UV rays, water, hail, and other outdoor elements ruin your commercial roof. It’s wise to take proactive measures to keep the interior of your roofing system dry and unaffected by installing roof underlayment.
What Is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment is applied to the roof deck and plays a crucial role in keeping out snow, rain, and wind, which are some of the leading causes of roofing issues. Although it’s not a requirement, contractors often recommend roof underlayment because it provides an extra layer of protection to the roofing system and the building, keeping them safe from the elements.
If the top layer of your roofing material is damaged after a hailstorm, your roof deck is safe thanks to the underlayment. Instead of water seeping through the surface and wreaking havoc on the structure, the roof underlayment is there to absorb the moisture so it doesn’t cause any more problems before you can address the initial damage.
When it’s time for a new roof installation or a replacement, consider the benefits of roof underlayment. It’s an additional yet helpful step that pays off in the long run.
What Are the Most Popular Roof Underlayment Types?
Since roofing underlayment is completely hidden by the roofing materials, underlayment types boil down to your building requirements, location, budget, and roofing materials. Your contractor can suggest what they think is best for your building. The two main types of roof underlayment are:
Felt
Felt, also known as felt paper or tar paper, is one of the oldest roof underlayment methods and has been used by professionals for decades. It’s a blend of cellulose, polyester, bitumen, and asphalt saturated in a waterproofing agent. This agent helps with weather resistance and comes in thickness variations like #15 and #30.
#30 felt is the thickest, so it’s more reliable and able to withstand various weather conditions. Another upside to felt underlayment is its affordability. It costs less than other options, such as synthetic.
However, there are a few drawbacks to felt underlayment that should be considered as well, such as:
- Felt is prone to tearing during installation, especially if it’s windy.
- Felt is heavy, making it harder for contractors to get rolls of it on top of the roof.
- The slippery surface makes it more challenging to install.
- Since felt is so heavy, there’s less material per roll, so there are more seams with inadequate sealing.
Synthetic
Synthetic roof underlayment is made from long-lasting polymers, contributing to durability and longevity. Synthetic roof underlayment is saturated in asphalt and fiberglass, so it’s extremely moisture resistant and not susceptible to mold or fungal growth.
Synthetic roofing is available in many formulas. Since the product isn’t standardized, performance levels vary from brand to brand. Be sure to consult with your contractor and get their input on which manufacturer offers the best synthetic roofing underlayment for your building.
All in all, synthetic is the top pick among many roofers since it offers several benefits, including:
- Lightweight: Unlike felt, transporting synthetic roof underlayment is a breeze.
- Faster to install: There’s more material per roll, so you cover more space using less material and get the job done quicker.
- Safe: Many manufacturers, such as Owens Corning, offer slip-resistant synthetic underlayment.
- Water resistant: Synthetic roofing underlayment doesn’t absorb moisture; it repels it, making moisture infiltration nearly impossible.
Perhaps one of the only disadvantages to synthetic roofing is the cost. Since it’s proven to be more effective than felt, it’s also more expensive. However, many property owners are willing to pay the price to avoid dishing out thousands of dollars more down the line when serious roofing problems occur due to improper protection.
How To Choose Roofing Underlayment That’s Perfect for Your Property
Roofs in the Southern states endure the blazing heat of the sun as well as plentiful moisture. Synthetic roof underlayment offers a level of protection that works well for these roofs. If roofing materials begin to deteriorate in the heat, the roof deck is protected because the synthetic material keeps it from being completely exposed. Plus, synthetic roof underlayment prevents wood rot, which is when the wooden roof deck begins to warp due to substantial water damage, leaving the structure vulnerable to leaks.
New Image Roofing Atlanta Wants Your Investment To Last for Years To Come
At New Image Roofing, we take pride in each of our projects. It’s important to us that we install your roof with the utmost care and professionalism. We pay attention to every detail, including the underlayment, so look no further for Atlanta roof waterproofing. Roof underlayment is an integral part of your roofing system that offers the best protection from the elements, as long as it’s properly installed. Our professionals can be trusted to get the job done perfectly.
Don’t settle for good when our crew can make your experience great. We specialize in new roof construction, roof replacement, roof restoration, and so much more. We’re confident that we can transform your roof into the safe and sturdy structure you need. No matter what your commercial facility requires, New Image Roofing Atlanta has got you covered, and we look forward to building a long-lasting partnership with you. Give us a call today to discuss our Atlanta roofing waterproofing services.
