Elk and 3M Pioneer the First Reflective, Colored Asphalt Shingle
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2005--ElkCorp's (NYSE:ELK - News) subsidiary, Elk Premium Building Products, Inc., (Elk) in a joint effort with 3M (NYSE:MMM - News) Industrial Mineral Products Division, introduced today the innovative Elk Cool Color Series shingle. Elk has created the first reflective, colored asphalt shingle, featuring 3M(TM) Cool Roofing Granules, that meets the initial performance levels of the ENERGY STAR® Program.

In the past, asphalt shingles meeting these reflectivity requirements were only available in white. Elk's Cool Color Series shingle marks the first of its kind to offer homeowners energy efficient asphalt shingles in a choice of earth-toned colors. "

3M innovation led to the development of the 3M Cool Roofing Granules," said 3M division vice president Greg Linnerooth. "The color palette is up to three times more reflective than comparable typical colored granules. The benefit of more highly reflective granules is the potential energy savings for homeowners, while providing a wide variety of beautiful shingle color blends they have come to expect. Homeowners now have a colorful alternative to white-only shingles."

Elk Cool Color Series is the result of joint development program with 3M, the world's leading manufacturer of roofing granules. The effort has produced a reflective asphalt shingle with all of the natural beauty of Elk's color palette. The energy efficient shingles are the first offered in earthy hues, lighter versions of popular Elk colors: Cool Weatheredwood, Cool Antique Slate and Cool Barkwood. Prestique Cool Color Series shingles carry a 40-year limited warranty and up to a 90 mph limited wind warranty with special application technique(a).

Elk also offers Domain® Winslow® in its Cool Color Series, a large-scale, wood-shake look shingle available in the Cool Browncastle shade and boasts a 50-year limited warranty and up to a 110 mph limited wind warranty with special application technique(a) (Special application technique is required. See product limited warranty for complete details at www.elkcorp.com)."

Elk's Cool Color Series marks the company's first commitment to sustainable building products that benefit consumers," said Tom Karol, ElkCorp chairman and chief executive officer. "The Cool Color Series combines new energy saving technologies with Elk's proven durability and aesthetic appeal, providing excellent value to consumers."

The cool roof concept is based on simple science; dark materials absorb more heat than light materials. In roofing terms, that means traditional, dark-colored shingles absorb 85% or more of the solar energy striking them, resulting in high roof temperatures and increased energy required to cool the home.

By comparison, the Elk Cool Color Series shingles are unique. The roofing granules contain innovative, reflective color pigments. Increased reflectivity decreases the roof's temperature creating a "cool roof," thus potentially lowering the energy needed to cool the home.

A cool roof could have environmental benefits as well. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, for millions of Americans living in and around cities, heat islands are of growing concern. The "heat island effect" describes urban and suburban temperatures that are 2 to 10 degrees F (1 to 6 degrees C) hotter than nearby rural areas. Higher temperatures can impact communities by increasing peak energy demand and air conditioning costs. Several cities throughout the United States are looking into ways to combat the phenomenon. A cool roof can have a positive impact on its surroundings. It not only eases energy consumption at peak demand times, but a cool roof can also reduce the impact on the surrounding outside air temperature, potentially lessening the heat island effect.

For more information on the Elk Cool Color Series or other products, visit the company web site at www.elkcorp.com.

About ElkCorp:
ElkCorp, through its subsidiaries, manufactures Elk brand premium roofing and building products (over 92% of consolidated sales) and provides technologically advanced products and services to other industries. Each of ElkCorp's principal operating subsidiaries is a leader within its particular market. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ELK - News). See www.elkcorp.com for more information.

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