Synthetic Underlayment Performance:
Fact or Fiction Part 2

So, let’s get started.
Deciding which product to use for your tile project starts at the roof deck.

A. Select a premium high temperature rated synthetic roof underlayment material with a long service life that has been performing well in your given area for a minimum of ten years.  Anything less than that means you are volunteering to be the test market for the product you are supporting.

B.  Consider only premium synthetic underlayment brands that are specifically labeled for “Tile Applications.”  All synthetic roof underlayments do not perform the same in the abrasive tile roof environment. Look toward the heavier, more robust synthetic underlayments with a proven track record under tile.

Tract builders in states like Arizona and Nevada are beginning to move toward synthetic roof underlayments; unfortunately, the focus is on price.  A number of the lighter, cheaper, synthetics are already showing significant fatigue.  I find it surprising what some tile and synthetic manufacturer’s will recommend and/or allow as an underlayment under tile.  It’s important to do your homework.  By choosing a synthetic underlayment that is developed specifically for tile roof applications, you can avoid the problems I see most often.  Problems like:  Leaks from “blow-by,” a phenomenon of water blowing under laps due to wind blown rain. Sun/UV exposure fatigue. Foot traffic damage and damage by other trades.  I’ve found collateral damage resulting in leaks tends to occur most often on the lighter, thinner, products in many cases.

C.  As an upgrade option, you can offer an additional reflective Radiant/waterproofing layer if your client desires additional energy savings.

With so many manufacturers throwing their hat in the ring selling synthetic underlayments without a standard for performance or manufacturing, you might want to do your own test.  I remember a client in Tucson, AZ who had a “Test bed” in the back corner of his roofing yard.  There he laid up some plywood and nailed up samples of multiple brands of underlayments to bake under the hot Tucson sun.  I had the opportunity to analyze several products after a full year of rain and sun. The products in the test group varied widely from very little degradation to almost complete disintegration of one or more of the products.

I have seen reports of blind testing done with various brands of shingles installed on a roof and monitored for several years.  Results were posted without brand names being given.  This leaves the reader wanting for more information.  Perhaps a synthetic underlayment test run with numerous products side-by-side to watch which one(s) hold up under the intense UV index and torrential rains of the Southwest.

Years ago I remember a single ply test method done at DSET Labs in Arizona literally baking the test samples under magnified Sun light.  This accelerated the weathering of the test sample exponentially, weathering the samples several years in a short time frame.  Single ply manufacturers cited a test measurement called, “Langley”  representing a duration of real sun exposure in the accelerated test method.  Perhaps it’s time for an objective test for Synthetic underlayments as well?

In closing, Many years ago I had the privilege to work with a sales mentor. He was an elderly gentleman, 80+ and he had an interesting worldview about sales.  He would say to the prospect, “There are a lot of guys running around pitching products and most don’t or can’t deliver on their promises.”  He said they were selling, “A Pig-in-a-Poke!”  With so many synthetics on the market;  How well do each of these products perform out on the roof, where it counts?  People can claim anything when they are standing in your office pitching their product, so be sure to do your homework and verify the facts.  When you select a synthetic underlayment that delivers on the roof and performs consistently well, you will become a raving fan and experience an explosion in growth for your business when you use the best synthetic underlayment on all your sloped roofing projects.

I will be attending the WSRCA Convention and Trade Show coming up June 10 – 11.
I hope to see you there and discuss how I can help support and build your business!
You may click the link above for a free show pass.

Be sure to comment on our Facebook page, The Roofing Hub.

All the best,

Tony

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