Roof Underlayment: How to Pick the Right One for Your Needs

Some roof components are not as visible as the asphalt shingles, but this doesn’t make them any less important. Take the underlayment, for example. It refers to the thin waterproofing material installed between the deck and the shingles, providing the system with additional protection against water or moisture infiltration. When picking an underlayment for your roof, you’ll need to decide between these three options. 

Asphalt-Saturated Underlayment

Before newer, better alternatives were invented, asphalt-saturated was the go-to underlayment option for many homeowners. It puts up a sufficient barrier against water or moisture to protect your roof from infiltration. The fact that asphalt-saturated is readily available and cost-effective also makes it attractive to homeowners on a budget. Still, it’s always a good idea to focus on quality instead of price when picking an underlayment for your roof. You should check out its counterparts before making a decision.

Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment

Made primarily of asphalt and rubber polymers, this underlayment option can offer complete, watertight performance for your roof system. It self-seals on nails and corners, which is why it’s typically installed on the more leak-prone sections of the roof, including around chimneys, valleys, dormers, skylights, eaves, and vent pipes. Rubberized asphalt is considered a premium underlayment, so it won’t be a surprise that it comes with a premium price to match. 

Non-Bitumen Synthetic Underlayment

If the two previous choices don’t do anything for you, there’s always the third option – synthetic underlayment. It’s slightly costlier than asphalt-saturated but not as expensive as rubberized asphalt. Synthetic underlayment is not only durable and resilient, it’s also impervious to tearing and water or moisture infiltration. It remains an excellent option for those looking for cost-effective and watertight performance without sacrificing quality.

Give Us a Call Today

Jack The Roofer installs high-quality roofing systems from trusted industry names. They have all the key components that make a complete roof, including the underlayment, allowing for a system that will keep your home dry and damage-free no matter the season. Call us today at (720) 722-2255, or fill out this contact form to request a roofing estimate. We serve the areas in and around Parker and Denver, CO.