Know 3 Problems With Synthetic Roof Underlayment Before It Is Too Late!

A roof’s effectiveness depends on quality elements that are fixed and performed properly. You endanger the roof’s lifetime by missing a stage or employing inferior materials.

Roofing underlayment is an important component in maintaining the longevity of your roof. Though various varieties exist, synthetic underlayment has become the most prominent and favored choice in the building and construction industry because of its greater performance and lifespan.

To help you determine if 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 ideal choice.

There are 3 issues with this kind of roof underlayment that you must be concerned about

What Is Synthetic Roof Underlayment?

Synthetic underlayment, a roofing component made of polyethylene plastic or lamination polypropylene, fits out over the roof deck and provides an additional coating of weather protection for a roof installation. Because the substance does not retain water, it has a long lifespan. As a result, it is the ideal material for drying on a roof.

problems with synthetic roof underlayment

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. But, to further understand the information, it is better to check these points below.

  • Cost

One of the three problems with synthetic roof underlayment you should consider is the expense. 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 with synthetic roof underlayment that 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.

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RoofLast is an experienced author and roofing expert. With years of practical experience in the field authored several informative articles on various aspects of roofing, including installation, maintenance, and repair