By Emma Peterson. 

These top-of-the-line products keep your roofing project in budget without sacrificing long-term durability and performance.  

TopShield®, SRS Distribution's premium product brand, provides a variety of different roofing product lines, each specially created to meet a different need. For the CraftGrade™ line, the goal was to create “a level of quality that typically aligns with products of significantly higher price points.” And the TopShield team more than delivered on that goal. 

Craftgrade products consistently meet exacting performance and quality standards without compromising accessible prices. Products in this line include:  

• Shingle and Flashing Roof Accessory Paint: This aerosol paint creates a professional rust-fighting finish thanks to infused enamel and a built-in corrosion protector. Not only does it offer superior protection and adhesion, but it also dries in under eight minutes!  
• W20 Underlayment: This synthetic roof-deck underlayment was designed to “replace asphalt saturated felt in sloped roof system construction.” In action, it is an affordable secondary water-shedding barrier for your roof, meeting high standards of performance in even the most extreme weather conditions. 
• Independence Underlayment: This underlayment is not only 35x stronger than 30# felt and 8x lighter, but it’s also resistant to rot, mold, weather and tears. Further, the synthetic material features a unique high-traction top layer that not only reduces heat to create a cooler work surface but also creates superior foot traction for skid-resistance.  
• Trim Coil: This versatile, polyester trim coil can be used on a range of building applications, including fascia, window trims, flashing, door trims and more! It has a dual sided coating that ensures “ensures durability and resistance to cracking, flaking and peeling.” 
• OffRidge Intake and Exhaust Vent: This vent solution is an innovative way to protect against weather-related damage while simultaneously creating optimal roof to wall exhaust airflow management for hard-to-vent areas. 
• StormStop Ridge Vent: Equipped with patented weather-blockers, this vent protects your attic from snow, rain, sand, bugs and more. It’s innovative, baffle-free design ensures long-term performance and a sleek, clean aesthetic.  

When installed properly, these durable and high-quality products create roofing systems that not only protect your home from the elements but also protect your wallet from exorbitant costs.  

Ask your contractor about using Craftgrade on your next project!  

 By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Protecting homes from ice dams and how to prepare for the surge in reroofing demand. 

This winter delivered one of the harshest seasons the eastern United States has seen in years. Extended cold snaps, heavy snow loads and repeated freeze-thaw cycles created the perfect conditions for widespread ice dam formation. Now, as spring and summer roofing demand ramps back up, contractors across the region are seeing a surge in reroofing projects driven by interior leaks, structural damage and compromised roof systems.  

At the center of both the problem and the solution is one often overlooked component: ice and water shields. 

Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes at the roof edge, creating a barrier that traps water behind it. That trapped water is then forced up and under shingles, where it can penetrate the roof deck and enter the home. This winter, repeated freeze-thaw cycles intensified this process, leading to significant water intrusion issues. Contractors are reporting everything from saturated insulation and stained ceilings to rotted decking and compromised structural components.  

 This is exactly where ice and water shields prove their value.  

Unlike traditional underlayments, ice and water shields are self-adhering membranes that bond directly to the roof deck. It creates a watertight barrier and, critically, self-seals around nail penetrations, preventing leaks even when water is forced beneath shingles. It is designed specifically to handle the kind of conditions seen this past winter, offering superior protection against water intrusion from ice dams and wind-driven rain.  

As reroofing projects increase, there is a real risk of repeating past mistakes. Older roofs, especially those installed before modern building codes, often lack adequate ice and water protection. The result is consistent and predictable: rotting roof decking along eaves, water infiltration around valleys and penetrations, interior damage and mold concerns and reduced roof lifespan.  

 Industry experts consistently emphasize that ice and water shields are not an upgrade but critical system components. Skipping it or installing it incorrectly can lead to leaks, voided warranties and long-term structural damage.  

 One of the biggest misconceptions in reroofing is treating ice and water shields as standalone products. In reality, they are a part of a complete roofing system working together with shingles, ventilation and other underlayments. When properly installed in key areas such as eaves, valleys and penetrations, it acts as the last line of defense. In more severe climates or high-risk designs, full-deck coverage may be recommended to further reduce risk. It’s not just about having an ice and water shield; it is about having the right system installed correctly.  

 For contractors looking to deliver long-term performance and peace of mind, products from TopShield® offer a strong solution. The TopShield Ice and Water product line includes self-adhered, modified bituminous membranes engineered to serve as a secondary water barrier in sloped roof systems. These solutions are designed to provide durability, adhesion and protection in the most vulnerable areas of the roof. Options such as Defender, G300, GS PRO and SecureGrip provide reinforced membranes that help protect against leaks caused by ice damming and wind-driven rain, while offering installation flexibility for different roof designs and climates.  

When integrated into a complete roofing system and installed according to best practices, TopShield ice and water shield helps ensure that the same issues seen this past winter do not return.  

