3M Quarry Produces Smog-Reducing Roofing Granules for Shingles

3M’s innovative smog-reducing roofing granules that reduce air pollution have a new champion. Shingles manufacured with the new granules, and featuring Scotchgard Protector, are part of the new Healthy Holmes Specification for Holmes Approved Homes Builders.

3M has four manufacturing and quarry locations across the country to produce roofing granules for the asphalt shingle, stone-coated metal and commercial cap sheet roofing markets. 3M’s smog-reducing granule product is manufactured in Corona, Calif. 

This product is very similar to its standard colored ceramic-coated roofing granule production, but with a specialized coating layer that is a photocatalyst to enable the smog-mitigation performance. Visually the standard and smog-reducing granules look the same. 

The recommended list of building materials that was created by Mike Holmes as part of the Holmes Approved Homes program stands for choosing the right products with the right technology, installed using the best building practices to build homes that go beyond residential standards, from construction to final inspection. The introduction of the Healthy Holmes specification was designed to help accelerate the adoption of more sustainable and healthier building materials.

Traditional roofing granules protect the asphalt layer of the shingles from solar UV degradation and must be durable enough to withstand the elements of natural weathering for the lifetime of the roof.

3M Smog-reducing granules harness the power of the sun to turn roofing shingles into a pollution-fighting surface. When the sun hits the granules, the photocatalytic coating transforms the smog pollution (nitrogen oxides) into water-soluble ions that safely wash away with rain. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory testing validated the photocatalytic materials used in the granules can reduce smog and contribute to cleaner air.

Time magazine recognized this innovation as one of the best inventions of 2018. Climate Resolve, a U.S. non-profit organization focused on local solutions to global climate change, has called the technology a step forward in addressing air quality and climate concerns.

“3M is leading the way with roofing technology solutions rooted in sustainability,” said Josh Orman, 3M strategy and marketing manager. “We are extremely excited to apply this science to a material that could potentially be on every home in America.

“Sustainability and smart construction choices are important to us at 3M and we are pleased to see others in the industry join forces to help us progress the roofing industry toward more innovative solutions for the environment,” added Orman.

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