Admit it; the roof is your home’s first and last line of defense. As a result, it pays to ensure it’s always up to the task. Resolve Roofing encourages homeowners to learn about their roofs to maximize protection. To this end, the firm promotes the use of quality roofing underlayment – allowing you to take the first step toward ensuring your roof holds up to everything the weather throws. Let’s briefly discuss what underlayment comprises before exploring its benefits.
Your roof is only as good as the materials supporting it. The underlayment is a layer of protection typically made from felt paper, fiberglass, or a polymer-modified material. It’s installed between the roof deck and shingles.
Think of your roof as a structure comprising several layers. The roof deck is the surface to which shingles are applied. Mostly, it’s made from plywood or oriented strand board. The underlayment lies between the roof deck and shingles or your preferred covering.
While your tiles or shingles are designed to shed water, they can only do so effectively if the roof deck is in excellent condition. If there are cracks, gaps, or other damage, water can seep into your home, causing leaks and other problems.
The underlayment provides additional protection against water damage by sealing the roof deck and keeping water out. It’s like the unseen hero of your roofing system, working behind the scenes to keep your home dry and comfortable.
The damage a leaky roof can cause is well-documented. For starters, water can wreak havoc on your ceilings, walls, and insulation. Plus, it can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems. Oh, wait! There’s more.
Over time, water can compromise your roof’s structure, leading to costly repairs. In extreme cases, a leaking roof can cause your home to collapse. And if that happens, your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover the damages.
Yikes! That’s a lot to worry about. But here’s the good news: installing a quality underlayment can prevent these problems. It’s like an insurance policy for your roof. Here’s how it protects your home:
As we’ve established, the underlayment’s primary function is to act as a moisture barrier. Although the material may not be waterproof, it’s typically water-resistant, which can keep your roof deck dry even if there’s a breach in the outer layer of protection. When scoping out available underlayment options, consider the material’s water-resistant properties, your roof’s slope, and the prevailing climate.
Underlayment also functions as a sealant. Once installed, it keeps water and other elements out while sealing the roof deck. It’s like a tarp for your deck, helping prevent water damage in the event of a leak.
It also keeps air out – this typically contains moisture. This explains the need to ensure a professional underlayment installation to avoid trapping moisture beneath it.
Missouri building code requires an ice and water shield on residential roofs. Such a shield is a heavy-duty, self-adhesive underlayment applied to the roof deck in vulnerable areas. These areas are typically around the eaves and valleys of your roof – places where water is most likely to pool and cause damage.
The shield protects your home by stopping water in its tracks, preventing it from seeping into your home and causing damage. Besides, it helps to ensure your building is up to code, which can come in handy if you decide to sell your home. And while an ice shield isn’t a requirement in all states, it’s a smart move to install it if your area experiences harsh winters.
Tiles and shingles can take a beating from the sun, wind, and rain. Over time, they can crack and get damaged, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. But if your roof has a protective layer underneath, your home is better insulated against the elements.
An underlayment helps regulate the temperature in your home by serving as an additional insulation layer – by keeping out air. That way, your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable, which can save you money on energy bills over time.
There’s no telling when your roof may spring a leak. Such leaks can damage your HVAC system and ruin personal belongings stored in your attic. Besides, the damage could extend to your home’s foundation. And anything that impacts your structure’s foundation is bad news. Thankfully, you can rest assured knowing your underlayment has you covered.
Simply put, installing a quality underlayment is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent costly repairs later on. Besides, it allows you to rest easy knowing that even during inclement weather, your home – and everything in it – will be safe.
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