Firestone Building Products roofing remains a common search term for commercial roof membranes, insulation, and accessories. The business is now known as Elevate, following its acquisition by Holcim and subsequent rebranding. Many products and systems associated with the Firestone name continue under Elevate branding. Understanding that transition—and the differences among roofing materials—can help building owners compare options, evaluate proposals, and plan for long-term roof performance.
What Happened to Firestone Building Products?
Firestone Building Products was a major supplier of commercial roofing and building-envelope products. Holcim completed its acquisition of the business in 2021. In 2022, the company announced that Firestone Building Products would transition to the Elevate brand. As a result, older project documents, product specifications, and online searches may still use the Firestone name, while current product information and support are generally found through Elevate.
The brand change does not mean that every existing Firestone roof has become a different system. A roof’s actual materials, installation details, warranty, and maintenance history depend on the project—not simply the name on a product brochure. Owners should use project records and current manufacturer documentation to identify the system installed on a particular building.
For product availability, technical documents, and warranty questions, property owners should confirm details directly with Elevate or an authorized roofing contractor. Product names, specifications, and warranty terms can change, and older materials may have been discontinued or updated.
Common Firestone and Elevate Commercial Roofing Systems
Firestone Building Products became particularly well known for single-ply commercial roofing. Single-ply membranes are large sheets installed over a roof assembly, with seams and edges joined using methods suited to the material. The right system depends on the building, existing roof, climate, wind exposure, drainage, budget, and intended service life.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane used on low-slope roofs. It is typically available in black and white, and can be installed in mechanically attached, ballasted, or adhered assemblies, subject to the system design and manufacturer requirements. Seams are commonly joined with seam tape and compatible primers and accessories.
EPDM is valued for flexibility and established use in commercial roofing. Black EPDM absorbs more solar heat than white membranes, which may be useful in some cold-weather contexts but can increase roof-surface temperatures in sunny conditions. White EPDM options can reflect more sunlight, though actual energy performance depends on the complete roof assembly, local climate, insulation, and building operations.
TPO Roofing
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply membrane commonly used on commercial low-slope roofs. Seams are typically heat-welded, creating a continuous bond when installed with appropriate equipment and quality control. Many TPO products are white or otherwise reflective, which can help reduce solar heat gain at the roof surface.
Performance varies by product formulation, thickness, installation, and exposure. A buyer should compare current product data and system approvals rather than assuming all TPO membranes are identical. Proper seam welding, flashing, attachment, and detailing around penetrations are essential to the roof’s overall reliability.
PVC Roofing
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is another heat-weldable thermoplastic membrane used in some commercial roofing applications. PVC systems may be considered where chemical exposure, grease, or other specific operating conditions affect material selection. Compatibility should be confirmed with the manufacturer, especially around rooftop equipment, exhaust discharge, and adjacent materials.
Not every product line or configuration is available in every market or suitable for every building. The current manufacturer’s specifications and approved assembly details should guide the selection.
Modified Bitumen and Other Roofing Components
Firestone’s historical portfolio also included modified bitumen and related roofing products. Modified bitumen systems use asphalt-based sheets, often reinforced, and may be installed in multiple layers using approved methods. Some projects combine a membrane with insulation, cover boards, air or vapor control layers, and flashing components.
A roof should be evaluated as an assembly, not just a membrane. Insulation type and thickness, attachment method, substrate, drainage, perimeter details, and compatibility between components all affect performance. A product that works well in one assembly may not be approved for another.
How to Compare Roofing Options
When comparing Firestone Building Products roofing proposals—or proposals using current Elevate products—building owners should look beyond the price per square foot. A useful comparison identifies the complete scope, materials, installation method, project conditions, and warranty. The following factors help make bids more comparable:
- Roof condition: Determine whether the existing roof can be recovered or requires tear-off. Moisture surveys and inspection openings may be needed to assess trapped water or damaged insulation.
- Membrane and thickness: Record the exact product, membrane type, thickness, color, and applicable specification. Confirm that the proposed material is approved for the assembly.
- Insulation and cover board: Compare type, thickness, layers, and attachment. These components can affect energy performance, impact resistance, and system approval.
- Attachment and wind design: Review how the roof is secured and whether the design addresses the building’s location, height, exposure, and perimeter and corner zones.
- Drainage: Identify existing or proposed slopes, drains, scuppers, and overflow provisions. Persistent ponding can signal a drainage or structural issue that should be evaluated.
