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There is some confusion in the roofing industry about the efficacy of synthetic underlayment, stemming primarily from a significant variance in manufacturer quality. 

To put it in simple terms, most (but not all) of the problems associated with synthetic roof underlayment are the direct result of a subpar manufacturer rather than the artificial component of the underlayment.

While these problems create inconveniences, they shouldn’t be deal breakers for installing synthetic underlayment. In addition, you can take additional measures to limit the severity of these issues in the future.

1) More Expensive Than Alternatives

Synthetic underlayment costs up to 25 cents per square foot, about 20 cents higher than felt roof underlayment per square foot. The disparity stems from a difference in material quality, though it doesn’t necessarily translate to durability.

However, the best-case outcomes of synthetic underlayment longevity are greater than felt, potentially making the costlier upfront expense a long-term financial gain. In addition, it doesn’t make economic sense to install felt underlayment on an expensive roofing system, as it decreases its overall value.

Again, this comes down to the quality of the product and manufacturer rather than the concept of “synthetic” underlayments. When you choose the right synthetic product, it will outperform the best version of felt underlayment.

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Solution: Project your long-term budget while considering the cost of future repairs 

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2) Lack of Durability

Synthetic underlayment is made with VOCs or volatile organic compounds, which gradually deteriorate. The system may fail once they evaporate and encourage moisture absorption in the underlayment.

As a result, the roof will require frequent upkeep and replacements, creating a significant inconvenience. These worst-case scenarios further invalidate the cost disparity from the felt underlayment and are once again the direct result of product quality.

As a result, it’s essential to choose the most durable form of synthetic underlayment, particularly for roofs in warm weather climates like Texas and Florida.

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Solution: Choose a brand known for quality and durability, like Tyvek, Owens Corning, GAF, or Grace

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Pro Tip: Owens Corning Rhino Roof is considered an excellent quality synthetic underlayment

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3) Limited Compatability

Synthetic underlayment offers limited compatibility and is only compatible with certain kinds of roofs. Also, while rare, some building codes forbid synthetic underlayment.

Metal roofs can sometimes be incompatible with synthetic underlayment, so it’s crucial to conduct all this research before investing in this underlayment material.

With that being said, the vast majority of building codes allow synthetic underlayments.

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Solution: Check on the building codes that govern your property area before installation

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4) Climate Intolerance

Extreme climates in either direction (hot or cold) can spell trouble for synthetic underlayment. For example, below-freezing temperatures can deteriorate the material, compounded by winter wheater events like hail storms.

Alternatively, blistering hot temperatures are also a problem for this underlayment, as the heat can crack the material causing leaks and other long-term issues.

As you may have guessed, these problems primarily emerge with low-quality products. Choosing something like the Owens Corning Rhino Roof negates most of these issues.

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Solution: Choose an underlayment material with vigorous tear resistance

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5) Vapor Impermeability

Most synthetic underlayments have a permanence rating lower than one perm, making them significant barriers to vapor. The impermeability can prompt mildew and mold growth for roofing types that allow upward drying, like cedar and tile roofs.

In contrast, asphalt shingle roofs are unaffected by this issue as they disallow upward drying. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about moisture collection and mold, which can eat away at the roof decking.

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Solution: Use on roofs with downward drying capability or invest in a synthetic underlayment material with greater vapor permeailbitliy 

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6) Faux Thickness Measurements

Part of synthetic underlayment’s poor reputation in some industry circles is the misrepresentation of its thickness measurements. While this is only a problem for products offered by low-quality manufacturers, misleading marketing tactics are offputting.

For example, some synthetic underlayment products are billed as having 20 mil thickness even though manual measurements show 16 mil. Worst of all, the number is inflated by a non-woven surface material which is only relevant for installation purposes and does not provide long-term protection.

Once this surface is removed, the measurement decreases to a nine mil thickness. So when all is said and done, the advertised thickness of 20 mil is 11 units higher than the real-time thickness measurement.

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Solution: Choose a trusted brand, product, and manufacturer

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7) Installation Complications

The final potential issue with synthetic underlayment results from an unprofessional installation. While these can occur with any roofing project, the long-term consequences of improper artificial underlayment installations can be distinctive.

The biggest concern with lousy installations is moisture resistance. Once your roof becomes susceptible to moisture infiltration, it will result in frequent leaks and require costly repairs.

