A roof is not just a collection of shingles; it’s a complex system designed to shield your home and its contents. At the heart of this system lies the shingle underlayment, a crucial component that often goes unnoticed but plays a pivotal role in ensuring your roof’s longevity and effectiveness.
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Understanding Shingle Underlayment
Shingle underlayment acts as a secondary barrier, providing an added layer of moisture resistance beneath your roof shingles. Historically, “felt-paper” was the go-to material for this purpose. However, with advancements in building materials, synthetic underlayments have taken the lead. Not only are they more cost-effective than felt, but they also boast superior attributes such as being lightweight, laying flat (avoiding the dreaded ‘wavy’ shingle look), and offering unmatched water resistance. Some high-grade synthetic underlayments can even serve as temporary roof covers, showcasing their versatility and strength.
Dual Underlayment: Double the Protection
In today’s roofing practices, it’s common for professionals to employ two distinct underlayments to enhance protection against the elements:
- Waterproof Ice and Water Membrane: This is primarily installed along the roof’s perimeter, especially in regions prone to snow, to guard against ice damming. It’s also used in areas where roof planes intersect, forming valleys that can channel significant water flow during rainy seasons. This membrane also extends protection to other roof penetrations like skylights, plumbing vents, and intersections between the roof and walls.
- Tear and Water Resistant Material: Covering the rest of the roof deck, this underlayment not only offers resistance against tears and water but also provides a high-traction surface. This feature is invaluable for contractors, ensuring their safety during the roof installation process.
Once these underlayments are securely in place, the foundation is laid for the shingle installation. Homeowners can find solace in the fact that beneath those visible shingles, there’s a robust system working tirelessly to keep their homes safe and dry.
BLC Roofing: Setting the Gold Standard
At BLC Roofing, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch roofing services in Akron OH. Whether you’re seeking a roof repair service in Akron OH or considering a complete roof replacement service in Akron OH, our team ensures that every layer, including the underlayment, is meticulously installed. With our expertise, you’re not just getting a roof; you’re investing in a state-of-the-art roofing system that stands the test of time.
In Conclusion
The importance of shingle underlayment cannot be overstated. It’s the unsung hero of the roofing world, working behind the scenes to offer unparalleled protection to homes. As you consider your next roofing project, remember that it’s not just about the shingles. It’s about the entire system, and ensuring each component, especially the underlayment, is of the highest quality. Choose wisely, and trust professionals like BLC Roofing to get the job done right.
