A roof’s effectiveness hinges on using high-quality synthetic underlayment and precise installation techniques. Missing a stage or employing substandard materials can jeopardize the roof’s longevity.
Roofing underlayment is an essential component for maintaining the durability of your roof. Among the various types of roofs and underlayment options, synthetic roof underlayment offers an outstanding performance and lifespan, making it a popular choice in the construction industry.
To help you decide whether synthetic roofing underlayment suits your needs, this article delves into the top three problems with synthetic roof underlayment. It explores why it might not always be the best option for every roofing project.
There are 3 issues with this kind of roof underlayment that you must be concerned about
What Is Synthetic Roof Underlayment?
Synthetic underlayment, a critical roofing component made from polyethylene or polypropylene, is laid over the roof deck. It adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, making it an ideal option to prevent moisture buildup.
Due to its material properties, it does not retain water, enhancing its longevity and making it an excellent choice for roofing material.
Synthetic underlayment may be affected by weather conditions and other environmental factors for a limited time without being harmed.
Problems With Synthetic Roof Underlayment
There are 3 problems with synthetic underlayment that you must be aware of. Usually, those are connected with the felt ones. However, to understand the information further, it is better to check the points below.
- Cost
Synthetic underlayment can be substantially more expensive than just a felt underlayment. Non-adhesive polymer roof underlayment costs between 17 and 25 cents per square foot.While felt underlayment costs between 5 and 10 cents per square foot.
Read also: How much is Blown In Insulation Cost per Square Foot?
However, synthetic underlayment can be twice as expensive as felt underlayment. It possesses a significantly higher long-term value. It simply does not make sense to purchase a costly roof system and not ensure proper installation with a quality underlayment meant to last the roof’s lifetime.
When you consider the whole expense of a 2500 sq ft roof, changing out of a felt underlayment to something like a decent non-adhesive underlayment is only 3 to 4 hundred dollars.
- Mil Thickness vs. Weight
This second issue concerns synthetic vs. felt underlayments, as not every synthetic underlayment is made equally. There are several slightly elevated synthetic underlayment manufacturers, though several duds aim to dupe you with flashy marketing and a mediocre product.
When looking at the products or getting the best synthetic roof underlayment, you should look at the entire roll weight. It is also essential to check the tear resistance and split the item apart to see what you are obtaining from a water-resistant membrane standpoint.
When you tear the item up a bit, you can even know that you do not have much of what you assumed initially.
- Some Building Codes Do Not Allow For Synthetic Underlayment
The final problem with synthetic roof underlayment is that synthetic underlayment is not permitted in all construction regulations. Finding a construction code that does not support it will be difficult, yet it is always a great way to test your current building rules and ensure that synthetic underlayment is permitted.
Ensure you consult the building standards before making any decisions regarding roof underlayment. The building code can stipulate whether or not underlayment is necessary and the type of underlayment that should be utilized.
Although it is uncommon, there are rare cases where synthetic underlayment is prohibited, and felt roof underlayment must be used.
Read also: Underlayment for Metal Roof
So, those are 3 problems you should know about before fixing your roof system. To avoid failure in how to install synthetic underlayment or picking the right material for your roof, consulting a professional is advisable.
Before commencing any roofing project, consulting with a professional is advisable to avoid installation errors or choosing the wrong materials for your needs.