While low-grade products can be a culprit for similar issues, improperly installing the best-quality products can still yield poor results. That’s why Roofer’s Guild regularly stresses the importance of hiring a licensed and credible roofing contractor for installations.

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Solution: Hire a licensed and reputable roofing company with previous experience installing synthetic underlayments

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Final Thoughts on Synthetic Underlayment Problems

The problems with synthetic roof underlayment are “generalized” and often vary by the precise material type. In other words, choosing the best brand of synthetic underlayment with a high-level installation can reduce the likelihood of these problems manifesting.

Part of the challenge is paying attention to misleading advertising techniques product manufacturers use. For example, a billed thickness of 20 mil may actually be as low as nine mil. As a marketing resource for roofing companies, we know all about the most sinister tactics deployed by salespeople.

With that said, the risks involved with this underlayment type cannot be ignored. In addition, each potential problem should be considered when making a final decision about your roofing system. In any case, always consult a licensed professional roofing contractor to determine the best course of action.

Roof debris removal is one of the most misunderstood aspects of roofing maintenance. While some DIY-savvy homeowners want to avoid hearing it, roof debris removal requires professional assistance, as the pros will do everything better and safer.

Roofer’s Guild outlines the various aspects of roof debris in the following guide:

Why It’s Important To Clean Up Roof Debris

Removing roof debris is absolutely necessary in every case, as it can cause various problems that can threaten your property in the short and long term.

Here’s why roof debris removal is essential:

• Aesthetic Appeal
• Damage Prevention
• Pest Control
• Gutter Longevity

Aesthetic Appeal

Roof debris like leaves, moss, and twigs hurts a property’s aesthetic appeal and projects roof neglect to onlookers and potential buyers. 

This buildup can be exceedingly hurtful to a property’s resale value as it may not reflect the condition of the property itself. Furthermore, it visually distorts the roofline, which can mask architectural features that would otherwise be a selling point.

Aesthetic concerns are not limited to homeowners or business owners looking to sell their property. Roof debris can also reduce the credibility of a business if their property suffers from buildup on their business roof. 

This aesthetic may even discourage customers or investors from associating with your business.

Damage Prevention

Debris on a roof can also cause property damage. For example, twigs and leaves can ensnare moisture against a roof’s surface, leading to material degradation and mold growth and threatening structural integrity.

Depending on your climate and the time of year, that moisture buildup can eventually freeze, leading to ice dams on the roof. In addition, moisture can cause gutter clogs, leading to a dysfunctional drainage system.

If water begins overflowing, your roof edge can be destroyed. Ultimately, extending your roof’s lifespan is partially dependent on debris management.

Pest Control

Pest control is another concern of unkempt roof debris, as it can attract all kinds of problematic pests to your roofing system. For example, birds, insects, and rodents may all take haven on roofs accumulating twigs and leaves.

In extreme scenarios, birds will form nests and start breeding on your roof. In other cases, termites will begin eating through materials, and rats will set up shop to avoid predators.

Aside from the obvious concerns pests present for property owners, they can severely damage rooftop materials. However, the most alarming potential consequence of these pests is their threat to the healthy of the property’s inhabitants, as they carry germs and diseases that may become airborne.

Gutter Longevity

Branches, twigs, and other debris can pause water flow and cause gutters to rust quickly. This fast degradation can lead to a weakening of the gutter’s structural soundness.

Debris also takes its toll on gutters because of its weight which debilitates fasteners and brackets to the point of collapse. In some cases, damaged gutters may lead to water seeping over the sides, damaging a property’s foundation.

What Causes Roof Debris?

Roof debris is typically caused by inclement weather, including strong winds, especially for properties near large trees and branches.

The emergence of pests on the roof can amplify existing debris problems with nesting, adding to rooftop buildup.

Variables Influencing Roof Debris Frequency

Multiple variables influence how frequently a property will accumulate debris and thus require a solution for removing it. Some of these variables are obvious, like climate and location, but others are more surprising.

Check out the list below:

Location

A property’s location affects its level of exposure to natural debris. For instance, is the property in a rural environment surrounded by trees? Or perhaps, the property is in an urban environment surrounded by various pollutants and loose debris.

Climate

Rainy climates like the pacific northwest may increase the likelihood of blockages. Alternatively, windy environments may increase the frequency of flying branches and twigs. Any climate prone to excessive inclement weather faces a more significant challenge.

