GAF-Elk announced the introduction of a patented family of coated substrates with the trade name VersaShield™.
The first of these products to reach the market is VersaShield Underlayment. UL® and ICBO approved, this non-asphaltic, fiberglass-based product is designed to be used with residential roofing systems to provide both moisture protection and UL Class “A” and “B” fire ratings. By replacing gypsum board in these systems VersaShield significantly reduces the installed costs.

VersaShield Underlayment has other unique properties. It will not wrinkle under normal conditions of use VersaShield provides an excellent walking surface that is cooler to work on than traditional alternatives. And VersaShield Underlayment is 42” wide with over three squares of coverage per roll for fast installation. VersaShield Underlayment meets or exceeds ASTM D 226 or D 4869, Type I or Type II performance. It is ICBO approved as an alternative to covering materials specified in Section 1516.3 of the appendix to the UBC and 1510.4 of the IBC when used with metal roofing systems being applied over cedar shakes or shingles with battens.

GAF-Elk plans to introduce other UL Listed VersaShield products to be used as fire barrier slip sheets with single-ply commercial roofing systems (both insulated and non-insulated). By eliminating the need for gypsum board in these systems, VersaShield not only reduces installed costs but can also significantly reduce the roof load of commercial systems, which can lower overall construction costs.

GAF-Elk is also exploring several other consumer and industrial applications where it believes VersaShield’s unique properties will be of value.

GAF-Elk has developed and introduced many of the most significant laminated roofing product innovations of the last twenty years. The company’s popular brands include the Z® ridge hip and ridge, Prestique® and Capstone® product lines of premium laminated shingles. GAF-Elk operates manufacturing facilities in Ennis, TX; Tuscaloosa, AL; Shafter, CA and Myerstown, PA.

Editor’s Note: Prestique , Capstone and Z ridge and are registered trademarks of GAF-Elk Corporation of Dallas, an ElkCorp company. VersaShield is a trademark pending registration of GAF-Elk Corporation. UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc.