Polyiso proves its power on the roof

By PIMA. 

From enduring high winds to delivering high performance, this insulation keeps rising to the challenge. 

When it comes to commercial roofing, performance isn’t optional; it’s mission critical. In a world where buildings must do more with less, insulation has become a quiet workhorse behind every energy-efficient, code-compliant structure. And no material is pulling more weight in that role than polyiso, according to the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA). From taking on 140-mph winds in the Midwest to shaving days off install times in Canadian sports facilities, polyiso roof insulation isn’t just keeping up, it’s setting the pace. 

Here’s a small sample of how polyiso roof insulation continues to deliver value in real-world applications: 

Polyiso roofs stand resilient against Midwest’s Derecho 

With consistent wind speeds ranging between 70 and 140mph, the August 2020 Midwest Derecho took its toll on commercial properties and their roof systems. Many existing roofing systems in the path of the derecho were compromised, with a portion of those resulting in blow-offs, leaving entire buildings exposed. 

Yet in the aftermath, it was discovered that 29 roofs utilizing PIMA member Carlisle’s advanced roof system with polyiso roof insulation remained fully intact. In the company’s system, a durable membrane acts as the hook while the insulation acts as the loop, providing extra stability. This performance under extreme conditions underscores polyiso’s ability to contribute to high-performing roofing systems that can stand strong against harsh wind uplift. 

Bowmanville Indoor Soccer field saves time and labor with a polyiso roof assembly 

Following storm damage to nearly a quarter of its roofing system, the Bowmanville Indoor Soccer facility in Ontario, Canada, underwent a reroof in 2023. The new roof assembly is a two-layer SOPREMA system consisting of an SBS polymer-modified bitumen base sheet membrane laminated to a high-density polyiso support panel. 

The lightweight, entirely flameless installation not only enhanced jobsite safety but also delivered impressive labor savings. Roofing crews managed to save costs equivalent to approximately two days of installation time and lower labor costs by an estimated 40%. In addition to improved efficiency, the polyiso-based system provides long-term durability and energy performance. 

G150 Molson Coors Brewery’s roof in Colorado leverages polyiso tapered roof insulation 

Located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, the new Molson Coors Brewery, nicknamed “G150” to commemorate 150 years of brewing, is a forward-looking, high-performance facility built from the ground up. This brewery includes production areas, fermentation halls, cold storage and administrative offices, all designed and built for energy efficiency, operational scalability and durability. 

To meet these goals, the roofers, Douglass Colony Group, installed a fully tapered polyiso insulation system by Elevate (an Amrize brand) mechanically fastened under the roofing membrane. The system includes a 2-inch base layer, a tapered layer and custom-sloped variations to promote drainage and long-term performance. A roof coverboard is then applied on top. The project earned Douglass Colony the 2025 Elevate Excellence Award in the “Durability” category, recognizing exceptional, robust roofing systems that stand up to the toughest conditions. 

Original article and photo source: PIMA