Why Underlayment Matters During a Shingle Roof Replacement
When homeowners think about a new shingle roof, they usually focus on the shingles they can see. But one of the most important parts of a roofing system is hidden underneath them: the roof underlayment.
Underlayment provides an additional layer of protection between your roof deck and asphalt shingles. During a shingle roof replacement in Northeastern Pennsylvania, installing quality underlayment is an important part of building a roof that can handle our weather.
What Is Roofing Underlayment?
Roofing underlayment is a protective material installed directly over the roof decking and beneath the shingles. It creates a secondary barrier against moisture that may get underneath the shingles.
Modern roofing systems commonly use synthetic underlayment. Some roofs may also use asphalt-saturated felt or specialized membrane products in certain areas.
The exact materials used can depend on the roof design, local requirements and the recommendations of the roofing manufacturer.
Why Is Underlayment Important?
Shingles are designed to shed water, but no shingle roof is completely impenetrable. Wind-driven rain, melting snow and ice can sometimes find their way beneath individual shingles.
Underlayment gives your roof another line of defense.
This is especially important in NEPA, where roofs experience everything from heavy summer rain to freezing temperatures, snow and winter storms.
A properly installed underlayment can help protect the roof decking if moisture gets beneath the shingles.
Underlayment Helps Protect Your Roof Deck
Your roof deck provides the structural surface underneath your roofing materials. If water repeatedly reaches the decking, it can contribute to moisture damage, wood deterioration and other problems.
During a roof replacement, the old shingles are removed so the roofing contractor can inspect the decking. Once the deck is properly prepared, underlayment is installed before the new shingles go down.
This creates a continuous protective layer across much of the roof.
Certain Areas Need Extra Attention
Not every part of a roof experiences water in the same way. Roof valleys, eaves and other vulnerable areas can require specialized waterproofing materials in addition to standard underlayment.
For example, valleys collect water as it moves down two roof slopes. Eaves can also be vulnerable to water and winter ice conditions.
Proper installation in these areas is just as important as installing the shingles correctly.
Don’t Overlook What You Can’t See
A new shingle roof is more than the shingles visible from your driveway. The entire roofing system works together, including the decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and shingles.
Using appropriate underlayment and installing it correctly helps provide the protection your new roof needs beneath the surface.
If you’re considering a shingle roof replacement in Northeastern Pennsylvania, 570 New Roof can help you understand the materials and roofing system that make sense for your home.
Call 570 New Roof at (570) 332-1223 or visit www.570newroof.com to learn more about professional roof replacement in NEPA.