Roofing supplies – roofing supply company

As a leading manufacturer of roll roofing and roofing underlayments, Tarco is making news with its innovative products. The News Releases section is your resource for the latest news releases about Tarco and its products. It also serves as a historical record of company information and product introductions. You can read some of the industry "buzz" about Tarco and Tarco products below in the Media Coverage section.

Tarco News Releases

Tarco Media Coverage (or the "buzz" about Tarco)

Online News about Products

Online News about Tarco

Media Contact Information

Members of the press requiring additional information, interviews or high resolution digital images, should contact one of the following persons at Kellen Communications:

Harry Schmitz hschmitz@kellenco.com
1(516) 414-0698 (direct) or 1(516) 582-0808 (mobile)

Kellen Communications
355 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
1 (212) 297-2100
1 (212) 370-9047 (fax)

Tarco News Releases

Tarco Media Coverage

ARMA Announces the 2010-2011 Leadership Team

Roofing Contractor reported on February 22, 2010 that Steve Ratcliff was named Vice President of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA).

Excerpts from the announcement:

[E]lected ARMA officers and Executive Committee members will serve for a two-year period from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2011.

[...]

Steve Ratcliff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tarco in Little Rock, Ark., was elected Vice President.

[...]

100 BEST NEW PRODUCTS OF 2009

Tarco LeakBarrier SS400 Ice and Water Armor was recognized as one the 100 Best New Products of 2009 by Hanley Wood's Professional Builder magazine in its September 2009 issue. The winners can be viewed on the Housing Zone Website. Also, see the winning product here:
LeakBarrier SS400 Ice and Water Armor

Options and advantages

In a special feature about underlayments in the July 2009 issue of Metal Roofing magazine, Tarco president Steve Ratcliff answers three questions posed by the editor.

Excerpts from the article:

There is no shortage of quality underlayment products being manufactured and distributed for use under metal roofing.

While most agree traditional 30-pound felt is not the best solution for long-lasting metal roofing projects, synthetic and peel-and-stick products cost a little more. Are they worth it? Those of you concerned about using the best products with the metal roofing you install would say yes; as would all of the underlayment representatives we asked about underlayment products.

Metal Roofing Magazine asked three questions of several underlayment manufacturers. Here are our questions and their answers.

What benefits of synthetic and/or high temperature underlayments make them more suitable for residential metal roofing jobs than felt?

Steve Ratcliff, Tarco: Saturated felt becomes dry and brittle over time. This process is accelerated by heat and, because temperatures can soar beneath metal, becomes an even greater problem for metal roofing applications. Saturated felt can be exposed for only a few days. If the metal roofing happens to get damaged or blow off due to a weather event, the advantage of the peel-and-stick products is obvious. They adhere exceedingly well to the deck and seal around nail holes. Saturated felt nailed to the deck will either blow off or, once exposed, might not prevent the massive water entry that could occur with high winds and rain. In some cases the water damage can be catastrophic.

[...]

For metal roofing applications, commercial or residential, what are the advantages and disadvantages of peel & stick products vs. those fastened with caps or other fasteners?

Ratcliff, Tarco: To put it simply the peel & stick products generally require less labor to install, offer a substantially better working surface for the metal roof application and don't leak. Most of the synthetic underlayments are basically plastic sheets that do not seal around the fastener, thus the reason for capped fasteners. Even saturated felt, because of its asphalt saturation, seals better around fasteners than the synthetics.

[...]

How has the economy affected your business in 2009 and what are your projections/hopes for the rest of the year?

Ratcliff, Tarco: For Tarco, underlayment sales figures for this year actually are above those for 2008. Tarco is continuing to gain market share as it builds its reputation as "the underlayment company." Meanwhile, the total market for new types of underlayment products is expanding as more contractors and building owners recognize their value. The LeakBarrier product line is the fastest growing part of our business. It includes self-adhering (or peel-and-stick) products as well as a new asphalt-saturated high performance polyester (HPP) underlayment, which is an easy-to-handle alternative synthetic underlayment.

[...]

Online Idea Book

Tarco PS200HT was featured in the Metal Roofing Idea Book in April 2009.

Excerpts:

The fifth edition of "the idea book" is still the only publication of its kind, presenting the environmental benefits and unlimited design possibilities of metal roofing through practical applications. The intent of "the idea book" is to demonstrate the many possibilities of architectural metal roofing and showcase the products that make it all possible — many of them featured here. A beautiful metal roof doesn't get on the roof by itself — it takes a skilled installer using the best products and tools. Check out our first-ever Online Product Showcase — the must-have resource for those who want to install the metal roof of someone's dreams.

View by category: The idea book – underlayments
Polymer-modified bitumen underlayment products

Professional Roofing, April 2008
Polymer-modified bitumen underlayment products

Table includes three Tarco Products (MS-300, SS-400 and PS200HT)

Helping Homeowners Choose the Shingles They Really Want

A superb article about shingles appeared in the February issue of Roofing Contractor magazine. Authored by Jim Baker of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, the article describes the value of self-adhering underlayment as a secondary water barrier and quotes Steve Ratcliff, president and CEO of Tarco.

