When you search for “residential roofing contractors near me”, you are probably thinking about repairing or replacing asphalt shingles, but do you also know about the other components of your roofing system that play major roles in protecting your home from the elements?
One of your roof’s most important components is the underlayment. In this post, you will learn more about its importance.
What Is Roofing Underlayment?
The underlayment is a waterproof or water-resistant material. It’s installed under the other materials that form your roof. If you installed asphalt shingles directly over the wood deck, and a shingle breaks, there is no doubt that your roof will soon start to leak. The underlayment’s role is to prevent that from happening.
Shingles are your roof’s most exposed part. They take a beating from heat, rain, and cold. Over time, shingles lose their ability to stay intact and protect your home from the elements. The underlayment keeps your home from moisture penetration for as long as it’s intact, and that’s usually long enough for a contractor to repair or re-shingle your roof.
During a new roof installation or replacement, residential roofing contractors know that even if a light rain starts before all the shingles are in place, your home is protected if the underlayment is already installed.
What Are the Types of Underlayment?
Like roofing materials, there are several types of underlayment:
Asphalt-saturated roof underlayment is a flexible, water-resistant type of underlayment that was once the go-to material for contractors. It’s still used today because it’s the most affordable underlayment.
The most common type of underlayment these days, however, is non-bitumen synthetic. Synthetic materials took the spotlight from asphalt-saturated underlayment many years ago. Non-bitumen synthetic is more water-resistant than asphalt-saturated. This is probably the type of underlayment you’ll use.
However, if you want something waterproof instead of simply water-resistant, invest more money to get a rubberized asphalt underlayment. This type offers all the features of the first two materials.
If you want to learn more about roofing underlayment, ask Elevated Roofing LLC. We install roofs from the most respected roofing material manufacturers in the country. We also offer storm damage restoration services. Call us today at (205) 684-3945 or fill out this form to get in touch with us.