Your home is a large, if not the largest, investment that deserves the best protection possible. The best way to protect your home from the elements is by having a quality roof installed. A key component of a roof is the felt paper, also called underlayment, roofing tar paper, or roll roofing. The layer adds supplementary protection to your home between the roof deck and roofing materials.
While installing a new roof, you have the option of using traditional asphalt based felt paper or a synthetic underlayment for your shingle roof. We want to make sure you understand your options.
What is a traditional based felt paper?
Traditional underlayment is recommended to be used as the base of any shingle roof. Commonly made from fiberglass fleece that has been saturated with other materials to create a waterproof paper-like product. Asphalt saturated felt typically comes in two weights: 15# and 30#, each of which has its own set of advantages.
15# |
30# |
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Most budget friendly option |
Offers superior protection from the elements |
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Great for steep pitched roofs or lighter duty projects |
Great for slate or tile roofs |
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Minimum weight recommended by professionals and building codes |
Typically used for slopes between 2:12 – 4:12 that are exposed to high wind & rain. |
What is synthetic underlayment?
Synthetic underlayment is a newer innovation that is becoming a popular option over traditional felt paper. It is created by weaving polypropylene or polyethylene and a polymer to form a protective roofing material. Synthetic underlayment is increasing in popularity mainly because the cost has reduced in recent years as technology has improved. Cost is not the only advantage of choosing a synthetic underlayment over traditional.
- High Temperature Tolerance – Living in Arizona comes with extreme heat, which can take a toll on your roof. Synthetic underlayment is more resistant to UV rays than traditional tar paper. The tolerance of UV rays also allows the underlayment to be exposed to the elements for up to six months, while traditional underlayment requires a roof covering with minimal delay.
- Retain Less Heat – During the summer months when the sun is at its highest, along with the temperatures, you want your roof to retain as little heat as possible. Luckily, most synthetic underlayments are designed in a lighter gray color, meaning the material does not get as hot to the touch. This is also an advantage for the installer as they can better handle the materials.
- More Tear Resistant – This benefit is not only useful throughout the life of the roof, but also during the installation. During construction, underlayment has the tendency of unrolling and tearing from wind gusts. After construction is complete, you can be sure the interior of your home will be protected should your shingles or tiles be torn from your roof. You can be sure that the underlayment will not tear to expose your roof deck.
- Stays in Place – As most synthetic manufactures require capped nails, as opposed to staples for installation, the likelihood of your underlayment staying in place is much greater than traditional paper. This is especially a positive during installation when the underlayment is exposed for longer periods of time. When shingles or tiles go missing, your home is more susceptible to further damage from wind and water. The exposed underlayment is likely to sustain damage as well and be ripped from the roof deck. Having a much greater probability of staying in place over felt, you won’t be chasing your synthetic underlayment through your neighbors yard!
- Environmentally Friendly – As synthetic underlayment is made from polyethylene and propylene, they are much more environmentally friendly than traditional felts. Their longer life expectancy allows synthetic felts to not be replaced as often and making their carbon footprint much more green along with their ability to withstand intense weather conditions.
As you can see, the advantages of synthetic underlayment far outweigh the advantages of traditional asphalt underlayment. Craven Construction uses synthetic underlayment exclusively for all of your roofing needs. Contact our office today to schedule your free estimate and learn more about the advantages of synthetic underlayment over traditional styles of felt paper.
Is your home ready for a new roof?
About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.