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Roof Underlayment 101: Why Is It Necessary For Your Roof?

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Roof Underlayment 101: Why Is It Necessary For Your Roof?

Whenever there is a discussion about roofs, it is mostly related to the roofing material you want to install. After all, this is one of the parts of a roof that is actually visible to you and the world alike. However, you should take into consideration the fact that a roof’s performance is not just determined by the material you choose. There are other parts that make up a roof system, that is not visible but are very important. Roof underlayment is one such roof component that has a role in deciding the toughness of the roof structure. 

If you are not familiar with underlayment then we suggest you to go through this blog so that you can get the best underlayment and protect your home. 

So What Is A Roof Underlayment? 

Roof underlayment is a layer of material that sits between your roof deck and the shingles. It helps to provide various benefits. It helps prevent leaks, soaks up water, and keeps your roof from rotting away. Roof underlayment is the foundation of a strong, durable roof. It’s what makes sure that your roof won’t leak, and it helps keep it insulated and energy-efficient.

Why A Roof Underlayment Is Important? 

Yes, a roof underlayment is very important for your roofing system. What if there is a storm or any other strong weather condition that damages your roof shingles and blows them away. Then how would your roof protect you then? This is where underlayments come into the picture. They make sure that the damage does not reach your house. They make an effective protection layer underneath the shingles. Here are some of the benefits of roof underlayment. 

It provides extra strength to your roof.

Your roof underlayment is the primary water barrier in your home. It’s also your first line of defense against leaks and water damage. Roof underlayments can help prevent wind uplift, damage from hail, and other natural disasters that can cause significant structural issues in your home.

The material used in roof underlayment makes it an ideal vapor retarder, which means it will prevent moisture buildup through leaks or condensation—which can lead to mold growth if not remedied quickly enough.

It Creates A Barrier Against Harmful UV Rays.

A good roof underlayment will protect your roof from the harmful rays of the sun. The sun’s UV rays can cause damage to your shingles, as well as create cracks in your asphalt. This can result in water intrusion and blistering of your asphalt, which can reduce the life expectancy of your roofing system.

The best way to prevent these issues is by installing an appropriate underlayment that is designed to withstand exposure to sunlight without melting or softening.

Acts As An Effective 2nd Layer Of Protection

Underlayment should be installed properly and in addition to other roofing materials like shingles or tiles. It can help protect against leaks from wind damage or even from rainwater running into the attic space through vents or other openings in the home. This extra layer is important because it helps prevent water from getting behind your shingles where it can cause damage such as rotting outboards in the decking system below if left untreated for too long before being repaired properly with professional help. 

Are There Different Types Of Roof Underlayment?

Yes, just as the case with roofing materials, there is a variety available when it comes to roofing underlayments as well. There are several different types of roof underlayment, each with its own unique features and benefits. Knowing about all of them can help you make an informed decision. Here are some common types of roof underlayment:

Felt Underlayment

This is one of the most common roof underlayments used in Tampa, FL. Though, their use has seen a slight decline since the introduction of the synthetic roof underlayment. Felt roofs are made of felt, which is a fabric made from wool or other fibers. These fabrics are woven into sheets that are used to cover roofs. Other compounds used include asphalt, tar/bitumen, etc. Due to their composition, they are also called Tar paper. 

Felt roof underlayment is the most effective way to protect your home from the elements. They come in varied thicknesses, with the most common ones being, 15 and 30 lbs. The

heavier ones provide more protection but are difficult to handle too.

Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

Synthetic roofing underlayment is a non-bitumen synthetic underlayment that is used to provide an additional layer of protection to the roof. This is the type of roof underlayment that is now mostly used by homeowners and has effectively taken the place of its felt counterparts. Synthetic underlayment is more expensive than asphalt-based products but it has many benefits that make it worth considering. This is more durable, sturdy as well as extremely light in nature. The presence of multiple layers of polymers makes it tougher as well as resistant to tears and wind damage.

Synthetic underlayments are available in rolls or sheets depending on your project’s needs.

Self Adhered Underlayment

Self-adhered underlayment is a thin, flexible layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the flooring. This is made from asphalt and polymers of rubber. This thin layer “sticks” to the deck easily, thus the name. By sticking on the surface, self-adhered underlayments create a strong waterproofing seal. This type of roof underlayment is used in specific vulnerable areas of the roofs, where there are chances of leaks. These can be eaves, valleys, etc. You can also use it on your whole area, but it is not generally done due to the high cost of these sheets. 

Get The Best Roofing Related Services In Tampa, FL

Roofing is an important and equally tough kind of job. If the roof is not installed or repaired properly, then it can lead to even more damage in the future. This is why this job is best left to roofing professionals. 

If your roof underlayment is damaged and needs to be replaced or repaired then be sure to contact SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors. We are Tampa. FL’s best roofing company. You can count on us for every roofing service, be it residential or commercial. 

Whether you need to replace your existing roof or install a new one altogether, our expert roofers can do it all. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today at (813) 400-3329 to get in touch with our team and set an appointment.

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