Did you know that the average roofing system has over ten individual components? Among these components is shingle underlayment.
What Material Is Shingle Underlayment?
Roofing underlayment is a moisture-resistant material placed between the roof shingles and the plywood or OSB roof deck.
Typically, it’s installed on the roof deck and helps to provide an added level of protection from all the elements, including the sunshine, snow, wind, and rain.
There are different types of roofing underlayment available, made from various materials. The most common type is roofing felt paper, made of asphalt-saturated felt. This material is very effective in protecting your roof from weather elements.
Other materials can get used for roofing underlayments, such as cedar shakes, synthetic roofing membranes, and metal. These roofing underlayment materials offer advantages and disadvantages that homeowners should consider before choosing one for their home.
An essential detail to remember is that the type of roofing underlayment you choose must be compatible with the kind of roof shingles you are using. For example, if you use asphalt shingles, you should use roofing felt paper as your roofing underlayment. On the other hand, you should use a metal roofing underlayment if you use metal roofing.
Factors That Can Cause Damage to Shingle Underlayment
There are a variety of factors that can cause damage to your shingle underlayment. However, here are a number of the most common causes:
Improper Installation – One of the most common causes of shingle underlayment damage is improper installation. If the roofing contractor doesn’t install the shingle underlayment properly, it can be susceptible to damage from the weather elements.
Shingle Damage – If your roofing shingles are damaged, it can also cause damage to the shingle underlayment. When the shingles are damaged, it creates openings where water can seep through and damage the underlayment.
Clogged Gutters – If your gutters are clogged, it can lead to water accumulation on your roof. This water can then seep into the roof and cause damage to the shingles and the underlayment.
Snow and Ice – If there is a lot of snow and ice on your roof, it can cause damage to the shingle underlayment. The weight of the snow and ice can cause the shingles to buckle, leading to wear to the underlayment.
UV Exposure – The sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the shingle underlayment over time. Damage from ultraviolet rays can occur if the roofing underlayment gets exposed to the sun for an extended time.
Moisture and Water – Excessive moisture and water can also cause damage to the shingle underlayment if there are missing, damaged, or faulty shingles.
Age – The older the shingle underlayment gets, the more susceptible it is to damage from the weather elements.
Choosing the Right Roofing Underlayment
When choosing a roofing underlayment, it’s essential to consider the climate where you live. Residents of Massachusetts, for example, should use a roofing underlayment that is resistant to ice and water.
It’s imperative to use and choose the right type of roofing underlayment for your home. As mentioned above, if you are using asphalt shingles, then you should use roofing felt paper as your roofing underlayment. On the other hand, you should use a metal roofing underlayment if you use metal roofing.
It’s also important to remember that the roofing underlayment should be compatible with the type of roof shingles you are using for them to work effectively. If you have any questions about which roofing underlayment is suitable for your home, be sure to consult a qualified roofing contractor.
Areas That Are Susceptible To Shingle Underlayment Damage
Not surprisingly, your roofing system takes the brunt of the outside world. While designed to withstand all the weather elements, some roof areas are more susceptible to damage.
The eaves and gables of your roofing system are two areas that are particularly susceptible to damage. The reason why is they are the areas with the most exposure to the weather elements.
If the gutter system or eavestroughs are blocked or clogged, runoff from the roof doesn’t have a place to go and will accumulate and pool on the top. In addition, faulty gutters can damage the underlayment over time and eventually lead to roof leaks.
Other areas where breaches might occur include the attic vent, chimney, and any other openings in the roof, such as sunlight. These are all areas where water can easily penetrate the roofing components if any damages exist.
How To Determine If Your Shingle Underlayment Is Damaged
If you’re unsure whether or not your shingle underlayment is damaged, there are a few ways to determine this. A common way to prevent roofing system damage is to have regular inspections and maintenance done on your home.
Inspections help to identify any potential problems before they become more significant issues.
However, one approach in identifying whether your shingle underlayment is damaged is to look at the roofing shingles themselves. If the shingles are curling, buckling, or missing granules, it’s likely that the underlayment is also damaged.
Another way to tell if your roofing underlayment is damaged is to check for water stains on walls and ceilings in your home. If you see any water stains, this is an indication that there is a roof leak, and the shingle underlayment is likely damaged.
Get The Opinion Of A Roofing Professional
If you’re uncertain whether or not your shingle underlayment is damaged, it’s best to consult a qualified roofing contractor. They will inspect your roofing system and determine what repairs are necessary.
Suppose you could use the help of a roofing professional to address shingle underlayment damage. In that case, Flynn Roofing can complete a comprehensive roof inspection or repairs in Dover, Hingham, Newton, Norwell, Wellesley, or Needham, MA. Our experienced team of roofing contractors is happy to assist.
We always offer free price quotes for our roofing installation and repair services. This way, you can decide if our services are right for you without any obligation.