Your roof has the critical function of protecting your home from severe weather. Like many other parts of your home, your roof will eventually require repairs and maintenance. Eventually, you will need to replace your roof. If you believe you will need to replace your roof soon, there are many options to consider depending on how long you intend to live in your home and the weather in your area. One of the most crucial aspects of your roofing system is the underlayment.
What Is Underlayment?
Underlayment is a highly water-resistant or waterproof barrier material that can provide additional protection for your home against the elements. When a new roof is built or an old roof is removed, underlayment is attached directly to the roof deck to provide a sheathing layer of water protection. If something damages the shingles or roof covering, the roof decking will be protected from water thanks to the underlayment.
Three main underlayment types are used in residential roofing projects in the US: felt soaked in asphalt, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetic underlayment. Each of these materials can significantly increase a home’s defense against water.
Benefits of Installing Underlayment for Your Roof
The primary reason for many homeowners to want roof underlayment is water protection. In coastal areas and parts of the country that receive significant rainfall, installing roof underlayment is a practical and almost necessary choice. It may also be wise to install underlayment for a low-sloping roof, even if the area only receives moderate precipitation throughout an average year. Homes with low-sloping roofs are more vulnerable to water damage if their roofs are compromised, and underlayment can prevent costly repairs.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used for homes in the United States. While they are cost-effective and durable, they are still vulnerable to damage from many sources. Severe weather, high winds, animals, and other things can damage, dislodge, or corrode shingles and leave the roof vulnerable to water damage. Underlayment acts as a final defense for a roof’s underlying structures, potentially meaning the difference between patching a few shingles and paying thousands of dollars for a roof replacement due to water damage.
Consider if Underlayment Is Right for Your Roof
If you are going to replace your roof soon or build a new home, it’s vital to consider whether underlayment is right for your property. It’s also possible to have underlayment specially configured for your home’s geometry by protecting the valleys, eaves, and various protrusions of your roof. Ultimately, not every home may need underlayment, but professionally installed roof underlayment can provide reliable moisture protection for any home.
Able Roofing can help you determine which roofing options are right for you. If you have concerns about water damage, we can inspect your roof to determine if roof underlayment would be an effective solution. Contact Able Roofing in Columbus today to learn more about roof underlayment and make an appointment for a roof inspection with our team.
