Why Your Roof Should Have Underlayment

A roof underlayment is an essential component of a roofing system for several important reasons. Here's why you should have it:

1. Waterproofing and Protection: Underlayment provides an extra layer of protection against water infiltration, especially in areas prone to heavy rain, snow, or ice. It helps prevent leaks that may occur between the shingles or tiles, particularly in situations where water could slide beneath them.

2. Secondary Barrier Against Moisture: If your roofing material fails or shifts over time, the underlayment acts as a backup moisture barrier, protecting the interior of the building from water damage.

3. Wind Resistance: Underlayment improves the roof's resistance to wind-driven rain or storms. It helps secure roofing materials in place and prevents them from being lifted by strong winds, reducing the chance of damage.

4. Ice Dam Protection: In colder climates, ice dams can form at the roof's edge, causing water to back up under shingles. Underlayment, particularly in the form of ice and water shield, helps protect against the damage caused by ice dams, reducing the risk of leaks and water intrusion.

5. Improved Energy Efficiency: Some types of underlayment provide a layer of insulation, which can help regulate temperature within the home. This can reduce heating and cooling costs by minimizing the impact of external weather conditions on your home.

6. Increased Durability of the Roof: Underlayment adds a layer of durability to the roof. It helps prevent wear and tear from environmental factors, extending the lifespan of your roof and roofing materials.

7. Fire Resistance: Certain types of underlayment (like fire-resistant underlayment's) provide additional fire protection, helping to prevent the spread of flames in case of a fire.

8. Noise Reduction: Underlayment can help reduce the noise inside the home, especially during heavy rain or hail storms, by dampening the sound of precipitation hitting the roof.