Fleece back membranes gain ground

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A trusted option in reroofing, fleece back membranes offer labor savings, added durability and versatility. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards sat down with MuleHide’s Anthony Vieira to unpack a topic that’s gaining traction across the roofing industry: fleece back membranes. The conversation zeroed in on why this hybrid material is becoming a go-to solution for contractors facing tricky reroofing conditions and how it could change the way many approach single-ply systems. 

Tony, who manages MuleHide’s single-ply membrane product segment, brought more than a decade of experience to the discussion. Tony shared, “I started as an inspector. I did that for about three years. And then I was a technical trainer. So, I trained contractors on installing warranted systems in the single ply category and then did some product management after that. So about 10 years total in the industry.” 

So, what exactly is a fleece back membrane? As Tony put it, it’s “a backing made of fleece that’s actually bonded to the back side of TPO, PVC or KEE HP PVC membranes.” This bonding, done during the manufacturing process, not only enables compatibility with low-rise foam adhesives but also creates practical advantages on the jobsite. 

A major appeal of the backing is the enhanced durability. “Fleece backing itself does add about 30% puncture resistance,” Tony noted. “Depending on how heavy you apply the adhesive, you need up to 50% added puncture resistance.” He also mentioned that fleece back systems often qualify for upgraded hail and wind warranties compared to traditional membranes. 

Contractors working on recover projects may find fleece back especially beneficial, thanks to its ability to eliminate layers. “You could cut that out and just go to the fleece back membrane, adhere it with low-rise foam directly to those roof surfaces,” Tony said. The savings aren’t just in materials, but in labor and installation time, critical factors in today’s labor-tight construction market. 

For those intrigued but cautious, MuleHide offers resources and training. “We take training very seriously at MuleHide,” said Tony. “We have training centers, a couple of them throughout the country.” That training includes guidance on adhesive mixing, surface prep and proper installation techniques. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about makes a roof a strong candidate for fleece back recovery and how contractors can become certified to install warranted systems!