High-quality underlayment is an essential roofing component that roofers must include in all their installations to meet building code requirements.
When properly chosen and installed by professional roof services, this material protects the roof decking by acting as a water-resistant layer over the wooden decking.
Unfortunately, if the underlayment stays exposed to the elements during a new installation or when roofing repairs are needed, it can deteriorate quickly.
As durable as it can be under the external roofing materials, underlayment is quite vulnerable on its own and can be ruined if left exposed for more than a short time.
What Happens When Underlayment Remains Exposed On A Roof?
The protective underlayment installed by professional roofers is designed to function as a water-resistant barrier under the external roofing materials.
Since the layers above it always cover up the underlayment, it is generally not designed to withstand weather conditions through direct exposure.
While some underlayment products can remain protective for weeks or months while roofing installations are completed or roofing repairs are executed, the longer the underlayment remains exposed, the more damage it can sustain.
Damage resulting from exposure can then lead to the premature failure of the underlayment if it deteriorates to the point where it cannot perform its sole function.
Roof services often find that whether due to repairs that go ignored for too long or simply poor roofing maintenance in general, underlayment can suffer to the point that it becomes unprotective, affecting the entire roofing system.
What Factors Can Affect Underlayment Deterioration When Exposed?
Underlayment is most affected by heavy rains, high winds, and UV damage when left exposed for extended periods.
In fact, some roofer underlayment are intentionally only water-resistant and not actually waterproof, making them unable to prevent water damage if not protected by exterior roofing materials.
Depending on the type of underlayment on the roof and the climate, the urgency of arranging roofing repairs or finishing a new roof installation may be higher or lower based on its specific design and durability.
High-quality, thicker felt underlayment can often remain exposed without suffering damage for 30 to 60 days and waterproof synthetic underlayment for up to six months.
Wind and UV damage can be a risk factor, but better products with higher resistance to UV rays and secure attachments are often unaffected for short periods.
How Can Roofers Prevent Underlayment Damage Due To Exposure?
Since it is recommended that underlayment should never be left exposed for long periods, the best solution to avoid UV damage and other exposure risks is to complete all roof services quickly once they are started.
Major work should be scheduled during drier, calmer seasons, and repairs should be started at a time when they can be completed within a short time.
If for any reason roofers experience a delay in completing a new installation or roofing repairs, they should tarp the exposed underlayment to protect it from rain, wind, and UV damage, ensuring it lasts its full, serviceable life once the work is finished.
Protect Underlayment With Prompt Roofing Repairs and Services
A high-quality felt or synthetic underlayment installed by a respected roof service provides crucial protection for the whole roof.
When left exposed while roofing repairs are being made or a new installation is being put on, that underlayment is vulnerable.
Avoid risks to this essential component by working with a knowledgeable contractor who can schedule services when they can be promptly completed, avoiding the potential underlayment damage that can happen if work is delayed!
