VAST Enterprises Selected as the Exclusive Manufacturer of Composite Roof Pavers for Firestone Building Products Company


VAST Produces a Green, Light Weight Flat Roof Covering Engineered to Provide Superior Roof Aesthetics, Design Versatility, and Installation Efficiency

MINNEAPOLIS and CHICAGO - Hold for Release on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - Today at Greenbuild 2010 in Chicago, VAST Enterprises, LLC announced that Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (FSBP) has selected VAST as its exclusive manufacturer of Firestone SkyPaver(TM) Composite Roof Pavers. FSBP is a global leader in commercial roofing systems and materials. VAST is the material science research and manufacturing company that invented composite masonry as a green alternative to clay brick and concrete pavers.

SkyPaver is an interlocking roof paver system manufactured in VAST's advanced composite material that is an engineered blend of 90 to 95 percent recycled car tires and plastic containers. Each SkyPaver unit consists of a 16x16-inch installation grid with eight composite pavers, which are 4x8 inches each. SkyPaver weighs only 6.23 pounds per square foot (one-third the weight of concrete pavers). Interlocked grids establish an integrated surface installed directly on a horizontal drainage mat.

"The market for green roofs grew by more than 15 percent in 2009, and an estimated 10 million square feet of green roofs are now installed annually. In addition, more projects are incorporating flat roofs into the usable space of buildings," said Riaz Hasan, accessories marketing manager, Firestone Building Products Company, LLC. "VAST's technology provides a green paving solution for roofs that surpasses any other available today."

"In the U.S. and worldwide, Firestone Building Products is renowned for its excellence in commercial roofing materials, superior service to developers and contractors, and unbeatable warranty program," said Andy Vander Woude, chief executive officer, VAST Enterprises. "As the manufacturer of SkyPavers, VAST is positioned to take part in the growth of the market."

Firestone SkyPaver Composite Roof Pavers offer significant advantages for flat roof applications, including green, vegetative roofs and habitable roof spaces:

Design Flexibility, Refined Aesthetics: SkyPavers are ideal for new or re-roof projects to create rooftop decks, patios, terraces, or walkways and provide a complementary roof access enhancement for the Firestone SkyScape(TM) Vegetative Roofing System. Available in five brilliant colors, UV-treated SkyPavers bring the classic, refined look and design versatility of pavers up onto rooftops. Color and pattern design combinations are unlimited.

Incomparable Product Performance: One-third the weight of concrete pavers, SkyPavers contribute minimally to roof loads; yet they are strong enough to handle any live load, including point loads. SkyPavers are engineered to meet or exceed ASTM standards for compressive and flexural strength, water absorption and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, weathering, and friction.

Installation Efficiency for Professional Contractors: SkyPavers are packaged 180 units per pallet, and each pallet covers more than 320 square feet. Because composite pavers are one-third the weight of concrete pavers, each pallet weighs only 2,000 pounds. With their weight advantage, SkyPavers require fewer crane lifts up to rooftops and are easier for installers to handle on rooftops. No pedestal system is required. VAST's patented grid system installs right on top of roof membrane systems with drainage mats and ensures straight lines and a level layout. The expert installers in Firestone's worldwide network of licensed roofing contractors are able to complete installation faster with SkyPaver.

Better for the Environment, Socially Responsible: There is no better choice for green building and sustainable development projects than SkyPavers. VAST's eco-friendly composite material is engineered with 90 to 95 percent post-consumer recycled rubber and plastics. Every 25,000 square-foot installation of Firestone SkyPaver Composite Roof Pavers can divert approximately 12,500 tires and 375,000 plastic containers from landfills in the U.S.

The VAST manufacturing process begins with post-consumer recycled rubber and plastics, uses no water and requires much less energy and releases much less carbon dioxide than manufacturing comparably sized concrete pavers. With virtually no cracking or breakage in shipping or during installation, there is no waste. Cradle-to-cradle green, SkyPavers can contribute to projects earning more LEED® credits than any other roof pavement material.

Firestone Building Products and VAST Enterprises are exhibiting at Greenbuild 2010, the world's largest exhibition devoted to green building, at McCormick Place West in Chicago, Ill., November 16-18, 2010. Firestone Building Products is at booth #533. VAST Enterprises is at booth #2094. SkyPavers are on display at both locations. Company executives are available to the media for interviews.

Firestone Building Products Company, LLC

Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (FSBP) is a global leader in quality commercial roofing and is committed to protecting the environment through its products, programs and practices. FSBP manufactures EPDM, TPO, metal and green roofing systems, polyiso insulation, and accessories for the commercial roofing industry. In addition to superior roofing products, FSBP offers installation expertise and product support through roofing solutions and technical services departments and an international network of roofing contractors, distributors and field sales representatives. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., FSBP is a subsidiary of Firestone Diversified Products, LLC. Visit the FSBP Web site at www.firestonebpco.com.

VAST Enterprises, LLC

VAST applies its patented technology to transform recycled materials into a new resource for green building: composite masonry. VAST composite products - including landscape pavers, permeable pavers for stormwater management, deck pavers and thin brick - offer an engineered alternative to molded concrete and clay brick. VAST meets the most demanding requirements for aesthetics, durability, sustainability and installation efficiency. Award-winning VAST Pavers deliver rich colors, superior slip resistance and unbeatable strength at one-third the weight of concrete pavers. VAST can contribute to qualification for more LEED® credits than any other paver. Today, every 5,000-square foot VAST landscape installation keeps 2,500 scrap automobile tires and 75,000 plastic containers out of U.S. landfills. Tomorrow? The Future is VAST(TM). Learn more at vastpavers.com. Then call (612) 234-8958.

VAST Media Contact:

David Aquilina

(612) 716-5628

davida@strategicstoryteller.com

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