Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. > United States > Massachusetts

Project Country: Massachusetts

Complex Roof Replacement Simplified with a Single Product: Polystick® P HT Self-Adhered Roofing Underlayment

Even the most visually impressive homes require reliable protection, and this 5,000-square-foot custom residence in Newbury, Massachusetts, was no exception. With multiple roof planes, steep slopes, intersecting ridges, and architectural dormers, the existing roofing system had begun to fail, prompting a full replacement.

BG Construction, a PremioSelect Contractor, was brought in to carry out the replacement. Upon removal of the existing roof system, the team uncovered extensive rot in the roof decking, requiring significant substrate remediation before any new assembly could begin.

The roof structure itself posed additional technical challenges.

 Key Technical Challenges

  • Rotten Decking: Required complete re-sheeting prior to membrane installation to ensure a stable and secure roofing substrate.
  • Complex Roof Geometry: Multiple valleys, dormers, steep slopes, and intersecting ridgelines increased installation complexity and required precise detailing.
  • Installer Safety Requirements: The project demanded a slip-resistant, high-adhesion membrane to support safe movement and secure footing for installation crews on steep pitches.
  • Weather Durability: Ice dam protection and high-temperature performance were essential due to harsh New England climate conditions.
  • Multiple Intersecting Planes and Gables: Numerous roof transitions elevated the risk of water infiltration, particularly at valleys and connection points, requiring enhanced waterproofing strategies.
  • Four Fully Built-Out Dormers: Each dormer required flexible, self-sealing materials to achieve clean integration and reliable long-term detailing.
  • Steep Pitch Slopes: Sharp roof angles necessitated membranes with strong walkability and slip resistance to maintain crew safety during installation.
  • Cold Climate Performance: Materials needed proven resilience against ice dam formation, thermal cycling, and high wind loads common in cold-weather environments.

Given these variables, BG Construction required a high-performance underlayment that could handle both the mechanical complexity and environmental exposure of the roof, without compromising longevity or ease of installation.

 The Solution: Polystick® P HT from Polyglass USA

To address these performance needs, BG Construction selected Polystick® P HT, a carrierless, self-adhered high-temperature waterproofing underlayment engineered to deliver long-term moisture protection in demanding environments.

 Installation Approach

  • After removal of damaged sheathing, the roof deck was re-sheeted and fastened per building code and manufacturer requirements.
  • Polystick P HT was applied directly to the entire roof deck, including under all flashing, along all valleys, and vertically up the dormer sidewalls to ensure continuous water shedding and to mitigate wind-driven rain.
  • The membrane was lapped and rolled per Polyglass installation guidelines, with all overlaps self-sealing for watertight performance.

 Why Polystick® P HT?

  • High-Temperature Performance: Rated for applications under metal and asphalt systems, Polystick P HT withstands high radiant heat loads without degradation.
  • UV-Resistant: Polystick P HT is also UV-resistant for up to 30 days, and the Hi-Tread™ UV-resistant and slip-resistant surface allows for shingles to be installed directly to it, eliminating the need for additional layers.
  • Carrierless Membrane Construction: Unlike traditional felt or SBS carriers, the membrane conforms effortlessly to complex geometries—ideal for flashing around roof penetrations, eaves, and multiple dormers.
  • Hi-Tread™ Surface: Enhances traction for installers, especially on steep pitches—an essential safety feature for this roof’s configuration.
  • Split-Release Film: Speeds up application without wrinkles or misalignments, even in colder conditions.
  • Ice Dam Resistance: Fully adhered coverage across eaves and valleys provides effective protection against freeze/thaw and ice dam formation, crucial for the Massachusetts climate.
  • UV Resistance: Withstands limited UV exposure, allowing for flexible scheduling between underlayment application and final roof covering installation.

 “It’s very durable and comes with incredible adhesive value, so our installers don’t have to worry about it releasing under their feet while they’re working on the roof,” said Barry Melanson of BG Construction. “It’s one of the best-performing membranes we’ve ever used.”

Support Beyond the Product: A True Partner in the Field

Beyond product selection and performance, BG Construction emphasized the importance of working with a manufacturer that understands contractor needs on the jobsite. Polyglass USA offered reliable delivery logistics, responsive warranty support, and contractor training that directly impacted project efficiency and confidence.

