Many people think after spending long hours researching and finding the right shingles the process is over. However, it is just as important — if not more — that you put just as much time and effort into choosing what your roofer is putting underneath those fancy new shingles.
Even though is rarely seen, roof underlayment is a fundamental part of your roof. Unless you are a roofer professional, chances are you may not even know what a roof underlayment is, much less how to choose the right one for your home and the large effect it will have on the life of your roof.
So, our 3 main topics in this post are going to be:
- What is Underlayment?
- What’s its role?
- How do you choose which is the proper underlayment to use?
What is Underlayment?
For starters, Roof underlayment is a water-resistant barrier material installed between the shingles and deck that gives an added layer of protection against the elements such as rain, sleet, wind, hail, wind, and any other type of severe weather you can think of. It is a semi-breathable membrane made of any of several different materials. Its purpose is to provide a second layer of protection against water intrusion and leaks, while also allowing air and humidity to escape from the roof deck below.
What’s its role?
Your roof is constructed in stages. The first layer of your roof is called the deck and is the surface you see when you are inside your attic. It forms the backbone of the roof and is where all the other parts are attached. This is the part you never see unless you are watching your roof be installed or repaired. The top layer of the roof is the shingle, which forms the protective barrier against the elements. Sandwiched between these two is the third layer, which is the real behind-the-scenes star of the show — the underlayment.
A curious roofing fact is that at some point all roofs will start leaking underneath the top layer. Whether it is shingle, metal, or tile, water eventually finds its way underneath. The component part that truly keeps your home dry is the underlayment underneath the shingle. And the main function of that shingle, tile, or metal is to keep the elements from deteriorating the underlayment. Underlayment helps preserve and protect the roof deck, and it also creates a watertight seal where shingles and flashing are tacked or nailed in.
How do you choose which is the proper Underlayment to use?
Nowadays multiple types of Underlayment can be found on the market today. In the past, everybody used tar paper, which is basically a cloth sheet on which tar is sprayed onto and put underneath the shingle. Nowadays, asphalt-saturated felt is commonly used by most roofers. However, at Legion Roofing and Construction we are proud to use Synthetic underlayment which can add up to 50 years to your roof’s life span, and on top of that, we use Double Layer of Underlayment to ensure water will never find its way to the deck.
Conclusion
Getting brand new shingles is crucial for your roof, but the real protection for your house lays on the underlayment. Ensuring you have the right material between the shingles and the deck is going to be the key to significantly prolong the protection of your roof alonngside its life.
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