If you need a new roof, you may wonder what sort of underlayment is best. What is the difference between traditional felt and newer synthetic roof underlayment? Is the extra cost worth it?
First, it is important to understand what underlayment can do, and what it can't. For many years, contractors have used tar-soaked felt fabric in between the plywood of the roof and the shingles.
The purpose of an underlayment layer is:
Felt underlayment is made by saturating felt fabric with asphalt. This low-cost material, whether #15 or #30, can do an adequate job of protecting the roof as the shingles or metal roof is installed. Although more costly than felt, synthetic underlayment is a superior product because it is:
Synthetic roof underlayment offers benefits to both the roofing contractor and the homeowner.
Contractors like the fact that synthetic underlayment:
Homeowners benefit by the quicker installation, but also because synthetic underlayment:
Proper Installation is Key
Properly installed, both felt and synthetic underlayment do their main job of protecting decking, and, of utmost importance, workers while your roof is being installed.
Whether you choose felt or synthetic depends on your budget and the type of roof you have selected. What is more important than which underlayment you choose is making sure that your roofing contractors are experienced when it comes to:
Choose Experienced Roofing Contractors
Are you weighing the pros and cons of underlayment for your new roof? If so, contact an experienced Central Texas roofer like Longhorn Roofing, which can walk you through the best options.