Highlights
- Felt paper underlayment is the most affordable option, but can be prone to tearing and is mostly used on builder homes.
- Standard synthetic underlayment is the most common underlayment used on homes in Myrtle Beach. This is because standard synthetic underlayment is reasonably priced and offers durability.
- Premium synthetic underlayment can offer extra protection on rough roof decks. But does not necessarily provide enhanced protection in comparison to standard synthetic underlayment.
- Ice and water shield is a product applied to roof valleys and flashing areas to protect against leaks.
- High-temp ice and water shield is the standard underlayment for metal roofs, as it resists heat-related damage.
How Much Will Underlayment Cost for My Roof?
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may find yourself concerned about the price. And all the factors that go into it. After all, roofs aren’t cheap.
Roof underlayment is an often overlooked element of your roof that is included in the price of a new roof. Roofing underlayment sits between your roof deck and roof material like shingles or metal. It acts as a safeguard against water damage should your roof be damaged by wind So roofing underlayment plays a big role in the durability of your roof over time.
In our experience, homeowners benefit most from standard synthetic underlayment, as it provides both durability and affordability. But we don’t like to make choices for our customers, rather we aim to educate so you can choose roofing materials that make you feel safe and provide you with peace of mind.
Let’s talk about the price of roofing underlayment and the differences between underlayment types, here.
How Much Does Underlayment Cost for My Roof?
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty. How much will underlayment cost for your roof? Well, it can depend on a number of factors. These factors include complexity, the height, the size of your home, and more. The average home in Myrtle Beach is 30 square (3,000 square feet).
At this size, the average cost for each type of underlayment looks like this for the average 30 square roof:
- 15lb felt paper - $250 - $550
- 30 lb felt paper - $500 - $700
- Standard synthetic underlayment - $400 - $600
- Premium synthetic underlayment - $650 - $800
- Ice and water shield (average cost for valleys and other areas vulnerable to roof leaks) - $200 - $300
- High temp ice and water shield (price for all over roof application on a metal roof install) - $4,000 - $6,000
Typically homeowners choose the standard synthetic underlayment option for their roof. This option, including the average amount of ice and water shield used on homes, would make up anywhere between $600 to $900 in the cost of your roof on a 30 sq (3,000 square foot) home. This price is included in your estimate, meaning labor is an additional cost in the final price of applying underlayment.
To get an estimate for the total cost, including underlayment, check out our instant estimator. Here you can choose the package you're most interested in and see the estimated price for your roof replacement.
Why are There So Many Types of Roofing Underlayment on the Market?
With all of these options you may be wondering why there are so many types of underlayment on the market today.
What do they do? And what are their differences?
15 lb Felt Paper:
15 lb felt paper is made out of organic cellulose fibers sourced from recycled wood pulp, rags, or paper with an asphalt layer to coat the felt. This product has been phased out by most Myrtle Beach roofing companies, but is often used on new construction residential buildings
- Very lightweight, which can cause it to tear under extreme conditions
- Affordable
30 lb Felt Paper:
30 lb felt paper is made of the same base material as 15 lb felt paper, organic cellulose or recycled wood pulp, rags, or paper. The difference is that 30 lb felt paper has a thicker layer of asphalt coating over top. This product has been phased out by most Myrtle Beach roofing companies, but considered a step up from 15 lb felt paper due to its thickness.
- Thicker than 15 lb felt paper, adding a bit more resistance to tearing
- Affordable
Standard Synthetic Underlayment:
This underlayment is most commonly used by roofers in Myrtle Beach for its durability and affordability
- 600% stronger than 15 lb and 30 lb felt paper, making it resistant to tearing
- Affordable
Premium Synthetic Underlayment:
Premium synthetic underlayment is made out of woven or non-woven polypropylene or polyethylene fabric. Premium synthetic underlayment is slightly thicker than standard options and is most useful on roofs with rough or splintered decking, where it can help create a smoother surface for shingle installation.
- Performs similarly to standard synthetic
- Great for smoothing out rough roof decking prior to shingle installation
Ice and Water Shield:
Ice and water shield is made of rubberized asphalt (bitumen). It has an adhesive backing and a film overtop typically made of cross-laminated polyethylene or another polymer film to add strength, UV resistance, and walkability. Ice and water shield is most commonly used in specific areas of your roof like valleys or flashing areas, though it can be applied to the entire roof if requested. Applying this product to your entire roof is not common and can be a pricey upgrade.
- Material seals around roofing nails helping to prevent leaks
- In the event that shingles are blown off by wind, this product prevents wind from getting underneath areas where your roof decking comes together
High Temp Ice and Water Shield:
High temp ice and water shield is made of the same base layer as ice and water shield (bitumen) with an adhesive bottom layer, but has a fleece-like or cotton fiber fabric, or a high-temperature polymer film as a top surface layer. High temp ice and water shield is typically used for metal roof applications. This is because the material is resistant to the heat metal roofs conduct, it ensures that your roof decking is protected even in high temperatures.
- Mostly used on metal roofs because of its heat resistance, but also because it does not have an asphalt coating that could cause a negative chemical reaction with metal or scratch the underside of your metal roofing panels.
While underlayment is a crucial element to your new roof, the way it is installed is what will help your roof last its entire lifespan. Not only that, but if your still on the fence about which type of underlayment you should choose, a reliable roofer will be able to help you determine the best fit for your unique home.
Which Roofing Underlayment is Best for Your Home in Myrtle Beach?
The truth is, new roofs are expensive. And while homeowners are often presented a total cost with elements like underlayment included in the price, it’s important for you to know how the cost of underlayment can impact that total price.
Whether you’re looking for durability, affordability, or enhanced protection, there’s underlayment on the market for you. Roofers often include details about the underlayment they’ll use on your home in their estimate based on the warranty package you choose. So don’t be afraid to ask questions about the warranty options a roofer offers you when they come to your home.
Now that you know the price of roofing underlayment and the functionality of each kind, you’re ready to choose the roofing package that serves you and your home best. But if you need expert help, we at Linta Roofing are happy to help you choose the best underlayment for your home. Just give us a call or book an inspection online and one of our roofing experts will be happy to help you through your roof replacement journey.
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