What Sharkskin does

Sharkskin, operated as Kirsch Building Products, LLC, is a U.S. manufacturer of premium synthetic roof underlayment products headquartered in Simi Valley, California. Founded in 2001, the company develops and markets a six-product portfolio of multi-layer polypropylene-based underlayments, including the original Sharkskin Ultra (2001), the self-adhered Sharkskin Ultra SA (2006), Sharkskin Comp for asphalt shingle and metal applications, the Sharkskin 2-Ply System, the Sharkskin Ultra Radiant reflective barrier, and the Sharkskin Ventilated Roof Mat. The technology is centered on proprietary, patented constructions using high-strength synthetic butyl adhesives, multi-layer polypropylene films, and reflective coatings engineered for moisture protection, extended UV resistance (6-12 months), all-temperature performance from -40°F to 280°F, and high-tensile strength rated for 150+ mph hurricane-zone applications. The company monetizes through one-time product sales of roll goods distributed via a nationwide channel of roofing material distributors, dealers, and professional contractors, with direct contractor relationships for large commercial and government projects. End-customer exposure spans residential custom home and reroof applications, commercial and government construction, and energy-efficient building systems, supported by Miami-Dade NOA, Florida Building Code, ICC-ES ESR-1708, US Army Corps of Engineers, and FSEC certifications, plus an AIA/IIBEC/IDCEC/AEC Daily-registered continuing education program targeting architects and specifiers.

Name

Sharkskin

Legal name

Kirsch Building Products, LLC

Website

https://sharkskinroof.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Sharkskin, the trade name of Kirsch Building Products, LLC, is a U.S. manufacturer of patented multi-layer polypropylene synthetic roof underlayments sold nationwide through distributors and roofing contractors, serving residential, commercial, government, and energy-efficient building projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Roof Underlayment Manufacturing

NAICS

Unlaminated Plastics Film and Sheet (except Packaging) Manufacturing (326113), Laminated Plastics Plate, Sheet (except Packaging), and Shape Manufacturing (32613)

SIC

Unsupported Plastics Film & Sheet (3081), Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)

akta.pro primary industry

Roof Underlayment & Vapor Barriers (IMADAFAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Roofing Adhesives, Sealants & Leak Repair (IMADAOAF), Roof Coatings & Liquid-Applied Roofing (IMADAFAK)

Keywords

• Synthetic roof underlayment
• Roofing materials manufacturing
• Self-adhered underlayment
• Roof moisture protection
• Radiant barrier roofing

Headquarters

HQ city

Simi Valley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Roof Underlayment Product Sales: One-time product sales of synthetic roof underlayment materials through distributors and roofing contractors. Products are sold as rolls with varying widths and lengths for different roof applications.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Sharkskin develops, manufactures, and distributes premium synthetic roof underlayment products used as secondary moisture barriers beneath primary roofing materials. The product line spans six patented polypropylene-based offerings designed for asphalt shingle, metal, tile, slate, cedar shake, and solar roof installations, including self-adhered, radiant barrier, and ventilated variants. Products are sold as rolls through roofing material distributors, dealers, and contractors nationwide for residential, commercial, government, and military projects.