“We never have issues with deliveries or warranties when we work with the Polyglass team,” said Melanson. “And they sent our team down to Florida to get registered on new applications and warranty procedures, so everyone on our crew knew exactly how to apply it—and how it performs under pressure.”

By the Numbers

Location

15 Cortland Lane

Newbury, Massachusetts

Size

5,000 square feet

Challenges

  • Rotten roof decking
  • Steep rooflines with angles and eaves
  • Harsh New England climate with snow, ice, and temperature swings

Product Spotlight

Polystick® P HT

Polystick® P HT is a self-adhered, high-temperature waterproofing underlayment built for demanding roofing applications. Its Hi-Tread™ top surface combines slip resistance with UV durability using a polyolefin composite that holds up under direct sun exposure and heavy foot traffic during installation. The adhesive compound is elastomeric and high-temperature-rated, ensuring a secure, long-lasting bond even under intense radiant heat loads. Unlike traditional felt or SBS-carrier membranes, Polystick® P HT uses a carrierless construction that gives it exceptional flexibility, conforming cleanly to complex geometries without buckling or bridging.

It is compatible with asphalt shingles, metal panels, synthetic tiles, and other roof coverings, making it a versatile choice across roofing systems. Ideal applications include full-deck coverage, valley protection, dormer sidewalls, and flashing transitions where continuous waterproofing performance is critical.

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Martha’s Vineyard Storage Facility

Trademark Services LLCLocated in Edgartown, MA, Trademark Services, LLC is a full-service contractor and builder serving businesses and residences on Martha’s Vineyard.

Catering to a mostly high-end clientele, Trademark Services focuses on using only the highest quality construction materials on both residential and commercial products, including the use of Polyglass roofing products on several multimillion-dollar homes on the island. So when they were called upon to install a roof on a high-end new construction storage facility, Polyglass was naturally their brand of choice.

Project Needs and Challenges

This project called for a 20,000-square-foot new roof installation on a new construction climate-controlled storage facility on Martha’s Vineyard. Since the facility was to be used for the storage of residents’ valuables during the off-seasons when they were not on the island, the roof had to have flawless waterproofing and be able to withstand the occasional hurricanes and Nor’Easters that sometimes affect the area, especially in the fall and winter. Additionally, since the roof was being installed in November with shortened days and the possibility of inclement weather, so the team needed a quick-apply base layer to provide immediate waterproofing protection while construction continued.

To meet these challenges, Trademark Services applied multiple layers of products from the Polyglass Elastoflex line over tapered ISO insulation. The first layer of the 3-ply system was Elastoflex SA Base, which provided immediate waterproofing protection so other tradesmen could do their work on the interior while the rest of the roof was installed. They then installed an inter-ply sheet of Elastoflex SA V and finished the roof with an Elastoflex SA P cap sheet.

Why Elastoflex?

Trademark Services chose the Polyglass Elastoflex system because of its dynamic combination of fast, easy application and superior weathering performance. By using Elastoflex products exclusively, the team was able to install multiple plies quickly and easily to ensure maximum weatherability of the roof — a must-have considering the valuables that would be stored inside. The Elastoflex product line consists of a series of high-quality elastomeric membranes designed for optimal long-term weathering protection.

Products used in this project include:

  • Elastoflex SA Base is a premium self-adhered elastomeric membrane base for low-slope roofing designed with a strong non-woven polyester mat for enhanced tear strength and puncture resistance. It is also rated for 90-day exposure, making it an excellent option for a temporary roof on its own (which is why Trademark Services chose it).
  • Elastoflex SA V is a high-quality elastomeric membrane designed with a reinforced fiberglass mat for dimensional stability. It serves well as a base layer on its own, or it can be used (as in this case) as an interply membrane used in a multiple substrate system.
  • Elastoflex SA P is a superior quality SBS granulated cap sheet built with a non-woven polyester mat for outstanding weathering, puncture, and tear resistance.

All Elastoflex products used in this project feature the patented ADESO® Dual-Compound Self-Adhered Technology for easy self-adhered application. They are also rated as Miami-Dade County Approved for superior protection in hurricane-like conditions.

Polyglass offers superior roofing solutions to accommodate a full range of roofing challenges. Contact us to learn more about our products.

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