TL-0003 — Exposure Guidelines for Roofing Underlayments Technical Letter | GCP Applied Technologies (2024)

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Exposure Guidelines

GCP’s underlayments (GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD®, GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD®HT, GRACE ULTRA™, GRACE SELLECT™, GCP granular underlayment, Roof Detail Membrane™, TRI-FLEX®and TRI-FLEX®15) are not meant to be left permanently exposed to the sun. In general, the membrane should be covered with the final roof covering as soon as possible. However, GCP’s underlayments may be left exposed (as described in the general exposure guidelines below) if necessary, to accommodate construction scheduling or weather problems.

To extend the exposure period for GCP’s self-adhered underlayments, TRI-FLEX®can be applied over these membranes, provided it is acceptable for use in the specific roofing application (i.e. roof design and region).

During the time period the product is left exposed there are two primary factors at work on the membrane: heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation will not affect the membrane in any significant way during its maximum exposure limit. Heat will not likely affect the performance of the product either, but there may be some changes in appearance depending on the climate and length of exposure.

GCP UnderlaymentMaximum Exposure Guidelines (Days)
GRACE ULTRA™120
GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD®90
GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD®HT120
GCP granular underlayment30
GRACE SELLECT™30
Roof Detail Membrane™90
TRI-FLEX®180
TRI-FLEX®1530

After the maximum exposure period, it is normal for the self-adhered membranes to appear slightly wrinkled. It is also normal to see a slight color change in the non-slip coating on the membrane surface. There may be a small amount of curling at the edges of the membrane as well. None of these issues will affect the performance of GCP’s self-adhered underlayments once covered. For information on performance of TRI-FLEX®andTRI-FLEX®15 during exposure period, refer to Technical Letter 14, Drying-In Roofs with TRI-FLEX®.

Before covering the membrane after a long exposure, it should be inspected to ensure that any wrinkling or other movement that has taken place has not affected any of the lap areas. If a wrinkle forms that extends to the edge of a lap, it must be cut, pressed down, and patched before the roof is covered. Use a round patch of membrane extending past the damaged area 6 inches (150 mm) in all directions. Any curling at the edges or corners must be cut and patched if the affected area is more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide. If exposures longer than the maximum exposure period are anticipated, please contact your local GCP technical sales representative.

gcpat.com | North America Customer Service: +1 (877) 423 6491

We hope the information here will be helpful. It is based on data and knowledge considered to be true and accurate, and is offered for consideration, investigation and verification by the user, but we do not warrant the results to be obtained. Please read all statements, recommendations, and suggestions in conjunction with our conditions of sale, which apply to all goods supplied by us. No statement, recommendation, or suggestion is intended for any use that would infringe any patent, copyright, or other third party right.

GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD,GRACE SELECT, GRACE ULTRA and TRI-FLEX aretrademarks, which may be registered in the United States and/or other countries, of GCP Applied Technologies Inc. This trademark list has been compiled using available published information as of the publication date and may not accurately reflect current trademark ownership or status.

© Copyright 2018GCP Applied Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.


GCP Applied Technologies Inc., 2325 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 400, Alpharetta, GA 30009, USA
GCP Canada, Inc., 294 Clements Road, West, Ajax, Ontario, Canada L1S 3C6
This document is only current as of the last updated date stated below and is valid only for use in the United States. It is important that you always refer to the currently available information at the URL below to provide the most current product information at the time of use. Additional literature such as Contractor Manuals, Technical Bulletins, Detail Drawings and detailing recommendations and other relevant documents are also available on www.gcpat.com. Information found on other websites must not be relied upon, as they may not be up-to-date or applicable to the conditions in your location and we do not accept any responsibility for their content. If there are any conflicts or if you need more information, please contact GCP Customer Service.

Last Updated: 2023-06-28

https://gcpat.com/en/solutions/products/grace-ice-water-shield-roofing-underlayment/tl-0003-exposure-guidelines-roofing

TL-0003 — Exposure Guidelines for Roofing Underlayments Technical Letter | GCP Applied Technologies (2024)

FAQs

How long can roofing underlayment be exposed? ›

It should ideally be covered on the same day it is installed. On the other hand, synthetic underlayment can withstand exposure to the elements for significantly longer periods. Most synthetic underlayment products can be left exposed for up to six months, with some offering UV resistance for up to one year.

