Blog

If you want the best for your home you want to know that every element installed is the highest quality. Underlayment is the foundation for roofing. A lot of homeowners ask, “What is the best roofing underlayment?” For years roofers have been using felt paper as a type of underlayment whenever a roof is being replaced. Felt has been a time-proven and even approved option for many residential roofing systems, but does it actually mean that it is the best for every single case? In order to answer this question, we have to understand just what type of options are out there for underlayment and the value that is provided. At Right Way Roofing, Inc. we use an extremely strong underlayment to ensure your roof lasts longer than typical tile roofs. Most roofing companies use a cheap underlayment that will wear out in under 20 years. Our roofing underlayment is the best roof underlayment for tile roofs in Arizona and will last much longer due to its high-quality and comes with a 30-year warranty.

Synthetic Underlayment

This type of underlayment was made to be a replacement for felt. It is woven together using a polymer and polypropylene, which is vapor resistant and water-resistant type of underlayment. This type of underlayment is stronger is lighter than felt.

Roofing Felt

Roofing Felt is a type of felt paper that gets soaked in asphalt and other types of water-resistant mixtures that are able to produce a membrane. This is a bit more technical, but that is the basic idea about how it works. Roofing felt is often sold in either 30# or 15# rolls that are about 36 inches wide. In the past, the 15# roll was actually 15 pounds, but as time went by it has changed.

Rolled Roofing Underlayment

For the longest-lasting roofs instead of using standard underlayment rolled roofing can be applied. This stand-alone roofing system increases the durability and lifespan of your roof.  This is by far the best roofing underlayment option.  It can be installed directly on the decking before virtually any type of standard roofing from clay tiles to architectural shingles.

Reasons for Underlayment

In order to really decide what type of underlayment is going to be best, you have to understand what underlayment is used for and what it is able to do and what it is not able to do:

• Temporary protection if there is storm damage
• Vapor protection
• Protection from resins in the decking which can damage asphalt shingles
• Water-resistant, but not waterproof

Not all roofs will have to have the best underlayment on the market, and not all budgets can afford it. Standard shingles do not need the same type of vapor protection that could be needed for slate or metal roofs, but steep roof installation is safer with a walking surface that is made with synthetic underlayment.

A very common misconception by a homeowner is that underlayment is actually waterproof and that their roof can leak if it isn’t there. Even though the underlayment is water-resistant, it is not self-sealing, so water can get into every single hole that a nail has made. So, what underlayment is going to be best for your project?

Synthetic Underlayment

One of the main issues with using synthetic underlayment is the cost is more expensive per square foot when compared to felt. However, there are companies that have introduced new products that have competitive pricing and durability. Some of the biggest benefits for synthetic underlayment are:

• Safer to walk on when installing shingles
• Lays much flatter on the decking which prevents wrinkles that can happen when felt is used
• Great for metal roofs
• Vapor resistant and water-resistant
• Stands up to high winds if shingles are blown off
• Incredibly light

Roofing Felt

If you happen to be on a tight budget, then 15# roofing felt may be the right choice. Felt has been used for years and has really done well. Is there an even better option than felt? Yeah, but felt is still a really good choice. Also, felt has a really good fire rating and is very slow to burn.

How much will synthetic underlayment cost?

Most roofing quotes will use 15# felt as being the base option, so there isn’t an additional cost when it comes down to felt. But, getting a good quality felt roll can cost between $25 to $35 for materials and will cover around 450 square feet. Synthetic underlayment can vary between the brands, quality, and job applications. Many residential asphalt shingle roofs can be done using products that cost between $175 to $200 per roll when installed, but each roll will cover around 1100 square feet. Yes, the price can be different based on how it is applied, so ensure that you get exact pricing for the upgrade.

Professional Roofing Installation Services

You’ve got a lot of great options for roofing materials.  No matter which roofing material type you choose Paul’s Roofing is here to help install it right.  Our team installs whichever roofing material you want the right way, the first time.  We strictly used the highest quality and longest lasting roofing materials to ensure our customer’s satisfaction. Paul’s Roofing can help with installation of shingle roofing, tile roofing, spray foam roofing and more.

Roofing materials are always a costly proposition but if you want the best and do not mind paying for it, read on to learn of the some of the best options.

Cedar 

Cedar shingles are a decent option if you’re going for a specific home style. These shake-style roofs are commonly found on Cape Cod, colonial and other historically-styled homes. Cedar shakes are very durable too. The Cedar Shake & Shingles Bureau says average lifespan of cedar shakes and shingles is 30-40 years, depending om climate to installation to storms. Even if the shingle itself lasts that long, however, that doesn’t mean they’ll retain their high-end appearance. Cedar as a roofing material is very susceptible to damage. Wood rots and burns easily, so you need to have cedar shakes specifically treated and installed in order to get them as water- and fire-resistant as possible, but even then they’re still at risk of damage. Plus, compared to the run-of-the-mill asphalt shingle, cedar shakes are up to six times more expensive – not always worth the upkeep costs and energy.

Slate 

Slate is by far the most expensive roofing material on the market. It’s ten times more costly than the average asphalt shingle as it pairs well in Gothic, Tudor, Chateau or other expensively styled, historic-looking homes. Since slate is stone, it’s  fire resistant and, depending on its mining location, can last from 60-200 years. However, stone becomes more brittle and less impact-resistant as it ages, and where the material is mined can have a huge impact on how well it holds up over the years. To find a good quarry, you’ll have to do a lot of research and pay the high price to have it shipped to you. Another issue that typically pops up with slate is slipping — when tiles slip out of place or fall out completely after installation. Low-quality manufacturing techniques, “over-nailing” and walking on the tiles during installation are the most common causes of slipping.

