The roof underlayment is an important component of your roof, helping to protect your home and your family from all kinds of weather. It also serves to protect your attic space, offering adequate ventilation and insulation no matter the season.
Because all you see are the shingles, you may forget that there are other layers under there that do the real grunt work. The underlayment adds a layer of protection that helps to keep the interior of your home dry. Ask your trusted roofing contractor in Quincy about which type of underlayment they typically use.
What is a Roofing Underlayment?
Essentially, this is what lies between the shingles and roof sheathing (AKA roof deck), which is typically made up or either plywood or OSB. The underlayment is installed directly onto the roof deck, acting as a secondary layer of protection from all the elements, but especially water that can get under your shingles and result in interior leaks.
Roofing Underlayments: Types
There are three common kinds of roofing underlayment: felt, synthetic and self-adhered. Each presents its own advantages and drawbacks, but it’s usually dependent on the preferences of your roofing contractor which one will be used.
1. Felt Underlayment
Also referred to as tar or felt paper, this felt underlayment is made up of organic mat or paper coated with asphalt for water resistance. Under this umbrella description are two further types: the light version and the heavy-duty version. The light version is more delicate and may tear when exposed to the elements, as it will absorb water and then start to wrinkle. The more durable felt version is the preferred choice by contractors for obvious reasons.
2. Self-Adhered Underlayment
Made up of asphalt as well as rubber polymers, this type of underlayment gives you a water-resistant solution. It has a sticky back that adheres to the roof deck to form a waterproof seal. It protects your roof from leak-prone areas, including:
- Valleys
- Eaves
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Vents
You often see these underlayments used in regions that get severe winter weather, such as the Northeast.
3. Synthetic Underlayment
Made up of several layers of polymers woven together, this type of underlayment is popular due to its:
- Durability and tear resistance
- Light weight (because it has more coverage per roll, this reduces the amount of ladder trips needed)
- Secure walking surface
- Clear, distinct lines with overlap guides
- Water and mold resistance
Why Do You Need Roofing Underlayments?
Because your asphalt shingle roof is the first line of defense for your house, it acts to repel the sun’s UV rays, while resisting moisture and withstanding high winds.
That being said, your home needs another protective layer, and that’s where the roofing underlayment comes in. This integral component works to:
- Safeguard your roof if shingles are blown off in high winds
- Protect the roof deck from ice dam formation in winter
- Comply with local building codes
- Shield your roof from bad weather at the time of installation
- Meet warranty requirements from manufacturers of shingles
Asphalt Roofing by Revered Roofing
Find out more from your go-to roofing contractor in Plymouth when you contact us at 781-536-4589 for a free quote.
We have had metals roofs installed by Revered Metal Roofing and we would continue to use them for future projects. Great communication and fair pricing, and nice work! Meggie O