What we usually do not consider when admiring a neighbor’s new tile shingles or when picking out the perfect colored traditional shingles for a home improvement upgrade is that beneath those shingles lay an entire roofing system. Between the shingles and the frame of the roof are roofing underlayment materials. The roof of a house, a shed, or a garage is built out of a complex system of protective and waterproofing materials.
The roofing installation professionals at Artisan Quality Roofing can help you determine the best roof underlayment system for your home.
Why Is Roof Underlayment Important?
Roof underlayment creates a waterproof barrier between the shingles and the roof deck of your roofing system. The roof underlayment protects your home and possessions from rain, snow, ice, and wind while also preventing moisture and leaking that can lead to fungal growth and other long-term, expensive problems.
If you are in the market for an entirely new roof or if you are considering ways to make your current roof system weatherproof with underlayment materials, it is important to know the benefits of roof underlayments so you can make the best decision for your home.
Here are some of the benefits of choosing roof underlayment:
- Weather protection: The roof’s shingles are the first layer of protection against outside elements, but the roof underlayment is a crucial backup layer of protection from the weather.
- Moisture barrier: Most roof underlayment types are water-resistant, so while shingles can deteriorate over time, the backup defense of an underlayment material works to save your home from mold, water damage, and other costly repairs that arise when moisture gets trapped.
- Energy efficiency: A roofing underlayment system creates an extra protective layer that restricts air from entering the home. This layer of insulation helps to preserve energy and unnecessary energy costs.
- Protects other roof materials: The roofing deck and other materials of roofing systems are protected from water and air. This ensures that the structural integrity of your home, shed, or garage is protected from outside elements.
- Peace of mind: As a homeowner, being at ease about the safety and protection that your roof provides to your home and family is invaluable. By having your roofing underlayment installed by certified, professional roofing contractors, you can be confident your entire roof will remain strong and reliable for many years.
What Are The Different Types Of Roofing Underlayment?
There are three main types of roof underlayments. Each differs in the installation process, materials used, and benefits to your home.
Rubberized Asphalt
Rubberized asphalt underlayments are best at keeping water and moisture from deteriorating your roofing system. Because they are the most effective, this also means they tend to cost more than other more budget-friendly options.
Using rubber polymers and asphalt, rubberized asphalt protects and provides a high level of water resistance. Rubberized asphalt underlayment, also known as stick roof underlayment, has an adhesive backing that sticks to the roof deck. This adhesive backing creates a waterproof seal.
Asphalt-saturated Felt
This is a classic and affordable form of roof underlay used for roof replacements, repairs, and new installations alike. While many professionals would recommend rubberized asphalt and synthetic underlayments over an asphalt-saturated felt underlayment, they are still reliable, absorb moisture, and add years to your roofing system.
Also known as felt roofing or felt paper, asphalt-saturated felt underlayment comes in two weights: number 30 is recommended by roofing installers for heavy-duty, residential structures; whereas roofing contractors recommend number 15 for light-weight projects like a shed.
Non-bitumen Synthetics
Woven or spun polyethylene or polypropylene make up the newest form of roofing underlayment, known as non-bitumen synthetic underlayment. This type of roof underlayment offers tear resistance, water resistance, and mold resistance.
Typically, non-bitumen synthetic underlayments cost more than asphalt-saturated felt, but less than rubberized asphalt, making it a reliable underlayment choice to protect your roof sheathing and any leak-prone areas. CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck synthetic underlayment offers the best option for waterproof underlayment, a watertight seal, and wind resistance.
Felt vs Synthetic Roof Underlayment
Deciding between felt or synthetic roof underlayment will depend on your budget and your goals in protecting your roof and roof materials.
Felt Underlayment Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Inexpensive and affordable for most homeowners
Cons:
- Prone to tearing
- Felt mats can absorb moisture, affecting the alignment of shingles
- Heavier weights can make installation time longer
- Create a slippery surface which can lead to more complications
- Some roof system manufacturers do not cover felt underlayment, preventing protection under a manufacturer’s warranty
Synthetic Underlayment Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers the most durable protection on the market
- The lightweight and slip-resistant surface makes it fast and safe to install
- Moisture resistance means that water is repelled from your entering
Cons:
- The more expensive, less-affordable option for homeowners
One of the best and most durable products on the market is CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck high-performance synthetic underlayment.
How to choose the Right Roof Underlayment?
Choosing the best roofing underlayment for your house, shed, or garage depends on your budget and weighing the pros and cons of asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic roofing underlayment, and rubberized asphalt. Scheduling a consultation with the certified, professional roofing installers at Artisan Quality Roofing will help you in making the best decision for your home and family.
Why Artisan Quality Roofing Believes CertainTeed Offers The Best Roofing Underlayment For Asphalt Shingles
Artisan Quality Roofing knows what makes a roof durable, safe, and weather resistant. We pride ourselves in knowing the best products on the market and utilizing those roof materials for our customer’s installation needs.
CertainTeed offers the best roofing underlayment for asphalt shingles as well as the best roofing products for metal roofs, shake, and slate roofing.
Contact Artisan Quality Roofing To Learn More About The Roofing Options For Your Home
Are you thinking about upgrading your roof? Look no further than Artisan Quality Roofing for all of your roofing needs. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced in a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal, slate, and tile. We’ll work with you to assess the condition of your current roof and discuss options that fit both your style preferences and budget. Plus, our team offers expert installation, ensuring that your new roof will stand up to even the harshest weather conditions.
Don’t wait any longer to improve the durability and appearance of your home – contact Artisan Quality Roofing today to learn more about our available roofing options.
