Vycor Ultra

CertainTeed Vycor Ultra is a butyl roofing underlayment for roof assemblies that reach extreme temperatures. It combines two waterproofing materials: a 100% butyl rubber adhesive backed by a layer of high density cross-laminated polyethylene film. The adhesive contains no asphalt, which separates it from the rubberized asphalt Vycor membranes.

The membrane is 30 mils (0.76 mm) thick. Its butyl adhesive withstands temperatures up to 300 degrees F. Vycor Ultra is used as a sloped roof underlayment beneath shingle roofing and other coverings, and it is the product named for certain metal roofs.

A protective plastic release liner covers the adhesive. Removing the liner lets the adhesive bond to the roof deck. The membrane color is gray-black.

Adhesive and film are the only two layers of the membrane. The film faces upward and the butyl adhesive faces the deck.

• Roll length: 70 ft (21.3 m)
• Roll width: 34 in (864 mm)
• Roll size: 198 ft2 (18.4 m2)
• Roll weight: 42 lbs (19.0 kg)
• Packaging: corrugated cartons
• Rolls per pallet: 25

• Thickness: 30 mil (0.76 mm), ASTM D3767 method A
• Tensile strength: 250 psi (1720 kN/m2), ASTM D412 (Die C modified)
• Elongation: 250%, ASTM D412 (Die C modified)
• Low temperature flexibility: unaffected at -20 degrees F (-29 degrees C), ASTM D1970
• Adhesion to plywood: 3.0 lbs/in width (525 N/m), ASTM D903
• Permeance (max): 0.05 perms (2.9 ng/m2 s Pa), ASTM E96
• Installed material weight (max): 0.22 lb/ft2 (1.1 kg/m2), ASTM D461

Vycor Ultra is used where high heat resistance is needed. It is the product named for use under certain types of metal roofs, those with copper, zinc or COR-TEN panels, because such metal roofs readily conduct heat to the underlayment. Climate, elevation, roof slope, color, roof covering material, ventilation and insulated roof decks all affect the service temperature the membrane sees.

Beneath a sloped roof covering, the membrane resists water that builds up behind ice dams and rain driven under the covering by wind. Full coverage is used for wind-driven rain. For ice dams, the membrane is adhered at the eaves and carried above the highest expected ice dam. It also protects valleys, rake edges, chimneys and skylights.

The membrane is compatible with EPDM and TPO low-slope membranes and is used for tie-ins between EPDM or TPO membranes and other CertainTeed self-adhered underlayments. It is not compatible with polysulfides, flexible PVC, or the high concentrations of resin (pitch) found in some wood plank decks.

The membrane goes directly on a clean, dry, continuous structural deck of plywood, wood composition, wood plank, metal, concrete or gypsum sheathing. Dust, dirt, loose nails and old roofing are removed, and the deck has no voids or damaged or unsupported areas. Concrete, masonry and DensGlass Gold surfaces are primed with Perm-A-Barrier WB Primer at 250-350 ft2/gal (6-8 m2/L). Wood composition and gypsum sheathing are primed with it where adhesion is marginal.

Air, deck and membrane are at 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) or higher during application. The membrane is cut into 10-15 ft (3-5 m) lengths and loosely re-rolled. The end is tacked with a nail, 1-2 ft (300-600 mm) of liner is peeled back, and the membrane is pressed into place with heavy hand pressure. Side laps are at least 3.5 in. (90 mm) and end laps at least 6 in. (150 mm). Work runs from the low point of the roof to the high point, and the membrane runs vertically or horizontally.

Shingles are fastened with smooth shank, electroplated galvanized nails. Hand nailing generally gives a better seal than power nailing. A double layer can be used at eaves and valleys and in climates with severe ice dams. In retrofit work, a new layer of Vycor Ultra goes directly over existing self-adhered underlayment.

• Maximum recommended exposure to sunlight is 120 days.
• Metal drip edges or wood starter shingles are placed over the membrane.
• The membrane is not installed on the chamfered edges of wood plank or directly on old roof coverings.
• Holes, fishmouths and tears are patched with a round patch of membrane extending 6 in. (150 mm) past the damage in all directions. Open fastener holes may not self-seal.
• Because the membrane has a slight rubber-like odor, it is not applied where it is exposed to interior living space.
• The membrane is a vapor barrier, and full roof coverage requires proper ventilation.
• Storage is in original unopened packaging at 40-90 degrees F (5-32 degrees C), dry and out of direct sunlight, with use within two years of the date of manufacture.

• Meets AC 48
• Meets AC 188
• ICC ESR-4858
• Texas Department of Insurance Product Evaluation Listed
• Underwriters Laboratories Classified Sheathing Material Fire Resistance Classification, design numbers P225, P227, P230, P237, P259, P508, P510, P512, P514, P701, P711, P717, P722, P723, P732, P734, P742
• Underwriters Laboratories R13399, UL 790/ASTM E108 Class A under fiberglass shingles and Class C under organic felt shingles