SlopeShield Plus Self Adhered by the numbers

By Emma Peterson.

Learn why contractors are choosing this membrane to control the moisture on their projects.

SlopeShield Plus Self Adhered (SA) is an innovative roofing underlayment designed by VaproShield to take moisture control on the job site to the next level. Not only does it block water intrusion, but its nature as a breathable membrane also means that any water vapor beneath it is able to move out of the structure. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, VaproShield’s Head of Sustainability, Aaron Gould, stopped by to chat more about this membrane.  

Six years of R&D

SlopeShield Plus SA is truly a product of hard work and dedication. Aaron explained, “It took us about six years of R&D to dial in that product. It's really challenging to get something very durable that also has that degree of permeability. That's a real challenge.” But the result has been well worth the effort. Not only is this membrane a great option for roofing systems, but it can also be used for mass timber assemblies and floor decks during the construction process.  

20% or less

When SlopeShield Plus SA is put over materials like mass timber that require permeability and protection from bulk water infiltration, it has been found to help maintain a moisture content of 20% or less. Aaron explained, “We did some testing with RDH Building Sciences and we discovered that at roughly 30 perms that this membrane will allow that saturated wood to dry at roughly the same rate as if it were not covered at all. So not only does it protect from that bulk water, but it allows that rate of drying that's optimal.”

40 days of rain

And SlopeShield Plus SA has not only proven itself in the lab, it’s been used successfully by contractors in a variety of climates. Aaron gave an example, saying, “There was a project in in Vancouver, British Columbia this winter that was a 12-story building. The envelope consultant knew they were starting in January, so they were able to use the membrane to protect every floor from the factory. And I mean, they had over 40 days of straight rain out there on that project in field and 35-40 degree temperatures. The membrane protected it those floors.”

Read the transcript or Listen to the full episode to learn more about VaproShield’s SlopeShield Plus SA membrane.