Did you look at the itemized estimate from your local roofer and wonder what the materials listed mean? Why do you need something called an underlayment for your home’s roof installation? As this video explains, the roofing underlayment is installed onto the roofing deck, creating a waterproof layer. The roofer installs the shingles or metal sheets over the underlayment.
There’s no one type of roofing underlayment. The roofing industry uses three main types of underlayment:
- Felt
- Synthetic
- Rubberized
Most underlayment features a self-adhesive side. The roofer peels off the backing from the underlayment and installs it sticky side down, similar to installing wallpaper from a roll.
So many types of underlayment exist because each roofing material type requires a different type of underlayment. That means if you choose an asphalt roof, your installer uses one kind of underlayment, but they use a different underlayment for a clay tile roof or a metal roof.
Some manufacturers create specialty underlayments for use in extreme climates. If you reside in an area known for heavy precipitation and ice events, your roofer will likely recommend a heavy-duty water and ice shield underlayment. This tough layer helps ensure that water can’t enter your home through any tiny cracks in the roof deck after the roof installation is complete.
