NORTHVILLE, Mich. — Ox Engineered Products, a manufacturer of industry-leading structural sheathing and thermal insulation products, is changing the conversation about roofing performance and installation with the introduction of its self-adhered, slip-resistant roof underlayment — ToughSkin HT Ice & Water Guard™.

“ToughSkin HT Ice & Water Guard possesses two crucial characteristics that we know builders are seeking in a roof underlayment product — long-term performance, and safety for workers,” said Todd Gluski, director of marketing at Ox Engineered Products. “The product will not soften or degrade under high heat, keeps the moisture out, and it prevents accidents during roofing installation.”

Ideal for tile and metal roofs that can last up to 75 years, ToughSkin HT Ice & Water Guard includes four key components:

  • A rubberized asphalt adhesive base layer that provides for superior adhesion even in high-temperature climates.
  • Woven and non-woven reinforcement layers (laminated together).
  • A UV-shielded waterproof layer for protection from rain, snow, and ice.
  • A top layer that includes a SlipSafe® Technology walking surface to reduce the chance of slips or falls during installation, ensuring a safer working environment for roofers.

The product also features overlapping adhesive sealing strips at the seams for enhanced water resistance. Due to the thickness of ToughSkin HT Ice & Water Guard’s self-sealing adhesive base layer, the membrane seals around fasteners. This keeps moisture and water from penetrating the underlayment system and damaging the substrate below.

ToughSkin HT Ice & Water Guard features a lightweight split release liner made from siliconized film for easier installation, which is especially important for smaller or tight working areas of the roof.

The standard roll size for ToughSkin HT Ice & Water Guard is 36 inches wide by 67 feet long (or 200 square feet). The product may be used as an underlayment on all sloped roof coverings including under slate, tile, cedar shakes, metal and traditional asphalt shingles.

For more information on ToughSkin HT Ice & Water Guard, visit: www.oxengineeredproducts.com/product/toughskin-ht-ice-water-guard/.