Why pure butyl matters beneath the roof

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS combines high-temperature performance, fastener sealability and material compatibility to protect vulnerable areas of the roof. 

Shingles, tiles and metal panels may define a roof’s appearance, but Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) emphasizes that the underlayment beneath plays a critical role in protecting the home. Installed across the roof deck, this hidden layer provides secondary protection against water intrusion, particularly along eaves, valleys and roof penetrations. 

While asphalt-based adhesives have traditionally been used in roofing underlayments, pure butyl adhesive offers greater stability across changing temperatures. Asphalt can become brittle in freezing conditions or soften when exposed to intense heat. Pure butyl is engineered to remain flexible in cold weather while resisting degradation in high-temperature environments. 

Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS is designed to withstand temperatures up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for demanding applications such as metal roofs and dark-colored shingles that can retain significant heat. The adhesive also provides dependable sealing around fasteners. Because butyl rubber is viscoelastic, it flows around a roofing nail as the fastener penetrates the membrane, creating a tight gasket around the nail shank. This helps maintain protection at one of the most common points of vulnerability in a roofing assembly. 

Material compatibility is another important consideration. Asphalt and bitumen may react with some flexible plastics and roofing components over time. Pure butyl is chemically inert, allowing it to function alongside a broad range of building materials without contributing to their deterioration. 

For contractors working on steep or challenging roofs, the underlayment also features a patented STRONGHOLD™ skid-resistant surface designed to improve traction during installation. Palisade and NovaSeal® synthetic underlayments provide a lightweight, tear-resistant solution for covering the remaining roof deck. 

Together, these materials create a coordinated underlayment system intended to remain flat, resist moisture and provide lasting protection beneath the finished roof. 

Learn more about Palisade Butyl-HT PLUS and other Palisade roof underlayment products!