Categories: Roofing

Why Your Roof Underlayment Has Failed

Your roofing system is composed of several layers: the decking, the underlayment, and the shingles. However, many homeowners overlook the health of their roofing underlayment. If it sustains damage, you may need a roof replacement.  

To ensure your roof’s underlayment is in working condition, you must recognize the common causes of underlayment failure. In today’s post, Home Pro Exteriors recommends watching out for these suspects of underlayment damage. 

Low Material Quality

When picking out your roofing material, you should consider buying quality underlayment material. Low-quality underlayment may compromise the structural integrity of your roof and cause further damage. Thus, make sure to consult a professional roofer when choosing your underlayment. They will recommend manufacturers who sell plenty of underlayment options that best fit your roofing system. GAF also has a broad selection of synthetic and fiberglass-reinforced underlayment solutions.

Poor Installation

If the underlayment is not fastened correctly, it may shift when your roofer walks on it. As such, they may end up damaging and tearing the underlayment. Installing shingles while the underlayment is wet may also cause water to be trapped under the shingles. When the roof heats up, the underlayment and the roof may begin to wrinkle. For this reason, it’s important to hire a reputable roofing contractor when installing your underlayment. Rest assured that they make sure that your underlayment is installed properly and efficiently. 

Moisture Damage

Most underlayment used for asphalt shingle roofing is tar paper, which is made up of paper products with tar embedded. Some underlayments may also have fiberglass in them. During rainy seasons, water may build up from under your roofing shingles. Eventually, this will reach your underlayment and cause moisture damage. Water seeping into a material that is made of paper can be a serious issue. Moisture can cause the tar paper to expand, causing swelling and deterioration. In the worst case scenario, water can pool in an area of your underlayment and leak from your ceiling. 

For more roofing inquiries, get in touch with Home Pro Exteriors. We offer many home improvement services, including roof and window replacement. Call us today at (845) 343-1777 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Newburgh and the surrounding NY areas. 

Jim Klein

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