Help Me Decide… Deck Protection         

What is it?

A single ply layer of protective roof covering that is installed directly to the roof deck prior to installing the shingles.  The single ply underlayment overlaps the leak barrier with a 3″ headlap so no wood decking is left exposed.  Its primary purpose is to act as a second line of defense against leaking.

What you need to know:

•  Minimum Building Code Requirement:
• 15 LBS. roofing felt paper installed over the roof deck.
• Some underlayment is not breathable and may lead to humidity and moisture problems if not installed with adequate ventilation requirements.
• Lightweight felt papers can wrinkle if left exposed overnight or if exposed to high levels of humidity under the roof deck which may lead to aesthetic defects and structural issues.
• It is common practice for contractors to cut felt paper that has been left exposed in order to remove air bubbles.  Once the paper is cut, the ability to stay watertight is jeopardized as well as the integrity of the product.

Deck Protection Options

15 lbs. Felt

• Lightweight felt paper with the minimum amount of asphalt impregnated into the fabric.
• Useless once it becomes wet or wrinkled due to humidity and moisture.
• Not recommended for most applications.

30 lbs. Felt

• Additional amounts of asphalt are impregnated into the same fabric to gain additional weight and tear strength,
• Still very susceptible to damage once the product becomes wet.
• Should not be left exposed overnight.

Synthetic Felt

• At least 600% (i.e., 7 times) greater tear strength than standard #30 felt.
• Revolutionary “Breathable” Technology.
• Helps prevent inside moisture from becoming trapped within your roofing system and causing mold, mildew, and expensive structural damage
• Exceptionally durable, non-asphaltic construction will not rot or become brittle (unlike conventional asphalt felts, which can disintegrate over time)
• Up to a Lifetime ltd. warranty when installed on Lifetime Shingle roofs.
• Unlike conventional asphalt felts, resists wrinkling or buckling, so it lets your shingles lay flatter for a better-looking roof
• Can withstand UV degradation for 180 days when left exposed

Complete Leak Barrier

• Complete leak barrier coverage is not recommended for all applications.  This type of system is usually applied over areas that have a very shallow roof pitch or the use of an approved breathable roof deck.
• In all instances, it is recommended to check with the shingle manufacturer prior to installing.