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3 Underlayment Materials That Can Help Protect Your New Roof From Water Damage

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When installing new shingles, your roofing contractors have to start the process with a backing underlayment that provides support and waterproofing. The type of underlayment used varies according to the type of shingles ordered, the shape of the roof, and your budget. Different types of underlayment are sometimes used together for the best results.

What are some of the common types of underlayment materials that can help protect your new roof from water damage?

Felt Underlayment

Felt underlayment isn't made out of the fuzzy material you find in the craft store. The underlayment is instead made of a combination of felt and asphalt, which is a combination that offers a better price tag than it does waterproofing. Felt underlayment does make the roof more water resistant, which is enough protection for some homeowners, particularly those who live in drier areas.

The felt underlayment can help prevent water from pooling under the shingles, which can help extend the life of your roof. And the felt can be used in conjunction with metal flashing for a more waterproofed roof. Ultimately, felt is really best used if it's the only thing you can afford and the felt will be topped with simple asphalt shingles.

Metal Flashing

Flashing is an accessory underlayment rather than a full roof cover. The flashing is pieces of flattened metal that can fit tightly around sharp corners or roof protrusions such as chimneys or plumbing vents. Flashing is able to provide watertight sealing in areas where traditional underlayment and shingles can sometimes struggle.

Metal flashing is installed along with the full roof underlayment so that the singles can either cover or camouflage the flashing so that it isn't visible from the ground.

Polyurethane and Asphalt Layer

Polyurethane and asphalt underlayment is a fully adhering material that provides superior waterproofing protection for your roof against even wind-driven rains. All of that protection does come with a higher price tag, but you might consider the upfront investment worth avoiding repairing water damage in the future. You definitely want to pay for the cost if you are installing higher quality wooden shakes or slate tiles over the underlayment. Don't' skimp on the support when you're paying big bucks for the shingles.

The polyurethane and asphalt underlayment is easier to cut and fit tightly against roof protrusions, which means flashing isn't necessary in most cases. You might still want to use flashing if the roof has some difficult angles or if you would simply like the extra peace of mind. To learn more, speak with someone like Shuswap Pro Roofing Ltd.


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