Underlayment Options Grow
Types of underlayments also are expanding, especially synthetic options that provide more benefits. “Builders are using better underlayments than just the commodity level,” says MFM’s Reis. “They’re using better products overall to create a better roofing system. On roofs that feature valleys and dormers, many roofers today are opting to use self-adhered underlayments for added protection at these potential leak points. As far as we know, there are no building-code requirements for this, but the added cost is seen to be worth avoiding the potential problems.”
Adds Huber’s Flotkoetter, “We see a trend toward a new generation of underlayments that offers better gripping, no ripping and self-sealing capabilities. They support the builders’ desire for higher quality and performance products. Roofing manufacturers want to hold onto traditional felt as an underlayment, because they sell that, too. But there are many new underlayments coming onto the market as synthetics.”
Benjamin Obdyke’s McGill agrees. “Synthetic-underlayment people have really stepped up their game and are improving their products. Tear resistance is high and is much more an accepted feature that’s needed. There’s been a big swing in popularity for these underlayments due to the asphalt shingles changing and becoming higher end.”
That’s also the case for metal roofs, notes Metal Sales’ Davidson. “We used to use 30-pound felt, but now we use high-temperature synthetic underlayments made specifically for metal roofs.”
A self-adhering, waterproofing underlayment, Ultra HT Wind & Water Seal from MFM Building Products, consists of a white, non-slip, cross-laminated polymer film. The film is laminated to a high-temperature rubberized, aggressive asphalt adhesive. A split-release liner protects and adhesive and is removed as the underlayment is installed. |
Radiant-barrier sheathing is gaining popularity with many contractors due to its benefits. “There’s a trend toward enhanced products, tied into the restrictions in energy codes,” says Weyerhaeuser’s Dedmon. “They want homes to be tighter, and that’s being promoted by the homebuilder as being more efficient. They’re now using radiant-barrier frequently in the Sunbelt, and it’s moving north. The 2012 energy code is leading that move.”