Choosing the Best Roofing Underlayment for Your Home

High-quality asphalt shingles can withstand extreme weather conditions with the right underlayment, structural materials, and other essential roof system components. The underlayment is an important but commonly overlooked roofing component. Prioritize choosing the right roofing underlayment by knowing the different kinds – we've listed them below.

More About Roofing Underlayment

These are secondary layers placed below asphalt shingles that catch stray moisture due to backflow or heavy rains. If the system has missing shingles, the underlayment will catch stray moisture until the missing shingle is replaced.

Types of Roofing Underlayment

Asphalt Saturated

Asphalt-saturated underlayment offers watertight performance at a good price. Most homeowners prefer them because they're affordable and accessible for newly built properties. Its only downside is the many alternatives available for it in the marketplace.

Rubberized Asphalt

These are a combination of synthetic materials and asphalt with a self-sealing capability to ensure an airtight seal around the seams, preventing attic water infiltration. Homes with plenty of roof structures like chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and dormers use rubberized asphalt to keep them sealed

Non-Bitumen Synthetic

Synthetic underlayment is a dependable material that is at an excellent price and offers exceptional airtight sealing. It has excellent waterproofing, tear and moisture resistance, and density. Furthermore, it weighs less than asphalt-saturated and rubberized asphalt underlayments.

Findlay Roofing has an excellent guide on how to match your underlayment with your roof. Learn more about it below.

Matching the underlayment to your roof

So, how do you go about picking out a roofing underlayment? There are several different factors at play, but one of the most imporant is what type of top layer your roof uses. With traditional shingles, roofing felt is often a good idea – 15-pound roofing felt in particular provides adequate protection while still giving air some room to move around. However, if you have a metal roof them you may want to use a synthetic layer with more heat resistance, because metal roofing may trap heat more easily than other materials.

Climate is also an important factor. Hotter climates or very wet areas may be more conducive to synthetic underlayments, but if you live in location that receives frequent snow and windstorms, heavy-duty felt may be preferable.

Other considerations

If you are concerned about price, roofing felt tends to be more affordable than synthetic underlayments, although this can vary based on both material and labor. Ask a roofing professional what materials work best in your area, and what options can help you save the most! (Continue reading here to learn more)

Slavin Home Improvement is a renowned roofing contractor with decades of experience serving homes in your local area. Many homes and properties trust us for top-notch roofing installations, repairs, and replacements. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.