Product overview

Sharkskin is a manufacturer of premium synthetic roof underlayment products developed and marketed by Kirsch Building Products. The product portfolio consists of six distinct offerings: Sharkskin Ultra® (the original premium synthetic underlayment launched in 2001), Sharkskin Ultra SA® (a self-adhered peel-and-stick variant introduced in 2006 for severe weather protection), Sharkskin Comp® (engineered for asphalt shingles and metal roofs), Sharkskin Ultra Radiant® (a radiant barrier variant for energy-saving roof systems), Sharkskin Ventilated Roof Mat® (a ventilation accessory product), and the Sharkskin 2-Ply System (a patented dual-layer high-performance system). The products form an integrated roof system portfolio designed for various roofing applications including asphalt shingles, metal, slate, tile, and cedar shake roofs, as well as energy-saving and solar roof systems. All products are designed and manufactured in the USA with emphasis on sustainability, durability, and high performance without VOCs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sharkskin 2-Ply System Patented two-ply synthetic roof underlayment consisting of an engineered high-tensile strength polypropylene anchor sheet nailed to the roof deck with a second layer bonded using high-strength synthetic butyl adhesive. Outperforms standard asphalt-based felt and other asphalt-based adhesive underlayments and is Miami-Dade certified for high-velocity hurricane zones rated for 150+ mph winds.
• Sharkskin Comp® High-performance synthetic roof underlayment ideally suited for fiberglass-based asphalt, modified bitumen-based composite roof shingles, and metal roof installations. Features high tensile strength, a non-slip surface, up to 6 months UV resistance, temperature performance from -40°F to 280°F, and a 25-year warranty.
• Sharkskin Ultra® Original premium synthetic roof underlayment for metal, slate, shingle, and tile roof battened and counter-battened installations. Features 12 months UV resistance, ICC-ES and Miami-Dade approvals, a 50-year warranty, and installs with 3/8" roofing nails without requiring cap nails.
• Sharkskin Ultra SA® Self-adhered peel-and-stick synthetic roof underlayment combining the Sharkskin Ultra substrate with aggressive adhesive coating technology for severe weather protection against high-wind events and winter ice dam conditions. Sticks in cold temperatures down to 10°F without primer, contains no asphalt or VOCs, and supports LEED certification.
• Sharkskin Ultra Radiant® High-performance roof underlayment that doubles as a radiant barrier for metal, slate, tile, and shingle roof installations. Uses multiple layers of blended polypropylene with a reflective layer to reflect infrared energy, reduce heat gain and cooling load, and exceed California Energy Code requirements. Features 12-month UV resistance and all-temperature performance from -40°F to 280°F.
• Sharkskin Ventilated Roof Mat® Ventilated roof mat used in conjunction with Sharkskin underlayment products to create a complete roofing system allowing proper air transfer and circulation. Provides better heat reduction and ventilation for energy savings, extends roof life, and flexibly conforms to any roof style.

Quantifiable outcome

• Products passed Miami-Dade High Velocity Hurricane Zone testing for 150+ mph winds
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and moderate.

• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)minorOthersProfessional membership organization for architects, specifiers, and construction professionals. Sharkskin is a member supporting industry standards and specifications.
• IIBEC (International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants)minorOthersProfessional organization for building enclosure consultants. Sharkskin is a member and approved continuing education provider.
• Colorado Roofing Association (CRA)minorOthersRegional trade association for roofing professionals in Colorado. Sharkskin is a member supporting the roofing industry.
• Metal Construction Association (MCA)minorOthersTrade association representing metal construction manufacturers and suppliers. Sharkskin is a member supporting the metal roofing industry.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)moderateOthersSharkskin is an approved continuing education provider registered with AIA for HSW credits. Architects can earn professional development credits through Sharkskin courses.
• International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC)minorOthersSharkskin is a registered continuing education provider for IDCEC professional development credits.
• AEC DailyminorOthersOnline learning platform for architecture, engineering, and construction professionals. Hosts Sharkskin's online course 'Performance Parameters: A Guide to Selecting the Appropriate Roof Underlayment'.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain): CertainTeed manufactures roofing shingles, underlayments (RoofRunner, DiamondDeck), and full roofing systems, overlapping with Sharkskin's underlayment category as part of a much wider building products portfolio.
• GAF: GAF is North America's largest roofing manufacturer (shingles plus synthetic underlayments like Tiger Paw and FeltBuster), competing with Sharkskin through broader product portfolios and stronger contractor relationships.
• Atlas Roofing Corporation: Atlas Roofing produces shingles and synthetic roof underlayments (WeatherMaster, Summit), competing with Sharkskin particularly in residential re-roofing and contractor-driven channels.
• GCP Applied Technologies (Saint-Gobain):

Direct peers

• Epilay: Epilay manufactures synthetic roof underlayments (Epilay, Superfoil) targeting similar residential and light commercial roofing contractors with comparable polypropylene-based products.
• InterWrap: InterWrap manufactures synthetic roofing underlayments (RoofWrap, Titanium, RhinoRoof) and competes directly with Sharkskin in the same product category, distribution channels, and contractor customer base across North America.
• MFM Building Products: MFM Building Products makes self-adhered roofing underlayments and ice/water shield membranes, overlapping with Sharkskin's Ultra SA product line in peel-and-stick roof protection applications.
• Tarco: Tarco produces synthetic and self-adhered roof underlayments (Easy Felt, LeakBarrier) and competes head-to-head with Sharkskin in residential and commercial roofing distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SharkskinRoof
• Instagraminstagram.com/sharkskinroof

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sharkskin