Excerpt from article:

Ice-and-water membrane and drip edges serve as the roof's defensive line, each performing a specialized task. Ice-and-water membrane (such as Tarco's LeakBarrier) adds a second layer of protection against hail, heavy rain, water infiltration and ice dams along the eaves, your roof's most vulnerable point. And drip edges channel water into gutters to prevent it from seeping under the first row of shingles.

The contractor can also help maximize roof life by choosing a suitable underlayment. "There is a growing recognition that the use of new types of self-adhering or synthetic underlayment as a secondary water barrier adds value anywhere in the country," said Steve Ratcliff, president of Tarco, who is also an ARMA member.

In some areas of the country, the application of self-adhering underlayment along the eaves is required by both the International Residential Code and the International Building Code in order to prevent damage from ice dams. In addition, complete coverage of a residential building with a secondary water barrier adds value. No matter what type of asphalt shingle is installed, a self-adhering underlayment ensures trouble-free installation and offers an extra layer of protection once the roof is installed, generally at a nominal increase in the overall cost of installation. Always ensure proper roof assembly ventilation when applying such a product over the entire roof.

Keeping water out: self-adhering underlayment can serve as a secondary water barrier

This article by Steve Ratcliff, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tarco, appeared in the February 2009 issue of Professional Roofing magazine. Florida residential roofing contractors are interviewed regarding their experiences using self-adhering underlayments as a secondary water barrier. A case is made for using self-adhering underlayments in this way nationwide."

Tile Underlayment Passes Muster at Nellis Air Force Base

This case study in Roofing Contractor magazine details the use of Tarco PS200^HT self-adhering underlayment on a major housing construction project outside of Las Vegas.

Advances in Asphalt

This feature article in Professional Roofing magazine examines the sustainabilty of asphalt roofing materials. It includes a quote from Tarco's VP of Technology and Innovation.

Excerpt from article:

“According to Shaik Mohseen, vice president of technology and innovation for Tarco, Little Rock, Ark., the key raw material to make dry felt is old corrugated cardboard or recycled waste paper. Dry felt makes up about 50 percent of the raw material required for asphalt-saturated organic felt, another reason asphalt-based roof systems can be considered sustainable.”

Watts Up? Underlayments Sticking Around

By Tom Watts

The associate editor of Roofing Contractor magazine editorializes about the importance of underlayment for roofing projects today.

Excerpt from editorial:

“We know because Tarco President Steve Ratcliff said the underlayment marketplace is better because of the introduction of self-adhering and synthetic underlayments.”

Underlayments Roundup: New Products Provide Multiple Options

Tarco President Steve Ratcliff is quoted in product roundup by associate editor Tom Watts. This article also tabulates the properties of four underlayment products from Tarco.

Excerpt from article:

Tarco President Steve Ratcliff said there are strong forces at work in the underlayment marketplace. ‘Not long ago, traditional asphalt-saturated felt was a mainstay of residential roofing,” Ratcliff said. “Unfortunately, it did not perform well as a secondary water barrier, it was subject to UV deterioration, and it had very short exposure limits during installation.’

Ratcliff said many types of self-adhering and synthetic underlayments have been introduced over the last 10 years, with the addition of specialty products designed for specific roofs and climates. As a result, the underlayment product category is gaining tremendous respect.

“Labor savings coupled with superior performance will encourage most contractors to offer premium underlayment to customers as standard rather than as an optional upgrade,” said Ratcliff. “The superior dry-in benefits and UV resistance of premium underlayment gives contractors greater flexibility in scheduling primary roofing system installations.

“The secondary water barrier provides extra protection when the primary roof fails for whatever reason.”

Understanding Metal and Tile Underlayments

By Steve Ratcliff, President, Tarco, Little Rock, Arkansas
The special requirements of underlayments applications for primary roofs made of tile and metal are clearly explained in this article appearing in Florida Forum magazine.

Sportsman's Outlet: Underlayment Eases Installation of Huge Sportsman's Outlet Roof in Mesa, Ariz.

Western Roofing magazine reports on the use of EasyLay by Western Single Ply, Arizona. General manager Onnie Diaz describes how EasyLay was exactly the right product for use on a Bass Pro Shops retail store.

RSI Magazine Q&A on Metal Roofing Underlayments

Five industry experts, including Steve A. Ratcliff, president and CEO, Tarco, discuss the state of metal roofing underlayment.

Self-Adhering Bituminous Membranes

In Roofing Contractor magazine, Reed Hitchcock of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) describes the growing importance of self-adhering membranes with special reference to Tarco's Ice and Water Armor self-adhering underlayment.

The Extra Protection Every Roof Needs

This feature article explains how new self-adhering modified bitumen membranes are used underneath shingles along the eaves and other vulnerable areas of residential roofs, with particular reference to LeakBarrier Ice and Water Armor from Tarco.

