Archives for August 2020

What is Safe to Attach to a Shingle Roof?

August 26, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

From satellite dishes to security cameras there are many home accessories that you may want to attach to the roof of your home. It is always a good idea to consult with your local roofing contractors before nailing anything into your roof. You can increase the risk of roof leaks if you try and attach something without professional guidance. The makers of these home accessories may not fully understand roofing materials and not warn against the attachment. We will help you better understand the do’s and don’ts of common items that you might be thinking about attaching to your roof, and also where these items should really be hung.

Can I nail into my roof?

The whole point to a quality roofing system is designed to keep water out of your home. There are many components of a quality roofing system which include an underlayment, ice and water protection, shingles and flashing. Together all of these layers put down by your local roofing contractor, forces water into your gutters and away from your home. Driving even just a single nail into your roof can compromise the entire roofing system. That single nail will penetrate through the shingles, to the underlayment creating a hole in your roof. The next time it rains water can enter that small hole and bypass each layer laid down by your roofing contractor, and trickle down into your attic. All from just a single nail you may have yourself a small leak, and even small leaks can cause major issues for your home.

Your certified roofing contractor uses plenty of nails while installing your new roofing system, but this is done in a specific way so that each nail is covered by the shingle above it. Each shingle needs to lay flat against your roof in order to work properly, even a nail not driven all the way through can cause problems. The nail will prop the shingle up slightly letting in more than enough water to cause a leak, if your roofing contractor adds another nail beneath the shingle it will lay flat.

Common home accessories

Can I attach an antenna to my roof?

We always suggest that you consult your local roofing contractor to attach anything to your roof, even a small antenna. In order to properly mount an antenna to your roof without damaging it the antenna needs to be attached to the gable, the fascia, or chimney. A non penetrating mount can also be used that manipulates the use of weights rather than screws to be held in place. There are many options available to mount your antenna that does not require being nailed or screwed into your roof. A free standing antenna in your backyard, or a bracket that attaches to another part of your roofing system is a better choice. Always check with your roofing contractor if the bracket provided is appropriate for its use and your roofing system.

Can I mount a security camera on my roof?

Most home security cameras are not attached directly to the roof and manufacturers do not recommend it. Although most surveillance cameras are weatherproof, snow and high winds can decrease their lifespan. If your security camera was sitting on top of your roof and 5 inches of snow came, it would be buried and no help to you. Inclement weather will also distort its view or leave water droplets on the lens making its image blurry.

Manufacturers suggest mounting your surveillance camera to the soffit of your quality roofing system. The soffit is located directly underneath the roof’s eave. Although the soffit is constructed from wood, the bottom layer is usually aluminum or vinyl which has vents to allow your attic to breathe. To properly secure the security camera to the base of the soffit it must be fastened through the vinyl/aluminum and onto the wooden truss. The vinyl or aluminum is not strong enough to hold the camera and it may fall out over time.

Can I attach flower baskets to my roof?

While flower baskets are beautiful and add to your homes curb appeal, you should never attach flower baskets to your roof or soffit. You may see some flower baskets hanging by a chain from the soffit of a home, this is not wise unless the chain is connected to a structural component of your quality roofing system. Your roofing contractor can properly attach your baskets to the chain without causing damage. The vinyl or aluminum part of the soffit of your roof can not handle the weight that comes with hanging a flower basket. It is important to remember that each time you add water to your flowers its weight increases. Special brackets are available that are placed in different areas of your home like on porch railings, fence posts or the sides of walls that are durable like brick.

Can I attach a pergola to my shingle roof?

You might be interested in adding a backyard structure that attaches to your roof such as a pergola, it is more complicated than you may think. Before attaching anything to your roof, always consult with your trusted local roofing contractor first. Like we explained previously, nailing into shingles can cause damage or leaks. There are other options available to you like a free standing pergola or structure that is close enough to your home, without having to drill or nail into your roof.

