The underlayment installed by roofing contractors is considered one of the most important components of any roofing installation for the essential protection it provides.
In Texas, state building codes specifically dictate the components that roofing companies must include in their roof installations, with one or more layers of high-quality underlayment being one of those requirements based on roof slope and type.
Of course, not all underlayment is the same, so homeowners and their roofers must always adhere to the requirements of both the Texas Building Code and the Texas Department of Insurance when choosing suitable underlayment.
What Types of Underlayment Are Installed By Roofing Companies?
There are three types of underlayment that roofing companies install depending on the roofing materials, location of the home, and homeowner’s preferences:
- Asphalt-Saturated Felt - Made from fiberglass fabric saturated with bitumen asphalt waterproofing, this underlayment is the most commonly installed underlayment used by roofers, comes in 15-pound and higher-quality 30-pound weights, and provides adequate protection under most roofing systems.
- Rubberized Asphalt - Underlayment produced using rubber polymers and bitumen to produce a more durable and waterproof material is more expensive than asphalt-saturated felt, but also more durable, better suited for certain roofs, and less susceptible to UV damage.
- Synthetic - Non-bitumen underlayment made from polypropylene, polyethylene, and other synthetic materials are lightweight, waterproof, and mold-proof, though considerably more expensive than the other two options.
What Underlayment Does The Texas Building Code Require?
Currently, the Texas Building Code states that roofing contractors must install one or more layers of felt underlayment of specific ASTM types as directed according to the type of installation they are doing.
Among the approved types are different bitumen-based products, but no newer synthetic products are mentioned.
This has left many homeowners and roofing companies interested in using a synthetic underlayment wondering whether or not this is possible, as there are several products with the same ASTM ratings.
Much of the concern currently relates to some of the challenges of using synthetic underlayment, as they require roofers to use a specific installation process and are not compatible with every roofing system.
As a result, some insurance companies may not cover a roof with synthetic underlayment.
Can Synthetic Underlayment Be Used In Texas?
When looking to use a synthetic underlayment in Texas for the many benefits these products provide, the best thing that homeowners and their roofers can do is to contact the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), as they maintain a list of approved underlayment products as well as their own homeowner's insurance companies.
When installed by a roofing contractor who has received the proper training to use these underlayment, some insurance companies will approve products recognized by the TDI as being ASTM-rated and suitable for their specific roofing installation.
Experienced Roofers Know Texas Roofing and Insurance Directives
A high-quality underlayment is an essential part of every new installation that roofing companies do for their customers.
With the confusion surrounding underlayment products that meet state building code and insurance requirements, homeowners should discuss it with an experienced roofing contractor when selecting their underlayment, then double-check that their roof will qualify for coverage with their insurance company.
Professional roofers appreciate the attention to detail and are happy to help their customers choose the most suitable products for their roofs!
