How Roofing Underlayment Ensures A Leak-Free Roof
Your rooftop is arguably one of the most important features of your home. It protects your family and belongings from the elements, which is no joke in a state that’s prone to hurricanes. Recent roofing industry data tells us that the condition of a roof makes up 90% of home market value. So it’s important that yours is in excellent condition: no missing shingles and no leaks.
Roofing underlayment is an essential ingredient in keeping water and debris out of your home during South Florida’s harsh storms. Read on to learn more about why underlayment is a favorite solution for homeowners and roofing contractors alike.
Why Is Roof Underlayment Necessary?
Florida homes are built to withstand the worst that Mother Nature has to offer. But every now and then, a harsh hurricane can cause serious damage to your home. Should a storm rip off roof tiles and expose the waterproofing underneath, it’s roofing underlayment that is the final protection of everything inside your home. It’s installed before the rest of the roof materials and is an additional layer of protection in addition to the roofing deck, shingles, and tiles.
When rain pounds down on your home, the underlayment prevents it from entering the roof cavity. Otherwise, water could potentially leak through the ceiling and into the walls, floors, appliances, and furniture. Roofing underlayment not only blocks water but also prevents mold and mildew from forming, which can cause health problems over time.
How Roof Underlayment Prevents Leaks And Damage
Here are a few specific ways that underlayment keeps your home safe:
It Protects From Weather Damage
Roofing shingles are more than just decorative; they are the outermost layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. In Florida, it’s not uncommon for them to become loosened or blow off completely from strong winds. Should this happen, roof underlayment deflects rain from getting into your home. It’s quite effective, though you’ll still want to repair or replace your shingles eventually.
Even if your shingles remain attached to the roof, harsh storms can still allow for rain to get trapped under them. This can still expose the roof deck, leading to possible leaks and other moisture-related damages. Underlayment is the last defense against such damage.
It Repels Water
Water under the shingles is a real concern, but it doesn’t have to happen when you have roof underlayment. This substance is designed to repel water and enable it to drain off the roof, away from your home.
It’s Self-Sealing
Water is a sneaky substance that can make its way into even the tiniest nooks and crannies. Even a small amount can cause interior damage if it remains standing for a significant period of time. Underlayment is the best protection in creating a strong seal around the fastener shanks to keep water and moisture out.
How Can You Tell If Your Roof Underlayment Is Damaged?
Underlayment works, but like all man-made materials, it will decline with age. The average roof is built to last up to two decades and will need repairs or replacement eventually. That includes newly installed underlayment.
You can tell when your roof, or perhaps just the underlayment, needs to be replaced by the following signs:
- Leaks showing the attic. Water leaking from the attic, or a sagging roof deck, is a sign that the structure has been damaged.
- Light streaming from the attic. This is a rarer sign of damage, but not completely unheard of. If you notice light peeking through the ceiling of your attic, it could mean that there are holes or tears in the roofing structure.
Tag & Stick, The Most Resilient Roof Underlayment
There are many types of roofing underlayment on the market today, but Tag & Stick is different. It’s made from reinforced fiberglass material and then soaked in asphalt to give it self-sealing properties. It’s built to last – and last it does. The two-ply system solves the common issues that other brands of underlayment do not address, such as
- Poor adhesion. Other types of underlayment can get damaged easily or loosen quickly from the effects of wind, dust, and moisture.
- Improper adhesion. On the opposite side of the spectrum is the problem of adhesion applied directly to the roof deck. This makes the underlayment difficult, if not impossible, to remove without damaging the roof deck underneath. That can cause structural damage to the roof.
Tag & Stick is designed to adhere strongly while being able to remove easily. It offers the following superior qualities when compared to other brands:
- Twice the thickness as other types (115mils thick).
- Fastens to roof decking in adherence with Florida’s wind upliftment code requirements.
- Can be applied to any type of roof.
- Less manpower is involved in the installation process.
- Less time on the roof means reduced risk of injury and disruption in the homeowner’s daily routine.
- No dangerous supplemental tools, such as torches and hot tar.
- No need to prime the roof deck before installation.
- Durable enough to be exposed six months.
- Fewer trips up to the roof are needed with the modified two-ply roll.
- Does not damage the roofing deck when removed.
- Can be used on low and steep-sloped rooftops.
All of these benefits can make the difference between ultimate protection in a storm and time-consuming insurance claims from interior damage. Tag & Stick leads the way in durable roofing material that protects Florida homes.
Roofing Underlayment Experts In South Florida
Tag & Stick is a reputable roofing company beloved by homeowners and roofing contractors in South Florida. When you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you want to invest in quality materials to protect your home and your family. Roofing underlayment is a unique self-adhering material that can be used on any type of roof. It’s been successfully preventing water damage to Florida homes for over 25 years.
Don’t settle for sub-par roofing materials. For more information about this ingenious product, call Tag & Stick today at 954-255-3107.