Can I attach solar panels to my roof?

Solar panels can be installed to your shingle roof only by a trained roofing contractor or solar specialist. It is important to note that if you chose to install solar panels yourself and leaks were caused by its anchor points, this will not be covered by your shingle limited warranty.

Can I attach Christmas Decorations?

There is nothing more magical than driving around your neighborhood around Christmas time and seeing all the beautiful light and decorations. If you are eager to contribute to the Christmas spirit it is important to know the appropriate way to hang your decorations. We advise that you do not attempt to hang any decorations when there is ice or snow visible or wet weather conditions. It is imperative to follow safety guidelines when walking on your roof to avoid the risk of damaging the shingles. If you choose to add large decorations to your roof it is best to consult with your roofing consultant on how to do so. Special clips are made so that no screws or nails are necessary to hang lights from your roof.

HOW TO USE & MAINTAIN A GREEN ROOF TO SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT

August 18, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

A green roof or “living roof” is a growing trend which offers visually stunning features that also expands your outdoor square footage. Green roofs are designed to absorb heavy rainfall, reduce flooding and also, extend the life of your roof by protecting it from all of the outside elements. The most important feature of an environmentally friendly roof is that it insulates your home by reducing the temperature inside and helping the environment!

You may choose to put a living roof on your home for environmental purposes, the first thing you will want to do is find a local roofing company and green roof supplier to help you design and install your green roof properly. There are many features to a living roof that cannot be added once it is installed for depth reasons, so it is important to fully design what you want with your local roofing company.

Some things to carefully consider while planning out your green roof are, the types of plants you’re interested in having, how much added weight from the soil and moisture will be retained, and the climate your home is in. If your home is in a climate that goes through all of the seasons then it is important to consider the added weight of snowfall on top of what you are adding to your living roof.

What are the benefits of having a green roof?

Green roofs promote environmental health and local biodiversity by combining these unique features to reduce energy from greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing native or endangered species types of plants to put on your living roof, you will also provide food for bugs and other animals along with a habitat. Another benefit to a green roof is its ability to soak up storm-water and reduce the impact on animal habitats without flooding during heavy rain. Absorption of storm-water is filtered through soil, replenishes aquifers and flows back into streams and rivers which ultimately improves water quality.

An environmentally friendly roof is not only limited to housing endangered or native plants, you can also create a home for bees! If you are interested in cultivating homegrown honey then you’re in luck, our local roofing experts say that it’s no problem to house beehives on your green roof. Always be sure that you’re checking with your local roofing company to check weight limits and not exceed structural load limits. It is also important to check out any local by laws that pertain to regulating and maintaining beehives in your area.

Farming on a living roof:

Growing not only a variety of wild plants on your living roof, but also the produce you eat is another amazing benefit to a green roof. Planning is the most important step when deciding what you want to grow and what type of support it will need. If you want to grow large and tall plants be sure to let your local roofing contractor know ahead of time so he can better help your architect or structural engineer with the design.

Costs associated with having a living roof:

People are not interested in putting a green roof on their home because they are looking to save money, these people are intrigued by its environmental impact and aesthetic appeal. Having an environmentally friendly roof will have more costs associated with it and maintenance that is ongoing. Landscaping is an added cost that most people already take on for their homes and a living roof is no different, trimming plants and watering everyday are a required upkeep. You may not be able to do all the maintenance yourself because it is up on your roof, certain equipment and tools are required. It is recommended to consider exactly what type of maintenance you’ll need for your living roof and consult with your local roofing contractor and green roof supplier for more information.

How often does your green roof need watering?

This answer depends on many factors, the type of plants you have chosen and the climate that you live in will all yield different answers. Drought resistant roof plants such as sedums can last long periods of time without being watered, compared to flowers and produce vegetables which will need much more attention. Trimming your plants like watering is another required task, whether it be mowing the surrounding grass or tending to moss. A professional landscaper can advise you on the exact maintenance you can expect for your environmentally friendly roof.

