BUFFALO, N.Y. … Birdair, Inc., the leading innovator in custom architectural fabric membrane roofing systems based in Buffalo, N.Y., is taking its lineup of premium materials one step further with the introduction of Tensotherm, a next-generation composite roofing system that solves an important industry challenge.
Birdair, in partnership with Boston-based Cabot Corporation, will produce the new material that offers the same grace and flexibility of Birdair’s renowned tensile roofing fabrics, but with the added benefits of Nanogel translucent aerogel, a feather-light insulation layer also known as “frozen smoke” that significantly enhances the material’s thermal performance.
This insulating material, created using Cabot’s patented surface modification and fine-particle manufacturing technology, has an air content of 95%, making Nanogel the lightest solid material in the world. Just one 3mm granule – a size equivalent to the head of a pin – has more than 10 billion microscopic holes, more than 1,000 trillion pores and enough nano-strands linked end-to-end to create a twin-sized bedsheet. The small pore size and unique structure traps air to prevent heat loss and solar heat gain, making Tensotherm a welcome addition to Birdair’s wide range of fabric membrane roofing options.
“For years, finding a way to properly insulate fabric roofing has been an obstacle,” says Kevin Mayer, Birdair Vice President for Business Development, Marketing and Sales. “But thanks to Cabot Corporation’
The aerogel layer in Tensotherm, produced by Cabot’s manufacturing facility in Frankfurt, Germany, is sandwiched between two layers of Birdair fabric membrane to enhance thermal efficiency and help Birdair roofing systems meet increasingly demanding energy and building code regulations. It also maintains Birdair fabric membrane’s notable daylight harvesting qualities while continuing to transmit and diffuse natural light, while now offering superior sound and thermal insulation as well.
Tensotherm, which is less than a half-inch thick, shares the same benefits as Birdair’s other fabric membrane choices, making it extremely malleable, durable and fade resistant. It is also water repellent to resist mold and mildew. These traits ensure that Birdair’s new Nanogel-infused fabric membrane will offer added value to help architects and designers achieve their specific
architectural roofing applications.
About Birdair: Birdair, Inc. is the leading builder of custom tensile fabric and structural steel cable systems throughout the world, providing design-build solutions for architects and clients in all aspects of project design, engineering, installation and maintenance. Birdair roofing systems and cable structures can be attached to any building envelope and offer aesthetic options to complement any exterior design. Birdair, based in Buffalo, N.Y., is a member of the Taiyo Kogyo Group, with operations serving North and South America and other international locations. For more information about Birdair, please call 1-800-622-2246 or visit www.birdair.com.
About Cabot Corporation:
