Problems With Synthetic Roof Underlayment

A 66 foot roll of synthetic underlayment.

Problems with synthetic roof underlayment.

So even though the underlayment is water resistant you can t really call it waterproof. If you check the tile roofing institute s materials needed for installing a tile roof the most common type in arizona you ll see a list a variety of felt underlayment options not synthetic. As of publication you can purchase a 72 foot roll of 30 pound roofing felt for around 15. A poor quality asphalt saturated felt roof underlayment is at high risk of failure.

But why do we recommend felt. It is essential to use an underlayment that is astm d226 and astm d4869 compliant which are less likely to absorb water. Specifically if the underlayment absorbs moisture this will damage the roof deck. In the weeks following hurricane katrina grace construction products residential business director larry shapiro says he began to hear from distributors that pros were ordering his company s synthetic underlayments rather than the standard protective blue tarps to cover damaged roofs.

What this means is the fasteners can t be sealed properly. But in our opinion natural felt underlayment is the best for arizona roofs. An attempt at saving the company money at the expense of the homeowner usually. Greed is usually the root of most business related flaws.

Although companies who manufacture synthetic underlayment may also manufacture similar looking housewrap housewrap does not meet roofing underlayment requirements. However companies such as interwrap have recently introduced new products that offer great durability and competitive prices. But synthetic underlayments which he says can remain exposed to sun and rain for up to six months without wrinkling or tearing allowed workers. Synthetic roofing underlayments use cap nails or staples for the installation.

The tarps just get thrown away afterwards shapiro notes. One of the main barriers to using synthetic underlayment for roofing contractors is the cost is higher per square foot than traditional felt. Is synthetic roofing underlayment waterproof. Housewrap installed as underlayment is a defective installation.

The biggest drawback to synthetic underlayment is the cost. More commonly seen than simply not installing the underlay roofing companies will inflate certain costs above their value including underlay costs.