There is More to Roofing Than Meets the Eye - Comparing Roofing Underlayment Types

When it comes to roofing, there’s more than what meets the eye. Often overlooked, but a critical component is the underlayment used when installing a new roof. The underlayment provides an added layer of protection and is installed between the roof decking and the outer roofing material. There are various types of underlayment and each type comes with pros and cons depending on the specific outer material – whether tile, asphalt, metal or solar. 

Let’s compare underlayment options and help you determine which is best for you. In this post, we will compare the strengths and weaknesses of underlayments when installing either an asphalt shingle or tile roof. 

Best Underlayments for Asphalt Shingles:

Asphalt-Saturated Felt	Synthetic Underlayment
Pros: Affordable Widely used  Provides sufficient protection	Pros: Lightweight Durable Resistant to water and tearing
Cons: Heavier May wrinkle or absorb moisture	Cons: Higher cost Not vapor permeable

While asphalt-saturated felt is a good option, depending on your regional climate, synthetic underlayment for asphalt may be a better choice as it offers increased durability and resistance to extreme weather.

Best Underlayments for Tile Roofs:

Rubberized Asphalt	Non-Bitumen Synthetic	Self-Adhering Membranes
Pros: Excellent water resistance Durable Better protection in hot climates	Pros: High-temperature resistance Durable Long lifespan	Pros: Watertight seal Durable High protection against moisture
Cons: Higher cost	Cons: Higher cost	Cons: Highest cost

Rubberized asphalt or non-bitumen synthetic underlayments are the best choices for tile roofs while self-adhering membranes are ideal for areas with high moisture or potential leaks.

While underlayment options may seem similar, making the right choice based on your outer roofing material and climate will help better protect your home from leaks and damage. Remember, investing upfront often helps reduce costs from issues in the long run. Consult with a roofing contractor to help make an informed decision that is best for your home.

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Based in Central Florida and founded in 2020, 3MG Solutions, LLC is one of the fastest-growing residential roofer and commercial roofing companies in the country. At 3MG, our goal is to build trusted long-term relationships with our community, customers, suppliers, and corporate partnerships. We believe this positions us as the best roofer and one of the dominant roofing companies in the country. Visit https://www.3mgsolarroofing.com/ OR call (407) 492-5256 for more information.