When it comes to your roof, it’s important to get underlayment as an extra layer of protection, but do you really need it for metal roofs? If so, what kind works best for this type of roof? We take a look at these questions to help you chose what’s best for your needs.
What is underlayment?
Underlayment is a layer underneath all other roofing materials used as a protective barrier against severe weather. It is either waterproof or water-resistant and has different material options depending on your budget and what you need it for.
What are the options out there for underlayment?
There are three types of underlayment commonly used, asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic underlayment, and rubberized asphalt underlayment. Asphalt-saturated felt and synthetic underlayment are both water-resistant, while rubberized asphalt underlayment is waterproof.
For a long time, asphalt-saturated felt was the most commonly used underlayment. People typically chose this as it is typically the more inexpensive option and commonly used so it can be easier to obtain. The problem with asphalt-saturated felt is it has a shorter lifespan than its competing options.
Another option people typically go for is synthetic underlayment. This is a newer material that has been dominating the underlayment industry in the past few years. Synthetic underlayment normally lasts a bit longer than the felt underlayment and is more durable in bad weather and higher temperatures. For these reasons, synthetic underlayment typically is more expensive.
The last option we listed is the rubberized asphalt underlayment. This option is self-adhering, with a sticky backing that creates a waterproof seal when applied to the roof deck. This option is going to be the most expensive of the three as it has a high percentage of asphalt and rubber than the other two. This option works well in areas with severe weather. The problem that comes with this option is that if installed incorrectly, you can run the risk of it peeling back during a storm and therefore rendering itself useless. It also doesn’t do the greatest in colder temperatures.
Do you really need underlayment with a metal roof?
Although underlayment is not really necessary with this type of roof, it is still recommended to get some sort of waterproof protection. It can help with an extra layer of insulation as well as protection from the weather. On another note, underlayment helps drown out some of the noise that naturally comes with metal roofs.
What would be considered the best option for a metal roofing system?
The answer to this honestly depends on what you need. All three types would work well with your metal roof! Hopefully, with the information we provided, you can choose the best underlayment for your building.
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