You will find the underlayment between the decking and the shingles. It acts as an extra layer of protection from leaks. Like seamless gutters, it can protect your roof against water damage. This component also helps insulate your attic, helping keep your living space comfortable.
Underlayment comes in different types, and choosing the right one can improve your home’s protection against damage from excessive moisture and energy efficiency.
Here are tips to help you decide on underlayment.
Felt Underlayment
Usually, felt underlayment is made from organic felt saturated in asphalt. Sometimes, it contains fiberglass reinforcement to improve strength and longevity. Your contractor might recommend it if you have a steep roof where water can drain quickly.
If you have a flat or low-slope roof, consider other options. Over time, felt underlayment loses its water resistance, increasing the risk of leaks. While it doesn’t cost as much as other materials, it might not deliver the weather resistance and durability you expect.
Rubberized Underlayment
Homeowners living in high temperatures will benefit from the rubberized underlayment. It comes in several kinds, one of which is polymer-modified bitumen that features plastic or rubber properties. Then there is self-sealing rubberized asphalt. It excels in elasticity and flexibility, helping eliminate gaps and spaces around nails and staples. As a result, you save on roofing repairs.
Synthetic Underlayment
You can avoid roof leaks with a synthetic underlayment because it is waterproof. It will give your home better insulation than other options. This material is also known for its breathability, which helps eliminate excess indoor humidity while withstanding water infiltration.
Moreover, experts recommend synthetic underlayment for low-slope roofing systems. It’s great at withstanding damage from high winds, rain, UV rays and ice. Because of its polymer modifier and increased asphalt content, it lasts long.
Choose a dependable contractor for your home’s roofing needs — like Deschutes Roofing. We also specialize in attic insulation and seamless gutter installation. Call us at (541) 241-5720 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You can also fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.