Roofing Underlayment Types: What You Need to Know

3 years ago

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of roofs, it’s time to discuss a vitally important part of the roof: the roofing underlayment, and the different roofing underlayment types.

Roof underlayments go underneath the actual roof and insulation, but above the roof deck, and they’re essential for protecting your home from weather and the elements, particularly rain and hail. All roof underlayments have a basemat, which is the flexible base layer.

This underlayment is so vital because in addition to the purposes already listed, it is also your last line of defense in the event that the outer roof layer is damaged. In the unfortunate case where the roofing material gets broken, torn off, or crushed, this layer needs to be able to protect the house.

The tiles or topmost roofing material are functional and aesthetic, but the underlayment is the primary waterproofing element.

Roofing Underlayment Types

There are three common types of roofing underlayment:

Common Asphalt-saturated felt, or “felt paper,” 15#, 30#, 40# etc. has an organic basemat (basically cardboard) that is saturated with asphalt, giving it good waterproof quality. Asphalt-saturated felt is stiff and sturdy, which means it holds up reasonably well to impact from things like hail and airborne debris. Asphalt-saturated felt is a cost-affordable option still in use today,, but not the most durable, and used to be the most popular roofing underlayment type until better materials overtook it.
Rubberized asphalt underlayment, predictably, consists of a fiberglass basemat saturated with rubberized asphalt.. The fiberglass mat will not absorb moisture and rubberized underlayment is very elastic, which makes it a great choice for areas that have extremely hot or cold weather. SBS rubberized underlayment is the most popular underlayment in use in our area and a great step up from common felt paper.
Synthetic underlayment, or non-bitumen synthetic underlayment, is gaining in popularity. It’s made with durable plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which makes it a strong, elastic, and water-resistant choice. Synthetics are still relatively new and it’s use as the best underlayment under tile roofs has still not been proven.

What Is the Best Roofing Underlayment for an Arizona Roof?

The best roofing underlayment for homes in Arizona is the one that accounts for the extraordinary heat stress of Arizona’s summers and the water and wind stress of the monsoon season. It also depends upon the roofing material chosen. Clay tile roofs may perform better with a different choice than the concrete tile roofs that are so popular and attractive right now.

A good roofing company will assist you in determining the best roofing and underlayment for your new roof or for your roof repair. If you work with a qualified and experienced company like Roofstar, you will be given several options to complete your project since there are different ways to meet the same goals and we have the expertise to guide you in these important decisions.

Since there are constant changes in materials for these roofs, we recommend you contact a trusted roofing company like ours to find the most advanced option that will give you the best product at the best value.

Get the Truth About Your Roof

Here at Roofstar we pride ourselves on offering you the absolute truth about your roof and discussing whether repairs or replacement is ideal for your particular situation. Give us a call right away at (480) 426-1915 to get the best roofing underlayment and best roof possible.

Will refer your team and you…..you all fully understand and work for Total Customer Satisfaction…..hope sign generates a new client or two. Take care.

Jack B.

Fountain Hills, AZ

I want to extend my compliments to Santiago Sr & Jr. I really appreciated Santiago Sr’s sense of ’ownership’ with the job and recognize and am grateful for the effort that he and his son put into making sure the job was done well. They did excellent work! Thank you.

Louie B.

Scottsdale, AZ

I have had several neighbors ask about your company and have given favorable recommendations to this point. Your team was very professional and I think to this point did a great job! I am in sales as well and just to let you know Mike was very professional in his meeting with me and his presentation and follow up made the difference between other companies.

Steve Y.

Scottsdale, AZ

I have a new roof today thanks to Roofstar. From the estimate with Chris with understanding the process. Able to talk to all top brass with the care and interest in sharing the process through the team that showed up and did The work. Always willing to answer my questions I am thrilled with the results. Thanks Jeff, Jose, Juan, and Chris. I would highly recommend your team. Your onsite workers were fabulous.

Nancy H.

Very impressed with Jeff’s response to my concern over a rain caused leak in our ceiling.

Jeff arrived promptly in the a.m. for an evaluation, congenial, confident – integrity fully present. The same characteristics I respected, wanted and needed and had happily experienced the moment I met him. After observing the
rather slight damage to the ceiling we went to the roof where he promptly flattened himself atop the shingles and like a practiced detective began to assess shingles and flashing, etc, in order to create a likely scenario that might have generated a leak. His minute attention to detail was impressive.

Having isolated the potential problem he proceeded to caulk here and there. He also took the time to address other concerns that I had regarding roofing issues going forward.

All in all Jeff delivered the kind of prompt, competent service all homeowners seek, are entitled to, and hope for in a tradesman.

Thank you, Jeff for living the kind of values that make owning a home worth the while.

Bob H.

Phoenix, AZ

This is the second time I’ve used Roofstar for roof repairs. Jeff and Roofstar has been honest and fair with their prices compared to other companies however the big difference to me was with the customer service. Jeff Knudson, the owner, came out to our house personally to explain to me what the problem and the options were. Not everything was “urgent” or “required” to be repaired; some items were necessary and some were “nice to have” in order to prevent future repairs. I appreciated the honesty and the option to select the level of repairs that I needed and fit into my budget. Outside of some delays early on during the quote process, the work was completed timely and per the quote provided, no hidden fees or changes to the original quote. I am very happy with the work performed by Roofstar and will recommend Roofstar to any friends and neighbors requiring roof work.

Brian

Gilbert, AZ

Extremely pleased with our extensive roof repair work. The crew showed up early and we could hear them working on the roof all day for a number of days. The price was extremely fair for the scope of the job. I had other roofing companies give me a bid prior to Roofstar. But once Roofstar came out, inspected our roof and told us what needed to be done, I knew they were who we’d hire. They have integrity and honestly which is refreshing when hiring contractors.

Gail B.

Thank you Jeff. Your team (Juan Diaz and crew) did an outstanding job and we really appreciated the daily clean up. Awesome.

Sheryl S.

Fountain Hills, AZ

Excellent service! They install some bird barriers that other companies do not. They explained everything in easy to understand terms. Very friendly and very knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality and reputable company.

J R.

Love that they didn’t try and sell you a roof and repaired. Thanks for helping us get by to save up for complete repair. Work was done timely. I loved they had women roofers!

Candace B.

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Roofing Underlayment Types: What You Need to Know

Roofing Underlayment Types

What Is the Best Roofing Underlayment for an Arizona Roof?

Get the Truth About Your Roof

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