Protecting your living roof in the winter:

Planting the types of plant species that can withstand the environment of your green roof so you won’t have to make preparations in the winter time, will save a lot of time and stress. Your local environment will determine which plants are appropriate. Even if you love the look of sedums it’s important to know how they’ll handle the freezing temperatures, and same with warmer weathered climates. Cold weather perennials wouldn’t last in the warmer climate, so do some research to find the best types of plants for your living roof.

Maintenance

Clearing drains & gutters: During the winter months moisture accumulates on your roof and after the snow and ice melts a large amount of stress is put upon the roof. If the drainage system is not efficiently working water will begin to seem through the weakest points. Inspecting gutters and drains regularly will save you time and money in the long run.
Snow removal: Depending on your area you may get more or less snow, as snow begins to collect on your roof it should be designed so that the load is evenly spread out. The best method of snow removal on your green roof is a simple shoveling; so you do not ruin or disrupt your plants.
Waterproofing: When you are working with your local roofing contractor you can explain to them how important waterproofing will be for your green roof. From the summers of constant watering and rainfall to the winters of snow melting, you will need to make sure all precautions are taken so you roof does not leak. Making a check list to inspect the caulking to make sure everything is sealed properly, check surrounding areas for water & wind erosion, and deterioration from exposure to the outside elements.

Dealing with repairs on a green roof:

Unlike shingled asphalt roofs that are constantly exposed to the elements, a green roof is not exposed so repairs are not frequently necessary. It is necessary for your environmentally friendly to have a root barrier which acts like a waterproof membrane to reduce the likelihood of needing to make repairs.

SHOULD YOU GET A NEW ROOF BEFORE YOU SELL YOUR CURRENT HOME AND WILL A NEW ROOF INCREASE YOUR HOMES VALUE?

August 13, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

When you are looking to buy or sell your home a new roof replacement is a great marketing tool. Buyers will appreciate a new roof because they know the average roof will last about 20-30 years. When purchasing a new house comes a lot of unexpected expenses, most new home buyers can’t handle another large expense like a new roof replacement on top of a down payment. Some clients may not even attempt to put an offer in on the home if they know it needs a new roof replacement.

How does a new roof affect home value?

You will need to figure out some key factors to see how much a new roof replacement will increase the value of your home such as, your roof condition, the real estate market, and feedback from potential buyers. With our experience we have gathered information on how a roof replacement will add value to your home, which factors will make it a smart investment, or even how it may reduce the value. If after reading this you decide that a new roof replacement is worth it and will allow you to get top dollar for your home, we invite you to explore our shingle collection and your options.

There are many studies that have been done on how much value a new roof will add to your home, one of which stated that the average homeowner will spend around $22,500 on a midrange roof. This new roof replacement would add an increase to the home value of about $15,500, this works out to be about a 68% investment.

Another study that was conducted by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) concluded a much larger percent return of 109%. This would mean you would make a profit on your new roof replacement. Putting on a new roof is clearly a smart investment, but how would you know if a roof replacement will generate a 60% return or if it will bump-up your current home value? The three major factors that will help you answer this question are: The housing market in your area, the condition of your current roof, and the type of roof replacement that you choose.

The Housing Market Conditions in Your Area: A roof replacement doesn’t always increase home value in every market. The best thing to firstly do is get some advice from a real estate agent and a local appraiser, they can help you understand the market conditions. Even if you don’t see a huge financial return, a new roof will more likely get you smoother negations, lower time on the market, and even a full price offer.
Another factor to consider is the condition of your existing roof: Keeping your roof in good condition is one of the most important things you can do in maintain your home. It can be very unattractive to a potential buyer and may make them question what else you have not maintained in your home. Most home buyers expect the roof to be in good condition and if it is not they will likely pass on submitting an offer, or give a low ball offer. After purchasing a new home few people have the money or energy to have to undergo extensive repairs or a full roof replacement.

