Benefits & Drawbacks of Felt and Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

 Roofing underlayment is a second protection layer placed directly on the top of the roof deck and under the roof covering with a role to keep away the moisture damage caused by rain, snow, or wind. Felt and synthetic roofing underlayment are two basic kinds of this protective layer. We discussed with the DNB Construction LLC’s team the benefits and drawbacks of each of them.

Depending on the roof design, roofing material, geographical area, and a client’s budget roofing contractors suggest using either felt or synthetic roofing underlayment. Here are the main points connected with their benefits and drawbacks.

Felt roofing underlayment – benefits

Felt roofing underlayment is considered to be among the oldest roofing underlayment types that are produced from fiberglass mats or saturating paper combined with asphalt. It is beneficial because of its lower price and costs less than synthetic roofing underlayment.

Felt roofing underlayment – drawbacks

Although it is cheaper than other underlayment materials, felt roofing has some drawbacks. It can’t be left exposed for more than a few hours since it easily dries and leaches oils in the heat. What is more, felt roofing underlayment has a slippery surface and can absorb water. Because of that, its installation may be more difficult. Also, it wrinkles when exposed to moisture. Importantly, felt roofing underlayment is highly prone to tearing in strong winds and during the installation. Finally, felt underlayment weighs more and roofers have to drag heavy rolls with more difficulty up a ladder and onto a roof during installation. Due to its weight, less material is found in the roll and more seams are expected.

Synthetic roofing underlayment – benefits

Synthetic roofing underlayment is primarily beneficial because of both water resistance and mold growth resistance. It is produced from long-lasting polymers which makes it long-lasting and strong.

This type of roofing underlayment is typically moisture-resistant, and when it’s installed adequately, it offers better protection from the weather compared to felt. Importantly, synthetic roofing underlayment materials are produced by different manufacturers with different performance levels. They aren’t standardized. In addition, synthetic roofing underlayment is fast to install, safe, tough, and repels water. Its tear strength is higher in comparison with felt. Furthermore, synthetic roofing underlayment is durable and suitable for extended UV and moisture. It doesn’t tear easily and stands up to boot traffic during the installation process.

Synthetic roofing underlayment – drawbacks

The main drawback of synthetic roofing underlayment is its price. This roofing underlayment type is more expensive than felt roofing underlayment.

DNB Construction LLC is your companion in the process of choosing the most adequate roofing underlayment. Although there are many significant factors to consider in this process, extensive experience with professional roofers is truly important. To learn more about the roofing underlayment selection process, give us a call @ 301-362-7663.

Source: Benefits & Drawbacks of Felt and Synthetic Roofing Underlayment