The Benefits of Roof Underlayment | Austin Roofing
Is it important to make sure you get 30# felt rather than 15# felt for your roof underlayment? Is there really a difference? Longhorn Roofing, has been in the business of putting roofs on Austin & Central Texas homes and businesses for over 30 years, and we always want to make sure that your roof is built to last.
Roof underlayment has been something that more of our customers have been curious about in recent years.
Here is what you need to know about the benefits of roof underlayment:
What is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment, also called felt or tar paper, is paper that has been saturated with asphalt so that it is water resistant. This felt is put in between t
he plywood and shingles of a roof for three main reasons:
- The underlayment protects the roof from rain and other outdoor elements during the roofing process.
- The underlayment makes it easier and safer for the roofers to walk on the roof.
- If shingles blow off during a storm, the tar paper can act as a temporary protection from water damage.
How is 30# Different from 15#?
In reality, the only difference is that the 30# underlayment is thicker. And, since it’s thicker, it costs more. The one time that 30# felt can be a better choice is when a roof has a very steep pitch, but that is because of worker safety (30# provides better grip for worker’s shoes) Thirty# felt doesn’t provide your home with better protection. The best way to protect your home from water damage is to make sure that your roof has been properly installed.
Which Underlayment Works Best?
While felt underlayment does provide some protection, keep in mind that shingles are attached with nails that go through the tar paper, so it won’t be a pristine barrier for long. Your shingles will ultimately protect your home, not the underlayment. If you are looking to buy a good, cost-effective roof, 15# should be fine.
What If Insurance Pays?
Some insurance companies may want to pay for 30# underlayment, or even insist upon it when they pay for a total roof replacement. In that case, Longhorn Roofing will be happy to use 30# felt and you won’t have to bear the extra cost. However, we generally recommend 15#, unless your roof pitch is 10/12 or greater, and our professional roofers are concerned that the crew might tear the thinner felt.
Your Best Protection is Quality Installation
The truth? Some roofing companies try to make customers think they are better because they use a thicker underlayment, but 30# felt isn’t going to make your roof last. What really is important is professional, high-quality roof installation by a company familiar with the Austin area weather. Longhorn Roofing has been in business, locally, for the past 30 years. We have the expertise to keep your home safe and dry in the most cost-effective way.