Synthetic Underlayment: What’s Under Your Shingles?

Most steep-slope roofs have a layer of material between the shingles and the roof deck, called underlayment. This layer is not waterproof, but it does add some water protection to the shingle roof.  It protects the shingles from any chemicals in the wood roof deck, and underlayment also provides a temporary shield in the event of storm damage and can help with heat and sound insulation. The two most common types are felt and synthetic underlayment.

What is it?

Traditional felt underlayment usually contains cellulose or fiberglass felt that has been treated with asphalt and other chemicals. It is heavier than synthetic underlayment, more labor intensive to install, and can degrade more easily.

Synthetic underlayment was developed as an alternative to felt, and it is made of polyester, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Synthetics typically provide longer-lasting leak protection than conventional felt materials (which can rot or become brittle before the shingles reach the end of their lifespan). Synthetics are also lightweight.  They are better able to stand up to high winds in case shingles are blown off during a storm.

Benefits of Synthetic Underlayment

• Stronger, up to 30 times stronger than 30 lb felt.
• Longer exposure, up to 6 months.
• Faster Installation, 50% faster to install.
• Lightweight, 7 times lighter than felt.
• Cooler to work with, which means a Cooler Roof.
• High Value and Better protection.

If you believe it’s time for a new roof, call the roofing pros at Royalty for an expert installation of the highest quality roofing materials – 800-303-8392.