Roofing Underlayment: Protect Your Home from the Elements

You may have never heard of roof underlayment, but it’s the secret hero behind keeping your house dry. This important piece of your roof is often hidden behind shingles or metal, so you may not have noticed it before. Today, we’ll explain everything you need to know about your roof’s underlayment.

What Is a Roof Underlay? 

A roof underlay is a material that is applied directly to your roof deck underneath the main material of your roof. Whether you have asphalt shingles or a metal roof, an underlay acts as another layer in your roof’s system to help keep your home dry and comfortable. Since it’s underneath the main material of your roof, it keeps any water from getting past the shingles or metal panels. 

What Underlayment Is Best for Your Roof?

Underlayment comes in several different materials. Each will have a slightly different purpose and also may affect the price of installation. To figure out which is best for you, you’ll have to decide the material that offers the most protection for your home within your budget. 

Felt Paper Underlayment 

Also referred to as asphalt-saturated felt, felt paper is the most common and cheapest material used for roof underlayment. You’ll get a basic level of water protection with felt paper, so it does a good job as a baseline protective material. Felt paper underlayment typically comes in two different weights: 15 pounds per 100 square feet and 30 pounds per 100 square feet. While 30 pounds paper felt tends to be more durable and offer more protection than 15 pounds, it is also more expensive—you should also talk to your roofer to ensure that the heavier weight won’t weigh down your roof and cause sagging. 

Synthetic Underlayment 

Synthetic underlayment is a good choice for Florida homes since it’s both water-resistant and offers some UV protection. While it is fairly easy to install, it’s going to be a more expensive option than paper felt due to its increased protection and quality. The upfront costs may be worth it in the long run since synthetic underlay is much more durable and tear-resistant. 

Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment

While this is one of the most expensive options for roof underlayment, rubberized asphalt underlayment is one of the best choices for Florida homeowners. It is completely waterproof and even can provide some heat protection, keeping your Florida home cool and dry. This underlayment is self-adhesive which makes it a popular choice for roofers. Self-adhesive underlayment also means no nails are required, and it provides traction to make roof repairs and installation easier and safer. This can be a great option to provide extra protection to areas that are more prone to leaks. 

Do You Need Roof Underlayment?

Yes, a roof underlayment is necessary to keep your roof functional. In a place like Florida, rain and wind can wear down your roof and cause structural damage or leaks. Roof underlays act as a barrier between your home and the elements. This helps rainwater drain properly and provides protection from strong winds. Investing in higher quality underlayment material may help extend your roof’s life and minimize damage from hurricanes. 

 

Maintain Your Roof with Big D Roofing

Now is the time to start considering replacing your roof or repairing any damages. By starting roof maintenance now, you’ll have a solid roof in place by the time hurricane season rolls around again. Here at Big D Roofing, we can help you with all your roof maintenance needs! From roof replacement to repair, we’ve got you covered. Call Big D today for help with your roof!