L & L Roofing & Construction
3328 Lakeland Road, Gainesville GA
(770) 874-8372 | LLroofs.com
Do I need to replace the underlayment during a re-roof?
Is New Underlayment Really Necessary for a Re-Roof?
Here’s the Straight Answer:
When planning a re-roof, many homeowners ask us:
“Do I need to replace the underlayment, too?”
At L&L Roofing & Construction, our answer is simple:
Yes. Always.
Replacing the underlayment isn’t optional—it’s essential to protecting your home, your investment, and your roof’s future.
Here’s why.
FAQ: Do I need to replace the underlayment during a re-roof?
📦 What Is Underlayment—and Why Does It Matter?
Underlayment is the layer that sits between your shingles and your wood roof deck. It acts as a second line of defense against:
- Wind-driven rain
- Leaks caused by damaged shingles
- Ice damming (yes, it happens even in parts of North Georgia)
- Moisture and condensation from attic heat
There are two common types:
- Felt paper (15-lb or 30-lb)
- Synthetic underlayment (what we use at L&L Roofing)
🚫 Why Reusing Old Underlayment is a Bad Idea
Here’s the hard truth: if you don’t replace the underlayment, your new shingles are being laid over an aged, possibly compromised moisture barrier.
That can lead to:
- Leaks from hidden nail holes or tears
- Trapped moisture that causes rot
- Voided manufacturer warranties
- Shortened roof lifespan
We’ve seen it firsthand—shiny new shingles failing early because the layer underneath was far gone.
✅ What We Do at L&L Roofing
When we do a re-roof, we remove everything down to the decking. Then we:
- Inspect the roof deck for rot or softness
- Replace any damaged plywood or OSB
- Install high-performance synthetic underlayment
- Follow with starter strips, shingles, and flashing
That’s the only way to make sure your new roof is fully protected from the inside out.
FAQs: Replacing Underlayment During a Shingle Re-Roof
Q: Can I skip the underlayment to save money?
A: We don’t recommend it. It’s a small part of the total cost, but it protects against thousands in future damage.
Q: What kind of underlayment do you use?
A: We use synthetic underlayment—it’s stronger, resists moisture better than felt, and provides better traction for installers.
Q: Will replacing the underlayment take longer?
A: Not significantly. It’s part of the normal re-roofing process and typically adds no extra time to your install.
Q: Does my warranty require new underlayment?
A: Yes. Most manufacturers (like Owens Corning and CertainTeed) require it for full warranty coverage.
Do It Once, Do It Right
At L&L Roofing, we don’t believe in shortcuts—just solid craftsmanship that protects your home for the long haul.
Replacing the underlayment is one of the most important steps in the entire re-roof process. When we say we’re going to do it right, we mean it—even for the parts you’ll never see.
📞 Ready to re-roof your home with honesty and integrity?
Call L&L Roofing & Construction at (770) 874-8372 or book your free inspection at LLroofs.com