What Is Titanium Udl50 Roofing Underlayment?

Basics

• According to Interwrap, light gray Titanium UDL-50 is five times lighter and 25 times stronger than #30 felt, the underlayment commonly placed under heavy coverings on steep roofs. Titanium UDL-50 is made of polyolefins, also called thermoplastics, that contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms and have a waxy or oily feeling. Felt underlayment is saturated with asphalt, also called bitumen. The designation 30 on felt underlayment means that it can bear loads up to 30 lbs. per square foot, necessary to bear the weight of slate and heavy tiles. Interwrap says Titanium UDL-50 is inert and will not grow molds. It is also 100 percent recyclable and meets the fire resistance standards of ASTM International. It is capable of withstanding ultra violet rays for up to six months without damage, meaning it can endure exposure to the sun for lengthy roofing projects.

Safety

• Ridged Sure-Foot, a patented, slip-resistance surface of Titanium UDL-50 helps workers more safely apply covering on steep roofs, according to Interwrap. At temperatures over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, felt saturated with asphalt will leach oil onto the roof deck. In hot summer sun this oil can be slippery and dangerous for roofing workers. Titanium UDL-50 will not bleed volatiles and is safe to install in hot weather.

Application

• In roofing terms a square is 100 square feet. A roll of Titanium UDL-50 48 inches wide and 250 feet long weighs 50 lbs. and can cover 10 squares. Its light weight means you can handle larger rolls resulting in labor savings from fewer cuts and fewer laps. You can attach it with screws and washers, plastic cap nails and staples, galvanized roofing nails or tin tag caps and nails. It is wrinkle proof and lays flat. The American Society of Home Inspectors supports Interwraps installation claims for its product but notes that a chalk line snapped on its surface will rub off easily.

Compared to Asphalt

• While asphalt can bleed oil in summer heat, it can also become stiff and brittle in temperatures between 14 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Interwrap, Titanium will not crack until it reaches temperatures of -230 degrees Fahrenheit. Interwrap notes the ability of Titanium UDL-50 to remain flexible in the winter cold and not bleed volatiles in summer heat is an advantage when rolls of underlayment wait application at a jobsite.