Don & Low is a long‑established UK manufacturer of woven and nonwoven technical textiles, supplying advanced membranes for roofing, walling, flooring and site protection from its base in Forfar, Scotland.
Roofshield is their flagship roofing underlay and has been leading the air and vapour‑permeable membrane market since its launch in 1996, with a proven track record across the UK, Ireland and even in extreme climates such as the Antarctic.
How Roofshield Works
Roofshield is a unique three‑layer polypropylene spunbond nonwoven with a patented Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond (SMS) core, designed as a low‑resistance (LR), air and vapour‑permeable membrane for pitched roofs. This structure delivers very high vapour permeability and controlled air permeability, allowing moisture vapour to escape while still resisting water ingress.
As a result, Roofshield® offers a breathable, efficient solution that eliminates the need for additional ventilation products. It reduces material and labour costs and speeds up installation, helping projects stay on schedule.
Key Technical Benefits for Roofers
Enhanced weight and strength: Recent R&D improvements mean Roofshield now has a mass of 196 g/m², making it heavier and stronger. This provides increased durability and protection under demanding conditions, making it ideal for long-lasting roofing solutions in challenging environments.
Outstanding condensation control: High air and vapour permeability facilitates natural air movement and rapid moisture diffusion, significantly reducing the risk of interstitial condensation.
No Vapour Control Layer (VCL) required: The BBA explicitly states that a vapour control layer is unnecessary for non-ventilated cold-pitched roof constructions using Roofshield.
Water resistance: Rated W1 under EN13859-1, Roofshield can endure a water column of over a meter without leakage, providing temporary weather protection to the building envelope for up to three months when exposed.
Compliance and approvals: Roofshield is fully BBA‑certified for both non‑ventilated warm or cold roof applications, is endorsed by the NHBC, and is BS 5534 compliant, giving confidence to contractors, specifiers, and building control.
Practical Advantages on Site
Roofshield’s air and vapour‑permeable design eliminates the need for additional high‑level ventilation products in many pitched roof applications, which can reduce both labour time and material cost.
The membrane offers immediate weather protection during the construction phase, supporting a drier, more efficient build programme. And its resistance to wind loading and suitability across all UK exposure conditions means it can be used with a wide range of outer coverings and batten spacings.
Contact Your Local Roofbase
To discuss Roofshield for your next roofing project, or to check local availability and pricing, contact your local Roofbase branch today.
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