RoofShield™
Self-ballasting continuous insulation panels for Protected Membrane Roofing (PMR) “upside-down” assemblies — SynStone GFRC/UHPC technology that sets the new standard for CI performance in PMR applications.
The PMR “Upside-Down” Roof — Continuous Insulation Above the Membrane
In a conventional roof, insulation is placed below the membrane, exposing it to UV radiation, thermal cycling, freeze-thaw stress, and mechanical damage. A Protected Membrane Roof (PMR) reverses this: continuous insulation panels are placed above the membrane, shielding it from all of these threats while delivering uninterrupted thermal performance.
RoofShield™ panels serve as both continuous insulation and ballast in one step. The SynStone GFRC/UHPC face provides superior membrane protection — a non-combustible, crack-resistant CI face that outperforms standard latex-modified concrete on every measurable criterion.
The PMR assembly sequence is: roof deck → waterproofing membrane → filter fabric (where required) → RoofShield™ panels loose-laid. The panels can be removed and reinstalled for membrane inspection or repair.
RoofShield™ — The Highest-Performance PMR Continuous Insulation Panel
Industry-standard PMR continuous insulation panels use latex-modified concrete faces that admit “slight indentation” on impact testing and disclaim hairline cracking and efflorescence in their own warranties. ThermoShield SynStone GFRC/UHPC makes no such disclaimers — and backs it with 40+ years of proven CI performance.
| Product | Concrete Face | Weight | Insulation | Impact | Fire | Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Clear LightGUARD® | 3/8″ standard latex concrete | 4.5 lbs/sq.ft | XPS only | Admits cracking | Not rated | Gray (paintable) |
| T-Clear HeavyGUARD® | 15/16″ standard latex concrete | 11 lbs/sq.ft | XPS only | Admits cracking | Not rated | Gray (paintable) |
| Tech-Crete CTI® | 3/8″ standard latex concrete | 4.5 lbs/sq.ft | XPS only | Standard | Not rated | Gray (paintable) |
| Sika HydroGuard® (Standard) | 3/8″ standard latex concrete | 4.5 lbs/sq.ft | XPS only | Slight indentation (FM 4470) | Not rated | 6 colors |
| Sika HydroGuard® (Heavy) | 15/16″ standard latex concrete | 11 lbs/sq.ft | XPS only | Slight indentation (FM 4470) | Not rated | 6 colors |
| ThermoShield RoofShield™ | SynStone GFRC/UHPC (3/8″ or 15/16″) | 4.5 or 11 lbs/sq.ft | EPS / XPS / Mineral Wool / Hemp / ISO | Superior — no cracking | Non-combustible | Multiple textures & finishes |
Technical Specifications
| Property | ThermoShield RoofShield™ |
|---|---|
| Panel Dimensions | 2′ × 4′ (610 mm × 1220 mm) standard |
| Concrete Face — Standard | SynStone GFRC/UHPC — nominal 3/8″ (10 mm) thick |
| Concrete Face — Heavy | SynStone GFRC/UHPC — nominal 15/16″ (24 mm) thick |
| Weight — Standard | ~4.5 lbs/sq.ft (comparable to LightGUARD / CTI / HydroGuard) |
| Weight — Heavy | ~11 lbs/sq.ft (comparable to HeavyGUARD / Heavy HydroGuard) |
| Insulation Core Options | EPS · XPS · Mineral Wool · Hemp Fibre · ISO (Polyisocyanurate) |
| Insulation Thicknesses | 2″ · 3″ · 4″ (varies by insulation type) |
| R-Value | Up to R-5 per inch (XPS) — higher with ISO core |
| Edge Profile | Tongue & groove on 4′ length — interlocking continuous insulation layer, zero thermal bridging at joints |
| Installation Method | Loose-laid ballast over waterproofing membrane |
| Impact Resistance | Superior — SynStone GFRC fiber matrix vs. 'slight indentation' (HydroGuard FM 4470) |
| Freeze-Thaw | Exceeds 750 cycles (HydroGuard ASTM C 666 B benchmark) |
| Fire Performance | Non-combustible SynStone face |
| Surface Finish | Multiple SynStone textures available |
| Reusable | Yes — removable and reinstallable for membrane access |
Specify RoofShield™ on Your Next PMR Project
Request technical documentation, samples, or speak with a ThermoShield representative about your roofing project.