The spike in reroofing across the eastern U.S. is a clear reminder that weather patterns are changing and becoming more extreme. Roofing systems must evolve to meet those challenges. Ice and water shields are no longer optional in many regions; they are essential. As contractors evaluate damage and plan replacements, specifying high-performance solutions and installing them as part of a complete system will define long-term success.  

 For contractors and building owners alike, now is the time to prioritize protection, performance and prevention. Because while ice dams may be unavoidable in harsh winters, the damage they cause doesn’t have to be. 

To learn more about TopShield products and connect with the brand, visit their directory on AskARoofer and visit their website. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the TopShield® line and its top-of-the-line performance.

There are a lot of different roofing products on the market, making it hard to know what options are best for your next project. To help make that deciscion easier, SRS Distribution developed their TopShield® line. This line is known for its strong performance and for being reliably high-quality every time. To learn more about TopShield and the benefits it offers, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Rick Rominger from SRS in an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.

Rick is the director of SRS’ private label and was brought in specifically to develop the TopShield® line and bring it to market around five years ago. He explained their goals with this exclusive brand, “We launched TopShield® to really bring a product line offering a consistent value and really high-quality products to our customers. For each product it's been researched, the quality is assured to meet our standards, which of course will meet their strict demands.” These standards are not simply SRS’ internal qualifications but include applicable codes for the area. Rick elaborated, “Our customers expect TopShield® to be the top-of-the-line product. They expect it to be high performing. They expect it to have the product warranties that either meet or exceed any other similar products.” 

As time goes on, Rick and the team at SRS are continually pushing this line further, trying to create more quality options for contractors. An example of this is their Barrier Solutions line which has three models on the market. This top shelf product is their first move with TopShield® towards wall sides and contracting. Rick explained why this was an important move for them, “With TopShield® we want to get products to market and in our customer's hands for the jobs that they do. Many projects are multifaceted, they might include  some siding, maybe some outskirts, some waterproofing, even some below grade all in one. And I think TopShield® will eventually have a nice product portfolio for all those applications.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the episode to learn more about TopShield® and how SRS is consistently developing quality products for construction projects.

By SRS Distribution.

StormGear™ continues to set the benchmark for high-performance roofing with its innovative SA Cap and SA Base products.

These self-adhesive roofing membranes provide advanced solutions for both low and steep slope roof systems, offering significant improvements in installation efficiency, durability and ease of use.

StormGear™ SA Cap: Superior cap sheet membrane

The StormGear™ SA Cap is a premium polyester-reinforced, self-adhesive modified bituminous cap sheet membrane. Formulated with Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and protected with granule surfacing, this cap sheet is engineered to deliver exceptional performance across a variety of roofing applications. Its benefits and features include:

• Enhanced durability: The polyester reinforcement ensures outstanding tensile strength, making the SA Cap highly resistant to tears and physical damage.
• Cost-effectiveness: The cap sheet’s efficient design allows for a 30-40% faster installation compared to traditional roofing materials, reducing labor costs and project time.
• Safe installation: With its dual compound SBS peel-and-stick membrane, the SA Cap eliminates the need for adhesive and hot asphalt, thereby removing associated fumes and odors.
• Versatile application: Suitable for both low and steep slope roofs, the SA Cap adapts seamlessly to various roofing needs.
• Color options: Available in a range of colors to match shingles including Black, White, Cedar, Dark Brown, Hickory, Weatherwood, Slate Grey, Green and Red, allowing for aesthetic flexibility to match building designs.
• Storage requirements: The SA Cap must be stored indoors in a dry location to maintain optimal performance.

StormGear™ SA Base: Advanced base sheet solution

The StormGear™ SA Base offers a high-quality SBS modified base sheet reinforced with glass fiber and self-adhesive characteristics. Designed as a versatile component for various roof systems, the SA Base provides an efficient alternative to conventional roofing methods such as torching, hot asphalt mopping, and cold applied adhesives. This product has a variety of benefits and features, including:

• Versatile application: The SA Base can be used in multiple applications, including self-adhered, torched, hot mopped, and cold applied systems, providing flexibility for different roofing projects.
• Durability and stability: Featuring an ultraviolet resistant polyolefin film surface and glass fiber reinforcement, the SA Base ensures exceptional dimensional stability and longevity.
• Exposure limit: Certified for a 30-day exposure limit, it offers robust protection during the installation phase.
• Weather resistance: Its SBS modified formulation enhances the base sheet's resistance to environmental stressors, making it a reliable choice for various weather conditions.

Conclusion

StormGear™' SA Cap and SA Base represent cutting-edge advancements in roofing technology, designed to provide superior performance, faster installation, and enhanced durability. By integrating these products into your roofing projects, you benefit from innovative solutions that streamline application processes and deliver long-lasting protection. Trust StormGear™ for your next roofing project and experience the difference in quality and efficiency.

