Almost everyone understands the crucial role of a roof in shielding us from cold, heat, and storms. However, only some can explain roofing underlayment or its importance despite many roofs consisting of a deck, roof underlayment, and shingles.
This article discusses roofing underlayment, why it’s essential, and the different types of underlayment used with shingles.
What is roof underlayment?
This is a layer of a roof system made of modern synthetic materials or saturated felt used for extra protection in case the top shingle layer springs leaks or becomes damaged. In other words, it acts as a water-resistant or waterproof barrier between the roofing materials and the roof deck in severe weather, such as air, wind, and snow.
The roof underlayment is also the reason why you do not see wooden decking’s texture or ‘picture framing’ through the shingles. This is because it offers a stable layer for shingles to rest on when building your roof.
Why is roof underlayment important?
As discussed above, roofing underlayment is crucial in a roof as it acts as a moisture barrier in case of rain or harsh weather conditions. Their work is to block sun rays, withstand wind, and block precipitation. Essentially, they act as the first line of defense together with the shingles.
The other importance of roofing underlayment is to offer backup protection in case the shingles fail. Shingles are vulnerable to tear-off by wind-driven rain or lift by strong winds as they are not sealed in all corners.
What kind of underlayment do we use?
We typically use shingle manufacturers’ synthetic underlayment (GAF’s “Tiger Paw”) or CertaiTeed’s “DiamondDeck” to provide that extra layer of protection. Here is more information:
GAF’s Tiger Paw
For GAF products, we use the Tiger Paw synthetic underlayment. This is a premium, UV-stabilized synthetic roof underlayment built with a moisture control design to reduce damaging moisture on the roof deck. This type of underlayment is recommended for asphalt shingles, metal, and wood roofs as it has the strength to resist rotting or breaking.
In addition, it resists buckling and wrinkling, giving you a smooth appearance and an overall better-looking roof. Finally, the underlayment is safe for installers because of its design that supports walkability, unlike typical synthetic designs or conventional felts.
CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck
The CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck is a high-performance synthetic underlayment manufactured to offer best-in-class performance in terms of contractor safety and weather protection. It is a water-resistant, synthetic, and scrim-reinforced roofing underlayment that is suitable for metal, slate, shake, and shingle roofing.
Unlike felt underlayment, which can wrinkle when it becomes wet, DiamondDeck has a top surface treatment that provides excellent quality resistance, even in wet conditions, and resists wrinkling. This leaves you with a smooth, better-looking roof.
A Roofing Company You Can Trust
Whether you are looking for a full or partial re-roof for your home, or to prepare your home to go green with solar panel roofing, we offer only the best roofing products in the industry – and the best warranty among all roofing contractors.
If you need more information on the best roofing underlayment or help to strengthen your roofing system, do not hesitate to contact us.
