Roofing Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is the second layer protection that is essential to a roofing system. It provides protection from moisture and other elements that is detrimental to the roof’s life span. A growing number of homeowners are now conscious of the right roofing underlayment for their roofing system. Felt, synthetics, and self-adhering ice-and-water barriers are the three types of underlayment that homeowners can choose from and avail in the market today.
The essential factors though, in considering the right material for underlayments should be borne in mind. A good material must be fire retardant, thus protecting the roofing system and the entire building in case of fire incidence. It should withstand the ferocity of strong winds that might lift it and eventually tear it out. Underlayment material should be hard enough to get holes in it. In this case possible leaks are prevented. Lastly, it should be strong enough to accommodate heavy downpour. Underlayment may mean an additional expense for the household, but this could actually mean a lot of saving in the long run because your property will be protected for a longer period of time.
Felt paper, or just felt is a material that is literally made of paper soaked in asphalt. It has been used fro more than five decades now because it is manageable to install and reasonably priced. That disadvantage of felt though is that it can tear easily especially during hot climate. Since the material is not porous, it tends to contain moisture and can be burdensome in installing because it has a slippery exterior that might cumbersome to the one installing it.
Polypropylene-based underlayment is the latest in the market today. It provides the same purpose as a second-degree protection from destructive elements to your roofing system. Synthetic underlayment is sturdier and lighter that asphalt-saturated felt. It is much safer to install because it does not slip like felt does. The catch is, synthetic underlayment are priced much higher that felt but it gives better protection to your roof and last longer too. Some synthetic underlayments are made of polyester or fiberglass fabric.
An undelayment that is used primarily to protect from ice and water is the Self-adhering ice-and-water barrier. The name suggests that this underlayment needs no fasteners in installing which means holes are avoided. The trend originally began in New England where winter is terrible and ice would accumulate on rooftops. This underlayment can be used on top of felt or synthetics since it covers the punctures caused by nails and staples in installing paper or synthetic underlayment.
A strong roofing underlayment is truly essential in achieving a good roofing system that is made to last long. A good investment on underlayment will make a great deal in protecting your property and family as well.