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What is Roof Underlayment and should we use 15# or 30#?
Roofing felt, or felt underlayment, is a tar impregnated paper (also called tar paper). It provides an extra layer of protection for your roof. It is water resistant which is important on stormy days when the wind might drive rain beneath your shingles. Felt also keeps your shingles from sticking to your roof deck so that your shingles can be more easily removed the next time they need to be replaced.
Often, our customers are very concerned about roofing felt, to the point that they don’t want to replace their roof with us unless they are assured that we use 30# felt instead of 15# felt. There are certainly times when it is going to be appropriate to use 30# felt, but most roofs only require 15# felt. We use 30# felt only when the roof pitch is 10/12 or greater. The 30# felt is stronger than 15# felt and when crew are walking on the steeper roofs it is less likely to tear.
Underlayment is Not Free
Replacing the roof underlayment with 30# represents an added expense and is generally not warranted.
There are roofers who will tell you otherwise, of course. However, these same roofers are probably marking up their prices in other ways to make up the difference.
After all, it’s not free for us to buy any of the materials that are going on your roof. And any roofer is quoting you labor plus materials when they’re quoting you anything at all. We all also have to make a profit so that we can stay in business!
Roofers who tell you that using 30# felt underlayment is “free” may also feel justified in cutting corners with their materials. Get a few quotes. You’ll probably find that there’s not that much variation in the pricing. If you get a price that’s too-good-to-be-true and “includes everything” then you need to ask yourself what you’re giving up to pay so little. Remember, you can have it fast, you can have it cheap, or you can have quality. And you only get to pick two.
Ultimately, it’s your decision between 15# and 30# felt.
Here are a few more thoughts before you make that decision.
What’s Your Insurance Company’s Stance on 30# Roof Underlayment?
Your insurance company may be willing to pay for 30# underlayment replacement as a part of your total roof replacement. They may even insist on it. At that point, there’s no problem! The underlayment’s paid for, and you don’t have to worry about it.
But if your insurance company is not feeling as generous then you have to decide whether you’re willing and able to make up the difference yourself. Keep in mind that we’ll be putting roofing nails through the new felt just as soon as we affix the shingles to your roof. We won’t tear it up more than necessary but it’s not going to be a pristine, 100% water-tight barrier for very long. You might want to save your money for other things.
If you'd like a free estimate on a new roof, get in touch with Longhorn today by clicking on the link below to fill out a contact form. We look forward to speaking with you!
