How To Choose The Best Underlayment For Your Roof

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Whether it is the roof for your home or business, you know how important it is to have the best possible materials being used for repairs or replacements. If you try to cut corners on this aspect of roofing, you will be disappointed with the finished product. While you may be primarily focused on the type of material used for your roof, such as asphalt shingles or metal panels, the roof’s underlayment is also crucial in many ways. To select the best underlayment for your roof, keep these suggestions in mind.

Felt

Most often used underneath asphalt shingle roofs, felt underlayment is generally inexpensive, making it a good choice if you are on a tight budget. However, it is used primarily on steep-sloped roofs rather than flat roofs, and for good reason. Felt underlayment can absorb water over time if standing water is present, as is the case with many flat roofs on commercial buildings. It is also prone to wrinkling and tearing, and can deteriorate quickly if exposed to direct sunlight.

Rubberized

A common underlayment used in commercial roofing, rubberized underlayment offers the advantage of being self-sealing, meaning it can easily fill in spaces around nails or staples. Very flexible, its elasticity makes it a preferred underlayment of many commercial roofers, especially those who work on expansive flat roofs found on large industrial buildings and schools. Resistant to moisture penetration, it does well in very hot climates.

Synthetic

As popular or perhaps more so than rubberized underlayment, synthetic underlayment is usually the most expensive of this type of roofing material. However, if you are willing to pay more for your roof, you will usually get what you pay for if this underlayment is used. Excellent at protecting roofs from rain, ice, and wind, it is long-lasting, durable, and breathable, meaning humidity can escape from the roof’s surface. Lightweight and able to withstand harmful UV rays, it’s hard to beat synthetic underlayment.

Fire-Resistance

Finally, pay attention to the fire-resistance ratings of any underlayment you may be considering for your roof. Ratings are usually given as A, B, or C, with A offering the most protection against fire damage and C offering the least.

Since pricing differences among various underlayment may be no more than $500, its cost won’t have a dramatic impact on your project’s overall price. Because of this, it’s best to not skimp on the material you select. By taking numerous factors into consideration, you can emerge with a roof that will stand the test of time.

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