The Membrane Beneath the Metal

This feature article explains the advantages self-adhering underlayments for use in metal roofing, with particular reference to the LeakBarrier PS 200^HT poly surface high temperature self-adhering underlaymnet from Tarco.

Underlayments: No Longer an After Thought

This overview article by Roofing Contractor contributing author Shawn Holiday includes information about Fast90 Tile Underlayment from Tarco as well as some Tarco history and quotes from Tarco.

Excerpt from article:

The first Fast90 was shipped last year and Tarco is concentrating on the Florida market for now. It's a dramatic move for the commodity producer. While others have written off asphalt felts as dinosaurs, his attempt to rejuvenate their thinking may have far reaching impact. After all, when the underlayment performs like a membrane, which product is really protecting the building? Innovations in roofing underlayments will compel the industry to view them in a new light. "We're trying to move up the food chain a little," says Ratcliff. "People change their view of the company when you bring out something like this."

Shingling Strategy: Follow our game plan for a successful reroofing project.

This feature article story walks homeowners through the challenges of reproofing a home. It presents several products that can be used for this important job. Tarco's LeakBarrier Ice and Water Armor is recommended as a layer of protection against hail, heavy rain and ice dams. A PDF of the story is presented here courtesy HANDY Magazine.

Excerpt from article:

If you live in a severe climate area, your next move is to install ice-and-water membrane. Because of its adhesive backing, the membrane must be carefully aligned as you roll it out. Peel the backing from the first 2 ft. of the roll; then place the roll along the drip edge, allowing about 1/4 in. overhang. With a helper holding the exposed end in place, unroll the membrane, following the drip edge and allowing for the same uniform overhang.

When you have unrolled and positioned the membrane, gently pull away the plastic backing (photo 3). Work slowly and press the membrane to the sheathing as you go to ensure proper adhesion. Local codes will dictate how much of the sheathing must be covered by the membrane as well as the overlap requirements. (A 6-in. overlap both horizontally and vertically is common.)

(For further information about Handy magazine, contact www.handymanclub.com.)

Residential Mod Bit: Big D Roofing Adopts New Modified Bitumen Product for Extra Protection in Residential Roofing (Valley Flash)

This feature story explains the use of the Tarco's ValleyFlash membrane in residential roofing applications by Larry Portman of Big D Roofing. A PDF of the story is presented here courtesy of Western Roofing Magazine.

How to Win the Waiting Game: Underlayments protect while shortages loom

This feature story from Florida Forum magazine addresses the roofing contractor's frustration in waiting for project materials - especially tiles. Tarco's LeakBarrier Fast90 protects homes during the long delays in deliveries in the aftermath of severe hurricane seasons. Fast90™ is an underlayment with exposure limits as long as nine months.

Installing Self-Adhering, Mineral-surface Cap Sheet as a Primary Roof (EasyBase and EasyStick)

This feature article by Steve Ratcliff reprinted courtesy of Roofing Contractor magazine. It reviews typical specifications over various types of decks and describes step-by-step installation of this primary roofing system. Homeowners and roofing contractors enjoy the best of both worlds with modified-bitumen products for both residential and commercial roofs. The benefits of this low-cost and easy to install roofing system are indisputable.

The Membrane Beneath the Metal: Understanding Premium Underlayments (PS200HT)

Presented here as a PDF courtesy of Roofing Contractor Magazine, this feature story describes the benefits of premium, self-adhering underlayments when used with metal roofing applications.

Online News about Products

Roofing Contractor magazine, December 2009
Roofing Underlayment (Tarco NR500HT Ice and Water Armor)

ProSales Business Update, Hanley Wood, November 2009
Tarco introduced NR500 Ice and Water Armor

Professional Remodeler, September 2009
LeakBarrier SS400 Ice and Water (Suit of) Armor
INTRODUCING A SURPRISINGLY LIGHTWEIGHT SELF-ADHESIVE, MODIFIED BITUMINOUS ROOFING UNDERLAYMENT

Metal Roofing magazine, July 2009
Product profiles Underlayments ‘09

Professional Roofing, July 2009
Leakbarrier Ice & Water Armor (SS400 Ice and Water Armor)

Roofing Contractor magazine, May 2008
Product Focus: Focus On Underlayments (LeakBarrier EasyLay)

MMI Market Makers Inc.
Tarco and Tarco products

Western Roofing, Jan/Feb 2008
Western Roofing magazine reports on the use of EasyLay by Western Single Ply, Arizona. General manager Onnie Diaz describes how EasyLay was exactly the right product for use on a Bass Pro Shops retail store. Online News about Tarco

ThomasNet
Roofing Products Experts Johns Manville and Tarco Partner to Create New EasyLay(TM) Roofing Underlayment

Roof Helper (EasyLay)
Roofing Products Experts to Create New EasyLay(TM) Roofing Underlayment

Architectural Products Magazine
No Exposure Limit (LeakBarrier Fast90™ Self-Adhering Tile Underlayment)