Your roof is composed of many parts, each serving a purpose in not only keeping the entire assembly healthy but also making sure your home is protected against the elements. One of them is the underlayment, and while you don’t see it directly from the ground – it’s hidden beneath your shingles – it can directly affect the stability and performance of the whole roof structure.
The trusted team of roofers at 4U Roofing shares what you need to know about the underlayment and its importance to your roofing system.
What Is the Underlayment?
Your roof’s underlayment is a thin, water-resistant material sandwiched between the outer roof covering and the wooden decking. Its primary purpose is to protect the entire system against water intrusion. Without it, your roof may become prone to leaks, which can be hard to deal with once its wooden components become exposed to moisture.
Why Is the Underlayment Important?
The following are some of the reasons why the underlayment is as important as the other components of the roofing system:
- Effective water repellent. Your roof’s outer covering is your home’s first line of defense against leaks. Over time, it can suffer wear and tear, which makes it possible for wind-driven rain to penetrate through the roof’s inner layers. With the underlayment installed, you can be sure that your roof’s wooden components won’t suffer rot or mold growth.
- Extra weather protection. Roofing contractors make sure the underlayment is installed first before the shingles or metal panels so the roof can have a backup layer of material to shield the wooden decking from moisture. This is especially important when the pros have to postpone a roof installation due to inclement weather.
- Enhanced roof appearance. The underlayment is installed on top of the roof decking to create a uniform surface upon which the pros install the outer roof covering. This helps avoid what is called a “picture framing” effect, which occurs as a result of using roof decking materials of varying thickness.
Southern Alabama homeowners continue to trust 4U Roofing for their roof repair and replacement needs. When you get in touch with us, you can count on our team of experienced professionals to provide nothing but the best in high-quality roofing services. As a GAF Master Elite® Weather Stopper Roofing Contractor, we are able to use top-notch underlayment products to go with the high-quality roofing systems we install for our customers.
Give us a call today at (251) 235-2222, or fill out our contact form to request a quote. We serve clients in and around Baldwin County, including Daphne and Spanish Fort, AL.
