Waterproof Underlayment

Most of us have done, or know someone who has installed the shingles on their own roof. This seems like a great way to save a little money on the cost of a new roof for your home, right? Ask yourself this. Am I trained in the NEWEST standards and installation procedures on how to properly install my own roof. Do I know how to properly flash the area around all those roof penetrations, such as vents, skylights, and chimneys. The  answer for most of us will be an astounding no. When you need the roof on your home replaced, call a  professional roofer and save yourself a little headache, labor, and quite possibly, money in the long run, by not having it leak later on.

The above picture will show you where it is suggested a waterproof underlayment be placed when replacing the roof on your home. These are areas of the roof that are the most prone to leaks, and therefore need  more protection from water and other elements. In most cases, this underlayment will be a sticky substance with a peel off backing that will adhere directly to the felt paper being installed on the rest of the roof.

When you have a professional out to give you a quote on a new roof for your  home, ask about the waterproof underlayment that will be used, and where it will be installed. Use the above graphic as your guide, and  request that it be placed in these areas. Yes, it may cost a little more initially, but it will save you in the long run. By having the waterproof underlayment installed, this will help with ice dam issues in areas where water can freeze, or has a tendency to run off slowly.