Alpha Pro Tech made strong 2012 gains in the US construction market with its new TECHNOply 100% synthetic woven roof underlayment manufacturered from post industrial recycled materials.

In a field dominated by nonwovens, the product is characterised by high tear strength and a proprietary walking surface. It is said to be 2.5 times lighter and 25 times stronger than conventional 15# felt, comes with a 25-year water shedding warranty and has a UV resistance exposure time of six months.

Only introduced in early 2012, the economy product, aimed at capturing market share in the lower end of the market contributed approximately 14% of the company’s $5.9 Building Supply division sales in the last quarter of 2012.

Alpha Pro Tech is also anticipating strong 2013 sales of its REX Wrap Fortis Housewrap, a highly engineered composite, made up of a high-strength woven fabric, a monolithic breather film and a nonwoven sheet which works as a high-strength non-perforated membrane to protect from both water and air.

Consolidated 2012 sales for Alpha Pro Tech increased 6.6% to $41.1 million from $38.5 million for 2011. This increase consisted of increased sales in the company’s Building Supply and Disposable Protective Apparel segments, partially offset by decreased sales in the Infection Control segment.

Building Supply segment sales for the year increased 10% to $23.7 million – 67% for synthetic roof underlayment and 33% for housewrap.