Roofing underlayment, often overshadowed by the more prominent components of a roofing system, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your home from the elements. Discover if your roof’s secret guardian is effectively protecting your home with our essential tips and insights.
It serves as the second layer of protection, defending against moisture and other environmental factors that can significantly impact your roof’s lifespan. As homeowners become increasingly aware of the critical role of underlayment, the choice of the right material has gained prominence.
In today’s market, you can opt for one of three primary underlayment types: felt, synthetics, or self-adhering ice-and-water barriers.
How Do You Select One Roofing Underlayment Over the Other?
The selection of the right underlayment material demands careful consideration of essential factors.
- An ideal material must be fire retardant, offering protection not only to your roofing system but also to your entire property in the event of a fire.
- It should possess the resilience to withstand the force of strong winds that could potentially lift and damage it.
- The underlayment material should be sturdy enough to resist punctures, effectively preventing leaks.
- Lastly, it should be robust enough to handle heavy downpours.
While investing in quality underlayment may involve an initial expense, it translates to long-term savings by ensuring prolonged protection for your property.
A Quick Look At The 3 Primary Underlayment Types
Felt Underlayment
Felt underlayment, often referred to as felt paper, consists of paper soaked in asphalt. It has been a reliable choice for over five decades due to its ease of installation and cost-effectiveness.
However, one drawback of felt is its vulnerability to tearing, especially in hot climates. Additionally, since felt is non-porous, it tends to trap moisture, making installation challenging due to its slippery surface.
Synthetic Underlayment
In recent years, polypropylene-based underlayment has emerged as a contemporary alternative. It serves the same purpose, providing secondary protection to your roofing system.
Synthetic underlayment is notably more robust and lighter than traditional asphalt-saturated felt. Its non-slip surface makes it safer and easier to install compared to felt.
Although synthetic underlayment comes with a higher price tag, it delivers superior roof protection and boasts a longer lifespan. Some synthetic underlayments are crafted from polyester or fiberglass fabric, enhancing their durability.
Self-Adhering Ice-and-Water Barrier
Designed primarily to shield against ice and water, self-adhering ice-and-water barriers offer a unique advantage. As the name suggests, this type of underlayment requires no fasteners during installation, eliminating the need for holes that may compromise protection.
Originating in regions like New England, where harsh winters result in ice accumulation on rooftops, this underlayment can be applied over felt or synthetic materials.
It effectively covers punctures caused by nails and staples used in installing paper or synthetic underlayment.
Investing in a robust roofing underlayment is a fundamental step toward establishing a durable and reliable roofing system. While it may appear as an ancillary aspect of the roofing process, underlayment serves as a silent guardian, ensuring the long-lasting protection of your property and the well-being of your family.
When it comes to safeguarding your home, choosing quality underlayment is a choice that truly matters.
Experience Excellence With ERS Contractor
At ERS Contractor, we recognize the critical significance of roofing underlayment in the overall roofing system.
Our commitment to excellence extends to the choice of underlayment materials. We prioritize top-quality, warrantied products to provide homeowners with the peace of mind they deserve.
Contact us today to explore how our Roof’s Secret Guardian expertise and superior underlayment options can benefit your home.
Contact Information:
- ERS Contractor
- 813-808-7663
- www.erscontractor.com
