When it comes to installing a new roof, many homeowners focus primarily on the shingles or tiles that will be visible from the outside. However, a crucial component of any roofing system is the underlayment, which is the layer of material that lies beneath the shingles and provides an extra level of protection for your home. At Hinkle Roofing, we always use high-quality underlayment when installing new roofs for our customers in Montgomery, Alabama, and the surrounding areas. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of underlayment and why it’s essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of your roof.
What is Roofing Underlayment?
Roofing underlayment is a thin, water-resistant material that is installed directly onto the roof deck before the shingles or tiles are applied. It serves as a secondary barrier against moisture, helping to prevent leaks and water damage to your home’s interior. Underlayment is typically made from asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, or synthetic materials, each offering different levels of protection and durability.
The Primary Benefits of Installing Underlayment
- Moisture Protection: The primary purpose of underlayment is to provide an additional layer of protection against water intrusion. Even if shingles or tiles become damaged or dislodged, the underlayment helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the roof deck and causing damage to your home’s structure.
- Ice and Snow Barrier: In colder weather, ice dams can form along the eaves of a roof, causing water to back up and seep under the shingles. Certain types of underlayment, such as rubberized asphalt, can be used to create an ice and water shield in these vulnerable areas, minimizing the risk of leaks and damage.
- Fire Resistance: Some underlayment materials, particularly fiberglass-reinforced products, offer an added level of fire resistance. This can be especially important in areas prone to wildfires or for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s overall fire protection.
- Shingle Adhesion: Underlayment provides a smooth, uniform surface for shingles to adhere to, helping to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation. This is particularly important for roofs with lower slopes, where the risk of shingle slippage is higher.
- Compliance with Building Codes: Many local building codes require the use of underlayment when installing a new roof. By using underlayment, Hinkle Roofing ensures that your new roof meets or exceeds all applicable building codes and standards.
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Your Roof
At Hinkle Roofing, we carefully select the type of underlayment used for each roofing project based on several factors, including the climate, roof slope, and shingle type. For most installations, we recommend using a high-quality asphalt-saturated felt or a synthetic underlayment.
Asphalt-saturated felt is the traditional choice for roofing underlayment. It is made by saturating a base material, such as recycled paper or fiberglass, with asphalt to create a water-resistant barrier. Felt underlayment is available in different weights, with heavier options offering greater protection against moisture.
Synthetic underlayment, on the other hand, is a more recent innovation in the roofing industry. Made from polypropylene or other synthetic materials, it offers superior tear resistance, moisture protection, and durability compared to traditional felt. Synthetic underlayment is also lighter and easier to install, making it an increasingly popular choice among roofing professionals.
Regardless of the type of underlayment used, proper installation is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness. Our experienced roofing technicians at Hinkle Roofing take great care to ensure that the underlayment is installed smoothly and securely, with all seams and edges properly sealed to prevent moisture infiltration.
Investing in Quality Roofing Services
When it comes to protecting your home and your family, investing in a high-quality roofing system is essential. By choosing Hinkle Roofing for your roofing needs in Montgomery, Alabama, you can trust that your new roof will be installed with the utmost attention to detail and the highest quality materials, including premium underlayment.
Our commitment to using underlayment in every roofing installation is just one example of our dedication to providing our customers with the best possible service and craftsmanship. With our expertise in roofing, siding, gutters, and window replacement, we are your one-stop shop for all your exterior home improvement needs.
Don’t neglect the importance of underlayment when installing a new roof. Trust the professionals at Hinkle Roofing to ensure that your home is protected from the elements for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the Hinkle Roofing difference for yourself.
Contact us today at (205) 324-8545 or through our online form for all of your roofing needs.
