However, there are now synthetic underlayment options. Different roofing underlayment works well with different budgets. Most roofing types have many seams, however, which is why roofing underlayment is so useful. For enhanced water-resistance and protection from the elements, many roofers are choosing to go the route of synthetic roofing underlayment. Synthetic roofing underlayment has many advantages over felt and may be a worthwhile investment to protect your roof and home from the risks of water and moisture infiltration. Here is a benefit that not many folks on the synthetic fence dont consider. Synthetic underlayment is made to be non-skid, so its a lot safer to work on. research and talk with a trusted contractor who can help guide you in selecting It's a common term in the roofing industry. But the truth is, they make up a lot of the cost of your new roof. The difference is obvious, once you see them together. Roofing underlayment can help prolong your roof life, and keep your home safer and moisture-free. Felt underlayment may be made from either organic or fiberglass substrate, although the organic is much more common. Rubberized asphalt roofing underlayment should be added at valleys and around roof protrusions as these spots often get leaky first. thats right for your home is finding what works best with your roof type. Roofers may consider adding layers of underlayment for superior protection, which is especially useful on low-pitch roofs. Learn more about our selection of roofing underlayment products and find an independent roofing contractor in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network near you. The main advantage of using This leads to needing more of it, which takes more time and manpower to get it up the ladder and install it on your roof. Some thinner products are actually cheaper than felt, but Dale Walton, a Product Manager at CertainTeed, warns against going too thin. No matter what residential roofing project youre undertaking, in the words of the Canadian Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Association, using a felt or synthetic underlayment just makes good roofing sense.. This allows them to be installed under metal roofs an in harsh environments. Although companies who manufacture synthetic underlayment may also manufacture similar-looking housewrap, housewrap does not meet roofing underlayment requirements. The image below shows the wind damage caused by an extreme weather event in Hollywood, Maryland on July 19, 2011. All rights reserved. 30 felt. After reading this, you should have a pretty good idea of which roof underlayment is better. These wrinkles may telegraph through to roof-covering products, such as thinner asphalt shingles. The big difference between the two types of felt underlayment is that 30 lb is thicker, stronger, and less likely to tear than 15 lb. Roofing felt is black. Thicker synthetics cost about 30%-40% more. If you need something thats waterproof, then rubberized asphalt is ideal. Rubberized asphalt is more expensive than other types of. NOTE: Not all products featured will be available in your area. Preventing water infiltration is always easier than dealing with costly repairs or damage. Rubberized asphalt underlayments are manufactured to meet different requirements: They may be formulated for use in high-temperature situations. Roofing underlayment is important, but not 100 percent necessary. Asphalt-saturated felt and synthetic underlayment are, until about 15 years ago, though it is still a great. By using this website you accept our use of cookies and the. When your roof installation is complete, the underlayment will not be visible. 30 felt is typically thicker, stronger, and may be less prone to tearing or ripping off during Most synthetic products have a perm rating much less than felt. Through your research, youll find there are two common types of underlayment used for residential roofing. Sometimes called roofing felt underlayment, roofing tar paper, or roll roofing, this is a layer of protection installed between the roof deck and the roofing shingles. When most people think of roofs, they typically think of shingles or metal roofing. It is also a requirement under many building codes. It will maintain its integrity even when exposed to the cold and dont wear down as quickly as others. By the end of this article, youll learn what roof underlayment is, the two types, and how they match up on key comparisons, like cost. used, roof design, budget and what your roofing contractor may suggest. The disadvantage is primarily its weight: it can be heavy, especially when its layered enough to be properly effective in harsher climates. Various types of rubber-like materials are also used as underlayment and are generally referred to as rubberized asphalt. These typically have adhesive on one side, which is protected by a peel-off membrane, making them self-adhering. Roofing felt is comprised of a base, made from natural materials (such as wood cellulose) or synthetic ones (such as fiberglass or polyester), and then coated or saturated with a protective coating such as bitumen (asphalt), which repels water but still allows the product to breathe. Non-bitumen synthetic underlayments are made from polypropylene or polyethylene. In Figure 1 the lower roof is low slope with a 19-inch overlap and the upper roof is steep slope with a 2-inch overlap. Get answers to more of your home-project questions on Longs. The