Roofing Underlayment Explained

Roofing underlayment is a material that adds an extra layer of protection between the roof deck and the shingles. It serves as an additional drainage plane that for water that has penetrated the outer roofing materials. Underlayment is especially important around seams and joints; vulnerable parts of the roofing system. It directs water away from these vital areas and the roof deck, but still allows the roof deck to breathe.

Do you have to use underlayment?

In almost all applications underlayment must be used in a quality roofing system. There are definitely roofs in use that have not been built and do not leak, but that number is too low to measure accurately. There are a number of reasons to use underlayment on your roof:

Manufacturer Warranty

Manufacturers design their roofing akron systems to work in a specific manner. Founded on many years of research the roofing system is designed to best withstand each region’s climate and weather patterns. They design roofing systems to use underlayment because studies have demonstrated the positive effects underlayment has on roofing systems.

Added Protection

Because manufacturers like GAF have done such rigorous testing, they have designed critical elements for roofing system that add to further protect your home, the roof, and extend the longevity of the entire roofing system.
Most manufacturers offer varying types of underlayment that focuses on specific protective attributes. Basic protection comes with most all-purpose underlayment, but added protection is found with:

• fire-resistant: protects against flame spread
• fiberglass-reinforced: protects against impacts
• synthetic: protects against wind driven rain and leaves roof breathable

Can we skip it to save money?

Cost is clearly one of the most important parts of the equation when homeowners need to have roofing work done. When making important decisions regarding roofing, homeowners should determine what their goals are; planning on keeping the house for a long time, investment options, quick sell, etc.