Why Does a Good Roofer Near Me Use Synthetic Underlayment and Ice and Water Shield?

A good roofer near me uses synthetic underlayment and Ice and Water Shield because together they form the second line of defense under your shingles. At Honest Roofers in Myrtle Beach, every full roof replacement gets Ice and Water Shield on the lower edge and synthetic underlayment across the deck, never tarred felt, so wind-driven rain has nowhere to go.

What Is Roof Underlayment and Why Does It Matter?

Roof underlayment is the layer between the wooden roof deck and your shingles, and it matters because it keeps water off the wood when something gets past the shingles. Shingles are not a sealed surface. They overlap, they move a little in the heat, and on a stormy day along the coast they can lift just enough for rain to sneak underneath. When that happens, the underlayment is what stands between that water and your attic.

Your roof is a system of layers that each have a job:

• The roof deck: the plywood or boards that give the roof its shape and strength.
• Drip edge: metal trim that guides water into the gutters and away from the fascia.
• Ice and Water Shield: a self-adhering membrane at the most vulnerable spots.
• Synthetic underlayment: the water-resistant layer across the rest of the deck.
• Shingles, flashings and vents: the outer shell that sheds water and lets the attic breathe.

If one layer is skipped or done cheaply, the whole system is weaker. You will never see the underlayment once the job is done, which is exactly why it is where some crews cut corners, and why Jeremy Coleman, the owner of Honest Roofers, is so particular about it.

Why Is Synthetic Underlayment Better Than Tarred Felt?

Synthetic underlayment is better than tarred felt because it is stronger, lighter, more tear resistant and holds up better if it gets wet during installation. Felt paper was the standard for generations and is still used because it is familiar and inexpensive, but it has real weaknesses in a climate like ours.

How felt paper falls short

• It can tear when crews walk on it or when wind catches it before shingles go down.
• It can absorb moisture and wrinkle, which can show through as waves in the finished shingles.
• It can dry out and become brittle over time in a hot attic environment.

What synthetic underlayment does better

• It resists tearing and punctures.
• It lies flat and stays flat, giving the shingles a smooth base.
• It sheds water well and is not weakened by our humidity the way paper products can be.
• It offers better footing for the crew, which makes the work safer and cleaner.

Honest Roofers uses synthetic underlayment on every pitched roof replacement. It is part of the standard process, not an upgrade you have to ask for. When you compare estimates, ask each contractor what underlayment they plan to use. If the answer is felt, or they are not sure, that tells you something about how the rest of the roof will be built.

What Does Ice and Water Shield Do on a Myrtle Beach Roof?

Ice and Water Shield is a rubberized, self-sealing membrane that sticks directly to the roof deck and seals around the nails driven through it, which makes it the best protection where water is most likely to back up. The name comes from colder places where melting snow forms ice dams. We rarely deal with ice here, but the water part matters a great deal.

On the Grand Strand, the threat is wind-driven rain. During hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and during our afternoon thunderstorms, gusts push water sideways and even uphill under the edges of shingles. Gutters packed with pine needles can also cause water to back up along the lower edge of the roof.

On a full replacement, Honest Roofers installs Ice and Water Shield along the lower edge of the roof, covering the first 3 feet. That is the zone where runoff collects and where backup from gutters and wind does the most damage. Because the membrane seals itself around fasteners, it does not create new leak paths the way ordinary underlayment can.

Where Else Does a New Roof Need Extra Attention?

Extra attention belongs anywhere the roof surface is interrupted, because every opening is a place water would love to get in. A careful roof replacement also looks closely at:

• Plumbing pipes: every pipe gets a brand-new pipe flashing on an Honest Roofers replacement. Old rubber boots crack in the sun and are a common leak source.
• Chimneys: chimney flashing is checked and addressed as needed.
• Skylights: skylights are evaluated so the new roof and the skylight work together.
• Vents: proper roof vents or a ridge vent let the attic release heat and moisture.

Ventilation is part of the moisture story too. In our humid climate, a stuffy attic can trap warm, wet air that condenses on the underside of the deck. Quality underlayment plus correct ventilation helps keep the deck dry from both sides. If a skylight has given you trouble, our guide to skylight repair and replacement in Myrtle Beach explains your options.

Why Does a Full Tear-Off Matter for Underlayment?

A full tear-off matters because new underlayment and Ice and Water Shield cannot be installed properly unless the old roof is removed down to the deck. Some contractors offer to put new shingles right over the old ones. That means the new roof never gets fresh underlayment, the deck is never inspected, and rot stays hidden under two layers of shingles. Going over the old roof also doubles the weight on your framing.

Honest Roofers always tears off all old material down to the deck on a pitched roof replacement. Once the deck is exposed, damaged wood is repaired before anything new goes on. Then the layers go down in order: drip edge, Ice and Water Shield on the lower edge, synthetic underlayment, and finally the shingles with new pipe flashings and proper venting. You can read more on our full roof replacement page.

When you search for a roofing company near me and start collecting quotes, ask each contractor whether they tear off to the deck and how they handle rotted wood. A good answer is specific. A vague answer is a warning sign.

How Can I Tell If a Roofer Near Me Is Doing It Right?

You can tell a roofer is doing it right when they explain the materials in plain language, put them in writing, and are happy to show you photos. Since underlayment is hidden once the shingles go on, the time to ask is before the job starts. Look for these signs:

• The written estimate names the underlayment and where Ice and Water Shield goes.
• The plan is a full tear-off, not a layover.
• New pipe flashings, drip edge and ventilation are included.
• Deck repair is discussed up front.
• The roofer is licensed and insured, and you are given time to think with no pressure to sign the same day.

Honest Roofers is licensed and insured in Horry County and provides workmanship warranty details with each estimate. Jeremy grew up in Myrtle Beach, served four years in the US Air Force as an aircraft crew chief, and ran construction crews before roofing. That background shows: follow the checklist, do it right, and never hide anything. Learn more on our story page, or read why everyone needs an honest roof assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Ice and Water Shield to my existing roof without replacing it?

Not in a practical way. Ice and Water Shield adheres directly to the roof deck, so the shingles and old underlayment have to come off first. That is why it is usually installed during a full roof replacement. If you have a leak along the lower edge now, a repair can address the problem area.

Does synthetic underlayment cost more than felt?

Material choices can affect the price of a roof, but at Honest Roofers synthetic underlayment is simply part of every pitched roof replacement. Your written estimate shows what is included, and Jeremy is glad to explain each line item.

Is underlayment important on a flat roof too?

Flat roofs work differently. For roofs at 2/12 pitch or lower, Honest Roofers installs EPDM, a synthetic rubber membrane designed for low slopes. Learn more on our EPDM flat roof page.

Shingles get the attention, but the layers under them decide how well your home holds up through hurricane season, summer storms and years of salt air. When you hire a roofer near me in Myrtle Beach, make sure those hidden layers are done right the first time.