Upgraded Underlayment
Upgraded Underlayment | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Pikeville
When heavy winds and flying debris tear at your shingles, HEP keeps Pikeville homes protected with an upgraded underlayment that locks out moisture even after the outer roof takes a beating. Our crews peel away compromised materials and install a fortified synthetic barrier that resists water intrusion, mold, and UV breakdown far longer than traditional felt. The result is a roof that’s ready for fresh shingles today and still standing strong when the next Appalachian squall rolls through.
Because every minute counts after a storm, our certified technicians arrive fast, document damage for your insurer, and guide you through each step of storm damage restoration. From emergency tarping to the final inspection, you get clear communication, honest estimates, and workmanship backed by HEP’s iron-clad warranty—so you can focus on getting life back to normal while we return your roof to better-than-before condition.
FAQs
What is upgraded roofing underlayment and why is it important after storm damage?
Upgraded underlayment is a higher-performance layer installed beneath your shingles that offers enhanced water resistance, tear strength, and UV protection compared with traditional felt paper. After hail, wind, or heavy rain events common in Pikeville, the primary roof covering can be compromised. An upgraded underlayment acts as a secondary water-shedding barrier, helping prevent leaks, mold, and deck rot until full repairs or replacements are complete. It also provides extra peace of mind during future storms.
How does upgraded underlayment affect my roof’s wind and hail resistance?
Premium synthetic or peel-and-stick underlayments adhere more tightly to the roof deck, create fewer fastener penetrations, and resist tearing under wind uplifts of 130 mph or more. Many upgraded products are engineered with reinforced scrim layers that disperse the impact of hail, reducing the chance of water intrusion if the shingles suffer bruising. This translates to improved overall storm resilience and can extend the service life of the entire roofing system.
Will my insurance cover the cost of upgrading the underlayment during storm damage restoration?
Most homeowner policies in Kentucky cover restoring your roof to its pre-loss condition, which generally includes standard felt underlayment. However, many insurers allow like-kind or better materials when code requirements or manufacturer specifications warrant it. We work directly with your adjuster to document why an upgraded underlayment is a prudent, code-compliant solution in Pikeville’s high-wind zone. In many cases, the additional cost can be negotiated into the claim or offered as a modest out-of-pocket upgrade.
How long does it take to install upgraded underlayment during a roof replacement or repair?
For an average 2,000-square-foot home, removing damaged materials, inspecting the deck, and installing a premium synthetic underlayment typically adds only a few extra hours to the overall roof replacement timeline—usually one to two days total, weather permitting. Self-adhered ice-and-water products may take slightly longer because of careful membrane positioning and rolling, but they dramatically reduce future leak risks around eaves, valleys, and penetrations.
Are there building codes in Pikeville that require a specific type of underlayment after storm damage?
Kentucky follows the International Residential Code (IRC), which mandates at least one layer of underlayment and ice-barrier protection on roof slopes below 4:12 or in areas prone to ice dams. While the IRC does not explicitly require synthetic or peel-and-stick underlayment, local Pike County inspectors often recommend them because of our frequent freeze-thaw cycles and high wind events. Choosing an upgraded underlayment helps ensure your new roof meets or exceeds current code and manufacturer warranty requirements.
What warranties come with upgraded underlayment, and how do they compare with standard felt?
Traditional #15 felt typically carries no manufacturer warranty once installed. In contrast, most premium synthetic underlayments offer 20- to 50-year limited warranties covering material defects, UV exposure (up to 6 months uncovered), and in some cases limited wind protection. Self-adhered ice-and-water membranes may include lifetime limited warranties when installed as part of a certified system. Combined with a reputable contractor’s workmanship guarantee, an upgraded underlayment provides significantly stronger long-term protection for your investment.