By Emma Peterson. 

TopShield® underlayments from SRS Distribution provide superior moisture defense, slip resistance, thermal performance and more. 

Roof underlayment is a critical part of the roofing system. Not only does it act as a moisture barrier (preventing water damage and trouble like mold, rot and leaks), but it can also play a crucial role in achieving fire rating requirements. When it comes to finding the right underlayment for your next project, SRS Distribution has you covered! Keep reading to learn about their variety of underlayment products in the TopShield® line. 

TopShield® 30 

The TopShield® 30 is a mechanically attached underlayment that is made of 100% virgin polypropylene and contains no fillers or recycled content. The result is a lighter and stronger underlayment that is perfect to pair with asphalt, slate and metal sloped roofs. This product is a coated woven synthetic engineered to have a strength and durability 20 times stronger than that of #30 felt. It also features an anti-slip coating on the top surface that offers superior foot traction to protect against dangerous slips and falls. 

TS20 

Another great option for a steep-slope roof underlayment is the TopShield® TS20. This synthetic underlayment is perfect for shingles (both asphalt and synthetic), steep-slope metal and cedar shake. Sold in lightweight 10 square rolls (42” wide rolls), TS20 is easier to handle and install on the roof. And it does not sacrifice strength for that maneuverability, measuring 12x stronger than #15 felt. 

PS MAX HT 2.0 

If you are looking for something specifically engineered as a secondary water barrier, look no further than the TopShield® PS MAX HT 2.0. This underlayment is perfect for sloped roof systems that will be exposed to harsh weather and environmental conditions as the modified bitumen formula is highly protective against elements like water, snow and ice. Further, with the incorporation of easy peel dual film technology, the PS MAX HT 2.0 is also quick and straightforward to install. 

SecureGrip 30 

As for the TopShield® SecureGrip30, this synthetic underlayment is designed to work flawlessly beneath fiberglass and asphalt shingles, shake roofs, stone coated steel, synthetic slate and standing seam panels. It’s 100% synthetic design means that it is perfect for long-term roof deck moisture protection as it is inert to mold growth.  

Defender 

For those who need an advanced roof underlayment that can stand up to the heat, the TopShield® Defender TU and Defender HT are great options. These self-adhesive products can withstand temperatures as high as 257º F (125º C) and as low as -49º F (-45º C). These underlayments are not only highly resistant to weather fluctuations but also come with up to 180 days of UV-resistance and are easy to install with a convenient split-back release film.  

Explore all of SRS’ TopShield® underlayments yourself online!

By Emma Peterson. 

TopShield’s versatile and reliable residential fasteners hold it all together.

In roofing and construction, fasteners may be small, but their role is anything but. By securing shingles, panels and other parts of the roofing assembly, the right fastener is key to a successful project. At TopShield, they have developed a variety of residential fastener products. In this article we’ll dive into how their high-quality offerings ensure that every project has the hardware needed for better performance and long-lasting results. 

Roofing staples  

TopShield’s roofing staples are a high-quality exterior grade product, ideal for use on any project, great for use on any project. They offer uncompromising performance and incredible versatility with a design engineered to fit “most major brands of pneumatic tools.” Perfect for tacking insulation, roofing felt, house wrap, vapor barriers and more, these staples come in A11, N17, 5010C and P10 sizes.  

Coil nails 

Made of steel, TopShield’s coil nails are perfect for securing roofing materials. Designed with a reinforced shank to prevent damage or injury from nail heads snapping, this product provides a superior holding power that is perfect for securing roofing shingles, shake, felts, insulation, fiberboard and tiles. Not only do they reduce “frustration and wasted time from nail gun jams,” they prevent damage or detachment caused by rust and corrosion – keeping the entire project stronger for longer! 

Collated cap nails 

TopShield’s NailPac is a pneumatically-driven cap nail, which (when paired with the STINGER® CN100B) dramatically speeds up install, enhances worker safety and can reduce repetitive stress injuries over time. The caps are made of a high-grade virgin plastic that lasts up to 10 times longer under UV exposure than traditional hand-drive caps do, ensuring the dry-in stays secure for several months. Ideal for installing roofing underlayment, these caps are also great for installing house wrap, lumber shrouds and foam boards (up to 1/2"”)! 

Plastic caps 

Last but not least, TopShield manufactures a line of pre-assembled plastic cap nails. These are perfect for holding roofing felts, base sheets, insulations, sheathings, wraps and barriers in place. The engineered plastic cap creates a strong outer rim that both minimizes the “heat sinking effect of metal to the building materials” and lowers the risk of tears and ruptures in your materials. Further, the TopShield team engineered these plastic cap nails with an angular ringed shank for additional pull-out resistance, making them the ideal combination of securing the material. 

Learn more about TopShield’s time-tested fasteners online.