When it comes to roofing, many homeowners are primarily concerned with the visible aspects such as shingles, design, and curb appeal. However, the unsung hero of any roofing system is the underlayment. Roofing underlayment serves as a critical layer of protection that shields your home from the elements, and while traditional felt paper has been a staple in roofing for years, synthetic underlayment is proving to be a superior choice. In this post, we'll explore the importance of roofing underlayment and why synthetic is a better option than felt paper.
The Role of Roofing Underlayment Roofing underlayment is a hidden layer that plays a vital role in protecting your home and ensuring the longevity of your roof. Its primary functions include:
Waterproofing: Underlayment acts as a secondary barrier to prevent water infiltration. Even if your shingles become damaged or fail over time, the underlayment continues to protect your roof's structure from moisture.
Weather Resistance: It guards against wind-driven rain, snow, and ice dams. Without underlayment, your roof would be much more vulnerable to damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
Aid in Roof Deck Protection: Underlayment can also prevent damage to the roof deck (the plywood or OSB sheathing), prolonging the life of your roof's structural components.
Temporary Protection: During the roofing installation process, underlayment provides temporary protection against the elements until the final shingles are installed.
Why Synthetic Underlayment is Superior to Felt Paper
Durability: Synthetic underlayment is made from materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, making it incredibly durable and resistant to tearing and UV radiation. Traditional felt paper, on the other hand, can be more susceptible to damage during installation and exposure to the elements.
Lightweight: Synthetic underlayment is typically lighter than felt paper, making it easier to handle and transport. This can save time and labor costs during installation.
Water Resistance: Synthetic underlayment is designed to be more water-resistant than felt paper. It can withstand moisture without becoming soggy or deteriorating, ensuring your roof's protection even in rainy conditions.
Higher Temperature Tolerance: Felt paper can become brittle in hot weather and may wrinkle or crack, compromising its integrity. Synthetic underlayment is better equipped to withstand temperature extremes.
Better UV Protection: Synthetic underlayment is engineered to resist UV damage and degradation over time, ensuring that it can continue to protect your roof for an extended period.
Versatility: Synthetic underlayment is available in various thicknesses and types, allowing for customization based on your specific roofing needs.
Conclusion
While traditional felt paper has served as a roofing underlayment for decades, synthetic underlayment is rapidly gaining popularity for good reasons. Its durability, water resistance, and superior protection against the elements make it an excellent choice for ensuring the long-term health of your roof and the protection of your home. When investing in a new roof or re-roofing project, consider using synthetic underlayment to provide the best defense against Mother Nature's unpredictability. Your home and your peace of mind will thank you in the long run.
Call Sousa Roofing & Construction today at 508-297-ROOF to get a Free, No Obligation Quote to replace your roof, remodel your house and/or build an addition.