GAF Materials Company is synonymous with high quality roofing merchandise, and their underlayment isn’t any exception. I’ve used it extensively as a roofing contractor, and whereas its a wonderful product, there are different nice underlayments available on the market for householders searching for another.
If you happen to want a brand new roof or work completed as we speak, get a quote from my really helpful roofing corporations.
What Is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment is a skinny, waterproof materials, offered in rolls, that sits between the shingles and the roof deck. It’s main function is to function a secondary barrier towards water. Ought to the shingles (or different roofing materials) fail, the underlayment is there as an emergency backup. It’s a typical and necessary a part of the roofing system, and it’s necessary to maximise the lifetime of your roof.
Roofers lay strips of underlayment horizontally throughout the roof, beginning on the backside, to create overlapping runs as much as the height of the roof. As a result of the nails used to safe the shingles will penetrate by the underlayment, the strips are merely tacked in place with mild fasteners. Ice and water protect will probably be put in over it, then the roof shingles.
What Are the Completely different Kinds of Roof Underlayment?
There are numerous forms of roofing underlayment or underlayment supplies. Historically tar-paper was the usual, and I nonetheless sometimes come throughout outdated roofs which have it. Nevertheless, as we speak, fiberglass felt (generally known as felt paper) and polypropylene/polyethylene are the {industry} normal. Tar paper remains to be obtainable, however I wouldn’t recommend it for a brand new roof.
You’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the technical facets of underlayment in our Right this moment’s Home-owner article on roof underlayment.
GAF Roof Underlayment Options
Tyvek Protec 160 Roof Underlayment
DuPont has created the Tyvek Protec model as probably the most extensively used roof underlayments. The Tyvek Protec 160 roof underlayment is likely one of the greatest alternate options as a result of it has ultraviolet (UV) safety that may final for six months. That is the same as 180 days of an uncovered roof. It weighs 31 kilos per roll and has a thickness of 14.9 mils. The Tyvek Protec 160 is 4 ft large and 250 ft lengthy. This product is assured sturdy.
For householders who reside in areas which might be vulnerable to hurricanes, that is one roof underlayment value contemplating. It really works nicely for hurricane roof patching. Its set up is simple and won’t require lots of people to get the job completed.
The Tyvek Protec 160 is nearly the identical because the Tyvek Protec 120 concerning options, although it gives some efficiency upgrades. It additionally gives related industry-leading walkability. This may be put in underneath completely different roofing supplies like asphalt shingles, cedar, and steel roof cladding. The Tyvek Protec 160 has nice traction and that makes it best for roofs with steep slopes.
When it comes to efficiency, it’s spectacular as a result of it has a four-layer building. The slip-resistant coating of this product is certainly one of its most fascinating qualities. It really works as an efficient moisture barrier, particularly throughout roof set up.
Owens Corning ProArmor
The Owens Corning model has been a widely known firm when it comes to constructing merchandise. Householders who count on GAF roof underlayment high quality gained’t be upset with Owens Corning ProArmor roof underlayment. It’s a nice model that gives sturdy and dependable underlayment. ProArmor is a confirmed artificial felt underlayment that gives nice water resistance regardless of being a skinny and breathable product.
The floor of the Owens Corning ProArmor is slip-resistant and comes with button caps. Roofers may have a neater time upon set up as a result of it could be safer to function whereas strolling throughout. Owens Corning ProArmor is likely one of the most really helpful choices when it comes to artificial roof underlayment. Householders ought to rigorously contemplate this product when selecting amongst alternate options to GAF roof underlayment.
Epilay Underlayments
One other wonderful different to GAF roof underlayment is the Epilay model. It gives a line of artificial underlayment merchandise excellent to serve quite a lot of wants. There’s a Protectite line with 4 grades that vary from Plasfelt to Protectite Platinum. All of those underlayments have been designed to offer efficient water resistance. They’re extremely tear-resistant as nicely.
Roof installers will even admire these merchandise as a result of they’re simple to deal with and set up. One other spectacular function of the Epilay model is that they function as much as 12 months of UV resistance. Because of this this product can face up to publicity for a very long time.
Tyvek Protec 120 Roof Underlayment
One other product that would function a wonderful different to GAF roof underlayment is the Tyvek Protec 120. Sure, one other Tyvek on this checklist. Nicely, that’s how good the model is. This product gives a totally weatherproof underlayment. It serves as an efficient benefit, particularly in locations that have extreme climate circumstances. Roof installers love utilizing this roof underlayment as a result of it has a textured floor that makes strolling throughout simpler for them.
The Tyvek Protec 120 roof underlayment can be a light-weight product and that helps roofers when it comes to hauling. Going up ladders gained’t be as troublesome with heavier underlayment choices.
Firestone RubberGard FSRG10X15-60 Roof Underlayment
Householders who purpose to amass a wonderful different to GAF roof underlayment ought to extremely contemplate the Firestone model. The Firestone RubberGard roof underlayment is likely one of the hottest underlayments available in the market as we speak. The model has been recognized to be dependable and extremely sturdy even in places with extreme climate circumstances. It’s manufactured utilizing an artificial rubber compound and gives superior UV resistance. This product may face up to low temperatures. Roof installers suggest this product due to its security and ease of set up.
This Firestone RubberGard Roof underlayment is likely one of the hardest underlayment choices available on the market as we speak. This product comes with a 60mm thick layer. The benefit of getting that thickness is that it could be extra silent when heavy rains begin to pour down the house’s roof. One other profit is that it may help the roof to chill even throughout summer time and sizzling days. Additionally, the Firestone RubberGard roof underlayment additionally gives an extremely powerful underlayment. With its powerful options, this product can’t be simply torn aside. It additionally offers top-notch waterproof safety.
Premier Roof Underlayment Choices
With out query, GAF roof underlayment is likely one of the greatest choices available on the market as we speak. Nevertheless, for householders searching for a substitute for GAF, these 5 alternate options will serve you nicely. I’ve used all 5 and located them to be performant, high quality merchandise. I’d fortunately use any of them for my own residence or recommend them to a consumer.