Building a Tighter Roof with Roofing Underlayments

"Synthetic underlayments are more breathable," says Tom Jones of Stevens Roofing Corp. in Norfolk, Virginia. "They are waterproof, but they also allow moisture to pass out of the system." As a result, synthetic underlayments are mold resistant. They are lighter weight than felt papers, are lighter in color for a cooler roof, and are typically sold in greater widths and lengths. This translates into labor and time savings for roofing contractors. Self-Adhering Underlayment An ice-and-water barrier is applied from the edge of the roof and in the roof valleys to seal the roof edges and prevent ice damming or water penetration. Self-adhering underlayments were initially used primarily in New England, where ice damming threatens roof integrity. These self-adhering ice-and-water barriers were installed mainly in the valleys and eaves of the roof, where ice damming tends to occur. An ice-and-water barrier is significantly thicker than felt or synthetic underlayments, is seamless, provides top-rate water protection, and requires no fasteners for installation. When an ice-and-water barrier is used in a roofing system, it is applied as a first layer, with the felt paper or synthetic underlayment applied on top, across the entire roof deck. These self-adhering underlayments are designed to seal up around any nails or staples used to install the felt paper, synthetic underlayment, or roof shingles. "Self-adhering underlayment works great on low-slope applications where water tends to pool up, says Jones." The underlayment does not allow the water to seep through." Complete Systems—A Growing Trend Warranty is a key word when it comes to roofs. Depending on location, a high-end slate or metal roof might cost as much as $400 per square (10 feet by 10 feet) to install. This is a hefty chunk of change to dish out at one time. Homeowners want to know that a manufacturer will back up the product with a warranty and that a roof said to last for 30 years will actually do so or be replaced. Manufacturers are now marketing complete roofing systems, which allows them to offer longer and more-comprehensive warranties. "Manufacturers want you to buy their whole package, including weather barrier, underlayment, and shingles," Crowe says. "If you use the whole package, you'll get the total warranty." While the definition of total warranty will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, the phrase is enough to convince most roofing contractors to buy into it. "When we do a roof, we tend to go by the manufacturer's recommendations and use their complete system," Jones says. "That way we know we can go back to the manufacturer if there is a problem with the roof later on, because they've provided a bit more extended warranty." Marketing trends aside, the advancements being made in roofing systems and roofing underlayments are leading to stronger, longer-lasting roofs that hold up better against the worst that nature has to offer. "The new technologies have solved a lot of problems," Jones says. "These advancements are good for the industry."

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