Roof Underlayment: The Waterproof Barrier For Your Roof

Most homeowners don’t give a lot of thought before choosing a roof underlayment. But the truth is, it matters a lot more than you think.

Underlayment decides how protective your roof is going to be. There are different types of underlayments. To make the right decision, you’ll have to learn all about underlayments. That’s why we’re here to simplify it for you.

At BRH Enterprises, we make residential roofs in and around Mayville. Our experts are always there to educate homeowners.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What is Roof Underlayment
• Importance of Underlayments
• Types of Roof Underlayments
• Best Roof Underlayment For Homes

What Is Roof Underlayment?

What’s the use of a roof if it can’t protect you when it should? Underlayment is an extra protective layer for your roof.

It comes in the form of a sheet. The material and installation of an underlay seal your roof.

This makes sure that water, snow, and other elements don’t mess with your roof components.

Wondering if it is any different from shingles? The answer is yes.

• Since shingles are exposed all the time, they will get damaged someday. When that day comes, an underlayment will be there to protect your roof deck and attic.

• Underlay works like a waterproof jacket for your home. Whereas shingles are prone to leakage, cracks, mold, etc.

• It is sandwiched between the roof deck and shingles. You see, it’s always covered. That’s one reason why it remains strong.

• The final roof covering- shingles, metal, and tiles sit well on the underlayment.

Before you think it’s not useful for you, read why most homeowners prefer roof underlays.

What Is The Importance Of Roofing Underlayment?

The main role of a roof underlayment is to keep unwanted elements outside. Let’s understand in detail, how it actually protects you and your home.

Protect Your Home And Family

Roof storm damage is pretty common around Mayville. Even heavy rain harms the roof over time. You can expect a lot of leakages, cracks, mold, and other stuff to weaken your roof.

An underlayment will protect you from heavy snow, rainfall, and heat waves. You can live peacefully in your home, knowing you are safe inside. Without underlayment, you are just depending on shingles and deck.

Helps Your Roof Live Longer

Without a sealed covering, your roof components are exposed. Daily wear and tear will weaken your roof earlier than it should.

You cannot avoid the depletion, but you can definitely slow down the process. Your roof underlayment protects those components. This extends the life of your roof.

Provides Comfort

Whether it’s hot or cold outside, you need a comfortable temperature inside your home. For this, underlayment helps quite a lot. The sheet will keep unwanted heat and humidity out, and keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Helps Cut Costs

If your home isn’t protected well, it’s prone to damage. But with underlayment in place, your roof deck and attic are safe from elements. You won’t need to worry about too many repairs.

Moreover, insurance companies often decline claims when they spot missing safety components. This is a nightmare for everyone.

If you think underlayment is good for you, look at a few popular types of roof underlays.

What Are The Types Of Roof Underlayments?

You have to choose underlays based on the climate of your area and the type of your roof. We see that three types of underlays are pretty common in the US terrains.

Felt Underlayment

Asphalt-saturated felt is the oldest underlayment material. It’s even got nicknames like tar paper and felt paper. It’s pretty affordable and effortless to install.

The resistance power of felt is quite flexible. If you use a thick layer of felt, it will do great with your shingles.

However, this underlayment isn’t ideal for you if you’re living in coastal regions or extreme climates. This is because asphalt and felt is not strong enough. These materials can’t withstand too much heat or cold. Also, these are water-resistant, not waterproof.

Synthetic Underlayment

Most homeowners rely on synthetic roofing underlayment. This is a fortified mix of asphalt and fiberglass. It’s lightweight, tear-resistant and tough. Additionally, synthetic roof underlayment keeps away fungus and mold.

It works best for almost every type of roof, including metal and cedar wood. All these qualities make it a little costly.

If you live in Wisconsin, synthetic underlayment is best for you.

Self-Adhered Underlayment

This is a peel-and-stick underlayment made with rubber and asphalt. This type of material is more than resistant. It’s waterproof- an excellent choice for storm-prone areas. Self-adhered roofing underlayment can tolerate extreme temperatures for a long time. It tightly seals vents, valleys, skylights, and other areas, where water tends to accumulate.

However, many homeowners find it very expensive. But if you need a trouble-free roof for a very long time, go for a self-adhered underlayment.

Take a look at the best suggestions we have for you. We promise you’re going to love them.

Best Roof Underlayment For Homes

Have you heard about Owens Corning? They fall among the world’s leading manufacturers of roofing materials. They offer the most competitive range of underlayments. We recommend their Rhinoroof and Titanium range if you live in Wisconsin.

Rhinoroof U20 Synthetic Underlayment

It’s one of the strongest synthetic underlayments. It’s a part of their ‘Total Protection Roofing System.’

• It’s two times stronger than most synthetic underlayments
• You can rely on it during storms, heavy rains, and other harsh events
• Rhinoroof U20 never wrinkles
• It’s also known to repel water

Titanium PSU30 Self-Adhered Underlayment

This is the only underlayment patented with Sure-Foot® technology. This means you can easily walk on a steep slope, even when it is dusty, greasy, or wet.

• You can install it on any kind of roof, including shake, tile, and slate.
• It is engineered specifically for roofs with 2:12 or greater slopes.
• Its grain-free surface protects metal roofs from corrosion.

Roof Underlay In A Nutshell

A roofing underlayment increases the lifespan of your home’s roof. It makes your home more comfortable and ventilated.

Felt roof underlayment is only suitable for normal weather and shingle roof. For Wisconsin, synthetic and self-adhered underlays are the way to go.

Contact us at (920) 249-4228. Our experts would be happy to guide you. We also offer a free roof inspection to all homeowners.