What to put on the underside of a roof?

Author: Arielle Greenholt  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Popular Insulation Materials for Roof Underside Choosing the right material for insulating the roof underside is key to good thermal performance and long life. The choice often comes down to fiberglass batts, spray foam, rigid foam, and mineral wool insulation.

What is the best insulation for the underside of the roof?

Our Conclusion. We recommend spray foam insulation because of its relatively simple installation process, high R-value, and applicability to different climate regions.

Is it better to use plywood or OSB on a roof?

- Strength & Durability: Plywood is generally stronger than OSB and can handle heavier loads, making it a good choice for roofing in areas that experience high winds or heavy snow. - Moisture Resistance: Plywood tends to perform better in moist conditions, as it is less susceptible to water damage if properly sealed.

What covers the roof underside?

Final answer: The term for the large interior trim panel that covers the roof underside is a 'ceiling. ' It serves aesthetic and practical purposes in a home. In traditional structures, the ceiling might be different or nonexistent, but in modern homes, it is usually made of drywall or plasterboard.

Should you spray foam the underside of your roof?

Yes, you can spray foam on the underside of your roof, and this is often done as part of an insulation strategy. This technique is known as ``roofline insulation'' and involves applying spray foam insulation directly to the underside of the roof deck.

How to insulate the underside of a roof deck | ROCKWOOL Comfortbatt®

What are the disadvantages of spray foam roof?

The Cons

The main things you need to worry about with spray foam roofs are small installation windows, overspray, maintenance, and repairs.

Where should you not use spray foam?

Directly against electrical wiring or fixtures: Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly against electrical wiring, fixtures, or recessed lighting unless they are rated for contact with insulation. Contact with insulation can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.

What is underside of roof called?

In a nutshell, eaves and soffits refer to the part of the roof that overhangs the side of a building. Generally speaking, the eave is the whole overhanging part of the roof, whereas the soffit only comprises the underside component of the eave.

What do I put under roof shingles?

Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing, or roof deck, which is typically either plywood or OSB. It's installed directly on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind.

What is the best thing to cover a roof with?

A roof tarp, when secured properly, can protect your roof from new rain, snow or wind. It can prevent holes or missing shingles from turning into leaks and can keep existing leaks from getting worse.

Is OSB ruined if it gets wet?

Contact with the ground must be avoided, as rising moisture can also damage them. Boards should ideally be stored in dry conditions beneath a roof.

Do you need plywood under a roof?

A properly-installed underlayment is a crucial step to avoiding water damage. When storms blow in, water can get lodged in the roof and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. But when you have a plywood underlayment, you can avoid the worst of the rot and decay.

What thickness should OSB be on a roof?

7/16 inch: This is the standard thickness for OSB roof sheathing in many residential construction projects. It provides adequate strength and performance for most roofing applications. 1/2 inch: Some builders opt for slightly thicker sheathing, especially in areas prone to high winds or heavy snow loads.

Can you insulate directly under a roof?

You can put all the insulation on top of the roof deck, all the insulation on the underside of the roof deck, or some on top and some below. You can put it all below the roof deck but use two different kinds. Your insulated roof can be a cathedral ceiling or it can be above a conditioned attic.

How to prevent ridge rot?

Having a simple, dedicated dehumidifier in your conditioned attic can control humidity levels to prevent ridge rot from occurring. However, this dehumidifier will need to be on 24 hours a day / every day to prevent moisture buildup.

What is the best underlayment for those areas of the roof that are prone to wind driven rain and ice dams?

Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment

It is made by combining asphalt with rubber polymers, which not only ensures waterproofing but also offers self-sealing properties around nails and fasteners. This is an important feature, especially in areas that are prone to wind-driven rain and ice dams.

What is the longest lasting roof underlayment?

#1 Synthetic Underlayment

Synthetic underlayment is made of tough materials that effectively resist water and UV rays. Its textured surface provides improved traction for roofers, making it safer to work on sloped roofs, especially in wet or icy conditions. Estimated lifespan: 20 to 35 years.

What goes over plywood before shingles?

Asphalt-Saturated Felt

This kind of underlayment is commonly called tar or felt paper and can either be made with natural materials, such as wood cellulose, or synthetic materials, like polyester or fiberglass. The base materials are then soaked in a protective coating made of bitumen (asphalt) or something similar.

What happens if you don't use underlayment on a roof?

Remember, roof underlayment protects your decking if water ever gets underneath your roofing material. Without underlayment, this water eventually rots your roof decking leading to leaks, mold/mildew forming, and even structural damage.

What do you call underneath the roof?

If you stand under the edge of your roof and look up, you'll see material that covers the underside of the roof's eave, which is called the soffit. Soffits are a finishing material that insulates your home and conceals your rafters and joints. It is located between the wall and fascia (or eaves).

What is a roof underlay?

Roofing underlay is the water-resistant barrier which is applied to surface of the roof deck before laying the tiles, shingles or slates.

Why are there vents on the underside of my roof?

Here's how it works: Intake vents are typically located near the bottom of the roof, allowing fresh, cooler air from outside to enter the attic. Simultaneously, exhaust vents, situated near or at the top of the roof, enable warm, stale air to exit the attic.

Does spray foam damage roof shingles?

While spray foam won't cause any damage to the roof shingles, some contractors will still void the warranty because they are stuck in that old way of thinking. If this is the case, it doesn't hurt to have a conversation with them to get on the same page.

How much does it cost to spray foam for 1500 square feet?

The cost to insulate an attic is usually between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. This price can change depending on the attic's size and how easy it is to get to. For a typical 1,500-square-foot attic, you pay $2,250 to $5,250.

When should you not use great stuff foam?

Not for use in aviation, or food/beverage contact, or as structural support in marine applications. 8. Do not use GREAT STUFF™ Insulating Foam Sealants for filling closed cavities or voids such as behind walls and under tub surrounds.

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