Sharkskin Ultra SA Underlayment: A Proven Choice for Metal Roofing Contractors
Compare Sharkskin Ultra SA to standard peel-and-stick underlayments and see why Sheffield requires it for weathertight warranties.
When you’re bidding a metal roofing project and preparing to order materials, underlayment isn’t a line item you want to revisit later.
Before purchasing underlayment, you’re probably asking:
- Will this product perform in my climate?
- Will it hold up if the job gets delayed?
- Does it qualify for weathertight warranties?
- Is it easy to install and safe to walk on?
- Can I get it quickly without supply headaches?
That’s exactly why Sheffield Metals stocks and recommends Sharkskin Ultra SA — and why it’s required on Sheffield-backed weathertight warranty projects.
Below is what contractors need to know before buying.
What Is Sharkskin Ultra SA?
Sharkskin Ultra SA is a premium, self-adhered (peel-and-stick) roofing underlayment designed for demanding metal roofing applications.
Within the Sharkskin product lineup, Ultra SA sits firmly in the “best” category — built for projects where waterproofing performance, long-term durability, and warranty protection matter.
It’s comparable to other high-end self-adhered underlayments like Grace Ice & Water Shield, but with features specifically suited to metal roofing systems across a wide range of environments.
Key Sharkskin Ultra SA Product Specs
Here’s where Sharkskin Ultra SA separates itself when you’re making a purchasing decision:
Roll Size That Actually Saves Time
- 5 squares per roll (significantly more coverage than typical 2-square rolls)
- Fewer laps on the roof
- Less stopping, starting, and material handling
- Fewer rolls to haul up ladders
Pro tip: Always compare underlayment cost per square, not per roll. Five-square coverage dramatically changes the math.
12-Month UV Exposure Rating
UV exposure ratings measure a roof’s resistance to fading and degradations caused by ultraviolet radiation. Most underlayments allow:
- 90 days
- 6 months (at best)
Sharkskin Ultra SA allows up to 12 months of UV exposure.
Why this matters in the real world:
- Project delays happen
- Weather events disrupt schedules
- Hurricane recovery creates labor bottlenecks
- Multi-phase commercial projects don’t always move fast
With a 12-month exposure window, contractors can:
- Dry in buildings quickly
- Maintain warranty eligibility
- Avoid costly tear-offs or manufacturer inspections due to exposure overruns
Installs in Cold Weather — Without Primer
Sharkskin Ultra SA can be installed at temperatures as low as 10°F and rising, without primer.
That’s a major advantage for contractors working:
- In northern climates
- On winter commercial projects
No primer means:
- Lower material costs
- Less labor
- Fewer steps
- Fewer chances for installation errors
Limited Lifetime Warranty
This is a non-negotiable factor for Sheffield.
Some underlayments carry:
- 10-year warranties
- 20-year warranties
Sharkskin Ultra SA carries a limited lifetime warranty, aligning with:
- Long-term metal roof expectations
- 35-year weathertight warranty obligations
- Contractor liability protection
If a manufacturer won’t stand behind their underlayment long-term, Sheffield won’t require contractors to either.
Sheffield Metals stands by installations long-term, ensuring the whole system will last for as long as it’s warranted. We make sure our underlayment manufacturers stand behind their products too.
Sharkskin Ultra SA Performance on Real Job Sites
Aggressive Adhesion (When You Need It)
Sharkskin Ultra SA sticks — permanently.
Once it’s down, it stays down:
- No curling edges
- No lifting in temperature swings
- No questionable adhesion over time
Contractors should note:
You don’t want to accidentally stick it where it doesn’t belong — because it’s not coming off easily.
Walkable, Durable Surface
Foot traffic matters during installation.
Sharkskin Ultra SA:
- Holds up under repeated foot traffic
- Resists breakdown near ladders and staging areas
- Maintains traction instead of becoming slick over time
This improves jobsite safety and reduces installation frustration.
Substrate Compatibility That Reduces Risk
One of the biggest reasons Sheffield recommends Sharkskin Ultra SA is substrate versatility.
It installs directly over:
- Plywood
- OSB
- Common roof decks
- Tie-ins with EPDM, TPO, and other membranes
That flexibility eliminates:
- Compatibility guesswork
- Off-gassing concerns
- Product conflicts at transitions
For complex metal roofing systems, that matters.
Why Sheffield Metals Requires Sharkskin Ultra SA for Weathertight Warranties
Sheffield Metals doesn’t stock dozens of underlayments.
Instead, they focus on products that:
- Perform nationwide
- Handle extreme temperature swings
- Reduce installation variables
- Protect both the contractor and the building owner
Sharkskin Ultra SA has proven itself:
- In coastal Florida heat
- In cold mountain environments
- On residential and commercial projects alike
That’s why it’s the primary recommended underlayment — and required for Sheffield weathertight warranty systems.
Stocked, Available, and Ready to Ship
Sharkskin Ultra SA is:
- Stocked at Sheffield Metals branches
- Available for local pickup or shipment
- Reliable when you’re ready to order materials
No scrambling. No substitutions. No delays.
Final Takeaway for Contractors Ready to Buy Sharkskin Ultra SA
Underlayment isn’t your primary roof covering — but it is your last line of defense against water infiltration.
For contractors installing premium metal roofing systems, Sharkskin Ultra SA delivers:
- Proven performance
- Installation flexibility
- Long-term warranty alignment
- Reduced jobsite risk
- Nationwide availability through Sheffield Metals
It’s the kind of product you choose once — and keep using job after job.
Ready to Order Sharkskin Ultra SA?
Talk with your local Sheffield Metals branch or visit SheffieldMetals.com to purchase Sharkskin Ultra SA and ensure your next project is built on a foundation you can trust.
