Roofing underlayment is a water-resistant material. Installing the roofing underlayment increases the lifespan of the roof. It acts as a barrier that protects the roof from harsh weather conditions.
In this blog post, you will learn exactly what roofing underlay is from Huntsville roofing experts. In addition, you will know about the benefits of installing roof underlay.
Roofing Underlay: An Overview
Roofing underlayment is a waterproof material that is placed on a roof deck. The roofing underlayment is installed under the main roofing material, such as shingles. The material protects the roof from weather leaks due to rain and snow.
You can consider roofing underlays as a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions. The underlayment is installed between the top side of the house’s frame and the bottom side of the roofing underlay.
Roofing underlay that is also called shingle underlay is recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The installation of the underlay by Huntsville roofing experts can provide many benefits, some of which are discussed in the following section.
Properties of Roof Underlays
Roof underlays have certain characteristics that protect the roof from damage. Here are some of the properties of roof underlays.
Water Proof
A roof underlay will protect your roof against water damage. Water that penetrates the roofing material can cause serious damage to the house roof. The roofing underlays convey rainwater to the roof gutter.
But the proper installation of the roof underlays is important. An improperly installed underlayment will not be able to prevent water leaks. That’s why you should always contact a professional Huntsville roofing company for the installation of roof underlays.
Air Tight
Another main property of roof underlays is that they are air-tight. They prevent wind from passing through the gaps between the roof tiles and shingles. As a result, installing the roof underlays provide thermal insulation. It will prevent heat from escaping through the roof keeping the rooms at a comfortable temperature during winters.
Moreover, the sun rays won’t penetrate the roof with an underlayment which will reduce the need for cooling during summers.
To ensure proper thermal insulation, the roof underlayment needs to be installed properly. Professional roofers make sure that the materials connect well resulting in adequate thermal insulation.
Impermeable Membranes
Impermeable roof underlayment is made of bituminous material and polypropylene. The under laments are functional and also a cost effective option. The material provides greater protection as compared to vapor permeable (VP) underlays.
Felt Underlayment
Felt underlayment is the older type of roof underlay material. The material is made of an organic mat with asphalt added to provide moisture resistance. The material is available in 15 pounds per hundred square feet and 30 pounds per hundred square feet.
The underlayment can be installed in multiple layers for added protection. The roof underlay material is recommended for slate and tile shingles.
Benefits of Installing Roofing Underlay
The main benefit of roofing underlay is to protect the roofing material against water and mold damage. While installing the underlayment will increase the cost of roof installation, it can also save cost in the long run due to the increased lifespan of the house roofing material.
Roof underlays are the first line of defense against harsh weather elements. Roofs with an underlayment are protected against:
- Damaging rays of the sun
- High winds
- Rain and moisture
- Ice dams
Many states now require roofs to have an underlayment and covering. Most manufacturers also require underlayment for warranty.
Make sure that you contact a professional Huntsville roofing contractor for the installation of roof underlay. An experienced roofer will install the underlayment properly which will greatly extend the life of your house roof.