New Titanium® FR Self-adhered Underlayment Meets Wildland Urban Interface Fire Codes

The underlay is now classified as effective against severe fire exposure. 

Introduced at the International Roofing Expo, March 7-9, Titanium® FR High Temp and Fire Resistant Self-Adhered Underlayment is designed to provide the Class A fire resistance typically required for roofing assemblies installed in wildland urban interface (WUI) areas.

As the highest classification for fire resistance in roofs per ASTM E108 or UL 790  fire testing, Class A indicates the material as “effective against severe fire exposure.” In WUI areas and other environments presenting a high risk for fire, a Class A roof is required by codes to help prevent the spread of external structure fires. Wildfires have remained a persistent hazard in many regions of the U.S. in recent years.

Proprietary technology in Titanium® FR is designed to mitigate the risk of fire spread to the roof deck under metal, tile or asphalt roof coverings. The classification is particularly important for metal roof systems as most metal roof products cannot meet Class A fire resistance without either a special fire-retardant underlayment or installation of gypsum panels over the roof sheathing.

This new underlayment offering also supports fire safety in energy generating roof assemblies. As roof-mounted solar panels are often located in WUI areas and are subject to harsh conditions, Titanium® FR provides a Class A fire resistant underlayment that delivers fire resistance and is designed for leak protection under BAPV solar panels. Roof assemblies equipped with mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels are evaluated to assess the ability of the entire assembly to protect a structure’s interior from fire. Unfortunately, most roof-mounted solar panels only meet the requirements for Class C, designating “effective against light fire exposure.” Titanium® FR High Temp and Fire Resistant Self-Adhered Underlayment achieves Class A fire resistance for roof assemblies that include solar panels, even if the panels alone are Class C.

In addition to supporting fire safety efforts, Titanium® FR High Temp and Fire Resistant Self-Adhered Underlayment feature Sure-Foot® technology to support walkability in wet and dry conditions. The new underlayment offering also features a specially engineered self-adhesive layer to allow repositioning for easy installation on the roof.

More information about Titanium® FR Self-Adhered Underlayment is available here.