Why Underlayment Is One of the Most Important Parts of Your Roof
When most homeowners think about a roof installation, shingles are usually the first thing that come to mind. But before the first shingle is ever nailed down, there’s a critical protective layer that goes on top of the roof deck—underlayment.
This moisture-resistant barrier plays a major role in keeping your home dry, durable, and protected for years to come. Here’s what every homeowner should know about this essential step in the roofing process.
What Is Roof Underlayment?
Underlayment is a waterproof or water-resistant material installed directly over the roof decking. It’s the white or black layer you’ll often see in progress photos before shingles are installed.
While it’s not visible once the roof is complete, it does a huge amount of work behind the scenes.
Why Underlayment Matters
1. It Provides Critical Backup Protection Against Leaks
Even with high-quality shingles, your roof is still vulnerable to:
Wind-driven rain
Strong storms
Shingle lifting
Ice or moisture intrusion
If water gets past your shingles, the underlayment is your second line of defense. This extra barrier helps prevent water from reaching the wood below, reducing the risk of rot, mold, or costly repairs.
2. It Keeps Your Roof Deck Dry During Installation
Your roof deck is exposed during the tear-off and re-roofing process. Underlayment helps protect it from:
Surprise rain showers
Moisture buildup
Extended exposure to humidity
This added protection ensures your new roof starts on a healthy, dry foundation.
3. It Helps Extend the Overall Life of Your Roof
A properly installed underlayment contributes to:
Better shingle performance
Reduced moisture damage
Longer roof lifespan
Lower long-term repair costs
A roof is only as strong as what’s beneath it — and underlayment is one of the most important components of that system.
Types of Underlayment We Use
At Ronnie’s Roofing & Construction, we use modern, high-performance synthetic underlayment designed to be:
✔ Lightweight
✔ Tear-resistant
✔ Water-repellent
✔ Durable against foot traffic during installation
This ensures your roof has the best protection from day one.
Thinking About a New Roof or Concerned About an Existing One?
Whether you’re replacing an aging roof, repairing storm damage, or just want peace of mind, understanding what’s under your shingles is key.
We offer free inspections and will walk you through every step of the process so you know exactly what’s protecting your home.
Ronnie’s Roofing & Construction
📞 (803) 493-4395
Serving Lake Wylie, Clover, York, Fort Mill & surrounding communities.
