Here's the skinny on full coverage paper, as we see it. Some roofing contractors will offer full coverage at no additional cost. If you are using some particular shingle brands, full deck coverage is REQUIRED for roofs with pitches under 8/12 in order to validate the warranty. In essence, if there is a failure and full coverage paper was not applied, shingle manufacturers will claim that full coverage is instructed right on the packaging, and now this is the reason your roof has failed and it is your problem alone. Neither building code nor CertainTeed shingle manufacturer, our manufacturer of choice, require full deck underlayment. In other words, if your roof fails, they will not look for "outs", saying, "well... you didn't put down paper first". While they'd love to upsell you into the idea of a super premium roof (and they do offer premium underlayment products), they know their shingles stand alone. And I know right now you're thinking, why wouldn't I want the free extra anyway, just to get more value for my buck??
Here are some things to consider when a contractor offers you full underlayment: What is the breathability of the paper? Will it TRAP MOISTURE escaping from my attic INTO MY ROOF DECK? Are these the very shingle manufacturers that underwent class action law suits for producing defective recycled organics and now they're trying to sell more cheap, unnecessary material??? Did my roof deck previously have full coverage underlayment? If the system isn't broke, should we fix it? And for some final food for thought, ask your roofer, does your underlayment cost $60 per roll, or does it cost $200 per roll? TAKE IT FROM A PRO, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. You get what you pay for. I know roofs will not be the most exciting purchase in your lifetime, but it's a substantial purchase in the maintenance of your home, your investment. What does YOUR roof need? Why would I need something in addition to the shingles covering my roof? Shingles are DESIGNED to shed water. You can't paper your roof alone and leave it there for 25 to 50 years. If you're relying on paper, then Houston, we definitely have a problem!
To this point, I must mention the reason why we choose our product. (Disclaimer: we do not get any kickbacks for promoting them). CertainTeed has always used fiberglass in their shingles. Their asphalt quality is evident when handling them compared to their competitors, the error in their cuts is smaller than that of their competitors (ie. more attractive install). Further, they have a patented tar line seal that strongly glues shingles down in addition to the nails that fasten them to your roof. This way, they do not lift up and flap in winds. AND THE MAJOR REASON WE USE THEM: we have never had problems with clients calling back with issues. If you've ever dealt with warranties, there is a lot involved in working with the claims department. They require you to take pictures of the inside of your attic (insulation and soffit ventilation), pictures of all facets of the roof from both far and close up. They also want to see how much ventilation you have (roof vents). They want to know what is the square footage of your roof. They want you to remove and submit two shingles from atop your roof, etc, etc. You're jumping through hoops to make absolute sure that they are entirely at fault. And what do you get after possibly months of back and forth with them? A percentage (the life expectancy that was not delivered) of shingle material costs. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE labor, disposal, etc. Surprise! You're still looking at thousands of dollars on a roof you didn't expect to purchase for several years. To further add insult, they will offer you a coupon for some more of their crappy product. To be honest, I'd rather install a better quality shingle for my client so that she or he does not call me in ten years, saying that her (or his) shingles are burnt out or not meeting wind ratings. THAT is why we choose what we believe is the best product that we have available to us. We don't install yucky roofs. We take pride in what we do and how we do it.
Here are some things to consider when a contractor offers you full underlayment: What is the breathability of the paper? Will it TRAP MOISTURE escaping from my attic INTO MY ROOF DECK? Are these the very shingle manufacturers that underwent class action law suits for producing defective recycled organics and now they're trying to sell more cheap, unnecessary material??? Did my roof deck previously have full coverage underlayment? If the system isn't broke, should we fix it? And for some final food for thought, ask your roofer, does your underlayment cost $60 per roll, or does it cost $200 per roll? TAKE IT FROM A PRO, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. You get what you pay for. I know roofs will not be the most exciting purchase in your lifetime, but it's a substantial purchase in the maintenance of your home, your investment. What does YOUR roof need? Why would I need something in addition to the shingles covering my roof? Shingles are DESIGNED to shed water. You can't paper your roof alone and leave it there for 25 to 50 years. If you're relying on paper, then Houston, we definitely have a problem!
To this point, I must mention the reason why we choose our product. (Disclaimer: we do not get any kickbacks for promoting them). CertainTeed has always used fiberglass in their shingles. Their asphalt quality is evident when handling them compared to their competitors, the error in their cuts is smaller than that of their competitors (ie. more attractive install). Further, they have a patented tar line seal that strongly glues shingles down in addition to the nails that fasten them to your roof. This way, they do not lift up and flap in winds. AND THE MAJOR REASON WE USE THEM: we have never had problems with clients calling back with issues. If you've ever dealt with warranties, there is a lot involved in working with the claims department. They require you to take pictures of the inside of your attic (insulation and soffit ventilation), pictures of all facets of the roof from both far and close up. They also want to see how much ventilation you have (roof vents). They want to know what is the square footage of your roof. They want you to remove and submit two shingles from atop your roof, etc, etc. You're jumping through hoops to make absolute sure that they are entirely at fault. And what do you get after possibly months of back and forth with them? A percentage (the life expectancy that was not delivered) of shingle material costs. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE labor, disposal, etc. Surprise! You're still looking at thousands of dollars on a roof you didn't expect to purchase for several years. To further add insult, they will offer you a coupon for some more of their crappy product. To be honest, I'd rather install a better quality shingle for my client so that she or he does not call me in ten years, saying that her (or his) shingles are burnt out or not meeting wind ratings. THAT is why we choose what we believe is the best product that we have available to us. We don't install yucky roofs. We take pride in what we do and how we do it.
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