<style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->html.et_fb_desktop_mode #main-header, html.et_fb_preview_active #main-header, html.et_fb_desktop_mode #top-header, html.et_fb_preview_active #top-header, html.et_fb_desktop_mode #main-footer, html.et_fb_preview_active #main-footer {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> display: none!important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->}<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></style>

BUILDING PRODUCTS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Defining Waterproof vs. Water Resistant Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

by | Sep 17, 2024 | EpiStik Ice and Water, EpiStik Plus, EpiStik SA-250, Felt Underlayment, Peel and Stick Underlayment, Roofing Underlayment, Synthetic Underlayment | 0 comments

Defining Waterproof vs. Water Resistant Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

Waterproof versus water resistant: In the world of synthetic roofing underlayment, there are a lot of questions about these two terms. What does it mean for an underlayment to be truly waterproof? Read on and we’ll show you!

What is the Difference Between Waterproof and Water Resistance?

In industry standard terms, waterproof means that an underlayment will completely prevent water infiltration no matter how it is installed, so long as it is installed by a manufacturer-approved method. Water resistant or water shedding underlayment is an underlayment that will protect a roof deck from moisture, but the potential exists for some water infiltration.

Waterproof Underlayment Versus Water Resistant Underlayment

Because most synthetic roofing underlayments must be installed with cap nails or staples, and because these underlayments do not seal around the fasteners, they are typically considered water resistant, not truly waterproof.

Products like Epilay’s Protectite line are technically waterproof in that water cannot penetrate the layers of the material. However, once you’ve installed these products, they are considered to be water resistant, not waterproof. That’s because you’ll need to use fasteners to install these products (or any type of non-adhesive synthetic underlayment). Since these underlayments don’t seal around fasteners, there is some risk of water infiltration through fastener holes. That’s why they’re considered to be water-resistant.

To get a truly waterproof barrier, you’ll need to use a peel-and-stick underlayment. Examples of peel-and-stick underlayment EpiStik Plus, EpiStik SA-250, and EpiStik I&W. Unlike our Protectite line of underlayments, EpiStik products are all self-sealing underlayments. In other words, if you use EpiStik underlayments with fasteners like nails or staples, they’ll remain completely waterproof because the adhesive that seals them to the roof deck will also seal around fastener punctures, creating a truly watertight barrier.

And there you have it! While Protectite and other synthetic underlayments will shed water, some moisture may still seep in around fasteners. If you need a truly waterproof barrier, one in which there is no chance of water infiltrating around fasteners, then choose a self-sealing peel-and-stick underlayment like one of our EpiStik products.

Submit a Comment