What is Burn Shield Technology?

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

We know Polystick XFR offers fire-resistance and waterproofing protection, but how does it work and why is it so effective? 

Season 3, episode 22 of the RoofersCoffeeShop® original podcast, Roofing Road Trips, is all about the new age of fire protection on the roof. RCS Partner, Heidi J. Ellsworth, visits with Marco Sieber, the national product manager for Polyglass, about Polystick XFR, a dual-purpose fire resistant and self-adhered waterproofing underlayment that offers unmatched fire resistance for the rooftop. 

Marco oversees Polyglass’ membranes, which represents the largest segment of their business. Polystick underlayments are mainly used for steep-slope applications but is used for residential properties as well. In addition to having ADESO® technology, which separates the product into two fire and waterproofing protective layers, Polystick XFR is also constructed with patent-pending Burn Shield Technology™. 

“We started trying to find different elements, different components, that we could add to our compound and the makeup of our underlayments,” said Marco. “We have added certain proprietary elements to the compound that, when an ember, for example, falls on the surface of the membrane and starts burning and transmitting heat, it will hit our underlayment, the Polystick XFR, [which acts as] a shield.” 

Instead of burning like a flame, the underlayment slowly chars. This creates a crust-like surface which creates a shield on the roof, effectively nullifying the spread of the fire over the building or house. 

“That's why we called it Burn Shield technology,” said Marco. “The Burn Shield technology has to do with the components that are placed in the product itself, and how it's applied onto the product in our production lines. And that's what forms our patent for the product.” 

Polystick XFR allows the roof to automatically start protecting itself underneath the roofing material.  

“The roof is a very important element of [fire protection]. So, it's really nice to see that we're offering some protection to the building owners through this product,” said Marco. 

Polystick XFR features temperature resistance up to 265°F and has a slip-resistant film surface which can be left exposed for 180 days. In places where fire resistance is highly desired or required, Polystick XFR is the ideal property protecting product that stops fires at the spark.  

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more about this excellent product that is providing fire protection across the U.S.