Roofing underlayment is a water-resistant barrier laid underneath all other roofing that adds a layer of protection to your roof. This layer is key to keeping your roof intact, as water and wind from severe weather can get between shingles. Underlayment is also important to the building process itself—it needs to have enough traction for roofers to be able to stand on it while they assemble the rest of the roof. Most underlayment is made of either rubberized asphalt or asphalt-saturated felt, but SafeGuard30 has designed a new underlayment that offers even more weather protection and traction for roofers.
What is SafeGuard 30?
SafeGuard 30 is a hybrid roofing underlayment, which means it’s composed of two different elements. Usually, a hybrid is created to bring the benefits of two things together into something new and improved, and SafeGuard30 combines the proven track record of asphalt-based underlayments (roofing felts) with a new, high-performance, non-woven polyester reinforcement.
What’s behind the name?
The “30” in SafeGuard30 refers to the 30-year limited warranty offered by the manufacturer.
“SafeGuard” highlights how the underlayment offers better, safer traction than traditional roofing felt due to the polyester reinforcement. One of the manufacturer’s taglines is “Walk a 12/12,” which shows just how much traction this underlayment gives roofers—even on a steep, 45-degree angle roof.
What are the benefits of SafeGuard30?
SafeGuard30 offers several benefits over regular felt. It rolls out easily in hot, cold, or in-between temperatures and weighs less per square foot than #30 felt. It also holds fasteners better, has better tear strength, is more puncture resistant, and the roll covers more than regular felt. A roll covers 450 square feet and weighs 50 pounds. Plus, there's that improved traction for roofers while they’re building the roof.
Dunn Lumber started selling SafeGuard30 in the middle of 2019, and we’ve sold several hundred rolls since. The roll does cost more than traditional felt, but many roofers are choosing it for the superior benefits. We hope this information will help you pick the best underlayment for your project. For more roofing guides, check out our blogs on GacoRoof’s silicone roof coating, repairing rafter tails and installing fascia, and how to protect your outdoor living spaces from Pacific Northwest weather.
