“Both underlayment types are reputable with their own strengths and weaknesses. Felt underlayment has earned its credit over the years within the roofing industry for its water resistance and affordability. Synthetic underlayment, with its superior protection against high winds, and long-lasting polymers, has been catching up as a preferred choice in the roofing underlayment industry.”
Roof underlayment serves as a hidden yet critical component of your roofing system. It’s a resilient barrier installed directly onto the roof deck, sandwiched between the roof covering and the roof deck. It plays a vital role in preventing moisture damage and preserving the structural integrity of your home.
But when it comes to choosing an underlayment, there is often a lot of debate between synthetic underlayment vs felt. While both options have their own advantages, the final choice primarily depends on your specific circumstances – the type of roof, weather conditions in your locality, and your budget.
We’ll take a deep dive into both types of underlayment so you can make the best choice for your roofing needs.
Deep Dive: Felt Underlayment
Felt underlayment, sometimes known as tar paper, has been a staple in the roofing industry for years. It’s an underlayment crafted from a combination of natural materials such as wood cellulose, layered together, and then soaked in asphalt for waterproofing.
Pros
Starting with the pros – felt underlayment excels in cost-effectiveness. It’s primarily made from affordable, readily available materials, making it less expensive than synthetic options. Its strength lies in its affordability. So, if budget is your primary concern, felt underlayment can be a sensible choice for your new roof or roof replacement.
Moreover, it has a proven track record in water resistance. Its asphalt-coated composition creates a formidable barrier that can protect your roof deck from water entry and potential water damage.
Cons
On the flip side, it’s important to know that while felt underlayment has water resistance, it’s not entirely waterproof. It can absorb water over time, potentially leading to moisture damage if left undetected. Plus, felt underlayment is generally heavier, and its larger rolls may make it harder to install than synthetic underlayment.
When it comes to durability, felt underlayment may not fare as well in harsh weather conditions or over long periods, mainly due to its susceptibility to tear and the gradual wearing away of the asphalt coating. So, if you live in a locality subjected to high winds or severe weather, it’s worth considering these factors.
Roof Compatibility
In terms of roof type compatibility, felt underlayment is usually ideal for asphalt shingles. Adhering well to the shingles, it forms a cohesive layer that boosts the overall performance of the roofing system.
Discussing the installation process, the weight and bulk of felt underlayment make it a bit demanding. But, it provides a sound workspace for roofing contractors due to its non-slippery surface, even when wet. Despite these installation challenges, a professional roofing contractor like Leverage Roofing can install it correctly and ensure your roof sheathing gets the protection it needs.
Stick around for the next section, where we explore synthetic underlayment and how it compares to felt.
Deep Dive: Synthetic Underlayment
Speaking of synthetic underlayment, it’s a relatively new entrant in the underlayment field that has been giving its traditional counterpart, felt, a run for its money. Synthetic underlayment is a high-tech, innovative option crafted from specially engineered polymers to offer superior protection.
Pros
First, synthetic underlayment typically offers better protection than felt in challenging weather conditions. It’s composed of long-lasting polymers that give it robust water resistance, making it an excellent performer in high winds and severe weather. For homeowners in regions commonly affected by such conditions, choosing synthetic underlayment for roof replacement or roof repair might just be a smart call.
One of its key advantages is its tear resistance. Synthetic underlayment outshines felt here due to its strength—it tends not to tear during installation and can withstand considerable foot traffic.
Another major merit of synthetic underlayment lies in its amazing lightweight nature. Synthetic products like this typically come in larger rolls than felt, making the installation process a lot smoother and quicker for your roofing contractor.
Cons
However, the perks of synthetic underlayment come with a higher price tag. While its upfront cost might be more than felt underlayment, its superior protections, long lifespan, and potential savings from avoiding moisture damage make it worth considering.
Roof Compatibility
Furthermore, synthetic underlayment can be a wonderful companion for a wide range of roofs. Whether it’s asphalt shingles or a metal roof, this type of underlayment tends to adhere well, providing that essential extra protection.
In the upcoming section, we delve into a head-to-head comparison of both types of underlayment, considering all the key factors.
Synthetic vs Felt: Direct Comparison
Budget
If budget plays a crucial role in your decision-making, felt underlayment might just be right up your alley. Its cost-effectiveness and tried-and-true water resistance make it a robust competitor despite its heavier weight and susceptibility to tear over time.
High Winds & Humid Weather
For homeowners in high-wind-prone areas or those who prefer roof installation with longevity in mind, synthetic underlayment offers superior protection against severe weather and high winds. Its tear resistance and enhanced water and moisture resistance, despite being pricier, are worth considering for a more robust roofing underlayment.
The vapor-blocking ability of each underlayment type is another crucial factor to consider. Both types provide moisture controls—but notably, synthetic underlayment offers a stronger barrier against vapor transmission, which could be a decisive factor if you live in a high-humidity region.
Roof Compatibility
Roof-type compatibility doesn’t put either type in the lead – both integrate well with popular roofing materials like asphalt shingles and metal roofs. However, remember, synthetic underlayment tends to be more lightweight, which can make installation a smoother process.
Finally, considering the square footage of your roofing system and the roofing industry norms in your region can also guide you to the right underlayment choice.
Whether you choose felt or synthetic underlayment, remember that your roof’s longevity depends largely on proper installation—where a professional, experienced roofing contractor can make all the difference.
Leverage Roofing: Professional Advice and Expert Installation
Choosing the right underlayment is a fundamental decision that affects the durability and performance of your roof. But remember, even the best underlayment can be ineffective if not installed correctly. That’s where Leverage Roofing steps in with its proven track record and extensive expertise in the roofing industry.
Whether you go for a synthetic underlayment or opt for felt, it’s the quality of installation that can genuinely maximize the lifespan and efficacy of your underlayment. As a successful part of the roofing industry, Leverage Roofing has the necessary skills to ensure your underlayment installation perfectly complements your chosen roofing material – be it asphalt shingles, a metal roof, or a commercial roof!
Furthermore, Leverage Roofing isn’t just about providing professional roofing services; we’re about forming lasting relationships with our clients. That’s why we go the extra mile to help you understand, choose, and implement the right underlayment for your home, based on several factors, including:
- Roof type
- Weather conditions
- Budget
We know that navigating through the many layers of roofing decisions is no easy task. So get in touch with Leverage Roofing today. We’ll provide the professional advice, guidance, and expert installation required to help you make the best roofing decisions for your home. After all, our ultimate goal is your satisfaction and the long-term durability of your roofing system.
