Why High Quality Underlayment Is Essential For Your New Roof
Your roof plays linebacker for the rest of your home when it comes to the elements. Here in South Florida, with its relentless sunshine, pounding rain, and occasional hurricanes, a strong and reliable roof is more than just an amenity – it’s a necessity. But a roof is only as good as the foundation it’s built on, and that foundation is your underlayment. Many homeowners might not be familiar with underlayment, or they might mistakenly believe it’s an optional add-on. In reality, high-quality underlayment is an essential component of any roof installation in the tri-county area. If you don’t already have Tag & Stick underlayment installed, then you should consider some new roof underlayment for protecting your home.
The Vital Role of Underlayment
Think of your roof as a system, with each component working together to ensure optimal performance. The shingles or other roofing materials act as the first barrier against the elements, but they’re not perfect. Wind can lift shingles, heavy rain can seep through minuscule gaps, and improper ventilation can trap moisture underneath, leading to rot and mold growth.
This is where underlayment steps in. Installed directly on top of the roof sheathing (used interchangeably with roof deck), high-quality underlayment provides several layers of protection:
Waterproofing
Underlayment acts as a secondary water barrier, preventing leaks if shingles are damaged or blown off during a storm. This is especially crucial in South Florida’s frequent heavy rain events.
Wind Resistance
Certain types of underlayment offer additional protection against high winds, common occurrences in South Florida during hurricane season.
Breathability
Some underlayment allows moisture vapor to escape from the attic or roof crawl space, preventing condensation buildup and subsequent mold growth within the roof system.
Durability
The hot summer months means that the sun really beats down on South Florida roofs. Underlayment shields the roof sheathing from harsh sunlight and other environmental factors, extending its lifespan.
In short, underlayment acts as a hidden layer of security for your roof, ensuring its overall strength, water resistance, and longevity.
Types of Underlayment
Depending on your criteria, there are several different types of roofing underlayment available, each with their own positive and negative aspects. We’ve laid out a few common options as well as our own trusted solution.
Asphalt Saturated Felt (ASF)
This traditional material is inexpensive and widely available. However, ASF offers minimal waterproofing and can deteriorate quickly under Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County’s hot and humid climate. It’s not recommended for new roof underlayment installations.
Synthetic Felt (Non-Woven)
A more advanced version of ASF, synthetic felt offers improved tear resistance and some water resistance. However, its performance is still not ideal for South Florida’s hot, humid, and windy climate.
Tag & Stick’s One Step – 2 Ply Modified Application
By blending modified rubberized asphalt and polymers, Tag & Stick developed their signature advanced synthetic underlayment. Tag & Stick offers superior waterproofing, breathability, and tear resistance compared to traditional options. Many advanced synthetic underlayments come with extended warranties, making them a good long-term investment. Tag & Stick also will not destroy the decking when removed should storm winds damage the underlayment. This is thanks to its patented self-adhering design with mechanical attachment.
Why Choose High-Quality Underlayment
Higher quality materials and production methods often translate into higher costs upfront. This can however be a winning strategy when considering your new roof. Here’s why opting for a superior underlayment is a wise decision for South Florida homeowners:
Enhanced Protection
Advanced synthetic underlayments provide superior waterproofing, protecting your roof deck from even the most aggressive South Florida rain and ultimately leading to a longer roof lifespan.
Improved Durability
Tag & Stick’s high-quality underlayment is designed to withstand South Florida’s harsh climate, including intense sunlight, strong winds, and high humidity. This ensures your underlayment performs optimally for years to come.
Mold Prevention
Condensation buildup can cause subsequent mold growth within the roof system, unless you have a breathable underlayment system which allows trapped vapor to escape. Mold can cause serious health problems and damage your roof structure, so proper ventilation is crucial.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your roof is protected by a high-performance underlayment provides invaluable peace of mind, especially during hurricane season. You can rest assured that your home is well-equipped to handle the devastation that often accompanies these storms.
Increased Energy Efficiency
It may sound too good to be true but underlayment helps to reduce your energy bills! Some advanced underlayment options can help reduce heat transfer into your attic space, which often translates to lower cooling costs during summer months.
Potential Insurance Benefits
High quality underlayment may also be an added bonus in that it attracts a discount from your insurance provider. Insurers may take the view that the roof is better protected and therefore less of a risk to them. It’s worth a call to your provider to inquire about possible savings.
Selecting the Right Underlayment for Your South Florida Home
With so many underlayment options available, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be overwhelming. We outlined a few essential items to consider when deciding on the right underlayment.
Roof Slope
Steeper roofs require less waterproofing protection compared to low-slope roofs where water can pool.
Climate
There’s no doubt that humidity and heat will cause many problems in a South Florida home. If you don’t have a breathable underlayment installed then your problems will increase. You don’t want to get into a situation where water ingress is a problem.
Budget
While high-quality underlayment offers long-term benefits, weigh the upfront cost against your budget. You may want to spend a little bit more up front now rather than replacing your underlayment again in the future.
Warranty
Look for underlayment with extended warranties that provide peace of mind and protection against material defects. Most reputable roofing product manufacturers will honor warranties if the installation criteria was met. Tag & Stick, LLC offers a 25 year limited warranty with these terms.
Always Consult With Reputable Contractors
Consulting a reputable roofing contractor is crucial for selecting the most suitable new roof underlayment for your South Florida home. They can assess your roof’s specific needs, recommend the best underlayment options based on your budget and climate, and ensure proper installation.
Tag & Stick: The Best Fit For South Florida Roofs
Too many roofing contractors and owners alike have underestimated how important it is to opt for high quality underlayment for new roofs. This hidden layer plays a critical role in protecting your home from the elements, extending the lifespan of your roof system, and providing peace of mind during harsh weather conditions. By investing in Tag & Stick’s 2 ply modified underlayment with mechanical attachment, you’re making a wise decision that safeguards your biggest investment – your home. Call us at 954-255-3107 if you need any more information.