Sylvania Roofing: Article About Why Use Synthetic Roofing Underlayment?
Before asphalt shingles and a number of other types of roofing materials are laid down on a roof surface, a roll of protective sheeting is first attached to the roof. This added layer between the shingles and the roof serves to better shield the substrate from moisture though it is not leak proof as many homeowners may believe.
Sylvania roofers answer a FAQ: What ingredients go into synthetic roofing underlayment?While each manufacturer's formula will vary, synthetic underlayments are typically made of polyester, polypropylene or fiberglass. The material is much more lightweight than felt fabric and is capable of up to six months' direct exposure to the elements without deterioration. Its cost is higher than felt, but its properties give added protection as well.
When the time finally comes to replace the roofing on your home, it is, among other things, an opportunity to upgrade to a higher quality roofing underlayment. Many good Sylvania roofing contractors will be able to explain in more detail the pros and cons of using synthetic versus felt underlayment, but the basic differences are covered here.
First, the importance of using any underlayment at all should be highlighted. Several benefits generally occur when this layer is used just below the shingles, including greater water resistance, protection against vapor, having shingles not exposed to wood resins that could weaken them and temporarily shielding the decking from water in the event of blown off shingles.
Felt is the traditionally used material, but new synthetic rolls are beginning to displace it in some markets. Felt offers reasonable moisture protection and fire resistance in addition to being relatively cheap. It consists of felt paper soaked in asphalt, which succeeds at creating a fairly solid membrane.
New synthetic roof underlay uses weaved polymers to create a far more solid barrier. It is lighter, stronger and safer to walk on for steep roof inclines because it increases the stability level under each step. It also lays down flatter, which can avoid the occasional wrinkle that felt sometimes leads to.
The expert roofers at Johnson Roofing of Sylvania can assist you with any questions regarding roof repair or commercial roofing.
One of the most important benefits of synthetic underlayment, however, is its far superior level of vapor resistance. This is not generally a huge problem with most asphalt roofs, but with metal and slate roofing, it can make a huge difference. Vapors can deposit condensation, and moisture can become trapped below the roofing. This, in turn, could decay plywood and rafters over the long term.
One final aspect to consider is the situation should shingles be torn off during high winds. Synthetic material stands up against the high winds better. It is not nearly as likely to tear and blow off along with the missing shingles. Secondly, it will increase moisture resistance, which is important since rain accompanies windstorms nearly as often as thunder does lightening.
There are times when felt is more than adequate or even the best choice, but in many cases, it would be well worth the extra investment to add the extra protection of synthetic underlayment. By lasting longer and performing better, it could potentially cut down on repair costs and even delay, to a degree, the eventuality of needing new roofing all over again.
