Underlayment is a water-resistant and moisture-proof material installed under metal roof panels. It acts as an additional layer of protection that prevents water from damaging a metal roof. It’s the most critical component in metal roofs due to its water-repellant and moisture-wicking properties.
So it’s safe to say that the quality, firmness, and efficiency of underlayment can make or break your metal roof’s longevity and robustness. In this detailed guest blog, you will learn about the different types of underlayment used in metal roof installation and how to pick the right one for your home.
1. Rubberized Underlayment
Rubberized underlayment is known for its extreme weather resistance. It’s mostly used under commercial metal roofs due to its strength and robustness. Rubberized underlayment is made of synthetic rubbers and polymers and is incredible at self-sealing with metal panels.
Experts recommend rubberized underlayment should be used in metal roof installations in areas that receive harsh winters and torrential rainfalls. This underlayment option is also very efficient at improving wind uplift and moisture resistance in metal roofs.
2. Saturated Felt Underlayment
Also known as felt or tar paper, saturated felt underlayment has been a traditional and popular choice for metal roofing underlayment. It is a combination of cellulose, fibers, and a substance known as bitumen.
However, saturated felt is a relatively inexpensive and short-lived underlying option, which may succumb to harsh weather events and climatic damage over time.
3. Insulated Underlayment
Insulated underlayment is a protective barrier for metal roofs with the added advantage of thermal insulation. While metal roofs possess high solar reflectivity, insulated underlayment provides additional strength against heat, UV, and heat transfers during summer.
Moreover, insulated underlayment also acts as a superior weather barrier during winter by preventing heat loss and optimizing your home’s HVAC performance. You can talk to your local roofing contractor to learn about the materials used in their insulated underlayment products. However, this underlayment is typically a combination of water-proof membranes and fiberglass.
4. Synthetic Underlayment
Durable, lightweight, and easy installation are some of the core benefits offered by synthetic metal roof underlayment. Made with woven fibers, complex polymers, and advanced fabrics, synthetic underlayment offers superior fire- and UV resistance in addition to traditional weather-protection benefits.
Synthetic underlayment has high-end tear resistance and traction, which makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who’re more conscious about their property’s safety and structural integrity.
How to Choose the Right Underlayment for Your Home’s New Metal Roof
While your best bet is to hire a professional metal roofing contractor to ensure metal roof installation efficiency and productivity, here are a few things you must know when choosing an underlayment:
1. Climate
Your region’s climate plays a vital role in determining the type of underlayment you should get for your metal roof. If you live in a cold climate region, which received heavy snowfall and rainfall, opt for a moisture- and ice-dam-preventing underlayment.
Choose a sloped metal roof instead of a straight composition to minimize the risk of snow overloading and premature roof degradation.
2. Slope
Your roof’s sloping is another critical underlayment determinant. Compared to traditional asphalt roofing, a metal roof requires a better-quality underlayment to support the entire structure. Steeper roofs need sturdier underlayment for higher friction and traction, whereas less-sloped roofs should be paired with self-adhesive underlayment to prevent leaks.
Check out Metal Roofing Wake County’s high-quality and affordable Metal Roofing Services Wake County to make the right investment in your property.
3. Fire Resistance
A metal roof offers fire-resistant properties, keeping your home safe and sound from an unforgiving fire catastrophe. A metal roof is itself fire-resistant, but adding a fire-proof underlayment to it can strengthen your home’s fire safety and ensure your family’s end-to-end peace of mind.
Metal Roofing Wake County possesses over 25 years of industry experience and has completed over 5,000 metal roof installation projects across North Carolina. Their galvalume-coated metal roofs offer superior weather resistance, sturdiness, and durability.
Made to last over five decades, the company’s unmatched metal roofing products are worth every penny. So if you’re looking for a competent metal roofing contractor in Wake County, we recommend you get in touch with Metal Roofing Wake County right away!
About the Author
This post’s author is a licensed and trained metal roof installation expert in North Carolina. He has been a part of over 1,000 metal roof installation projects and regularly contributes to Metal Roofing Wake County’s website with his latest blogs and guides.