Roofing Materials

The material of your roof also plays a factor. For example, asphalt shingles often suffer from loosened granules and tile roofs are known to entrap branches and twigs. Conversely, metal roofs are less likely to accumulate natural debris because of their smooth surface. 

Roofing Age

The roof’s age also impacts its resistance to debris. For example, older roofs regularly suffer wear and tear, which creates openings for potential waste. Similarly, the degrading materials on dying roofs may form their own debris.

Aged roofs also tend to pool water, which can lead to algae or mold growth. In these cases, the property owner might consider commercial roof cleaning.

Maintenance Schedule

Even newer roofs can be more debris-prone when they suffer from owner neglect. This manifests as the result of failing to schedule regular roofing maintenance.

A roofing structure is a “system” that relies on various moving parts to maintain health. As a result, assuring the functionality of its components prevents debris accumulation.

Scheduling regular roof inspections ensures minor problems are resolved before they lead to collateral damages like debris.

The Less Common Cause of Roof Debris

Although roofing projects inevitably create debris, competent professionals will not leave debris on a client’s roof. However, we all understand that not every licensed roofer is qualified.

As a result, instances exist when roof debris may be left over from a project, like a roof installation. This is a telltale sign of shotty workmanship and is typically associated with rushed jobs.

It’s also worth noting that new asphalt shingle roofs may experience loose granules, which is a fairly common occurrence and not necessarily reflective of a poor-quality installation.

However, in these cases, your roofing contractor will warn you of this possibility and execute further steps to ensure they do not cause any problems.

Roof Debris Management Challenges for Contractors

Part of being a competent roofer is forecasting the challenges of various aspects of the project. Roof debris management should be part of a roofing company’s process and refined over time.

As most contractors probably know, roof management can cause various challenges:

Tarps

Tarping the roof is a common way to contain debris but can lead to other issues like landscape damage. For example, dragging a debris-filled tarp across a residential lawn causes noticeable harm.

Also, strong winds can displace tarps, reducing their effectiveness in managing debris.

Since tarps are relatively thin, exposure to the elements can puncture the material, which causes debris to fall loose during the cleanup process.

As a result, some roofing projects may require multiple tarps.

Dump Trucks

Some roofing companies utilize dump trucks for debris management, but they present several problems. First, the sheer size of these trucks makes moving them a genuine nightmare.

Residential neighbors will not be thrilled about a massive garbage-filled vehicle parked near their driveway. Furthermore, cities often require permits for companies looking to park dump trucks.

Even if you clear those hurdles, loading debris into the dump truck is your reward. Any negligence in the loading process can cause spillage during debris transportation, polluting streets, and aggravating potential consumers.

Best Roof Debris Management Alternatives

Debris Containers

Debris containers are made specifically to contain and dispose of roofing waste. They differ from dump trucks in both size and functionality. For example, they lessen the manual handling of debris and reduce the chances of dispersed litter.

Also, these containers come in various sizes, so contractors can deploy the one that best fits each roofing project. Perhaps most importantly, the containers are easy to transport, preventing pollution and ensuring a clean and efficient cleanup process.

Roofing Chutes

Another debris management alternative is a roofing chute. Chutes are structural funnels that connect the roof to the disposal receptacle.

Traditionally, contractors would be forced to toss the debris to the ground like a bag of mulch, but chutes now allow them to place the waste in the funnel.

The debris’s journey from the roof to the ground is much less destructive when guided by an engineered chute rather than erratically floating through the air.

Roof chutes make the cleanup process more effective and efficient and promote the safety of workers and other bystanders.

Final Thoughts on Roof Debris Removal

Roof debris removal is an essential part of the cleanup process for professional roofers. It’s also a significant concern for homeowners and business owners with roofs accumulating debris from inclement weather.

While DIY homeowners may be inspired to manually handle debris removal, contacting a professional roofing contractor is essential. Furthermore, neglecting debris altogether is not an option.

Debris, including twigs, leaves, and other buildups, leads to roofing problems ranging from material degradation to mold development. In some cases, roof waste can clog gutter systems and destroy the property’s foundation.

Old-school debris management tools like dump trucks and tarps are now largely obsolete and often cause more problems than they solve. Roofing chutes and debris containers are the modern solutions to these challenges and provide increased safety and efficiency.

The entire roof debris process, from removal to management, is an essential aspect of a roofing system’s longevity and one property owners and professional roofing contractors should take very seriously.

