If you’ve been suffering from roofing problems for a long time, then an underlayment roof might be the best solution.
Roofing underlayment acts as a secondary barrier against moisture, preventing leaks and moisture problems on your roof.
By 2027, the U.S. roofing underlayment market is expected to cover 208 million square feet of roof area, highlighting the growing demand for roofing materials.
If you’re curious about what an underlayment is and how it works, this article will provide an explanation.
What is Roofing Underlayment?
A roof underlayment is a waterproof layer installed directly on the roof deck, beneath the shingles or any other roofing material.
This layer serves as a secondary barrier against moisture, preventing leaks or other water-related damage from affecting the interior of the home.
Typically, a roofing underlayment is made of plywood or OSB and is installed before the primary roofing materials are installed. In many cases, roofing manufacturers also produce roofing underlayment using felt, also known as tar paper or roofing felt, or synthetic materials.
Underlayments also serve as an additional layer of insulation and provide a more stable surface for the shingles to adhere to.
Types of Roofing Underlayment
There are various types of roof underlayments, depending on your budget and the level of protection you require. Let’s look at the most common options here.
- a) Asphalt-Saturated Felt: This is the most common type of roofing underlayment used widely in most homes. It provides a strong layer of resistance against water and moisture infiltration.
- b) Rubberized Asphalt: Rubberized asphalt provides a superior layer of protection over traditional asphalt felt. Many rubberized asphalt underlayments contain a peel-off sticker-type adhesive backing for easier installation.
- c) Synthetic Underlayment: These are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and are lightweight and durable. They’re also more resistant to mold and UV damage, which is why they’re highly in demand for modern homes.
- d) Self-Adhesive Underlayment: Many underlayments come with a self-adhesive feature that makes it easier for installers to apply them to the roof deck. They are also one of the best sealants in the roofing underlayment
How Roof Underlayment Protects Your Home From Leaks
1. Protects Against Ice Dams
In colder climates, water or moisture isn’t the only problem. Many homes often suffer from ice dams, where ice can form at the roof’s eaves, causing water to leak inside the house.
Here, underlayments made of rubberized asphalt or those with self-adhesive properties can seal the eaves and prevent water infiltration.
The waterproof membrane is especially important along the roof’s edges and valleys, which are the more vulnerable parts of the roof.
As a result, you won’t have to suffer from water leaks caused by ice dams, and the roof itself will also be protected in the cold weather, reducing the need to go for costly repairs or maintenance after every winter.
2. Shields from Wind-Driven Rain
If you live in an area prone to strong winds and storms, then a roofing underlayment is a must.
Strong winds often come with rainfall, which drives rainwater under the roof’s shingles. An underlayment layer acts as a second line of defense when winds and rainfall are too harsh, protecting the roof deck and preventing water intrusion.
Roofing underlayment can withstand wind-driven rain even when the primary roofing material has been compromised.
This feature is particularly important for people living in areas with extreme weather conditions, where homeowners seek a long-term solution to provide watertight protection for their roofs.
3. Improves Longevity
Frequent water leakage and moisture buildup can damage your roof, regardless of the strength of the roofing materials. This leads to holes, cracks, or mold in the crevices and will ultimately require frequent repairs or replacements.
All of this is a costly endeavor that can result in significant financial losses in the long run. This is why you should go for a roofing underlayment to gain long-term returns on your investment.
Other factors, like fallen branches, debris, leaves, and hail, can also cause damage. However, roofing underlayment helps protect your roof from all these elements.
Even when shingles, the first line of protection, become cracked or damaged, an underlayment will be there to protect the roof.
4. Better Energy Efficiency
In today’s world, sustainability and energy-efficient choices are widely prioritized. As a homeowner, you need to choose roofs that not only reduce your energy bills but also contribute to environment sustainability.
Most roofing underlayment materials are designed to maintain optimal temperatures indoors, reducing your need to rely on air conditioners, heaters, or other HVAC systems.
By acting as a barrier against air infiltration, underlayments help to maintain ambient temperatures indoors. Many of them are also made of sustainable materials that contribute to eco-consciousness and sustainability.
5. More Cost-Effective
If you’re tired of spending unnecessary amounts of money on roof repairs or replacements, consider installing a roofing underlayment.
Although installing it can be a little costly at first, it will provide the protection you need and also save you from constantly spending on repairs and replacements.
For example, if your roof shows minor signs of water or hail damage every time there’s a storm or heavy rain, installing an underlayment provides an additional layer of protection, which is preferable to repeatedly repairing the same type of damage.
If you’re planning to replace your existing roof, consider installing an underlayment first.
Key Considerations for Roofing Underlayment Installation
Before you install the right kind of underlayment, here are some key considerations that you should keep in mind:
- a) Coverage: Make sure the roofing underlayment covers the entire roof deck without any gaps or improper overlaps. This will provide you with a consistent layer of protection against leakages.
- b) Seam Overlaps: You must ensure that the seams overlap properly and are sealed according to manufacturer specifications. This will prevent water from seeping in through the roof seams after installation.
- c) Secure Attachment: Attach the underlayment layer to the roof properly using appropriate staples or nails as recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure this layer is attached firmly, especially in preparation for installing the primary roofing material.
- d) Post-Installation Maintenance: After everything has been installed, conduct regular inspections and maintenance. Inspect both your roof and the underlayment for signs of wear, damage, or displacement that might affect the underlayment.
Final Thoughts
If you need professional help with installing a roofing underlayment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a roofing company for accurate prices and quotes, along with information about possible insurance coverage.
In case you don’t have a go-to roofer in mind, contact us at LA Roofing Materials. Besides offering quality materials, we’re connected with experienced professional roofers of all time, owing to decades of experience.