Why Roofing Underlayment is Important
I have been in the roofing industry since 1974. For virtually my entire career, any type of roofing, tile, asphalt shingles, metal, etc., all must have some sort of roofing underlayment.
You have to remember, moisture can get under any roofing material, whether from water leaks from rain, condensation, broken tile, or anything else. The reason for the underlayment is to protect against that type of moisture intrusion, helping to prevent damage to the structure such as dry rot or fungus and mold growth.
Additionally, no matter what the codes or specs were that far back, it is incumbent on any licensed roofing contractor to bring any job we do up to current building codes and, in fact, roofing underlayment is required, without exception.
Honestly, in my opinion, if this roof is devoid of underlayment, it would be deemed to have no value whatsoever and I feel any insurance company would view it the same way.
Bottom line, building codes are ever evolving, much, like law, is ever evolving, as always trying to correct past mistakes.
If you have any questions, please contact us today!
Dave Hancock, Raneri & Long Roofing and Solar