A roof is only as good as its weakest link, and for most roofs that weakest link is the underlayment. This is the material that sits between your roof deck and other roofing materials, and it serves a very important purpose: protecting your home from water damage. In this blog post, we will discuss more about what roof underlayment is, why it’s important, and how to choose the right type for your home.
What Is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof barrier material that you install on the roof deck before the installation of any other roofing material. There are two types: felt and synthetic.
Felt underlayment is made from organic materials, such as wood fibre or paper, that are saturated with asphalt. Synthetic underlayment, on the other hand, is made from man-made materials, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, that are laminated with a water-resistant material.
Why Is Roof Underlayment Important?
Roof underlayment protects the roof deck from water damage, and provides an additional layer of protection against wind-driven rain and snow. This makes the underlayment the first line of defense against water infiltration, so it is important to choose a high-quality product that is suitable for your climate.
How to Choose the Right Roof Underlayment
When choosing a roof underlayment, you should consider the climate in your region, the type of roofing system you have, and the slope of your roof. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors below.
Climate
The climate in your region will determine the type of underlayment you need. For example, if you live in an area with high humidity, you will need an underlayment that is resistant to mold and mildew, like synthetic underlayment. And if you live in an area with cold winters, you will need an underlayment that is resistant to freezing, like felt underlayment.
Type of Roofing System
The type of roofing system you have is another important determining factor. If you have a tile roof, for example, you will need an underlayment that is compatible with tile, such as synthetic underlayment. If it’s made of shingles, on the other hand, you can use either type of underlayment.
Slope of Roof
The slope of your roof is also a consideration. For example, if you have a low-slope roof, you will need an underlayment that is appropriate for low-slope roofs, like synthetic underlayment. However, those with steep-slope roofs can typically choose between synthetic and felt underlayment.
The Bottom Line
Roof underlayment is a vital component of any roofing system, so it is important to choose the right type for your home. When making your selection, be sure to consider the climate in your region, the type of roofing system you have, and the slope of your roof. With a little bit of research, it is possible to find the perfect underlayment for your home. However, if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact a roofing professional. They’ll be able to help you choose the right underlayment for your needs, giving you peace of mind that your home is safe from the elements. And at the end of the day, that’s what roof underlayment is all about!
Have any other questions about your underlayment or other roofing-related projects? Click here to contact Ainger Roofing today for a free estimate!
