Germantown Roofing: Article About Exploring Synthetic Underlayment

Contractors used to add roofing felt as an underlayment to customers' homes because it was the only viable material at the time. Today's Germantown roofing professionals know there are many options for roofing underlayment. Installed between the roof deck and shingles, synthetic underlayment offers strong protection from the elements using a mixture of polyester, polypropylene, fiberglass and polyethylene. Homeowners should understand the key differences with synthetic underlayment, so they can choose the right material for their next project.

Old-fashioned felt has asphalt and other heavy components creating a heavy weight. Roofers must take this weight into consideration by only carrying a small felt amount at a time. Simply hauling the felt up to the roof costs the homeowner some labor charges. Synthetic underlayment weighs much less than felt and actually has more material added to each roll. Roofers don't have to haul such a heavy load, reducing time and labor on a job site.

Homeowners will notice synthetic underlayment costs more than standard felt. When contractors quote the project, this material cost is often a hinging point for estimate acceptance or denial. However, homeowners must understand that synthetic underlayment does last considerably longer than felt. The plastic and glass components form a much tighter material bond, allowing the roof to have a strong layering partner for decades of reliable use.

Roofers also appreciate synthetic underlayment because projects can be streamlined even more with its durability. Contractors can lay synthetic materials out and not worry about them being damaged by weathering before shingles can be laid. Synthetic is even easier to walk on for better rooftop safety. When the shingles are attached, the underlayment has even more strength as a layering component.

Homeowners may never realize how difficult it is to work with roofing felt. Because of its thin design, felt wrinkles and moves around in high winds. Synthetic underlayment remains in place even under some winds to make shingle placement above it a much smoother process. Roofers must have a smooth surface to lay the final shingle layers or moisture could infiltrate the system. Synthetic underlayment simply offers the ease and strength necessary to form a successful roofing project.

Experienced contractors should be aware of slope limitations and other aspects of synthetic underlayment installation. Because it's not just a roofing felt roll, synthetic underlayment use does require some training from the manufacturer or top company roofing professional. With the right installation technique, synthetic underlayment provides a reliable barrier to moisture and weathering.