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Self-adhering or “self-stick” roofing underlayments have been around for more than 30 years protecting building structures from moisture damage caused by wind-driven rain, ice dams or failure of the finished roofing surface. Phenolic Board
A number of insurance companies and code bodies have begun requiring contractors to cover the entire roof with a self-adhering underlayment to protect the home’s interior from any unnecessary water damage. One reason for the change has been that mechanically attached roofing felts and newer synthetic underlayments cannot provide the same level of protection should water or moisture penetrate the roofing system. Another reason is that self-adhered underlayments protect the structure before, during and after the installation of the roofing system.
Blown off shingles, ice dams or seam leaks on metal roofing systems allow water to get beneath the finished roof system. Self-adhered underlayments offer secondary water protection for the entire roof in the event of a roofing breach. Most of these self-adhered underlayments are also self-sealing around roofing fasteners to maintain a waterproof barrier. It’s no wonder that today, there are more self-adhered products available than single-ply and built-up membranes combined.
Although self-adhered underlayments are easy to install, there are several Installation keys that should be followed closely to provide maximum performance once the product is installed:
The most important aspect of self-adhering underlayments is that when installed correctly, they can provide the roofing contractor with piece-of-mind and greatly reduce the number of call-backs to fix a leaking roof. Information is readily available from the manufacture in the form of technical data sheets, installation instructions, installation videos and other sources such as social media and YouTube.
By properly informing yourself prior to the job, you stand a much greater chance of future referrals from pleased customers.
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