SOLARHIDE is a durable synthetic roof underlayment engineered to reduce radiant heat transfer and improve the energy efficiency of the roof system. It combines the protection of a high-performance underlayment with an aluminum surface that can function as an energy saving addition and radiant barrier when facing an air space.
Traditional felt and most standard synthetic underlayments provide a secondary weather barrier, but they are not designed to reflect radiant energy. SOLARHIDE performs the essential job of an underlayment while its reflective aluminum surface reduces radiant heat transfer. It is a one-step energy-saving upgrade that does not require additional steps or labor.
No. SOLARHIDE is beneficial in both hot and cold climates. In warm weather, it slows heat transfer into the structure. In cold weather, it helps reduce radiant heat loss through the roof assembly. By moderating heat transfer in both directions, SOLARHIDE can support more consistent year-round performance.
SOLARHIDE is a synthetic, 100% recyclable product. Local recycling options and acceptance may vary, so confirm requirements with the applicable recycling facility.
SOLARHIDE's aluminum surface reflects up to 97% of the radiant heat it encounters. When the reflective surface faces an air space in the roof system, it acts as a radiant barrier and can significantly reduce radiant heat transfer into the attic or building.
When properly installed as a radiant barrier with the aluminum surface facing an air space, testing has shown attic temperatures up to 30 degrees F cooler. Actual results vary with roof design, climate, ventilation, insulation, orientation and building use.
By reducing radiant heat transfer, SOLARHIDE can reduce the heat load placed on insulation and HVAC systems. The amount of energy savings will vary by climate, roof assembly, insulation, ventilation, HVAC efficiency, utility rates and occupant behavior. SOLARHIDE should be described as an energy-saving component of a complete roof system rather than as a guarantee of a specific utility-bill reduction.
Yes. Although an air space allows SOLARHIDE to function as a radiant barrier, SOLARHIDE has also proven effective at reducing heat transfer when installed directly beneath asphalt shingles. In this application, it works by slowing heat transfer through the roof assembly rather than operating as a traditional radiant barrier.
Yes. Radiant heat moves from warmer areas toward colder areas. During cold weather, SOLARHIDE helps slow radiant heat loss through the roof assembly, supporting the insulation and other components that keep conditioned heat inside the structure.
SOLARHIDE can help reduce one contributor to ice-dam formation by slowing heat transfer through the roof assembly. Less heat reaching the roof deck may reduce uneven snowmelt and refreezing at colder eaves. Because ice dams can also be affected by air leakage, insulation, ventilation, roof geometry and weather conditions, SOLARHIDE should be used as part of a properly designed roof and attic system.
No. SOLARHIDE does not create additional heat, and it does not retain heat the way traditional felt can. Its purpose is to slow heat transfer through the roof assembly. In third-party testing conducted on a 100 degrees F day, asphalt shingles installed over SOLARHIDE measured up to 11 degrees F cooler than shingles installed over traditional felt. Rather than overheating the shingles, the tested assembly showed lower shingle temperatures.
Reflection does not generate heat; it redirects radiant energy and reduces the amount transferred into the materials below. Roof-covering temperatures are primarily influenced by solar exposure, color, material, ventilation, weather and assembly design. SOLARHIDE reduces heat transfer instead of acting as a heat source.
SOLARHIDE is designed for steep-slope roof assemblies, including metal, wood, slate, clay tile, concrete tile, stone-coated steel, synthetic roofing and asphalt shingles. Always confirm that the complete assembly meets the roof-covering manufacturer's instructions, applicable codes and project requirements.
Yes, these are excellent applications. When paired with an elevated batten system, SOLARHIDE acts as a true radiant barrier. Beneath battens, install the aluminum surface facing upward toward that air space.
SOLARHIDE is designed for steep-slope roofing. For roof slopes below 4:12, the installation instructions require increased horizontal and end laps. Suitability must still be confirmed for the specific roof covering, assembly and local code.
No. SOLARHIDE replaces the standard underlayment layer, so contractors install one underlayment rather than adding a separate radiant-barrier product. The installation process is similar to other roll underlayments, subject to SOLARHIDE's current fastening, overlap and orientation instructions.
When the roof assembly includes an air space, such as an elevated batten system, the aluminum surface should face upward toward the air space. For direct-contact assemblies, SOLARHIDE is installed with the aluminum surface downward towards the decking as it comes off the roll.
Install SOLARHIDE horizontally, parallel to the eave, over a clean and dry roof deck. Current instructions call for corrosion-resistant plastic cap nails or cap staples with at least a 1-inch plastic cap, 4-inch side laps and 6-inch end laps for standard steep-slope applications. Requirements change for slopes below 4:12. Always use the most current published installation instructions for complete fastening and overlap details.
SOLARHIDE should be covered with the final roofing material within 90 days of installation. Exposure is not a substitute for completing the roof promptly, and jobsite conditions, safety and weatherproofing requirements must always be considered.
Yes. SOLARHIDE is one component of a high-quality roof system. It does not replace required ventilation, insulation, air sealing, flashing or proper roof design. Follow applicable building codes and the requirements of the roofing and building-envelope manufacturers.
SOLARHIDE meets or exceeds Class A fire requirements in listed assemblies with asphalt shingles, slate, clay or concrete tile, and qualifying synthetic roofing products. Fire classification applies to the tested or listed roof assembly, not to the underlayment by itself. Confirm the applicable listing for the proposed assembly.
A standard roll is 48 inches wide by 250 feet long and provides 1,000 square feet of gross coverage, commonly referred to as 10 squares. Net installed coverage will be lower after required laps and jobsite waste.
SOLARHIDE is available nationwide through participating roofing-material distributors.
Yes. Homeowners can ask their roofing contractor to include SOLARHIDE in the roof-system proposal. Contractors can source it through participating distributors and should verify that the planned assembly follows current installation instructions, listings and local code requirements.