Don’t Cut Corners: Why High-Quality Underlayment Is Essential For Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, wind, and harmful UV rays. While your roof covering is the most visible component of your roof, your invisible underlayment plays an all-important role. In this article, we’ll look at why a high-quality underlayment is essential for your roof.
The Important Role Of Underlayment
Underlayment provides a watertight, secondary water barrier for your home. Although your roof covering acts as the first barrier against the elements, it’s not immune from damage. Heavy rain can penetrate tiny gaps, and strong wind can easily lift loose shingles. Sitting beneath your roof covering is the underlayment. It creates a water-resistant, thermal barrier that provides important benefits.
Types of Underlayment
There are three main types of underlayment:
1. Asphalt-Saturated Felt
Felt underlayment is made from refined crude oil. Also known as roofing felt paper, the asphalt mixture makes this underlayment water-resistant but not waterproof.
2. Modified Asphalt
These inorganic sheets contain rubberized-treated asphalt that helps to maintain its pliability. This rubberized material can be quite heavy, which makes it labor-intensive to install.
3. Non-Bitumen Synthetic
Synthetic underlayment is made from high-quality, hard-wearing plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
The Benefits Of High-Quality Underlayment
Install a high-quality underlayment, and you can take advantage of these great benefits:
Excellent Water Resistance
Underlayment is designed to withstand heavy rain and moisture. A high-quality underlayment such as Tag & Stick offers two layers of protection, with a combined thickness of 115 mils. This reinforced fiberglass system offers a proven water barrier for your home. A solid underlayment system will prevent roof leaks and give you peace of mind, even during harsh storms.
Superior Wind Protection
Tag & Stick relies on a fail-safe, two-ply installation method to provide added strength against the wind. The first layer is mechanically attached to your roof deck. Once this is down, the second layer is attached using a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
This two-ply system is what sets Tag & Stick apart from other underlayments, with a double layer of wind protection. Tag & Stick boasts better wind uplift ratings than codified 30/90 hot mop.
Increased Durability
The combination of asphalt flux and reinforced fiberglass gives Tag & Stick superior strength. This durability means that it can be left in the dry stage for months without the risk of any leaking. These durable materials are also UV-resistant and can withstand excessive heat. This means that you’ll extend the lifespan of your roof and enjoy protection for years to come. Maintenance costs are also significantly reduced thanks to the high-quality of materials used.
Better Insulation
Premium underlayment offers better all-round insulation. Tag & Stick’s two-ply system offers excellent thermal resistance, creating a more consistent indoor temperature. A professional installation will ensure that the underlayment is perfectly installed to reduce energy costs associated with cooling.
Quick To Install
Tag & Stick underlayment installations don’t require hot mopping. The full installation can be done in a single step, and you won’t need to work around a return visit because there is no need for one, and labor costs will be minimized. It also means that your re-roofing project won’t be held up by waiting times, as your underlayment will be secure in the first site visit.
Increased Value Over Time
While the initial cost of installing a quality underlayment might be higher, the long-term value is considerable. Not only will your roof last longer due to high-quality materials, but you’ll benefit from long-term savings. A quality roof that lasts 50 years will cost less over time than a roof that requires a replacement after 20 years. You will also enjoy a better return on your home investment, as buyers are often willing to pay more for a durable house. You’ll enjoy the value prospect of quality underlayment for years to come.
Why Traditional Underlayment’s Fail
Underlayment can fail for several reasons, including:
High Temperatures
Modified asphalt and felt can succumb to damage when exposed to excessive temperatures. This often occurs as the tar softens towards the end of the installation process, weakening the underlayment.
Inexperienced Installation
Professional workmanship is a must for a high-quality underlayment job to be a success. Underlayment needs to be treated carefully throughout the installation. If your roofing contractor doesn’t step carefully, they could instantly tear the underlayment.
Inferior Quality Material
When it comes to roofing, you get what you pay for. If your underlayment installation is relatively cheap, chances are that they’re not using high-quality materials. You can expect cheap underlayment to present problems sooner than a high-quality, synthetic underlayment.
South Florida’s High-Quality Underlayment
Tag & Stick is South Florida’s leading underlayment, with a unique two-ply application system. Its ease of installation, strength, and longevity make it the perfect companion for any roof. Tag & Stick can be installed on any type of roof, including steep slope roofs.
With over 25 years of experience, Tag & Stick is a reputable underlayment among leading South Florida roofers. Chat with us directly today at 954-255-3107, or be sure to ask your roofer about Tag & Stick.