High-quality roofing podcasts are more accessible in 2023 than ever before. After all, more podcasts exist now than in previous decades. As a result, a wealth of information is available to roofing professionals interested in increasing their knowledge base. 

At Roofer’s Guild, we have our fingers on the pulse of the roofing industry. We have chosen to rank the best roofing podcast, along with nine additional options. Check out the best ten roofing podcasts below:

1) Roofing SEO Podcast

As a marketing company, we like to learn as much as possible about the ins and outs of digital promotion for roofers. As a result, we tune into the Roofing SEO Podcast for marketing insights and the latest Google trends. 

The podcast is hosted by a company that makes our best roofing SEO companies list for 2023, so we trust their insights more than most.

2) The Roof Strategist Podcast

The Roof Strategist Podcast is aptly named for its strategic sales insights for roofing professionals. Roofers can learn more about sales, financing, estimates, and budgeting. In addition, this podcast is an excellent resource for companies looking to increase sales revenue or train new hires in the sales process. 

Hosted by Adam Bensman, they typically release multiple episodes per week.

3) Roofing Road Trips

Not every podcast must be about learning or training. Roofing Road Trips is an excellent diversion from the work feel of other podcasts on this list. Instead, Roofing Road Trips presents Heidi J. Ellsworth traveling across the U.S. to talk to industry experts. 

The expansive coverage of the country allows listeners to gain a range of insights from other roofing professionals.

4) Limitless: The Roofing CEO Show 

Roofers interested specifically in the business side of roofing should check out Limitless: The Roofing CEO Show hosted by Dylan McCabe. Dylan speaks exclusively with CEOs and owners of roofing companies while also providing virtual training. 

Anyone curious about running a successful roofing company should take some time to consume this podcast.

5) Roofing Business Builder Podcast

As fellow experts in commercial roofing, we are very intrigued by the Roofing Business Builder podcast. Daniel Lakstins hosts this pod, which focuses on the commercial side of the industry. 

Lakstins help commercial roofers develop business acumen and a growth mindset while scaling their roofing business.

6) RT3: The Roofing Technology Think Tank Podcast

One of the most appealing parts of the roofing industry is its evolving technology. Professionals interested in learning more about technological topics should check out RT3: The Roofing Technology Think Tank podcast. 

Hosted by Ryan Grath, this show highlights ongoing tech solutions to prevalent roofing challenges.

7) Roofing Insights Podcast

As far as buzz is concerned, Roofing Insights generates tons of engagement throughout the roofing industry. Hosted by Dimitry Lipinsky, this show regularly gets quality guests to share industry insights. This podcast tackles everything from materials to marketing and the stuff in between. 

Hear from leading experts in various industry sectors to learn more about the craft and business side of the roofing marketplace.

8) Rocket Roof Show

The Rocket Roof Show is another show focusing on the commercial roofing industry. Host Andy Near interviews various commercial roof experts across the United States, each providing unique insights for listeners. 

Common topics include maintenance, sales, insurance, and more. As a result, commercial-focused contractors can benefit significantly from this pod.

9) Best of Success Podcast Show

Most roofing professionals are aware of the popular Roofing Contractor magazine. In addition, the same brand now features a podcast called the Best of Success Podcast Show, with interviews from various industry experts and influencers in roofing. 

The podcast dives deep with insightful guest topics, stories, and anecdotes. Any professional roofing should listen.

10) The Start Build Grow Show: A Roofing Contractor Podcast

There’s a substantial overlap between roofing business owners and the entrepreneurial space. The Start Build Grow Show highlights this sweet spot by diving into the entrepreneurial aspect of the roofing industry. 

The podcast features special guests who share their entrepreneurial path to success and even allows listeners to pose business questions.

Choosing Your Best Roofing Podcast

After listening to these podcasts, you may form your opinion on the best. After all, roofers have different interests regarding industry insights, news, and suggestions. You’ll find that each of these shows offers something different and will allow you to form a subjective conclusion on which one best fits your needs.

Roofing business owners are constantly trying to expand their knowledge base through books, courses, or online blogs. For many, podcast represents one of the most convenient mediums to learn. Professionals can listen to podcast episodes while driving or working out, allowing them to multitask while improving their business acumen.

These podcasts may inspire you to start your own roofing podcast in 2023. Remember that podcasting is a valuable roofing marketing tool, and you can benefit from them in more ways than one.