Metal roofing is having a moment right now, and there are a couple of good reasons for its recent upswing in popularity. First and foremost, these roofs are durable and long-lasting. Sheet metal, in particular, is known to have excellent wind resistance, and most types of metal roofs are also resistant to water infiltration, hail damage, and other hazards.
The other reason these roofs are becoming popular? It’s because these days, there are a lot more options coming available. There are more colors to choose from, and you can even find metal that replicates the look of shingles or clay tile. This means it’s not only a durable option but a beautiful one that can complement the look of homes in any style.
Synthetic underlayment is a great choice for use beneath metal roofing. Wondering why? Below, we’ll show you the top five reasons to choose synthetic for your metal roof.
1. Durability
One of the disadvantages to metal roofing is that it is heavy, and panels moving around on the roof can result in underlayment that becomes punctured or torn. Synthetic underlayment is much more tear and puncture resistant than traditional asphalt underlayment, which mitigates the risk that installers might face tears when installing the metal roof.
2. Shipping Delays
Another issue with metal roofing is that these days, shipping delays are common, especially where metal products are concerned. When you install traditional asphalt underlayment, it needs to be covered immediately. Synthetic underlayments don’t face this problem. If your roofing supply shipment is delayed, products like Epilay underlayments come with up to 1 year UV protection, which gives you time while you wait.
3. Temperature Concerns
In the summer, metal roofs can get hot, with temperatures going above 140 degrees. This kind of extreme heat causes asphalt underlayment to degrade rather quickly, which lessens the efficacy of the overall roof system over time. Synthetic underlayment is better equipped to withstand these temperatures without breaking down.
4. Better Moisture Protection
Metal roofs aren’t known for leaking, but there can be weak points, particularly around fasteners and along valleys. These are spots where water can seep beneath the metal. Asphalt roofing felt offers some protection against moisture, but synthetic underlayments offer an even better moisture barrier. This is particularly true of peel and stick underlayments, which seal tight to the roof deck, preventing water from slipping underneath.
5. Ice Dam Protection
Ice dams are common in northern climates. It happens when freeze-thaw cycles cause snow and ice to melt, then refreeze on the roof, particularly along the eves. The ice dam then causes water to pool above the dam, and where water pools, it has a greater chance to seep into cracks and crevices. Synthetic underlayment, because it offers much more moisture resistance than other types of underlayment, also offers better protection against ice dams.
Between their good looks and durability, metal roofs are a great choice for many homes. But to create a solid roofing system, you’ll want to choose an underlayment to match. Synthetics offer the durability and moisture resistance to create a roofing system that will last for decades.
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