When it comes to selecting the perfect underlayment for your roof, Houston Restore Pros provides an array of reliable options tailored to meet your needs. Let’s delve into the various types of roof underlayment and explore their advantages and considerations.
During the decision-making process, you’ll encounter three prevalent types of roofing underlayment:
- Asphalt-Saturated Felt (Commonly known as Felt Paper)
- Rubberized Asphalt
- Non-Bitumen Synthetics (Synthetic Felt Paper)
Often referred to as “felt paper,” asphalt-saturated felt remains a popular choice, though it’s worth noting that different material types also exist, such as the “ice and water shield.”
While your roofing underlayment might remain unseen, it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your roof system.
All roof underlayment types serve a common purpose: providing a weatherproof and waterproof shield to protect your roof and home.
Positioned between the shingles and the roof sheathing (composed of OSB or plywood), the underlayment acts as a barrier.
Let’s now examine each type of roof underlayment and weigh their pros and cons.
Asphalt-Saturated Felt: A Classic Choice
Among the most prevalent residential roofing underlayments is asphalt-saturated felt, also known as felt paper.
This type of underlayment can be organic or fiberglass-based, with organic being more commonly used due to its cellulose base.
It’s important to note that while asphalt-saturated felt is water-resistant, it doesn’t provide complete waterproofing. Despite its benefits, it has its share of drawbacks.
Here are some advantages and considerations to take into account:
- Advantages:
Asphalt-saturated felt demonstrates reduced susceptibility to wicking at laps compared to synthetic underlayments, minimizing the risk of moisture damage to the roof decking.
When applied in thick layers, it forms an effective barrier against seepage.
Installation of asphalt-saturated felt is straightforward, requiring only common tools like staples or roofing nails.
- Considerations:
Despite its popularity, asphalt-saturated felt possesses some inherent drawbacks.
It falls short of meeting current ASTM standards and is considered a lower-quality roofing underlayment.
This type of underlayment absorbs water faster than other options, leading to quicker failure and potential damage to the roof decking.
UV damage poses a significant risk to asphalt-saturated felt. Therefore, it must be covered promptly during installation to prevent potential damage.
The material is prone to tearing, making it susceptible to damage from routine roofing tasks like installing fasteners or walking across the underlayment.
Lastly, asphalt-saturated felt has a relatively shorter lifespan compared to other underlayment options, particularly in warm environments, compromising its ability to adequately protect the roof decking.
When choosing an underlayment for your roof, consider the unique requirements of your project. Houston Restore Pros is committed to providing top-quality underlayment options that align with your roofing needs, ensuring lasting protection for your home.
Rubberized Asphalt: Unleashing the Power of Waterproofing
Houston Restore Pros presents rubberized asphalt roof underlayment, crafted using a blend of rubber polymers and asphalt.
Among the roofing underlayment choices, rubberized asphalt stands as the premium option, offering complete waterproofing capabilities despite its higher cost.
With a touch resembling sticky paper, this underlayment’s adhesive properties create a reliable waterproof seal, effectively shielding your roof edges from potential leaks.
Let’s explore the advantages and considerations of rubberized asphalt underlayment:
- Advantages:
Rubberized asphalt underlayment stands as the sole completely waterproof option, ensuring ultimate protection for your roof.
While the material itself may be pricey, the installation cost remains low due to its ease of use.
The roll-based installation method minimizes seams, enhancing longevity and reducing the risk of leaks. Rubberized asphalt underlayment boasts a potential lifespan of up to 50 years.
Resistant to UV rays and weather fluctuations, this underlayment offers durability and stability during installation.
Repairing tears is a breeze with the right adhesive tape, swiftly resolving any issues that may arise.
- Considerations:
The main drawback of rubberized asphalt underlayment lies in its higher cost compared to other options.
It’s crucial to ensure fire resistance by selecting the appropriate type of rubberized underlayment before installation.
Professional assistance is recommended for the installation of this specialized underlayment, contributing to the overall expense.
Non-Bitumen Synthetic: The Cutting-Edge Alternative
Houston Restore Pros presents non-bitumen synthetic underlayment, a revolutionary option composed of synthetic materials such as fiberglass, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
Gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional felt paper, this advanced roofing underlayment offers numerous benefits.
Let’s explore the advantages and considerations of non-bitumen synthetic underlayment:
- Advantages:
Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment surpasses felt underlayment in durability, boasting up to 12 times the strength and ensuring exceptional longevity comparable to various roofing types, including metal.
It can withstand up to 180 days without top protection, making it suitable for delayed installations.
With excellent heat tolerance, non-bitumen synthetic underlayment remains intact and resilient even in high-temperature conditions.
Walking across the underlayment during installation poses no risk of damage, thanks to its robust construction. Additionally, larger roll sizes minimize seams, reducing the likelihood of leaks.
This environmentally conscious choice is entirely recyclable, allowing the materials to be repurposed for future projects.
- Considerations:
The primary consideration with non-bitumen synthetic underlayment lies in its higher price point, exceeding that of asphalt felt underlayment.
While investing in high-quality materials is crucial for long-term benefits, some homeowners may prefer alternatives due to upfront costs.
Houston Restore Pros is committed to delivering superior roof underlayment solutions tailored to your needs. Choose our expertise for unmatched protection and lasting durability for your roofing project.
Safeguard Your Roof with Essential Underlayment
While not mandatory, opting for one of the three shingle underlayment types is highly recommended to ensure optimal protection for your roof.
Roofing underlayment serves as a vital shield, safeguarding your roofing deck from potential weather and water damage.
Discover the compelling reasons why you need a reliable roof underlayment:
- Fortify your roof against storms with an additional layer of protection.
- Prevent costly water damage, saving you money in the long run.
- Enhance curb appeal by ensuring a flawlessly flat roof surface.
- Safeguard shingles from unsightly stains with a protective layer between your decking and shingles.
- Promote energy efficiency by bolstering insulation properties.
- Benefit from an added moisture barrier, further securing your roof.
- Shield the roof decking during installation, minimizing potential damage.
- Extend the life expectancy of your roof, providing lasting durability.
Elevate your peace of mind with the unmatched benefits of roofing underlayment.
Trust the Expertise of Houston Restore Pros
Navigating the array of roofing underlayment options can be overwhelming, but fear not! Houston Restore Pros is here to guide you through the process.
Our team of skilled roofing professionals at Houston Restore Pros is dedicated to providing unparalleled assistance. Contact our experts today to discover the exceptional benefits of CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck® High Performance Synthetic Underlayment, an integral part of the renowned Integrity Roof System.