Siplast Eco-Activ® Depolluting Roof Membranes can bring environmental magic to the roof. Siplast pioneered the use of SBS-modified bitumen technology along with Shell Chemical Company in the 1960s. Decades later, Siplast is still acknowledged as the world's leader in the manufacture and development of SBS-modified bitumen roof membranes. Today, Siplast is pleased to offer a simple, practical way t
o help reduce the harmful nitrous oxides in our air that contribute to the formation of low-level ozone, smog, and the greenhouse effect. How does the technology work?
- Eco-Activ Roof Membranes are surfaced with roofing granules treated with Noxite®. Noxite, which is based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) in its anatase form, is a photocatalyst, and reacts in the presence of UV light.
- When sunlight hits an Eco-Activ roof, Noxite absorbs UV light and behaves like a photovoltaic cell, generating electrical charges that accelerate the transformation of harmful nitrous oxide molecules into harmless molecules.
- By-products from the decomposition of NOx molecules are carried away by rainwater, and have no measurable impact on the quality of run-off water. How do we know Noxite works?
- Siplast has achieved a UL Environment claim validation for Eco-Activ Roof Membrane's ability to remove an estimated 417-4,143 G NOx per roofing square over 20 years.
- A study conducted by the Department of Analytical Chemistry at Munich Technical University confirmed the catalytic effect of Noxite Roofing Granules. Other references include: CSTB (Science and Technical Center for Roofing) Pass’ Innovation Final Report: No.2009-016, for Eco-Activ Waterproofing.), and Characterization of Gas Polluted Phase in Contact of Materials Made by Icopal, CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research).
- The principle of photocatalysis of titanium dioxide was first demonstrated in the 1970s. Since then, other building products manufacturers have adapted this technology for their products, including concrete and tile. Siplast is the first commercial roofing manufacturer in North America to do so. How long does Noxite’s depolluting functionality last?
- Noxite continues to work throughout the life of the roof membrane. No maintenance beyond that of standard, responsible roof management is necessary.
- This lifelong functionality is possible because the TiO2 component of Noxite is not sacrificial. The newly-created harmless molecules react immediately with another NO or new NO2, the photocatalyst is released unchanged. How effective is Noxite?
- Yearly, 200 squares (20,000 square feet) of Eco-Activ membrane surfaced with Noxite Granules offset the nitrogen oxide pollution (NOx) produced by more than 50 passenger light vehicles.* Offset rates differ by location, due to variances in prevailing atmospheric conditions and UV levels. How expensive is an Eco-Activ roof?
- Eco-Activ cap sheets are Siplast’s time-proven Paradiene surfaced with innovative Noxite granules, so the cost is minimal, and there are no added maintenance expenses.
*Based on studies using estimated conditions (sunlight, humidity, and NOx) for Los Angeles, and mileage of the average U.S.
