Roofing underlayment
Roofing underlayment is the layer under shingles or metal that helps keep water off the roof deck.
Why it matters
Roof coverings are the first layer. Underlayment is the backup layer that saves you when wind-driven rain or ice gets past the top layer.
Where people get this wrong
Underlayment is not optional in a real-world sense, even if someone tries to treat it that way. A better shingle does not replace a good underlayment strategy.
Real-world example
A storm rips a few shingles loose. The underlayment is the reason you get a repair bill instead of a soaked ceiling.
Where this hits your build
This affects how your home handles water. Water damage is one of the most expensive problems to fix, and it often starts with details that seem small.
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