When most homeowners think about a new roof, they focus on what they can see—the shingles. But at MCCUSKER CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC, we know that the most critical part of your roofing system is the layer you’ll likely never see again once the job is done: the underlayment.
Think of your shingles as the “armor” and the underlayment as the “waterproof skin” underneath. If the armor takes a hit, that skin is the only thing keeping your rafters, insulation, and drywall dry.
1. The Last Line of Defense Against “Ice Damming”
In Virginia, we experience freeze-thaw cycles that can lead to ice damming. When snow melts and refreezes at the eaves, water can back up under the shingles.
- The Cheap Way: Standard felt paper (tar paper) can tear or degrade, allowing that backed-up water to seep directly into your roof deck.
- The MCCUSKER Way: We use premium, high-temperature self-adhering membranes (Ice & Water Shield) in all critical areas—valleys, eaves, and penetrations. This creates a watertight seal that even standing water can’t penetrate.
2. Strength and Tear Resistance
Standard organic felt paper is notoriously fragile. It’s essentially paper soaked in asphalt; it can tear during installation or become brittle over time.
- The Best-in-Class Choice: We utilize advanced synthetic underlayments. These are engineered from high-strength polymers that are nearly impossible to tear. They don’t absorb moisture, they don’t rot, and they provide a much safer, non-slip surface for our crews to work on, ensuring a more precise installation.
3. Breathability vs. Waterproofing
Your roof needs to protect you from rain, but it also needs to let your house “breathe.” Cheap underlayments can trap moisture coming from inside the home, leading to mold in your attic or wood rot in your decking.
- Our high-quality synthetic options are designed to keep liquid water out while allowing moisture vapor to escape. This balance is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your roof deck for decades, not just years.
4. Wrinkle-Free Protection
Have you ever seen a roof that looks “wavy” or lumpy? That’s often caused by cheap felt underlayment absorbing moisture before the shingles were even installed, causing it to wrinkle and telegraph through the shingles.
- Our synthetic underlayment stays perfectly flat, regardless of the humidity or weather conditions during installation. This ensures that your finished roof looks as sleek and professional as the day it was designed.
Comparison: Underlayment Quality
| Feature | Standard 15lb/30lb Felt | Premium Synthetic Underlayment |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | High risk of tearing | Extremely high tear strength |
| Moisture Absorption | Absorbs water/wrinkles | 100% Waterproof & flat |
| Longevity | Degrades over time | Matches the life of the roof |
| Walkability/Safety | Slippery when wet | High-traction textured surface |
Export to Sheets
The MCCUSKER Standard
At MCCUSKER CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC, we actively steer our clients away from traditional asphalt shingles. While we will install them if a homeowner specifically requests them, we believe they are a short-term fix for a long-term asset. For those looking for the ultimate in structural integrity, modern aesthetics, and energy independence, the better choice is always Aether Design solar shingles.
By pairing the world-class engineering of Aether Design with the highest-grade synthetic underlayments on the market, we ensure your home stays dry, safe, and efficient for the long haul.