Kemper System America offers "odor-free" roofing systems

When it's time to replace or recover roofs, building owners and specifiers are avoiding hot asphalt and other products that create fumes in favor of cold-applied, "odor-free" liquid membranes, according to managing director Steve Cortazzo of Kemper System America, Inc. Many liquid roofing materials gas-off, emitting solvent odors that can penetrate indoors and bother occupants long after the roofing is applied. There is reason for concern because many people are sensitive to indoor air quality. In contrast, odor-free roofing systems contain little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) so they can be safely applied while buildings are occupied. Kemper System, a global leader in "odor free" roofing, surfacing and waterproofing systems, has seen a major increase in North American sales of its Kemperol 2K-PUR two-part polyurethane solvent-free/odor-free system during the past five years. Cortazzo says there is increasing demand on commercial projects, government buildings, schools and universities, historic renovations, sports arenas and other high-value properties. "Owners and property managers don't want to disrupt activities or add costs with off-hour scheduling - but are even more concerned about occupant safety and want to specify environmentally-safe products." A surprising percentage of people are sensitive to odors. While odor is not a good indicator of a chemical hazard, the perception of odor is a common reason for complaints about indoor air, according to Aerias.org in Atlanta, Ga. When indoor air quality is "stuffy" or unpleasant, an estimated 15 to 40% of building occupants can become upset even with adequate ventilation and a high-efficiency filter system. Sensitivity to odors can cause some people to believe they've been exposed to a hazardous pollutant, even when that's not the case - and that can trigger similar reactions in others. This is most common in workplaces with existing odors and poor worker-management relationships.