What Is Code Approved Underlayment?
If you’ve ended up here, you already know what roof underlayment is. However, you may not know what code approved underlayment is. Whether you’re working on a new project or fixing a damaged roof, the underlayment must be code approved. To sign off on any job, the roofing inspector will need to give it their stamp of approval.
Read on as we give you a brief overview of the ins and outs of code approved underlayment.
What Is the Florida Building Code?
The Florida Building Code is in its 7th edition. The code became effective on December 31, 2020. The building code outlines the need for a self-adhering underlayment.
What Does Underlayment Protect?
A quality underlayment protects your roof from the destructive effects of water and wind. South Florida can experience some very wet weather. Hurricanes lash the Peninsula State with seasonal regularity and cause severe damage. Hurricanes will rip off tiles of all sorts leaving the roof deck exposed. Roof decks are the most susceptible part of your roof when it comes to water and wind damage.
Underlayment should be a self-adhering option, such as Tag & Stick’s one-step application with 2 modified plies. A water-tight roof deck prevents water from infiltrating the roof cavity. Once water gets inside the roof cavity, damage can spread to the ceilings, electrics, walls, and even furniture and appliances.
The Specifics
Code approved underlayment breaks down into three main categories:
- underlayment material
- treatment of roof deck joints
- attachment of underlayment to the roof deck
Underlayment Material
As laid out in the code, the underlayment needs to be bitumen-based and modified with a polymer of some kind. It also needs to be self-adhering to the roof deck. The bitumen base effectively waterproofs the roof deck.
Roof Deck Joints
Joints occur where two or more roof deck sheets meet. These joints can be an entry point for water. The underlayment needs to account for extra water seepage that could take place at these joints. Placing flashing tape over the joints acts as the first line of defense against water penetration.
Attaching Underlayment To The Roof Deck
Code approved underlayment must attach to the roof deck securely. The sheets of underlayment must also overlap so that there are no gaps through which water can leak. Tag & Stick LLC’s innovative mechanical attachment is one way of achieving this. It also meets Florida’s strict wind uplift requirements. Without much fuss and only one application, the underlayment is securely attached to the roof sheath. What’s more, is that it is easily removed in the event of a future roof replacement.
Approved Contractors
The last thing that you need when hurricane season arrives is to have an insurance claim rejected. Sadly, if sub-par contractors are used this is almost a certainty. Licensed contractors will give you peace of mind. They ensure that the right materials are used, and the correct processes are undertaken when fitting the roof. Experience can never be overstated when it comes to roofing. Roofing contractors must at least bear a competency license. A fully licensed roofing contractor is the safest bet.
Safety
If you’re a contractor, then you are familiar with the inherent risks of underlayment installation. The roof surface is often steeply sloped. Using hot mops and torches to tar a roof is also dangerous. Tag & Stick underlayment has a non-woven polymer mat that provides adequate walking grip for roofing contractors. With no need for hot mops or torches, burns and fires are eliminated from the scenario.
The Best Roof Underlayment System in Florida
If you’re working on a new roof or repairing a damaged one, give Tag & Stick LLC a call at (954) 255-3107. We’re ready to supply you with the best, code approved underlayment there is! Ask around, you’ll hear our name mentioned.