FT Synthetics
FT Synthetics (dba FT Solutions) is a GAF Materials LLC brand manufacturing coated woven-fabric roofing underlayments, self-adhering leak barriers, and SurfaceSafe interior surface protection products with proprietary GripSpot traction technology, sold through multi-tier distribution to contractors, architects, property managers, and homeowners across the USA and Canada.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersLangley, Canada
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What FT Synthetics does
FT Synthetics, operating commercially as FT Solutions, is a brand under GAF Materials LLC — the largest roofing manufacturer in North America (itself part of Standard Industries). The company manufactures coated woven fabric roofing products, organized into three tiers: Performance (entry-level), Premier (premium), and Specialty (application-specific). Its portfolio spans self-adhering leak barriers (Premier Butyl and Performance SA) that protect against wind-driven rain and ice dams; mechanically attached synthetic underlayments (Premier UDL 180, Performance UDL 90, and Specialty UDL Breathable) that shield roof decks; and the SurfaceSafe interior surface protection line (Floor Protection, Breathable, Tape) for construction job sites. Every product carries proprietary GripSpot Technology — an embossed walking surface with flow channels designed to enhance foot traction — alongside polyolefin construction and differentiated butyl/asphalt adhesive chemistries.
The company's core technology is materials science: polyolefin-based coated woven fabrics with proprietary adhesive formulations (butyl for high-temperature performance, asphalt for value-tier bonding) and a patented embossed traction pattern. UV resistance ranges from 90 days (Performance) to 180 days (Premier), with a Lifetime Limited Warranty available on Premier and Specialty SKUs. Manufacturing occurs with 101–250 employees, and operations span the USA and Canada.
FT Solutions generates revenue through B2B hardware sales of roofing and surface protection materials, priced on a quote-based model through a multi-tier distribution network: wholesale distributors, building material dealers, and retail outlets resell to contractors and end customers. The company also engages directly with commercial and residential roofing contractors, architects, specifiers, property managers, building owners, and homeowners via structured contact forms and inquiry handling. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; no enterprise contract pricing or subscription model is indicated.
FT Synthetics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FT Synthetics
- Legal name
- GAF Materials LLC
- Website
- https://ftsyn.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- FT Synthetics (dba FT Solutions) is a GAF Materials LLC brand manufacturing coated woven-fabric roofing underlayments, self-adhering leak barriers, and SurfaceSafe interior surface protection products with proprietary GripSpot traction technology, sold through multi-tier distribution to contractors, architects, property managers, and homeowners across the USA and Canada.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where FT Synthetics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Langley
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
FT Synthetics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Roofing Materials Sales: FT Solutions generates revenue through the sale of roofing underlayment materials, leak barriers, and interior surface protection products. Products are sold through multiple tiers including distributors, dealers, retailers, and directly to contractors and other end customers. The company offers tiered product lines (Performance, Premier, Specialty) targeting different market segments from value-conscious to premium professional applications.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
FT Synthetics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FT Synthetics is a fully integrated manufacturer of coated woven fabrics that operates the FT Solutions brand, producing polyolefin-based roofing underlayments, self-adhering leak barriers, and SurfaceSafe interior surface protection products. Products are organized into three tiers — Performance, Premier, and Specialty — and all feature the proprietary GripSpot embossed walking surface for enhanced foot traction. The company sells through a multi-tier distribution network of distributors, dealers, and retailers, as well as directly to contractors.
Product overview
FT Solutions is a roofing solutions brand under GAF Materials LLC offering a portfolio of self-adhering leak barriers, mechanically attached underlayments, and interior surface protection products. The product line is organized into three tiers: Performance (entry-level with 90-day UV resistance), Premier (premium with 180-day UV resistance and Lifetime Limited Warranty), and Specialty (unique solutions like breathable underlayment). All products feature proprietary GripSpot Technology for enhanced foot traction. The core product families include: leak barriers (Premier Butyl Leak Barrier, Performance SA Leak Barrier) that protect against wind-driven rain and ice dams; underlayments (Premier UDL 180, Performance UDL 90, Specialty UDL Breathable) that protect roof decks with polyolefin construction; and SurfaceSafe interior surface protection products (Floor Protection, Breathable, Tape) for temporary jobsite surface protection.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GripSpot: Proprietary embossed walking surface technology for enhanced foot traction, featured on all FT Solutions products including leak barriers, underlayments, and SurfaceSafe interior surface protection products.
- SurfaceSafe
Products and services
- Premier Butyl Leak Barrier Premium self-adhering leak barrier featuring butyl adhesive that self-seals around nails, withstands high temperatures, and grips tenaciously to roof areas requiring extra protection. Designed to protect against wind-driven rain and ice dams under a variety of roof coverings; targeted at professional roofing contractors and specifiers.
- Performance SA Leak Barrier Value-oriented self-adhering leak barrier with asphalt adhesive that creates a strong bond to roof areas needing extra protection. Features GripSpot technology for enhanced foot traction; offers installers a variety of roof covering options.
