Although all houses have roofs, the quality you install on yours is what will set it apart from the rest. While a good roof is supposed to protect your home from the outside elements, it will only last so long as the underlay you choose is of high quality. In Arizona, tile roofing has been acclaimed as the go-to option for people interested in more than just the aesthetics because, if properly installed, it can last for at least 50 years.
The best underlayment for your roofing in Arizona is one that is both heavy-duty and light-weight enough to prevent excessive weight in the roof since tiles are heavy. Of course, your budget will also determine what you will go for, so let’s tell you the various options available for you to make informed decisions.
What is Underlayment?
Underlay something is to support it from beneath; therefore, in construction, underlayment is a quarter-inch material placed on top of a subfloor covering but beneath the finish flooring covering to have a smooth and even surface. In roofing, underlayment is a secondary protective roofing layer installed on the deck but beneath the roof finishing cover.
Roof underlayment is usually water-resistant to protect against water or moisture but is also semi-breathable to permit humidity and air to permeate the roof deck. Therefore, roof underlayment is placed on areas where the roof is most likely to have moisture intrusion or water leaks. Hence the first sign that notifies you as a homeowner that you need to have your underlayment replaced is leakages.
Best Underlayment Options for Tile Roofing in Arizona
Underlayment is produced to cater to different homes in varied climatic conditions. Thus they come with various properties. For this reason, an underlayment that was manufactured purposely for hot and humid areas will not be suitable for cold and dry places.
In the US, there are four major climate zones: hot and dry, cold and dry, hot and humid, and cold and humid. Arizona is one-third arid and two-thirds humid, falling under the hot and humid zone; therefore, the best underlayment options for tile roofing are:
Asphalt-Saturated Felt Underlayment
It is made from crude oil residues such as bitumen that has been refined or fiberglass materials. Unfortunately, although it boasts of being water-resistant, it is not 100% waterproof, but it still is an excellent option for protecting against moisture penetration.
It is available in different thickness levels, and the 15-pound or 30-pound felt is preferred by most contractors for residential houses. However, being labeled with #15 or #30 is not enough proof that the felt has met the required standards. It refers to how much 100-square-feet of the felt paper weighed when it began being used; thus, the actual weight is less than the 15-pound or 30-pound sticker.
Compliance with the industry standards usually comes with the labeling of ASTM D226 or ASTM D4869. The thicker the asphalt-felt, the more resistant it will be to wind, but Arizona barely experiences any hurricanes; hence a lighter felt will suffice.
The warm climate should make use of felt with a class II or III vapor retarder. It is important to note that a 15-pound felt has a perm rating of 5, which falls under the class III vapor retarder meaning it is perfect for Arizona.
Its main advantages are:
- Affordability
- Water-resistant
- It can be used on a sloped roof.
Disadvantages include:
- Not suitable for flat roof
- Not waterproof
- Affected by too much heat over time
Synthetic Underlayment
There are different synthetic underlayment types, but the bottom line is that they are all spun either from polypropylene or polyethylene. However, the manufacturing process and properties of each differentiate it from the rest. Unlike asphalt-felt measured in pounds per square foot, synthetic underlayment is measured in grams per square meter.
It has the benefits of being:
- Waterproof
- Non-skid
- Resistant to fungal growth
- Durable
- Light-weight
- Resistant to UV exposure
Disadvantages of synthetic underlayment are:
- It is costly, with each roll going for between $175 and $200
- Most do not comply with current building code requirements.
Why Ultra Form Roofing?
Experience of Over 20 Years
We have been in operation for more than 20 years and have worked on over 2000 projects, which exposed us to various working environments. As a result, we have acquired enough experience to know the kind of roof that best suits each property, whether residential or commercial, depending on the climate zone. At Ultra Form, we are experts in different types of roofing, including foam roofing, flat roofing, new roofing, shingle roofing, tile roofing, and many more.
Family-owned & Operated
As a family-owned and operated business, we want to build a reputation that will ensure we stay in operation for generations to come. Therefore, we ensure that we meet all our clients’ needs and maintain strong working relationships, sometimes even personal since some community members are our friends. We prioritize delivering value and have familiarized ourselves with the local codes and restrictions in our service area, so your project will always be approved.
Referral-based
Ultra Foam is a referral-based company, which should speak of the faith our clients have in us. We are proud of the excellent quality of work we provide and the high degree of work ethic we always transact within our operations. Consequently, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale residents know they can trust us to go above and beyond; thus, they refer us to their friends.
Guaranteed Quality
We stand behind our work; therefore, after installing a roof on your property, we will always conduct free annual inspections, free repairs, and free re-roofing should the need arise.
Get Started with Tile Roofing!!
Hiring a roofing expert guarantees you quality work, especially when dealing with a company like Ultra Foam, whose 10-plus team members have experience in various roofing options. We are headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, so if you live in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Paradise Valley, we are always happy to offer some of our services. Call us today for a free consultation.
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