The Benefits of Synthetic Underlayment As A Leak Barrier For Your Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, and the leak barrier, or underlayment, plays a crucial role in protecting your home. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which type of leak barrier is right for your roof.
At The Shingle Master, we recommend and install synthetic underlayment on all of our roof installations. Even if your insurance company has only paid for 15lb felt, we will upgrade your installation to include synthetic underlayment at no additional cost to you. So, when it comes to protecting your roof, don’t skimp on the underlayment. Trust the professionals at The Shingle Master to provide you with the best protection for your home.
Roofing underlayment: felt vs synthetic
To understand why we choose to protect every home we work on with synthetic underlayment, you first need to understand the differences in the products in the marketplace today. Below is a quick breakdown of the different types of underlayment available and the pros and cons of each:
15lb felt
15 LB felt is considered the most traditional type of underlayment and is constructed from asphalt-saturated felt paper. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a popular choice among many do-it-yourself repairs and contractors looking to reduce the costs of materials. However, it’s not as durable or long-lasting as other options and will need to be replaced much sooner than other options in the market.
30lb felt
30 LB felt is the heavier and more durable alternative to 15 LB felt. It is a type of underlayment also made from asphalt-saturated felt paper, but is more resistant to tearing and puncturing than 15lb felt. But still not as durable or long-lasting as other options.
Synthetic underlayment
This type of underlayment is made from a variety of materials, including plastic, rubber, and composite fibers. It’s more durable and long-lasting than felt underlayment and is also resistant to tearing and puncturing. Though it’s generally more expensive than felt underlayment, it can provide better protection for the roof deck and helps to provide the leak barrier protection that most homeowners are searching for.
Don’t Install Leak Barriers Yourself – Call The Shingle Master
While felt is more traditional & cost-effective, it’s just not as durable as a synthetic leak barrier. At The Shingle Master, we recommend and install synthetic underlayment on all of our roof installations and stand by this decision by upgrading our clients at no additional charge if their insurance company will not cover synthetic underlayment.
As with any part of the roofing process, when selecting the right underlayment for your roof, it’s important to consider your budget and the specific needs of your roof. If you’re on the fence about how to get started, now is the time to schedule a FREE 20-PT Master Inspection and speak with one of our roofing specialists about your project