When you or the potential buyer get the home appraised they will undoubtedly notice the condition of your roof and will reduce your home’s value, depending on how mild to sever the damage is. However if your existing roof is only between 5-10 years old and in decent condition, a roof replacement may not benefit you much.

3. Choosing the right type of roof replacement can make all the difference: Your choice between different types of shingles, a metal roof, or slate will impact the return you receive on your new roof. Asphalt and Architectural; shingles range from $50-$80 per square, a Metal roofing system ranges between $100-300 per square, and slate coming in at a whopping $300-600 per square. Each type of roofing system has its own attributes and it’s up to you which one best fits your needs.

Something important to consider when choosing a roof replacement and other home renovations is the type of neighborhood you live in. In general you need to match your neighbored dynamic, there is no point in investing in luxury home features if no other home in your neighborhood has them. It is unlikely to get a full return on designer shingles if all you neighbors have less expensive shingles, your home value will not raise much above your neighbors.

On the other hand, if you live in an upscale neighborhood where many of the homes have metal roofs or high-end shingles it might be expected to keep up. Higher-end shingles will match to style of the homes exterior and interior materials used in many cases, and buyers can be discouraged by traditional cheaper shingles.

Will a Metal Roof Increase Home Value?

On average a metal roof coats around $38,000 dollars compared to a shingled roof of about $22,500. When looking at Saratoga roofing contractor’s home values increase percentage, a metal roof brought in a return of 60% and a shingle roof return of 68%. These numbers of course are just an average, you may get a full return on your investment. When considering a metal roof it is important to know how much it will increase home value and consider how a potential buyer will view it.

Is a new roof a good selling tool?

Although a new roof won’t skyrocket you home value, it can still help you sell your home much quicker and at a higher price. Any local roofing company will tell you that a new roof is a highly effective selling tool. In a recent NARI report 32% of realtors used the fact that a new roof replacement was done to the home to finalize the sale. Buyers are very attracted to houses with a new roof because they know it will save them time and money in the long run without any major issues or repairs. Can you spot the difference?

Keep in mind that potential buyers are looking for a well maintained exterior of a house, this usually gives insight to what the interior of the house looks like also. Even if it is not the most accurate reflection of the interior of the house, buyers will assume your roof reflects the investments you’ve made on the inside as well.

How to deal with animals in your roof vents and attics

August 10, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Maybe you’ve heard an animal in the attic scratching at night?

In North America we are home to variety of wildlife that sometimes make their way into your roof vents and attics. Some common types of animals that make their way into your home include raccoons on the roof, birds squeezing into exhaust vents, squirrels nesting in the attic and other critters that you would much rather see in nature rather than your home.

How do I get rid of an animal in my attic or roof? In this article we’ll answer many questions you may have regarding how to get rid of these pests and keep them out.

The first question you most likely have is, how to know if you have an uninvited animal guest in the first place without consulting a local roofing contractor first? You will most likely hear the tiny scurrying of the animal across your ceiling from above or even see or smell its presence. Animals are often looking for a warm cozy place to nest during mating season in the spring months, especially in northern climates.

How can animals get through roof vents or into your attic?

Some signs of entry for pests include:

Gaps in between the fascia and the eaves
Open chimneys
Loose fascia
Missing shingles
Holes in the siding

Once an animal is inside of your home there are some common signs to look for such as:

Nests or hives
Droppings or urine marks
Chewed wires or pipes
Torn insulation or air ducts

How do I squirrel proof my roof?

During the day squirrels are the most active critter that may cause havoc in your home, while at night nocturnal animals such as raccoons and bats are more prevalent. There is a distinctive difference in the tread sounds of squirrels, mice and rats compared to those of larger animals like raccoons which are much slower and heavy. Their sounds may be heard from overhead in the attic, ceiling, in between walls, exhaust vents or inside of chimneys. Trimming tree branches that hang close to your roof will prevent squirrels from gaining access to your home. Squirrels can jump from more than 10ft away so be sure to cut enough of the limb.

