traditional TPO cover tape, contractors can save hours on the roof and reduce their risk of callbacks.
Start saving time and labor today and get on to the next job faster with EverGuard® TPO Primerless Cover Tape.