- Flashing and details: Confirm the scope for edges, walls, penetrations, curbs, drains, expansion joints, and transitions to adjacent systems.
- Project logistics: Clarify demolition, protection of occupants and equipment, disposal, access, weather planning, and cleanup.
- Warranty: Compare coverage, duration, exclusions, required inspections, maintenance duties, and the party responsible for remedying covered defects.
Specifications should identify the applicable manufacturer-approved assembly and relevant code or approval requirements. Depending on the project, documentation may refer to standards or testing from organizations such as ASTM International, FM Approvals, or UL. The design professional and contractor should confirm which requirements apply to the building and jurisdiction.
Installation Quality Matters
Even a high-quality membrane can fail if the roof is poorly designed or installed. Common vulnerabilities include weak or incomplete seams, poorly formed flashing, unsecured edges, blocked drains, and incompatible sealants or accessories. Penetrations and transitions deserve particular attention because they interrupt the broad, continuous roof surface.
Owners should request a written scope, product data, installation details, and documentation of the proposed contractor’s qualifications. Manufacturer-authorized contractor programs may offer access to certain system warranties, but authorization does not replace careful project oversight. The owner should verify the specific contractor status and warranty eligibility for the planned project.
During construction, documented inspections can help identify issues before they are covered. Depending on project complexity, an independent roof consultant or design professional may review submittals, observe key installation stages, and assess completed work. The appropriate level of oversight depends on building size, risk, contract terms, and local requirements.
Understanding Roofing Warranties
A roofing warranty is a contract with defined coverage—not a guarantee against every leak or maintenance cost. Manufacturer warranties may cover specified defects in materials or workmanship under stated conditions. Separate contractor warranties may cover installation workmanship for a defined period. The two documents can differ in duration, scope, exclusions, and claims procedures.
Before signing, owners should obtain the actual warranty form and check:
- Which roof components and workmanship items are covered.
- Whether coverage is limited, prorated, or subject to a maximum payment.
- Who is responsible for inspection, repair, and related interior damage.
- What exclusions apply, including damage from alterations, neglect, structural movement, or severe weather.
- Whether maintenance, prompt leak reporting, or periodic inspections are required.
- Whether the warranty can be transferred if the building is sold.
Warranty eligibility may depend on the specified assembly, installation by an approved contractor, and completion of required inspections. Owners should retain the final warranty, approved submittals, invoices, inspection records, and roof plan. For an existing Firestone roof, the original warranty document is the best starting point for determining the responsible company and claim process.
Maintenance for a Commercial Roof
Routine maintenance can identify small issues before they damage insulation or the building interior. A qualified roofing professional should inspect the roof periodically and after significant storms or rooftop work. Inspection frequency depends on the roof, building use, weather exposure, and warranty requirements.
Typical maintenance includes removing debris from drains and gutters, checking flashings and seams, looking for punctures or displaced materials, and confirming that rooftop equipment work has not damaged the membrane. Repairs should use compatible products and follow manufacturer instructions. Unapproved coatings, patches, or equipment supports may complicate future repairs or affect warranty coverage.
Building staff should document leaks with dates, locations, photographs, and weather conditions. A leak inside does not always originate directly above the visible stain; water can travel along the roof assembly before appearing indoors. Prompt professional investigation helps locate the source and limit further damage.
How to Find Information on an Existing Firestone Roof
For a roof installed under the Firestone Building Products name, useful records may include the original contract, product labels, closeout package, warranty certificate, inspection reports, and maintenance logs. These materials can identify the membrane, installation date, system details, and any restrictions on repairs or alterations.
If records are missing, a commercial roofing contractor can inspect the roof and help identify its materials and condition. Visual identification is not always conclusive, especially when multiple layers or prior repairs are present. A professional assessment may include core samples or other testing, with appropriate precautions for the building and existing materials.
For current product specifications and support, use Elevate’s official website and technical resources. Search results may still show Firestone-branded documents because of the company’s history; check publication dates and confirm that a document applies to the product and system under consideration.
Reliable Resources
- Holcim — corporate information about the parent company and its building-products business.
- Elevate Commercial Building Products — current commercial roofing product information and technical resources.
- ASTM International — standards and technical information relevant to construction materials and testing.
- FM Approvals — information on certification and property-loss-prevention standards.
Bottom line: Firestone Building Products roofing is now associated with the Elevate brand, but the right choice depends on the specific roof assembly, building conditions, installation quality, and written warranty. Owners comparing systems should verify current technical documents, review complete project scopes, and plan for ongoing inspection and maintenance.