Potential damage can be done by not only mammals but other common infestations like insects, termites or cockroaches. We recommend that you always consult with a professional in pest control or a local roofing contractor to remove uninvited animals or pests from your home as it can be dangerous. A well trained animal specialist can remove the problem in a safe and effective manner while following the bylaws of the protected species.

Bees and Wasps:

These tiny tenants like to hive in your attic or outside in the corners of porches or decking. In the summer months bees and wasps are less likely to make a home in your attic because of the temperatures reaching up to 180 degrees F. The wax in a honeybee hive melts at 130 degrees F so it’s more likely to see their hives on the perimeter of your home than inside. Once a hive is detected it is important to have it safely removed so your and your family do not get stung, especially if there is an allergy in your family.

Mice and rats

How do I keep mice out of my roof vents?

Among the most common pests in a household include mice, rats or other rodents. Garbage and clutter attract these rodents but even if your home is very clean they will still seek shelter and a source for food. In the fall into winter months rodents look for shelter indoors to escapes the cold and nest. They reproduce very quickly in large numbers so it’s important to take care of the problem when you first see the signs.

These pests enter your home at ground level and can squeeze through the smallest of cracks, once they have broken inside they travel between walls through your entire house. Rodents become dangerous because they like to chew things including wires, wood, insulation, piping and even concrete; resulting in property damage and creating a fire hazard. Some ways to prevent an infestation of mice is by sealing off small holes around the exterior of your house and inspecting your vents for small openings. If you do find small gaps cover with mesh to prevent the rodents from slipping through.

Birds and Bats

If you have found a bird in your home or nesting up in the attic it is not an uncommon occurrence. In the summer birds and bats can easily enter your home through a window or door that has been left open or even slip through a gap between siding, finding its way to your attic to nest. These animals like dry, private spaces where they will be unbothered and protected from predators.

If a bat colony has formed in your attic it is best to deal with immediately because of their guano deposits. Not only does this give off an abrasive odor but the acidity levels make the material highly corrosive to building materials, wood, and insulation. Bats can also gain access to your home through extremely small spaces which make your home vulnerable to an infestation.

Birds on the other hand like to make nests in heating pipes and exhaust vents to capture the warmth which acts as an incubator. This might sound harmless but their droppings can attract cockroaches and other insects.

Does bird poop affect shingles?

Bird droppings contain uric acid which damages your roof, asphalt shingles are even more susceptible. The acid within the droppings dissolves the asphalt and also provides nutrients which encourages algae growth or moss.

Raccoons

Related to the panda bear, raccoons look cute and friendly but possess the power to rip shingles right from your roof, breaking into the soffit and fascia. Some entry points can leave large holes which snow and rain can penetrate that cause serious weather damage to your home. Chewing through insulation and wires risking a fire hazard also poses a problem.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”-Benjamin Franklin

There are many options available to aide you in prevention of keeping animals out of your attic and roof vents. It is always best to consult with a local roofing contractor and animal removal specialist service to humanely remove any animal infestations.

A local roofing contractor can:

Help seal any holes or gaps that are potential entry points at roof or ground level
Replace missing or old shingles and repair holes in fascia or soffit
Use gutter guards to keep out squirrels
Install spikes along eaves which deter birds from roosting on your roof
Install mesh or other metal to cover large openings around chimney, ridge vents or gable

What is roofing underlayment?

August 4, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Your roof is one of the most important features when it comes to your home. It helps with your home’s curb appeal, as well as keeping you warm and dry. It also protects your home from getting damaged by hail and other rough weather conditions. But underneath your home’s asphalt or architectural shingles is something that’s even more important to keeping your home safe and secure: your roof’s underlayment!

Is underlayment necessary for roofs?

