Denver, Colorado (8/1/1997) --- When ice dams and driving rain force water under shingles, it causes expensive and permanent damage. A buildup of leaves or pine needles can have the same effect. To address this problem, Johns Manville introduces Roof Defender, a self-adhering, waterproofing membrane that protects the most vulnerable roof areas such as eaves, overhangs, ridges and valleys. It works in residential and commercial applications, and because of a specially modified asphalt, it will not dry out, crack or rot.
Polymer, rubber and asphalt are the properties in a specialty modified asphalt that makes Roof Defender pliable and seal tightly. Enhanced with tackifiers and reinforced with a glass fiber mat, the membrane is self-adhering and is protected by an easy-to-peel, perforated release film until installation.
"The introduction of the Roof Defender is particularly timely," according to Dick Rippey, manager of national accounts for Johns Manville. "In Minnesota and Wisconsin, a waterproofing membrane such as this is required by code, and I only see its demand expanding. Roof Defender fills the need to keep with code and is long lasting."
In residential use, the self-adhering membrane is installed under shingles, shakes or tiles. Roof Defender works by preventing leaks and damage to the deck and internal structure by blocking wind-blown rain and stops water backup from damming caused by ice and snow or pine needles and leaves. It is particularly effective on low-slope roofs. Additionally, it serves as concealed flashing on roof ridges, in valleys, around chimneys and other trouble areas such as dormers and skylights.
In commercial use, Roof Defender is used as an underlayment for clay and concrete tiles and metal roofing systems. It self-seals tightly around fasteners and nails to form a watertight barrier. It also reduces the rust factor because moisture is not able to penetrate the membrane.
Designed with the installer in mind, Roof Defender is available in two exposed top surfaces - an embossed polyethylene face and a mineral granule face for maximum slip-resistance. The embossed face works best with metal roofs while the mineral granule face works with all types of roofing. Roof Defender also has a perforated release film on the back for protection as well as a 4-inch selvage edge that assures bonding when product edges overlap.
For more information on the full line of Johns Manville Building Insulation products, please contact the Johns Manville Product Information Center, P.O. Box 5108, Denver, CO 80217. Phone, 800.654.3103. Fax, 303.978.2318.
