Unless you have experience with roofing, many people don’t realize that there’s a layer of material between your roof deck (which is usually plywood) and the roofing material itself, called the underlayment, and which type you choose can affect how well your home is protected from the elements. The underlayment helps keep water and moisture out of your home, which can damage your roof, attic and the structural integrity of your house.
If you’re getting ready to invest in shingle roofing services in Wyoming, you should consider which type of underlayment will work best for your needs. Here is an overview of the two main types of underlayment, and the advantages and drawbacks of each.
Felt underlayment
Felt underlayment is made using asphalt to saturate a paper or fiberglass mat; this is then applied over the roof deck for added protection. It tends to be cheaper than synthetic underlayment, so if you’re on a budget, this may be the best option. However, there are a few drawbacks to using felt.
First, check your roofing material manufacturer’s warranty—some require you to use synthetic underlayment or risk voiding the warranty. Second, felt underlayment is prone to tearing and can be slippery, which makes it more difficult to install. If the material comes into contact with moisture, it will wrinkle, which makes it difficult for the shingles to lay flat. It’s heavier than synthetic, and tends to have more seams than synthetic underlayment.
On the other hand, felt underlayment is one of the most established roofing underlayment materials around and can provide many years of secure roofing.
Synthetic underlayment
Synthetic underlayment is made of moisture-resistant polymers, which provide better protection against water damage and the elements in general. It’s also significantly stronger and easier to install than felt underlayment, reducing your potential labor costs.
With the extreme Wyoming weather, synthetic underlayment is nearly always going to be the better choice. It offers superior weather and UV protection, which helps protect your home and keeps your utility costs down. Since it’s faster and easier to install, you’ll often get the roofing process over with faster, and it’s actually safer for roofing contractors to use.
The main drawback to synthetic underlayment is its increased cost. We recommend going with the best-quality underlayment and roofing material that you can afford at the time—a durable roof with high-quality materials can last for decades, if not the better part of a century. Generally, home and business owners would prefer to keep their roofing repair and replacement needs to a minimum, so getting the best roof you can afford will more than pay off in the long run.
Shingle roofing services in Wyoming
Drury Brothers Roofing Wyoming is dedicated to protecting your home from rain, snow, wind and sun. If you need affordable, reliable shingle roofing services in Wyoming, we can handle the entire project, including gutter repair and replacement. We also perform roof repair, maintenance and inspections. Call us today to schedule an appointment and receive an estimate.