source of heat may be a warm climate, a particular type of roof-covering material, or poor roof-structure ventilation. Rolls of rubberized asphalt underlayment may come with a selvedge edge along one side of the roll. These underlayments typically absorb water more readily, and fail sooner. . *9 (2 sq.) And its best to check with the manufacturer to confirm their product is recommended on a hot roofs.. Its available in two thicknesses: 15-pound and 30-pound. Synthetic Underlayment: Which is Better? Synthetics are resistant to fungal growth and are wrinkle-free, since they dont absorb moisture. Plastic caps offer better wind resistance than staples, and help prevent leakage through the holes made by the fasteners. If the installer fails to read and follow the manufactures installation instructions and instead installs it like they would if they were using felt, they may create moisture problems. When your roof installation is complete, the underlayment will not be visible. reinforcement for added slip resistance, even when wet. Its installed directly on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind. In the background, you can see a church undergoing a roof replacement. "I recently had my roof replaced and Bill and team did an excellent job! This special backing creates the waterproof seal between the underlayment and a clean roof deck. contains volatile compounds, these can dissipate when exposed to heat, causing the underlayment to absorb more moisture and break apart. Thats when synthetic products started gaining in popularity. The underlayment protects the edge of the roof deck from water damage. Thirty-pound asphalt-saturated felt, for example, can actually protect the roof longer if exposed to hail, wind, rain, and snow. Polymers are used in many different types of roofing products to increase their resistance to damage and deterioration. The actual weight-per-square foot these days is actually less than the label says, but the 15 pound. However, if you want the safest, most water-resistant roof or to extend the lifespan of your roof, be sure to include the underlayment in the installation. Theres one main reason why the heavier product adds to the labor cost. to installing synthetic roof underlayment rather than felt. Rubberized asphalt underlayment often has a sticky back with a protective membrane that is removed prior to installation. Roof underlayment is the roofing material that lies between your roof decking and your shingles. Without a roofing underlayment, rain and other bad weather can seep into your roof deck and cause serious problems like rot, mildew, and mold. The 20-inch diameter pine tree in this photo was snapped in half by winds reported to be in excess of 80 miles per hour. Roofing experts have discovered that adding a layer of protection between your structural roof decking (the layer of wood that covers your rafters) and your roof shingles helps create a better-looking and longer-lasting roof. They are also typically non-skid. (Working on a commercial roofing project? The terms "modified bitumen" is often used when referring to asphaltic roofing materails. These synthetic polymers are also used to make a huge variety of other types of products, from food-storage containers and rope, to long underwear. Compared to No. It contains higher percentages of asphalt and rubber polymers, making it waterproof. These photographs show that no parts of the underlayment were torn or lifted. caused by an extreme weather event in Hollywood, Maryland on July 19, 2011. So what is this synthetic underlayment, how is it different from roofing felt, and why are builders making the switch? High-quality synthetic underlayment like CertainTeeds DiamondDeck has the added benefit of scrim reinforcement for added slip resistance, even when wet. We take pride in everything we do, from answering tough questions about the industry to installing a roof with the attention to detail it requires. Thats strong underlayment! However, roofing felt does not offer the lowered moisture permeability characteristics of synthetic underlayment. Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment (also known as synthetic underlayment). This property helps it provide additional water protection, which is one reason it is an important part of a roofing system. To date, there are no applicable ASTM standards for these products. It can be made of water-resistant or waterproof materials to help keep your roof deck protected against water infiltration, heat, snow, and other unfavorable weather. Its also more tear-resistant when exposed to high winds and does not absorb moisture, so it resists mold and fungal growth. Synthetic underlayment rolls are 4-feet long and cover closer to 1000 square feet. That, however, may be about to change. We all know that roofs are a crucial part of the home. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within 12 months. At Owens Corning Water-resistant underlayment is enough for the surfaces of most roofs. Installation along the roof eave is different with some types of synthetics. budget-conscious homeowners. Felt underlayment is around $5.00 per square (100 square feet), while synthetic underlayment is around $7.00-$10.00 per square. The upfront investment in higher quality roofing Can you Install Shingles Over Felt that has Frost or Snow? This photograph of the church roof (below) was taken the same day as the one above. Black creates a much hotter surface in the sun than gray. Felt underlayment tends to cost less They last much longer when installed, and if your roofer needs to wait before installing your primary roof covering, rubberized asphalt underlayment can be exposed to weather elements for up to 180 days without severe negative effects. Read on to understand the purpose of felt paper on roofs, and how this product will add an integral layer of protection to your roof and your residence. Heavier products typically have more high-performance qualities built in, like improved walkability, durability, and longer exposure times. Fifteen-pound felt has a perm rating of about 5, although this number can rise in high-humidity conditions. 15 felt, No. In steep-slope roofs (4:12 and steeper), the upper courses of felt underlayment should overlap lower courses by at least 2 inches. To ensure complete satisfaction you should make final color selections from several full size shingles and view a sample of the product installed on a home. Color & design inspiration for your home. There are no required minimum monthly payments during the promotional period. roofing underlayment: Each product has its pros and cons, Individual product weights may vary. is laid on the surface of your roof deck before the installation of your roofing. When you buy Owens Corning roofing shingles, you can rest assured that our commitment to quality is of the highest importance. 2004-2022 IKO Industries Ltd., IKO Industries, Inc., and their affiliated and related entities. Roofing, we call this use after abuse the product can still perform as Although they can be designed as moisture-permeable, they are typically considered moisture barriers. At one point, all roofing underlayments were made of felt. If you need the most budget-friendly option, go with asphalt-saturated felt. Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing, or roof deck, which is typically either plywood or OSB. There are several disadvantages to using felt underlayment on a roof. Thats why shingles need to be installed as soon as the felt underlayment is laid down. Roofing felt products should not be glued to the decking in lieu of using nails or screws. by Nick Gromicko, CMI and Kenton Shepard, CMI. Even without the added protection of shingles, a superior product can withstand some seriously extreme weather. This is the minimum weight many professional associations recommend, and many building codes require. Roofing felt is an underlayment. The selvedge edge should always be along the top edge when the underlayment is installed in courses across a roof. If the top layer of your roofing material springs a leak, a roof underlayment keeps your roof decking dry and safe. Divide the area of your roof by the area of the felt rolls you plan to use, and allow an approximate 10% extra for waste. Typically, this underlayment has a basemat, or a flexible base layer, saturated with asphalt for water resistance. This could not have gone more smoothly. Build Your Roof empowers you to select each layer and component that goes into your Total Protection Roofing System+ so that you get the roof you want to protect your home. In severe winter regions, waterproof, The underlayment protects the edge of the roof deck from water damage. With that in mind, synthetic underlayment is more durable than felt underlayment. When fastened properly, synthetic products will stay in place better than felt. It can be made of water-resistant or waterproof materials to help keep your roof deck protected against water infiltration, heat, snow, and other unfavorable weather. Because a roof replacement is an expensive purchase, its understandable for pricing to be the biggest concern. erns from other sources include the following: Wicking can be more of a problem than with felt underlayment. To improve various characteristics such as strength and elasticity, bitumen is sometimes modified using polymers which give it plastic-like or rubber-like properties, depending on which process is used. You can see the difference between the underlayment overlapped 19 inches on the roof to the right and overlapped 2 inches on the roof to the left. There are several different types of roofing underlayment. Asphalt-saturated felt was the go-to roofing underlayment until about 15 years ago, though it is still a great shingle underlayment. Fast forward 170 years and roofing felt is still the most popular roofing material (now used as an underlayment) being installed today. At a minimum, a roof with asphalt shingles should be completely covered with one layer of underlayment. self-adhering or ice and water) underlayment, which are required to cover overhangs, valleys and wall intersections. If youre wondering, What roofing underlayment should I use? then consider your priorities in terms of water resistance, budget, and eco-friendliness. If youre hoping to install the most budget-friendly roof, skipping the underlayment will help keep your costs down. Lets get to the breakdown of felt underlayment vs. synthetic underlayment. Lastly, youll want to consider price when it comes to choosing your underlayment. An installer needs to follow the directions when installing synthetic underlayment, just like any other building material. When choosing your roofs underlayment, you have to compare the products weight, price, and more. It is available in two thicknesses, 15 pound and 30 pound. In addition, the manufacturers instructions should indicate which side of the roofing felt goes down if that matters for the specific product. installation or weather events. The rubber-like qualities of these underlayments make them self-sealing, meaning that they seal well around fasteners, such as staples and nails. Felt roofing underlayment is one of the oldest types of roofing underlayment. Its called roofing underlayment. This type of underlayment is typically moisture-resistant, and when its installed correctly, it offers better protection from the weather compared to felt. One of these important roofing materials is your roofs underlayment. Felt underlayment is much more prone to rip from high winds and during the installation process. Without a. , rain and other bad weather can seep into your roof deck and cause serious problems like rot, mildew, and mold. The important thing is to talk to your local roofing contractor about your underlayment options and how theyll ultimately impact the cost of your roof. There were no leaks. Water from the felt may be absorbed by the roof deck, which can cause problems with expansion and contraction of the deck. Preventing water infiltration is always easier than dealing with costly repairs or damage. The roof is what keeps a home shielded from storms, cold, and heat. You probably dont think the weight of the material is an important comparison. The price of synthetics is based on weight and performance. It allows us to stay warm and dry regardless of whats happening outside. Owens Corning is Proud to Support the 2021 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, perhaps helping the job move along faster. Molecules in cross-linked polymers actually bond to each other at the atomic level; they actually share atoms, which greatly increases the strength of the material. 9 Materials Included With Your Roof Replacement. the right roofing materials to protect your home. InterNACHI is a registered trademark of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. IKO strives to accurately reproduce the screen images of the shingle swatches and house photos shown. also tends to be: Because its made of plastic, synthetic underlayment is Ten years from now, when the prices are the same or less than felt, we will use nothing but synthetic. To start you down this path, were going to break down the crucial roofing material, underlayment. When installing any kind of roofing other than asphalt (steel, wood, tile, etc. In general, you may use nails or staples to secure the roofing felt to the decking. Felt underlayment is the older of the two and comes in 15 lb and 30 lb rolls. Cost is always the first thing on homeowners minds when they hear its time for a new roof. underlayment is the cost. Now you should know which underlayment is right for you. This would impact the felts ability to protect against moisture. It shows that DiamondDeck alone protected this roof during an unexpected extreme weather event. However, there are some important comparisons to keep in mind when deciding which one you want on your roof. Most synthetics are woven or spun from either polyethylene or polypropylene. Roofing felt typically comes in 36-inch wide rolls. Different types of synthetic underlayment have been around since the early 2000s. There are two different types of underlayment, felt and synthetic. Synthetic membrane underlayments, on the other hand, may have built-in self-adhesive, which glues them down to the decking. IKO assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear on this website. Total Protection is more than shingle deep. Roofing felt rolls are 3-feet long and cover about 400 square feet. The advantage of this type of underlayment is that it comes in different thicknesses with varying resistances to damage and weather exposure. Consider for slopes between 2:12 and 4:12 which are more prone to wind-driven rain. and therefore may have different levels of performance. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Because a roof is a sizable purchase, every homeowner needs to know the materials they're about to pay for. ), make sure the synthetic you install is compatible. Roofing felt is sold in rolls and the product label will give information on the area contained. typically available in two types: No.15 felt and No. Purchasing a new roof is one of the biggest decisions youll ever make for your home, so its important that its done right and that you have someone standing behind the work for years to come. There are four main advantages Please refer to our Legal Notices for U.S.A. or our Legal Notices for Canada. Many synthetics are competitively However, on low-slope roof applications from 2:12 to 4:12, roofers may use adhesive on felt. A synthetic underlayment basemat is saturated in asphalt, and the addition of fiberglass gives it superior tear resistance and stability. As an inspector, you are not responsible for identifying the type of underlayment, but its a good idea for you to know what types exist and some of their properties. This special backing creates the waterproof seal between the underlayment and a clean roof deck. This type of underlayment is commonly referred to as felt paper or tar paper, and it is made from varying blends of cellulose (natural plant fibers), polyester, bitumen or asphalt. A big disadvantage to rubberized asphalt is the cost. . Whether or not a roofing underlayment is required for your roof type, its always a good idea since it provides an extra layer of protection for your home.