Professional Roofing Installation Services

You’ve got a lot of great options for roofing materials.  No matter which roofing material type you choose Paul’s Roofing is here to help install it right.  Our team installs whichever roofing material you want the right way, the first time.  We strictly used the highest quality and longest lasting roofing materials to ensure our customer’s satisfaction. Paul’s Roofing can help with installation of shingle roofing, tile roofing, spray foam roofing and more.

For Arizona property owners that are thinking about replacing their roofing, there are a number of options.  Before choosing which type of roofing to have your roofing contractor install, you should carefully consider the following different roofing material types.

Tile Roofing Material

Homeowners, business owners, and architects prefer tile roofing as it adds visual appeal that is as timeless as it is durable.  The durability of tile roofing is one of the longest and offers homeowners a long lasting affordable roofing material option.  Tile roofing is available in a number of different material options from metal and clay tile to Spanish tile and asphalt.

• Clay Tile – these tiles are strong, durable, and have great visual appeal.
• Metal Tiles – metal is always a durable yet somewhat heavy roofing option.
• Spanish Tiles – these tiles are beloved as they have a style that’s considered timeless.
• Asphalt Tiles – as one of the most affordable options it is popular nationwide.

Tile Roofing Advantages

In addition to being one of the most beautiful tile roofing options there are other advantages to it.

Insulation Advantage – Tile roofing offers property owners a shield from the summer’s intense heat.  It will help keep your home cooler than other roofing options.  This reduction in heat transfer will work with your insulation to help keep utility bills down.

Strong & Durable – A tile roof stands up to harsh weather better than the other various roofing options, with the exception of metal roofing.  Tile is great for monsoon season and is fireproof to help protect you and your family from the unthinkable.

Spray Foam Roofing Material

Foam roofing offers property owners a number of great benefits.  It is made from polyurethane foam is is typically applied in a liquid.  After it has dried it creates a shingle layer that covers the entire roof.  One of the biggest advantages of foam roofing is that there are not any seams in the roofing.  Without seams there are far fewer potential areas that there could be leaks in your roofing.  Keeping water out is the primary job of your roof and protects the house and it’s contents from water damage and mold.

Foam roofing is very light weight, durable, and affordable to have installed.  This roofing material weighs about 50 pounds per square foot.  Various other types of roofing can weight as much as 500 lbs per square foot.  Another major benefit of foam roofing is that it helps insulate homes to keep them cooler in the summer!

Shingle Roofing Material

Shingle roofing is by far one of the most common and widely used roofing materials.  This is due in part to how inexpensive it is, but also it is a recommended product by many architects and contractors.  One of the great things with shingle roofing is how many colors, styles, and designs the roofing material is available in.  Other roofing materials typically do not have as many options, so it becomes a popular option for homeowner’s wanting to stand out and make a statement.

While all roofing materials are engineered for maximum life span, shingles do wear out with age, weather, and mother nature’s influence.

Anyone considering having their roofing replaced needs to carefully choose a roofing contractor.  Experience, insurance, and licenses should be check to help pick a quality and reliable roofing contractor.

Roofing is worn out in extreme weather conditions, which are common in Arizona.  Over the years the drastic difference in temperature between summer and winter degrades your roofing dramatically.  Due to the special weather considerations and extreme summer heat local roofing companies understand the challenges and will be able to recommend a roofing type based on your budget, home, and preferences.

Spending some money up front in repairing, maintaining, or replacing worn roofing can and will save property owners thousands in potential repair costs.

Metal Roofing Material

While metal roofing is common in many areas of the united states, it isn’t as common in Arizona.  In the state it is more commonly installed in commercial, retail settings, and some residential settings.  In addition to being an incredibly weather resistant roofing material metal will help reflect heat away from your home.  This will help save you on cooling costs for many years to come.  Metal is a great roofing material that can handle just about any storm or extreme heat.

Metal Roofs Advantages

Metal roofing offers property owners a number of great advantages including: strength, lifespan, safety, environmentally friendly, and energy efficiency.

• Stronger Roofing – Metal is no slouch when it comes to warding off the affects of storms, monsoons, and strong winds.
• Longer Lasting – This type of roofing can last as much as 70 years which is far superior to the traditional lifespan of roofing that was only 12-20 years.
• Energy Efficient – A metal roof with reflect the energy of the sun away from your home before it gets in.
• Safer Roofing – Some roofing types are flammable, metal isn’t.  This helps protect properties and families.
• Recyclable Roofing – Metal is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet and when your roofing wears out in 70 years it will be possible to simply recycle it.

Solar Shingle Roofing

As one of the newest and most exciting roofing options solar shingle roofing is made from photovoltaic cells.  It is engineered to look like it is simply a traditional roofing material.  Having made their debut in 2005  solar roofing shingles do cost more than a traditional roofing option, but also produce electricity. Your solar shingle roof will save you around 40% to 60% in energy costs.  While the installation of solar shingle roofing costs about $20,000 there are state incentives that can reduce the cost by as much as 50%.

Professional Roofing Installation Services

You’ve got a lot of great options for roofing materials.  No matter which roofing material type you choose Paul’s Roofing is here to help install it right.  Our team installs whichever roofing material you want the right way, the first time.  We strictly used the highest quality and longest lasting roofing materials to ensure our customer’s satisfaction. Paul’s Roofing can help with installation of shingle roofing, tile roofing, spray foam roofing and more.