SPRI Welcomes Emerging Technologies

SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, recently approved a by-law revision expanding its membership to include companies that represent Emerging Technologies.

This category has been created to provide for businesses representing, or otherwise engaged in, non-traditional segments of the commercial roofing industry to join SPRI and take part in the discussion and research which is shaping the roofing industry of tomorrow. Photovoltaic and vegetative roof component suppliers where two emerging technologies identified as representative of this new category.

“We feel that we need to address the changes in the industry and on the rooftop,” said Mike Ennis, SPRI technical director. “Today we are looking at photovoltaics and vegetative systems interacting with the traditional roofing system. Tomorrow it may be water retention systems or wind technology. Whatever the new arena, it is important that there be a sharing of information between the new technology and the traditional roofing system manufacturer that is serving as a platform for these innovations.”

Currently SPRI, in conjunction with Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, is developing three standards for vegetative roof systems: wind resistance, fire resistance and a root penetration test method. It is also working with Oak Ridge National Laboratory on a study of the thermal performance of vegetative roof systems.

In the area of photovoltaics, SPRI has created a Task Force to compile generic information for building owners and specifiers concerning attachment of PV systems to roofing systems.

SPRI’s traditional membership includes system manufacturers, raw materials and components suppliers, as well as consultants, architectural firms, distributors and other companies active in the single-ply roofing market.

For more information about SPRI and its activities, visit SPRI’s web site at www.spri.org or contact the association at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .