What Is The Best Roofing Underlayment For Water Resistance?

What is the best roofing underlayment? This is a vital question that every homeowner needs to ask when roofing their new homes. Since it is the roof that protects your house from elements, you should invest in underlayment that offers the protection you desire.

Many homeowners don’t know much about roof underlayment because it’s often hidden under the roof exterior. It comes as a surprise because the underlayment is one of the most crucial components of a roof. It protects the roof from elements like rain and heat.

If you are not familiar with the roofing underlayment, you’ve come to the right place. This guide explores everything you need to know, including the best types of roof underlayment linings for water resistance. Keep reading to find out what suits you best.

What is the Best Roof Underlayment and What is it used for?

A roofing underlayment is a water-resistant barrier installed on the surface of the roof deck. This protective layer protects the roof deck against water and heat damages due to its waterproof nature. Notably, it’s usually installed under all roofing materials.

Since the underlayment linings get installed under the roofing materials, they are hardly visible from the outside. Unless you are near the house during roof installation, you’ll not find another chance to see the underlayment. So what’s the best roofing underlayment?

Types of Roofing Underlayment for Properties

There are three major types of underlayment you can choose from when roofing your new home. However, each of the linings can’t withstand the same stress when it comes to roofing protection. That’s because the underlayment varies in terms of performance.

Here are the three major types of underlayment that homeowners need to consider:

  1. Rubberized asphalt underlayment
  2. Asphalt-saturated felt underlayment
  3. Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment
  1. Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment

Rubberized asphalt underlayment is waterproof materials that have high concentrations of asphalt and rubber polymers. It is one of the best roofing underlayment for water resistance with a 100 percent watertight seal. So, they are ideal for roofing in snowy regions.

If you want to minimize water damages on your roof deck, consider investing in the rubberized asphalt underlayment. It works against any possible water damage on the roof deck. They have their own self-adhesive and are protected by peel-off membranes.

Since rubberized asphalt is a self-sealing underlayment, it’s suitable for sealing around roof fasteners. The underlayment is also perfect for roof valleys and areas around roof protrusions that are more vulnerable to water leakages.

Notably, some rubberized asphalt underlayment contain fiberglass or polyester film to prevent moisture from building up on the roof. Since the materials used in this type of underlayment are costly, it’s usually more expensive than other types of underlayment.

  1. Asphalt-Saturated Felt Underlayment

Another waterproof underlayment for roofing installation is the asphalt-saturated felt. It was the most popular choice for underlayment before synthetic products replaced it. Notably, the underlayment is also known as felt paper or tar paper due to its content.

Asphalt-saturated felt consist of asphalt, polyester, bitumen, or organic substances like cellulose. The base layer comprises a flexible substance that functions like tar. Instead, the underlayment’s basemat is asphalt saturated. 

The asphalt-saturated basemat makes up the underlayment’s water-resistance component and enhances the roof deck’s stiffness. That makes it resistant to damages by debris, hailstones, and heavy impacts from falling solid objects.

  1. Non-Bitumen Synthetic Underlayment

Most modern houses use non-bitumen synthetic underlayment on roofs due to its numerous benefits. It is still saturated with asphalt in the basement and incorporates fiberglass, a fiber-reinforced plastic. This improves its elasticity and tears resistance.

Today, most roofing professionals prefer this underlayment material because it’s highly resistant to moisture. Since it is water-resistant, it helps prevent mold and fungal growth on the roof deck. Besides its water-resistant nature, it is very strong and highly durable.

Another advantage of non-bitumen synthetic underlayment is that its UV resistance. It can protect your roof surface from damages resulting from excess heat. Not to mention, the material is non-skid and lightweight, making the installation process easy.

Benefits of Installing the Best Roof Underlayment on Your House

Now that you know the various types of roof underlayment, you are perhaps wondering why you need one on your roof. If you want the roofing to last longer, you have to invest in the best roof underlayment.

Here are the reasons your house needs roof underlayment.

High Water-Resistance

When the shingles on your roof get exposed to moisture, they can grow brittle over time, weakening the outer surfaces. A water-resistant underlayment allows the condensing water droplets to run off the roof surface. If you are looking for an underlayment ideal for water resistance, synthetic and asphalt-saturated underlayment are the best options.

Effective Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a bit different from water resistance. Since roofs with valleys, dormers, and hips are more likely to leak during heavy rain, a waterproof underlayment will stop potential leakages. It forms a protective barrier for a roof’s outermost layer, preventing water damages. A rubberized asphalt underlayment is the best option for waterproofing.

Moisture and Heat Barrier

When you install shingles on the outermost part of your roof deck, they help reflect sunlight and protect the roof surface from elements like wind and rain. Notably, they usually overlap each other, leaving some space around the corners.

The spaces around the shingles’ corners can allow water or moisture to enter the roof’s interior during heavy rains or snow. During hot summer months, heat can accumulate in the attic space and weaken the roof shingles.

With roof underlayment, your roof can have all the protection it deserves against severe weather conditions. As a result, your shingle roof material will last longer than expected. 

Final Words

If you want to extend your roof’s lifespan, it’s imperative to invest in the best roofing underlayment. Your roof gets exposed to rain, heat, and snow throughout the year, and you need something that can protect it against such elements. It’s better to install the best underlayment than having to deal with roof damages that may be costly. Contact us now for roof underlayment installation services at affordable costs.

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