Roof Underlayment - Felt Paper - Synthetic - Self Adhering
Felt Underlayment
Synthetic Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is used on pitched roofs as a second layer of protection for your roof. Applied directly to the roof sheathing it's initial role is to protect the home from the elements while shingles are affixed to the roof. When the roof is completed, the underlayment assists the shingle layer in repelling moisture helping to lengthen the lifespan of your roof.
Historically, underlayment automatically meant builder's felt or felt paper, a paper product that is literally soaked in asphalt. While felt paper is still the primary underlayment used today (largely due to low cost) synthetic underlayments are also available which may offer better resistance to tearing and moisture. If you live in a part of the country that gets excessive moisture and/or ice dams you may also want to consider a thicker moisture barrier referred to as ’self-adhering’ underlayment. Self-adhering underlayments are traditionally used in conjunction with felt paper and seal up around nail holes.
Regardless which product you choose make certain that it can protect against the particular climate concerns of your local area.
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