When your local roofing company installs architectural or asphalt shingles on your roof, during the installation they do not simply nail the shingles onto the wooden roof deck. If your local roofing company were to nail the shingles directly onto these sheets of wood, if there were any kind of damage to the shingles, water would be given the opportunity to seep into the substrate and cause damage to your roof structure. This would potentially lead to rot, mold and interior leaks.

Shingle underlayments provide a barrier between the roof frame material and your home’s shingles. Making the right decision for your home can extend the life of your roof and minimize the need for maintenance and repairs.

Felt roofing underlayment

If you’re deciding to go on the cheaper route, go with the underlayment that is made up of felt that’s saturated with asphalt in order to make it water resistant. Roof felt underlayment can vary in price depending on its degree of saturation; since asphalt is its more expensive component, the more asphalt it contains, the more durable and expensive it will be. Often, felt roof underlayment also contains fiberglass reinforcement, which increases its strength and durability. Over time however, even the highest quality asphalt will eventually wear down and become penetrable by water.

Roof felt underlayment is usually a good option for steeply sloped roofs, which allows water to quickly run off. However standing water is able to seep into it and infiltrate your roof’s structure. Felt underlayment is also vulnerable to sun damage, which accelerates deterioration of the asphalt, so it’s not the best choice for roofs that get a lot of direct sunlight. Felt as well lacks the overall quality, durability and total water resistance. Therefore, if you’re installing a long lasting roofing material like high quality architectural shingles or extremely durable options like stone coated steel roofing, a felt underlayment would not be recommended.

Hot applied rubberized asphalt membrane

With good reason, most professional local roofing contractors would not recommend a hot applied roofing membrane. However, many property owners still go choose them for their property. Asphalt can be polymer modified with bitumen, a viscous mixture of hydrocarbons, which gives it rubber or plastic-like properties. The hot applied rubberized asphalt membrane is applied in large panels which are bonded together or heat fused into one seamless membrane. Due to its flexible and elastic nature, it is able to fill in space around nails or staples, bridge cracks in the substrate surface, and conform to surface irregularities.

This type of underlayment is better suited for high temperature climates than felt. Another benefit is that it is able to resist moisture penetration, because there are no seams for water infiltration. Because of this, it is also better for use on flat roofs or other roofs where there is a danger of water pooling. Rubberized asphalt membrane underlayment contains materials that can resist expansion and contraction as well as reflecting harmful UV rays. This makes it more durable and longer lasting than felt. However, installation is problematic and overheating can compromise the integrity and longevity of the membrane. Not heating the product enough will also cause serious problems as the layers will not be able to form a proper bond. This makes proper installation a careful balancing act and something you definitely a task you would not want to entrust to your average local roofing contractors.

Synthetic Roof Membrane

Synthetic roof underlayment is similar to a hot applied rubberized asphalt membrane underlayment in design, but its composition is a synthetic rubber or thermoplastic rather than bituminized asphalt. Also, being fully waterproof there is also an added highly protective layer of insulation between your roof frame and shingles. Incongruously, it is also more breathable, allowing humidity to escape while resisting water penetration.

Synthetic underlayment effectively protects against wind, rain, and ice, helping to prevent ice dams and water leaks no matter the roof slope. A synthetic membrane is durable, long- lasting, lightweight, fungus resistant, and also highly reflective of direct UV radiation. Overall, this type of roof underlayment receives better safety ratings than the alternatives.

Synthetic roof underlayments are made from engineered materials such as polypropylene or polyester. Felt is sometimes referred to as organic when it contains some organic materials, as well as being saturated with asphalt.

Fire Resistance Ratings

On the topic of safety, another important factor to consider when choosing an underlayment is its fire resistance rating. Most underlayments have similar protection from smoke, however flame protection can differ when it comes to the roofing material. Underlayment products are rated A, B, or C, with A being the most and C being the least fire resistant. Depending on your area’s level of risk, a more highly rated underlayment could significantly decrease your home’s vulnerability to fire caused by lightning striking your home.

