Underlayment is more than a basic layer

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Matching underlayment to the roofing system can support performance, safety and more informed conversations with homeowners. 

Underlayment may represent a relatively small portion of a roofing system’s material cost, but Christopher Vick, national sales manager at Sentry Building Innovations, believes contractors should not overlook its role in roof performance. Speaking with host Megan Ellsworth on this episode Roofing Road Trips®, he explained that even when underlayment is viewed as a commodity, product quality and selection still matter. Christopher emphasized, “It really should be tailored to the type of roofing product that you're using on top of it as well.” 

That distinction becomes especially important as contractors work with shingles, tile and metal roofing systems. Mechanically fastened products, self-adhered options, vapor-permeable underlayments and ice and water shields can address different project needs, making product selection more nuanced than simply choosing a synthetic underlayment. Reinforcing that point, Christopher advised, “It isn't a one size fits all.” 

Contractors can also bring underlayment into their good-better-best sales conversations. Explaining why one option has different performance characteristics than another can help homeowners better understand what is included in a roofing proposal while giving contractors another opportunity to demonstrate product knowledge. Describing the value of that education from a consumer’s perspective, Christopher shared, “If I have somebody sit down and give me a little bit more explanation about what I'm buying and what the options are and I feel more informed myself, I feel so much more comfortable about A, that decision and B, that partnership with that contractor.” 

Sentry Building Innovations supports those conversations through product education, literature, samples and its sales team. The company is also continuing to develop underlayment options around contractor feedback and changing market needs, including vapor permeability and fire-rated products. 

For contractors, the broader takeaway is to consider the complete roofing assembly and its specific demands before selecting the layer beneath the finished roof. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how choosing underlayment for the specific roofing system can support performance, safety and stronger homeowner conversations!