Roofing 101: Understanding the Importance of Underlayment

Many homeowners are not really that familiar with their roofing system. Sure, they may be able to point out a few important exterior components like the shingles and flashing, but what about the stuff that’s underneath? Despite being hidden from view, the underlayment is a very important part of your roof. In today’s post, a trusted sheet metal fabrication and roof installation company explains why.

Why Is Your Roofing Underlayment So Important?

Roofing underlayment is the water-resistant or waterproof barrier that is installed underneath the exterior components of your roof. It serves as the second layer of protection from water infiltration. Basically, it is the final hurdle that rainwater has to go through before being able to get inside the interior of your house.

The Three Main Types of Underlayment

Asphalt-Saturated Felt

This used to be the most common type of underlayment material for use in residential applications. It consists of either an organic or fiberglass substrate and is widely used by roofing contractors due to its affordability.

Non-Bitumen Synthetic. This type of underlayment has become the standard in the roofing industry as it offers better water resistance than asphalt-saturated felt and is designed for full application on the entire roof.

Rubberized Asphalt. This option offers the most protection and is what most roofers will recommend if budget is not an issue. Unlike non-bitumen synthetic and asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt is completely waterproof thanks to a special backing that creates a tight seal between itself and the roof deck.

If you are looking for a trusted roofing contractor that consistently exceeds the expectations of their customers, then look no further than Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, Inc. Give us a call at (785) 628-3614 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We serve residents in Hays and Colby, KS, as well as its neighboring areas.