The price differences between underlayment options usually add up to a few hundred dollars in your overall roof replacement project. If you are investing in a high quality roof that will improve your home’s value for years to come, choosing a better quality, more durable, water-resistant underlayment may well be worth the extra cost.

Temporary Protection

Roof underlayment can act as a temporary protection of the building’s interior and the roof deck before the final roof covering material is installed. Usually, the roof covering material would be installed right away, however in some circumstances a roof might be protected by just the roof underlayment for days, weeks, or sometimes months. Protecting the building interior is especially important when an old roof covering material is being replaced and the home interior is finished. During that time, the underlayment may be under attack from weather elements such high winds, UV radiation, and precipitation. It also needs to resist the wear and tear that occurs when the roof covering material is being installed.

Preventing chemical degradation

Underlayment provides a layer that separates the roof sheathing and the roof covering material. Newer homes use plywood or an engineered panel called oriented strand board for sheathing. For many years, pine and fir boards were used as sheathing, and many older homes still have these kinds of boards in place. Resin pockets in these boards can react chemically with some roof covering materials, such as asphalt shingles. In these situations, missing underlayment can cause accelerated deterioration and premature failure of the roof covering material.

Is synthetic roof underlayment better than felt?

Asphalt-saturated felt is a blend of cellulose, polyester, bitumen, and asphalt, soaked in a waterproofing agent. It comes in two thicknesses. Thirty pound felt is more thick and stiff than fifteen pound, so thirty pound is more resistant to damage during installation and can protect the roof longer if exposed to outside elements like rain, wind, hail, and snow. Asphalt-saturated felt underlayments are semi-permeable and typically have a perm rating of five to seven.

Most synthetics on the other hand are spun or woven from either polypropylene or polyethylene. The specific manufacturing process produces synthetic underlayments with different properties such as the thickness, exposure time, and resistance to damage during the installation process. Like asphalt saturated felt, comparisons between synthetic underlayments are by weight . However, synthetic underlayments utilize grams per square as their measurement.

What is the best underlayment for your roof?

Synthetic underlayment is much lighter than felt underlayment. Therefore, using synthetic will add less weight to the roof than any asphalt felt underlay. Synthetic underlay is also far more tear-resistant when exposed to high winds and foot traffic than asphalt felt underlayment. Many synthetics also have a higher UV protection rating and can be left exposed on a roof for a far longer period than felt underlay. However, you will find that synthetic roof underlay is the more expensive option. When it comes down to it, sometimes you might be limited by your budget. However, if you have the extra money for a synthetic roof underlayment installation, you will likely see the extra you spend returned through the extra long-term lifespan of your roof and lower long-term repair and maintenance costs.

Can Synthetic underlayment get wet?

There are several components to a shingle roofing system, each playing an important role in keeping your house protected. The shingles are the first line of defense and add to the overall look of the home. The underlayment provides another layer of protection. The decking or sheathing provides stability to those top two layers, while the rafters and trusses hold everything up. Of those components, only the shingles are designed to get wet for long periods of time. That is one of their primary jobs, after all. But what about the other parts of the roof? Especially during a roof installation when the weather isn’t so cooperative? Will wet conditions ruin the whole job? The answer is, it depends on how much the rain and for what duration. However, once the underlayment is installed, the roof is protected.

Underlayment is an added layer of protection for your roof. The shingles do the heavy lifting, but if water managed to get under the shingles, the waterproof underlayment is there to protect the decking underneath. Now the question remains, can roof underlayment itself protect the roof when it’s raining? The answer would be for a couple of days at the most. Underlayment is installed much like the shingles themselves. Your local roofing company would overlap the edges to make sure every inch of the roof is covered, however that is not enough to stand up for a whole winter and water would start to penetrate between the layers all too quickly.