Single-ply vinyl roofs, which are typically reflective white or gray, also make a positive contribution to energy efficiency. Research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the federal Department of Energy has shown that reflective roofs may lower a building's air conditioning costs by up to 40 percent. The resident room and adjacent spaces vignettes included vinyl wallcovering, flooring, handrails, bumper guards, transition strips and vinyl-backed carpeting. Demonstrating the complete environment by integrating 20 cooperating manufacturers' products was the innovative aspect of the exhibit design. Vinyl building products are based on a naturally fire retardant polymer, meaning that generally they are slow to catch fire, their flame spread is slow and they cease to burn after the flame source is removed.
Firefighters recognize that a fire's most toxic by-product is carbon monoxide.
When burning, all organic materials produce carbon monoxide to varying degrees. Vinyl produces less than most, which is why vinyl is often specified for use in buildings. Indeed, vinyl is one of the few materials meeting the stringent NFPA requirements for insulating electrical and data transmission cables, including in plenum applications. Generally, vinyl building products are associated with low fire hazard and risk. Cedar Point, the second oldest amusement park in the country, is in Sandusky, Ohio, right along Lake Erie.