Is it okay for underlayment to get wet? ›

Underlayment is installed much like the shingles themselves. We overlap the edges to make sure every inch of the roof is covered. But it's not enough to stand up for a whole winter. So, yes – roofing underlayment can get wet.

How much should roofing underlayment overlap? ›

So, underlayment on low-slope roofs should overlap 19 inches. Remember that underlayment on steep-slope roofs should overlap 2 inches. Also, remember that asphalt shingles should never be installed on roofs having a slope of less that 2:12. The difference is easy to see, once the underlayment is installed.

How long can Grace Ice and water Shield be exposed? ›

Maximum recommended exposure guidelines for Grace Ice & Water Shield is 30 days, Grace Select is 30 days, Grace Basik is 30 days, and Grace Ultra is 60 days.

What is the life expectancy of roof underlayment? ›

Asphalt felt is the oldest and most common type of underlayment, and it typically lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 years, but in some cases it can last as little as eight. Newer synthetic or rubberized asphalt underlayments are much more durable than asphalt felt and offer better protection against water.

Does roof underlayment need to breathe? ›

Homeowners looking to cut some costs question if breathable underlayment is necessary. While it's not necessary on all roofs such as high-pitched roofs, it should always be applied to the roof deck on roofs with low-slopes.

How long does underlayment need to acclimate? ›

Our recommendation is to allow underlays to acclimate between 48 and 72 hours.

Can I install shingles on wet underlayment? ›

The shingle underlayment should be completely dry and should have a relatively flat and smooth surface before shingling. DO NOT shingle over wet underlayment.

How waterproof is roof underlayment? ›

While Protectite and other synthetic underlayments will shed water, some moisture may still seep in around fasteners. So, if you need a truly waterproof barrier, one in which there is no chance of water infiltrating around fasteners, then choose a self-sealing peel and stick underlayment like Plystik.

Does roof underlayment go over drip edge? ›

Step Seven: Once you've covered the eaves with a drip edge, it's time to install your underlayment. This way, the underlayment is over the drip edge on the eaves, but under the drip edge on the rakes.

How far apart do you nail roofing underlayment? ›

Be sure that there are no wrinkles. From behind the roll, reach over and nail down the top of the strip with roofing nails spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Nail the middle and bottom of the felt similarly.

Is it okay to put an ice and water shield on the entire roof? ›

Not necessarily. Covering your entire roof may be overkill. In most cases, if you place the ice and water shield in vulnerable areas — near eaves, valleys, low pitches, and along chimneys, for example — you'll be able to prevent most leaks without spending more money than necessary.

Can an ice and water shield be exposed to sunlight? ›

GCP's underlayments (GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD®, GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD® HT, GRACE ULTRA™, GRACE SELLECT™, GCP granular underlayment, Roof Detail Membrane™, TRI-FLEX® and TRI-FLEX® 15) are not meant to be left permanently exposed to the sun.

Does underlayment go under ice and water shield? ›

(The drip edge will be installed over the ice and water protector and other underlayments at roof rake edges.) You should install ice and water protector before other underlayments, including roof felt. Around roof features like dormers and chimneys, you should place ice and water protector below flashing.

How long can tar paper be exposed to rain? ›

It can get wet, but only to a certain extent. If you have tar paper on your house for a few days without the shingles there and you experience rain, don't worry! The roofing felt is fine. However, if the roofing felt remains uncovered for a few weeks though, you might start to run into problems.

How long can roof sheathing be exposed? ›

It can go a few weeks but it is always best to cover the roof sheathing with paper or membrain right away and if you are sheating your walls while it is lying down then you might as well tyvek it too and not worry about how long you have .

Should old underlayment be removed? ›

There are many reasons why leaving your old underlayment and placing a new layer on top of it is bad: One fresh layer of felt is required by shingle manufacturers, and if your contractor does not install your roof according to the manufacturer's instructions, your warranty may be voided.

Can you walk on roofing underlayment? ›

Synthetic roof underlayment is extremely durable.

Synthetic underlayment also stands up to boot traffic, which is important when your roofing contractor is walking around on its surface as it's being installed.

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