Many homeowners assume that the roof’s important components are the visible ones, like the shingles, flashings and gutters. However, there is more to the structure than meets the eye. Beneath your shingles, a hidden yet integral part of the roof plays a significant factor in your home’s resistance to the weather and the elements. This is the roofing underlayment.
Read on as Howard Roofing & Home Improvements explains everything you need to know about the roof underlayment, including the important role it plays for your home.
What Is a Roofing Underlayment?
The roofing underlayment is a water-resistant material located under other roofing materials. It provides an additional layer of protection for your roof by protecting the decking or sheathing from the weather elements, including wind-driven snow and rain. Without underlayment, your attic and home interiors may be exposed to the damaging effects of leaks, including mold and rot.
What Are the Different Types of Underlayment?
There are three different types of roofing underlayment:
- Asphalt-saturated felt. Before the arrival of synthetic underlayment in the market, asphalt-saturated underlayment was the top choice among roofing contractors and homeowners alike. This type of underlayment is made of varying blends of bitumen (asphalt), polyester and natural plant fibers (cellulose). Although it’s not as popular as before, asphalt-saturated felt is still reliable and water-resistant. Because it’s readily available, it’s the most affordable option of the three.
- Non-bitumen synthetic. Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment, meanwhile, is the most common type and generally the preferred choice of many roofers today. It has all the features of asphalt-saturated, but with better resistance. Not only that, but non-bitumen synthetic can also be applied on the entire roof, making it a cost-effective option.
- Rubberized asphalt. While rubberized asphalt is the most expensive underlayment type, it provides the most protection. It contains a higher concentration of rubber and asphalt polymers, making it completely waterproof. This underlayment also has a sticky backside with a protective membrane, which creates a watertight seal between the roof deck and the underlayment.
For your residential roofing needs, look no further than Howard Roofing & Home Improvements. We install high-quality roofing systems complete with the necessary components, including the underlayment. Call us today at (636) 296-1057, or fill out our online contact form to learn more about what we can do for you. We proudly serve homeowners in St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding communities.