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Why Synthetic Underlayment is Better Than Roofing Felt
Companies should stay on top of the latest innovations in their field. Even roofing companies. That’s why Columbus Windows & Siding has added an upgrade to our roofing projects that is a big benefit for Central Ohio homeowners.
Did we mention this is a free upgrade?
Roofing Felt is Old School
Roofing felt is a crucial barrier between the wooden roofing underlayment and the asphalt shingles forming the top layer of your roof. Roofing felt is a moisture barrier that helps wick rain away from your wood underlayment. It also helps reduce exterior noise. For decades, a 15# felt has been considered a best practice for roofers around Central Ohio.
Not anymore.
The latest innovation in roofing is synthetic underlayment. It’s more durable and long lasting than roofing felt. Here’s a comparison:
Roofing felt
- Is asphalt or fiberglass saturated paper that provides water resistance under shingles.
- Come in heavy, unwieldy rolls.
- Is prone to tearing.
- Rain can blow up under the felt.
Synthetic underlay
- Made a longer lasting polymer.
- Stronger than felt.
- Impervious to moisture and offers more weather protection than felt.
- Easier to install.
Synthetic underlayment offers a waterproof barrier between your shingles and the plywood that forms the first line of defense against the elements.
Application of Synthetic Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment comes in big rolls, similar to roofing felt. Or, it can come in peel and stick panels. Extra care should be taken to align each panel properly before adding shingles.
This underlayment helps:
- Prevent water vapors and moisture from leaching into the roofing deck, which can cause the plywood to warp, rot, and mold.
- Prevent shingle leakage into the wood deck, causing expensive repairs.
- Insulate your home, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
- Dampens sound so your home is quieter.
One of the biggest benefits of synthetic underlayment for roofing crews is that it is much lighter and easier to install. Roofing felt is slippery and comes in very heavy rolls, all of which add risk to the project that can be avoided.
Architecture magazine says synthetic underlayment serves another purpose. After Hurricane Katrina, roofing contractors and insurance companies simply could not keep up with the damage. As homeowners in these devastated regions waited for checks to arrive, it became common to see blue tarps as temporary measures to prevent a roof from leaking until the contractor was cleared to repair the damage.
But synthetic underlayment began to replace blue tarps as a viable option, because they were strong enough to withstand the weather for up to six months.
We believe that’s exactly the kind of protection you want between you and the weather.
Central Ohio Roofing Contractors
Anything new in a traditional industry can cause controversy, but we believe innovation is key to improving the lives of our clients. Synthetic underlayment is the next step in an evolving tradition that will serve as a better protection for your home. Ask Columbus Windows & Siding if a synthetic underlayment is the right choice for your home.
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