When thinking of a roof, many homeowners know it sits on top of their houses and serves as a shield against bad weather but are unaware of the various factors and processes involved in making a roof durable. For instance, many do not know what a roof underlayment is, the subject of this article.
Roofing underlayment is a protective layer between the roof deck and the shingles to prevent water from leaking into the attic. It also protects against severe weather conditions like rain, snow, hail, or harmful precipitation.
There are various kinds of roof underlayments on the market with different materials and varying performance levels. If you’re particular about providing your roof or the best roof underlayment material, this article will provide the necessary information you need to know.
There are various kinds of roofing underlayment you can choose from, but as aforementioned, these roofing materials do not perform under the same stress—different capabilities for different brands.
However, three main types of underlayment are popular amongst homeowners:
Asphalt Saturated Felt
This is also known as felt paper. It is water-resistant and was the most popular until synthetic underlayment was introduced.
The Asphalt underlayment improves the stiffness of your roof’s deck, increasing its threshold to withstand bad weather and impact from objects. They are best used for inexpensive roof repairs.
Rubberized Asphalt
Rubberized asphalt is a high-quality option for roof replacement. It is a waterproof material with a high concentration of asphalt and rubber polymers, making it the most expensive type. They’re best used for premium roofing protection and leak prevention. If you’re on a budget, this may be the wrong option.
Synthetics
This is the newest type of roof underlayment. They are commonly made with an asphalt-saturated mat and a mic of fiberglass. They are designed to increase durability, tear resistance, and waterproofing.
Costlier than asphalt saturated felt but cheaper than tan rubberized asphalt, this roofing material has become the preferred choice amongst professionals today.
Roofing underlayment is important if you want to increase the lifespan of your roof. It’s better and cheaper to invest in preventive measures than to deal with the cost of repairs from damage caused by exposure to different elements.
If you’re desperate for a quick solution for roofing underlayment, asphalt-saturated felt has a track record of being durable.
For a more recent and modern solution, synthetic underlayment is a good choice.
If your budget has no lid, you could use rubberized asphalt. It is designed to prevent one of the most common roof problems: leakage.