How Roofing Underlayment Can Benefit Your Next Roofing Project
Planning a new roofing project? Before thinking about replacing the tiles, shingles, or metal roof, (roof covering) you need to consider your roofing underlayment. This is an important piece of your home’s roofing structure, which many homeowners are not aware of. The little-known truth is that this part of your roof foundation is critical to all roofing projects. Let’s take a look at why.
What Is Roofing Underlayment, And What Does It Do?
Roofing underlayment is a protective layer that’s installed under the roof covering on your roofing deck. This sheathing, or roof decking, is typically made from plywood and makes up the roof surface over the rafters of your home’s attic. This is what protects the rest of your home from the elements: particularly wind and moisture. The roof covering is then placed over this barrier. Altogether, your roof has three important layers: The roof covering, underlayment, and sheathing. These three foundations work together to keep your home – and everything in it – safe.
Different Types of Roofing Underlayment
Underlayment comes in three different forms. You can choose between
Synthetic
One of the more popular materials for roofing projects, this type of underlayment has a great ratio of weight to strength. It’s particularly known for being water and mold-resistant.
Self-Adhered
This type of underlayment has a sticky backing to easily install on your roofing deck. The stickiness helps create a strong seal between the underlayment and the deck area. It’s recommended in places where water may collect and possibly intrude into the home, such as around skylights or chimneys.
Felt
This type of underlayment is also known as tar paper. It’s an older type of material that is still widely used today. Offered in 15 and 30-pound weights, it’s a protective barrier when installed correctly.
What Roofing Underlayment Does
Roofing underlayment is an important part of protecting the interior of your home. Let’s look a bit closer at some of the specific things that it does:
It’s An Extra Layer Of Protection
Think of underlayment as a “triple threat” when it comes to protecting your home. Without roofing underlayment, the roofing deck and shingles are missing an extra layer of protection, especially in Florida when we experience heavy rain and high winds during hurricane season. Unfortunately, roofs that sustain the most damage during hurricane season are often the ones without underlayment.
It Prevents Water Damage
Roofing underlayment helps ensure that rainwater flows down your roof and into the gutters. Should a shingle crack or fall off, it’s the underlayment serves as a temporary barrier, keeping water out of your home until you can get the shingle replaced. If you want to ensure that water flows where it’s supposed to, underlayment keeps runoff draining correctly, avoiding seepage into attics or ceilings.
It Helps Prevent Damage
New roofs installed without high-quality underlayment are particularly vulnerable to damage over time. This could result in frustrating, expensive fixes down the road, or complications with home owner’s insurance, that could have been prevented. If you are building a new home, make sure you speak to your building contractor about underlayment. Ask their opinion about which material they recommend.
Roofing Projects In South Florida
If you’re in the market for a roofing project, look no further than Tag & Stick, LLC. We have the best roofing underlayment solution for your next roofing project. To learn more about our products and services, call today at (954) 255-3107.