Why Tile Roof Underlayment Is Essential For Long-Lasting Protection
Your roof keeps your family dry in the rain, it protects your belongings from the wind, it is your first line of defense in the storm. But what protects your roof? In the unpredictable Florida weather, a tile roof isn’t enough. Tile roof underlayment is the unsung hero, providing an extra layer of security for your home during wet and windy conditions, a high-performance weather shield.
In this blog, we’ll explain what an underlayment is, how it works with tile roofing, maintenance, and the benefits for different kinds of roof lining.
What is Tile Roof Underlayment?
Underlayment is a layer of either asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic materials, or self-adhered membranes that sits directly on the roof deck and underneath battens and tiles. When water slips past the tiles, the underlayment system prevents moisture from reaching the more sensitive layer, of your roof, the structural roof deck, by shedding the water. It also protects your roof during construction process & tile installation
An added benefit of roof lining is that it may help with soundproofing and temperature insulation. With that context, let us consider why tile roof underlayment is so important.
Why You Need Tile Roof Underlayment for Long-Lasting Protection
While tiles are the initial barrier of dealing with rain, water can be driven sideways and get through the cracks in places with high wind or storms, like coastal South Florida. Wind can also force fine pieces of debris that hold moisture through the gaps in your tiles. Over time, the water and moisture build up and can lead to warping inside your roof, damaging its structural integrity. It can also put the health of your family at risk as it increases the chances of mold.
Without a secured underlayment system, your tiled roof is only as strong as its weakest element. If any piece of it breaks, cracks, or slips free, your home becomes vulnerable to the elements. With a quality underlayment system your house remains protected even if the tiles are compromised, a secondary water resistance. It also has the added benefit of ensuring tiles are more secure on your roof, meaning that there is a lower risk to the aesthetics of your home, particularly if you live in an area with high winds and heavy rain.
Underlayment also makes maintenance easier and faster. It reduces the impact of foot traffic and helps reinforce vulnerable sections of your roof, like eaves and ridges. Underlayment can protect your home while your roof is being installed, which is particularly valuable in areas where the weather can be unpredictable. It also provides a uniform layer, making installation easier and more uniform, improving the aesthetics and functionality of your roof. Finding the right type of tile roof underlayment for you depends on a number of factors, including your budget, the climate you live in, and your roof lining provider.
The Benefits of Each Type of Underlayment
Choosing your tile roof protection is important, not only for the investment in your home, but also the safety and well-being of your family. That’s why you should be informed about the key benefits among your options:
Tag & Stick
- Have peace of mind in your roof’s security and longevity with redundant waterproofing and fewer weak points thanks to layer-to-layer bonding
- Ensure your installation is smooth if bad weather rolls in unexpectedly, with faster and cleaner dry-in
- Be confident in your tile aesthetic due to a sturdy work platform created by high tear resistance
- Easily restore your roof with effective nail sealing and a smooth surface
- Have peace of mind that your tile roof underlayment work will be high quality, thanks to consistent, repeatable installation sequencing that improves quality control
Synthetic
- Be confident that the work will be done correctly thanks to a high tear strength, puncture resistance, and lightweight rolls, making installation and maintenance easier
- Have peace of mind in heat and humidity due to minimal wrinkling
- Don’t worry about having to reinstall for a long time, thanks to its low water absorption and mold resistance
Felt
- Don’t worry about your budget due to its low cost
- Most crews are familiar with asphalt felt
Regardless of the type of roof underlayment system you choose, it is essential that if you have a tiled roof and live in an area where powerful storms are common. If managed appropriately, tile roof underlayment is a crucial way of managing the investment into your home and reducing the costs and headaches associated with roof maintenance.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Roof Underlayment
Roof underlayments improve the longevity of your home by eliminating the risk of rot, warping, and leaks, but it can also help with maintenance. By creating a sealed stable surface for contractors to work on, when repairs are needed, they often get done a lot faster, and with less risk to your home. However, underlayment is not a miracle worker, and there are still best practices you should follow to maximize its protection.
Once your roof is installed, always make sure your gutters and downpipes are clear. While underlayment can protect against water filtering in, your roof can still be damaged by the weight of excess water over time.
Another thing to look out for is any overhanging branches. Make sure they are trimmed so they don’t lead to leaf buildup or create abrasions on your roof. If you notice any cracked or slipped tiles, get in touch with a contractor as soon as possible to fix them before any UV damage can impact your underlayment.
It’s also a good idea to do a mid-life inspection at around 10 or 15 years to catch any issues before they become more significant. However, the most important element you can focus on is working with a roof underlayment expert you can trust.
Tag & Stick: Experts in Tile Roof Underlayment
Tag & Stick is a South Florida company with a collective base of over 25 years of experience in the roofing industry, with a special focus on tile roof underlayment. We value our clients, understand how important it is to keep their homes safe, and have intimate knowledge of the impact of high wind and rainy weather.
Roofs never rest, and neither does Tag & Stick! If you are installing a new underlayment or maintaining an existing one and want more information on quality roofing products, contact us at 954-255-3107 today.