If you want the best protection for your home, it’s important to choose high-quality roofing materials. This ensures optimal protection from the sun, rain, and storms.
To help you choose the best tile roof underlayment for your property, we have created a guide of helpful tips. Our comprehensive outline also discusses the unique applications of each type of roof underlayment.
What is Roofing Underlayment?
Underlayment is the foundation for roofing. It helps protect your home or commercial property from the negative consequences of water damage.
The Best Types of Tile Roof Underlayment
Roofing Felt Underlayment
For years roofers have been using felt paper as a type of underlayment whenever a roof is being replaced. Felt has been a time-proven and even approved option for many residential roofing systems. However, does this mean felt underlayment is the always best choice?
To answer this question, we have to understand just what types of options are out there for underlayment and the value that is provided.
Roofing felt is a type of felt paper that gets soaked in asphalt and other types of water-resistant mixtures that are able to produce a membrane. This is a bit more technical, but that is the basic idea about how it works. Roofing felt is often sold in either 30# or 15# rolls that are about 36 inches wide. In the past, the 15# roll was actually 15 pounds, but as time went by it has changed.
Felt Underlayment with Asphalt Saturation
Asphalt-saturated felt underlayment is available in different grades and weights. Heavier-duty products generally offer greater resistance to tearing, but suitability depends on the roofing system and product specifications. Asphalt-saturated felt is water-resistant and provides a secondary layer of protection beneath roofing materials. It is often a cost-effective underlayment option.
Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
Synthetic roofing underlayment is another option for tile roofing systems. These products can offer improved tear resistance and moisture protection compared with traditional felt, depending on the product. The best choice depends on the roof design, installation requirements, and Arizona’s climate.
Synthetic underlayment is installed over roof decking and can be used beneath various roofing materials, including tile and asphalt shingles, when approved for the specific roofing system.
Peel and Stick Underlayment
Self-adhered peel-and-stick underlayment creates a water-resistant barrier beneath roofing materials. Some products seal around properly installed fasteners and provide additional protection in areas vulnerable to moisture. Suitability depends on the roofing system and manufacturer specifications.
Reasons for Underlayment
In order to decide what type of underlayment is going to be best, you have to understand what underlayment is used for, what it can do, and what it is not able to do:
- Temporary protection if there is storm damage
- Vapor protection
- Protection from resins in the decking which can damage asphalt shingles
- Water-resistant, but not waterproof
Not all roofs will need to have the best underlayment on the market, and not all budgets can afford it. Standard shingles do not need the same type of vapor protection that could be needed for slate or metal roofs.
A very common misconception by a homeowner is that underlayment is waterproof and that their roof can leak if it isn’t there. Even though the underlayment is water-resistant, it is not self-sealing, so water can get into every single hole that a nail has made. So, what underlayment is going to be best for your project?
If you happen to be on a tight budget, then 15# roofing felt may be the right choice. Felt has been used for years and has a great track record.
Is there an even better option than felt? Yes, but felt is still a really good choice. Also, felt has a really good fire rating and is very slow to burn.
Right Way Roofing provides tile roof repair services using underlayment materials selected for Arizona roofing conditions. Underlayment helps protect roof decking from moisture, while roof tiles provide an additional layer of protection against the elements.
Average Cost To Replace Tile Roof Underlayment
Tile roof underlayment replacement costs vary based on roof size, accessibility, materials, and whether existing tiles can be reused. Contact Right Way Roofing for a project-specific estimate.
If existing roof tiles are in good condition, they may be reusable during underlayment replacement. The roofing contractor removes the tiles, replaces the underlayment, and reinstalls suitable tiles. Reusing existing tiles may reduce the overall cost compared with replacing the entire roofing system.
How Often Should I Replace Tile Underlayment?
Tile roofing materials and the underlayment beneath them have different maintenance and replacement needs. Underlayment can deteriorate from heat, moisture, and age, even when tiles remain in good condition. A professional inspection can help determine whether replacement is needed.
Right Way Roofing uses underlayment products selected for the roofing system and Arizona’s climate. Proper material selection and installation help protect against moisture intrusion and premature deterioration.
If you don’t keep up with this process your roof will develop leaks and cracked tiles due to warping. The process of replacing the underlying layers involves hiring a roofing professional to come in and strip the tiles off of the material that needs to be replaced. A professional will then reapply the needed material and place the tiles back over the fresh material.
What Should I Take into Account When Selecting Underlayment for a Tile Roof?
Now that you are familiar with the process of choosing the best tile roof underlayment, lets talk about the main factors to consider when choosing a type. The most common variables to consider include the climate, the type of primary roof, and local legislation.
Regional Climate
The climate and changes in latitude that are prominent in and unique to your region and state. For areas with a moderate climate, a different roof underlayment is used than for those in hot, cold, dry, or humid climates.
Material Durability and Quality
It’s important to remember that the best underlayment for tile roofing must be extremely strong and long-lasting. That is, it must be tough and durable enough to withstand the elements while also supporting the weight of the tiles.
Is Roof Underlayment Required?
Roof underlay, according to some, isn’t required if your roof has a low slope. But, just as your body’s cell membranes serve as a barrier to protect cell components while allowing access to essential nutrients, your roof underlayment does the same.
Roof underlayment provides a secondary moisture barrier beneath roofing materials. It is installed over the roof decking, with product selection and installation requirements determined by the roofing system, roof slope, and applicable building codes.
Tile Roof Underlayment Replacement and Installation Services in Arizona
Our professionals provide roofing underlayment installation and replacement services, along with repairs to existing roofing systems.
Don’t wait until your roof leaks during a storm and risk the condition of the interior of your home. Have yearly roof inspections and invest in the care of your home’s roofing to protect your property and it’s value! For more information about how to get the best roof repair in Phoenix please call 480-232-5458.
Why Do Homeowners Choose to Work With Our Team?
Most tile roofs leak when the layer under the tile is worn out or damaged. This layer is called the tile underlayment and is the primary water-repelling layer that protects your home. In a lot of cases, the tiles simply need to be moved and a new layer of underlayment installed.
If you need assistance with damaged underlayment or are considering a new tile roof, contact Right Way Roofing. Our team provides roof replacement services in Phoenix and helps homeowners select underlayment suited to their roofing system and Arizona’s climate.
RIGHT WAY ROOFING IS A RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR LOCATED IN PHOENIX ARIZONA