Roofing Contractors Seek Labor Efficient Insulation Adhesives During Labor Shortage

The labor shortage that faces the U.S. construction industry will not be easing soon. According to one report, 90 percent of contractors faced labor challenges in the fourth quarter of 2018, and so far, 2019 does not look much better.  Reports among roofing contractors also indicate that labor remains a concern.

“On almost a daily basis we’re hearing from contractors from across the country that OlyBond500 Canisters provide a highly labor efficient method of installing insulation adhesives,” says Adam Cincotta, adhesives business unit leader for OMG Roofing Products. “They love the fact that these systems do not require any extra or specialized equipment, rooftop power or highly skilled labor. Just connect the hoses and go!”

When compared to other canister based low-rise foaming adhesives, OlyBond500 Canisters can provide up to 20 percent more coverage and up to 35 squares per set, depending on the conditions and insulation used.  In addition, OlyBond500 Canisters enable users to spatter the adhesive for use with fleece backed membranes.

Each canister set is self-contained, and comes with a 25-foot (8 meter) application hose, gun assembly, six mix tips, three extension tubes as well as a disposable wrench for securing the hoses to the canisters.  The applicator gun includes a locking trigger designed to prevent accidental adhesive discharges on the roof. The 17-inch long extension tubes enable contractors to stand upright during application for better ergonomics and less fatigue.

“In addition to productivity gains, canisters do not require highly skilled applicators, so contractors can assign skilled labors to work on other things rather than applying adhesive,” says Cincotta.  “I expect to see more contractors adopt this strategy as the labor shortage continues.”