While planning out the details of your home's new roof installation, you may have already decided on the type and color you want for the shingles. Along with making choices about the shingles, another important part of the roof's installation is the underlayment.

As an added layer of protection between the shingles and decking, the underlayment typically comes in two material options — synthetic and felt. Before you make a decision on which one you should use for your new roof, consider a couple of the advantages synthetic underlayment has over its felt counterpart.

1. Synthetic Underlayment Is More Durable than Felt, Making It Longer Lasting and Easier to Install

One advantage that synthetic has over felt when it comes to underlayment material is that it is more durable. Felt underlayment is easy to tear, especially during installation, and has to be installed slowly to ensure that it stays intact. Even if there are no rips in the felt, however, severe weather can lift shingles and cause damage to the underlayment.

However, synthetic underlayment is constructed from a strong material that does not tear easily, even under high winds or during installation. Because of this, the synthetic material is easier and faster to install, and it will last longer than felt.

2. Synthetic Material Is Waterproof, Helping It to Prevent Moisture Infiltration Between the Shingles and Decking

Another advantage of using synthetic material instead of felt for your roof's underlayment is that it is waterproof. While the felt is shielded from normal water exposure by the shingles, if it does become wet, it can wick the moisture in between the shingles and decking.

Once it has infiltrated the space between the layers, the moisture will start to deteriorate the roof from the inside. However, since the synthetic material that the underlayment is made from is fully resistant to water, it does not wick the moisture into the space between the shingles, adding an extra barrier to water and helping to prevent moisture infiltration.

When it comes time to decide on what type of underlayment you want to be installed for your home's new shingled roof, consider choosing synthetic over felt. Not only is synthetic underlayment more durable, but it is also waterproof, allowing it to prevent moisture infiltration to help your roof last longer. For more information about underlayment and other options for your new roof, contact a local company like Iman Roofing.