With proper maintenance and installation, tile roofs can last more than 100 years. They are Florida’s most durable roofing system. The underlayment is what will ensure your roof lasts the longest. A tile roof’s underlayment must be strong enough to support the weight and load of multiple tiles. Old Time Roofing uses a strong underlayment that protects your home from the elements to ensure that your tile roof will last a lifetime.
What Is Tile Roof Underlayment?
The underlayment membrane is applied between the tiles and the roof sheathing to protect your roof from water damage.
A tile roof is water-repellent by nature, but it doesn’t provide a watertight barrier as it isn’t sealed at every corner when it is laid. To protect against water, a roofing underlayment is required.
Best Tile Roof Underlayment
To ensure your tile roof’s durability and longevity, the underlayment should be at least equal to the tiles in quality. There are three types of tile roof underlayment: asphalt-saturated feel, synthetic underlayment, rubberized asphalt, and synthetic underlayment. Below is a list of all three.
- Asphalt-Saturated Felt
Asphalt-saturated felt papers are a popular type of underlayment for tile roofs. It’s low-cost and easy to install. It is a mixture of cellulose, asphalt, and polyester that has been soaked in waterproofing agents. There are two thicknesses to choose from: 30-pound or 15-pound. However, the popular choice for roofers is the 30-pound felt.
It’s thicker and more rigid than the 15-pound felt. This makes it more resistant to damage during installation and can protect your roof better from the elements such as hail, snow, wind, rain, or hail. Asphalt-saturated felt is water-resistant and cost-effective for many homeowners.
- Synthetic Non-Bitumen Underlayment
Non-bitumen synthetic underlayment is made from either polypropylene or polyethylene material. It has many amazing features that make it an ideal underlayment for your tile roof. This underlayment is a replacement for felt. The synthetic underlayment is water-resistant because it has a high asphalt saturation. Additionally, the fiberglass addition makes it more stable and heat resistant. The synthetic underlayment of high quality has scrim reinforcement which provides slip resistance even in wet conditions. This underlayment can be applied to the entire roof deck.
Synthetic Underlayment Also Has Other Benefits:
- The roof is lighter and thinner than other underlayments, which makes it less heavy.
- It is easy to install
- High winds and foot traffic can cause tears to be more severe.
- Anti-fungal and wrinkle-free
- It lasts longer and degrades slower than other materials.
- High resistance to UV damage. Can be left outside for up to six months depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Sometimes, synthetic underlayment is used in conjunction with waterproof products
- Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment
Although it is more costly than the other options, this underlayment may provide better waterproofing. What is the reason? Why? The adhesive is usually on one side and is protected by a membrane during installation. This backing is what makes rubberized underlayment self-adhesive and creates a waterproof seal between the roof deck and the underlayment.
These underlayments are rubber-like and can seal around staples or nails thanks to their rubber-like properties. Rubberized underlayments can withstand heat up to 250 degrees F without causing adhesive degradation, making them perfect for Florida homes. Rubberized underlayments also have other benefits:
- They are weather-resistant and non-skid thanks to the polyester/polyethylene bonded to their upper surfaces
- For improved moisture resistance, they have a polymer coating bonded to the weathered surface
- Fiber-glass reinforced
Call The Professionals
Florida can be extremely hot. If you’re a Florida resident, you already know this. You need an underlayment that is strong enough to withstand the elements and not get damaged. To install the underlayment, you will need to have a qualified, licensed, and experienced roofer. Old Time Roofing can help you choose the right underlayment for your tile roof, and will also assist with installation. Contact Us Today for a Free Estimate!
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing, one of the best roofing companies in Saint Petersburg, FL! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties. Click here for more information!
