Though this roofing component stays hidden, underlayment is the most important part because it provides protection for your home. Even if the most violent storms rip off shingles and cause a branch to fall on your roof and puncture the top layer, the underlayment is remaining on guard, keeping your home dry. Choosing the right type makes all the difference in protecting your home and maintaining its structural integrity.
A Waterproof Shield Against the Storm
Modern underlayment is usually made of a thick felt soaked in asphalt or a high-tech synthetic plastic that is almost impossible to tear. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, water can sometimes freeze at the edge of your roof and create a dam that pushes liquid back toward the top of your house. You can choose a special type of underlayment called an ice and water shield for added protection. This material sticks directly to the wood to seal around every nail, barring even sitting water from seeping into your rafters.
Protection During the Big Construction Project
If you have ever had your roof replaced, you know that the crew usually tears off the old shingles first. This leaves your wooden house deck completely exposed to the sky. If an unexpected rain cloud pops up before the new shingles are installed, the underlayment is the only thing standing between your expensive furniture and a soggy mess. Builders often roll out this material as soon as the old roof is gone because it acts as a temporary umbrella for your entire home. It also protects the wood from getting “sunburned” or dried out by the harsh sun. Without this layer, the wooden boards could warp or shrink.
Breathe Easy With Vapor Barriers
Daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning, can create a considerable amount of moisture in your home. This warm air rises, and it will try to escape through your attic. If your underlayment is not breathable, or if it is too solid or thick, this moisture has nowhere to go and will promote mold growth. The wood can eventually rot, and this will impact your home’s structural integrity in a significant way. Choose an underlayment that protects your home from moisture but still allows the structure to breathe.
When you pick the right material, you are making sure your home stays dry from the outside and healthy from the inside at the same time. If you need help going over your options, chat with a professional roofer. They will have no problem answering your questions and helping you choose the best materials. To get help with the roof installation for your Etna, ME home, consult our roofers at Home Roofing Solutions.