- Premier UDL 180 Premium quality roofing underlayment with 180-day UV resistance, high and low temperature installation capability, and moisture resistance. Polyolefin construction with GripSpot technology provides slip resistance and helps the product lay flat; protects roof decks in steep-slope applications.
- Performance UDL 90 Value-priced mechanically attached underlayment with 90-day UV resistance and moisture resistance. Durable protection for roof decks in steep-slope applications, featuring GripSpot technology for enhanced foot traction.
- Specialty UDL Breathable Premium steep-slope synthetic roofing underlayment with breathable design that delivers all qualities of a premium underlayment while allowing moisture vapor to escape. Includes Lifetime Limited Warranty.
- SurfaceSafe Floor Protection Provides temporary protection for interior job site surfaces, such as floors, from spills, dust, bumps, and foot traffic. Features GripSpot Technology for enhanced foot traction; targets contractors and flooring professionals.
- SurfaceSafe Breathable Versatile, reusable, breathable cover that protects interior job site surfaces from dirt and spills while allowing new floors to cure properly; designed for construction and renovation professionals.
- SurfaceSafe Tape Durable tape providing moisture resistance that bonds tightly to secure SurfaceSafe interior surface protection products; handles easily for convenient application.
Quantifiable outcome
- 180-day UV resistance (Premier tier) and 90-day UV resistance (Performance tier)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use FT Synthetics
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
FT Synthetics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
FT Synthetics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- GAF Materials LLCcoreFT Solutions is a brand owned and operated by GAF Materials LLC, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. This is an internal brand relationship within the corporate structure rather than an external partnership. GAF provides corporate backing, manufacturing scale, and brand reputation to FT Solutions products.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
FT Synthetics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Atlas Roofing Corporation: Specialty manufacturer of steep-slope roofing components including synthetic underlayments, ice and water barriers, and shingle underlayments. Closely competes with FT Solutions in distribution channels and contractor specifications across North America.
- IKO Industries: Canadian-headquartered global roofing manufacturer with comparable steep-slope product lines including synthetic underlayments, ice and water shield leak barriers, and matching competitive tiering. Direct overlap with FT Solutions in geography (including Canada) and product mix.
- Carlisle Construction Materials: Specialty manufacturer of building envelope and roofing products including self-adhered underlayments and leak barrier systems. Sells heavily into steep-slope residential and commercial channels with comparable product positioning to FT Solutions.
- GCP Applied Technologies: Producer of building envelope products including waterproofing membranes, self-adhered underlayments, and roofing accessories. Directly comparable product mix in residential steep-slope leak protection and underlayment categories.
- Tarco Roofing: Specialty manufacturer focused on roofing underlayments and ice/water shield leak barriers, directly overlapping with FT Solutions' leak barrier and underlayment SKUs and frequently competing head-to-head on contractor bids.
Broad incumbents
- GAF Materials LLC: Parent company of FT Solutions and the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. Operates a much broader roofing portfolio (shingles, membranes, accessories) but offers overlapping steep-slope underlayment and leak barrier capabilities that compete directly with the FT Solutions brand internally and externally.
- CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain): Major North American roofing systems manufacturer offering full roofing assemblies that include comparable WinterGuard and DiamondDeck leak barriers and underlayments. Broader portfolio than FT Solutions but directly comparable at the underlayment and leak barrier SKU level.
- Owens Corning: Global building materials leader with a comprehensive roofing offering that includes Total Protection Roofing System components, weather-resistant barriers, and synthetic underlayments broadly overlapping FT Solutions' product categories at scale.
- Boral Roofing: Major building products group offering roofing tiles, shakes, and a range of roofing accessory products including underlayments and moisture barriers, with overlapping specifications for steep-slope projects.
- TAMKO Building Products: Established US roofing manufacturer with a full shingle portfolio plus complementary underlayments and moisture barriers. Competes with FT Solutions in distribution and contractor relationships with broader product reach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FT Synthetics social profiles
Digital presenceFT Synthetics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FT Synthetics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
FT Synthetics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FT Synthetics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FT Synthetics
What does FT Synthetics do?
FT Synthetics is a fully integrated manufacturer of coated woven fabrics that operates the FT Solutions brand, producing polyolefin-based roofing underlayments, self-adhering leak barriers, and SurfaceSafe interior surface protection products. Products are organized into three tiers — Performance, Premier, and Specialty — and all feature the proprietary GripSpot embossed walking surface for enhanced foot traction. The company sells through a multi-tier distribution network of distributors, dealers, and retailers, as well as directly to contractors.
Is FT Synthetics a public or private company?
FT Synthetics is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was FT Synthetics founded?
FT Synthetics was founded in 2013. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is FT Synthetics based?
FT Synthetics is headquartered in Langley, Canada, in the North America region.
How does FT Synthetics make money?
One revenue line is on record: roofing Materials Sales.
Who are FT Synthetics's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Atlas Roofing Corporation, IKO Industries, Carlisle Construction Materials, GCP Applied Technologies and Tarco Roofing. Broad incumbents are GAF Materials LLC, CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain), Owens Corning, Boral Roofing and TAMKO Building Products.
Does FT Synthetics have an API?
No public API is recorded for FT Synthetics.