Roofing underlayment is the material that is installed directly on top of the bare wood of the roof deck and under the roofing material by a roofing contractor. You might wonder if this material is absolutely necessary. Aside from the fact that building codes in most locations require underlayment, there are other reasons why you do, in fact, need it on your roof.

Reasons Roofing Company Installs Underlayment:

  • Roof Leak Protection

    Underlayment provides extra protection against leaks if the roofing material is damaged or compromised in any way.

  • Roof Warranty

    Often, roofing material manufacturers require that underlayment be installed under their roofing material by roofer. If it’s not, it could mean that the warranty on your roofing material won’t be valid.

  • Roofing System Function

    Underlayment acts as a barrier against moisture and vapor.

  • Maintaining Asphalt Shingles Roof

    In asphalt shingles in particular, there is a certain amount of residue and oils present. Underlayment prevents those oils and residues from penetrating your roof.

Underlayment is important in order to make sure your roof is protected. Although it may seem like a “nice-to-have,” the fact is that underlayment is a requirement. Without it, you might be compromising the integrity of your roof deck, not to mention the warranty on your new roofing material.

Read more about roofing underlayments

Image: Hundred House roof lines / Groton School / CC BY 2.0