When it comes to roofing, there are a lot of choices. You’ve got the traditional synthetic underlayment, and then you have Rhino Roofing Underlayment. What’s the difference?
Let’s take a look at what makes this product so special.
What is RhinoRoof underlayment?
RhinoRoof is a brand of synthetic roofing underlayment, which is a protective layer that is installed underneath the primary roofing material on sloped roofs.
It is designed to provide an additional barrier against moisture, wind, and other environmental elements, and to enhance the overall performance and durability of the roof.
RhinoRoof underlayment is made from engineered woven synthetic materials that offer superior strength, flexibility, and resistance to damage compared to traditional asphalt saturated felt paper, which has been a common choice for roofing underlayment in the past.
RhinoRoof underlayment is known for its high-quality, durable, and easy-to-install characteristics, and is often used by roofing professionals as an alternative to traditional felt paper in modern roofing projects.
What are the benefits of using RhinoRoof U20 underlayment?
1. Improved waterproofing and roof durability
RhinoRoof U20 is made from high-quality synthetic materials that provide superior waterproofing properties and enhanced durability compared to traditional asphalt saturated felt paper. This helps to prevent moisture infiltration and extend the lifespan of the roof.
2. Increased energy efficiency
RhinoRoof U20 underlayment is designed to provide an additional layer of insulation to the roof, which can help improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer and lowering heating and cooling costs.
3. Safer and more durable roofing system
RhinoRoof U20’s durable and high-strength design, along with its fiber grip walking surface, provides a safer and more durable roofing system compared to traditional felt paper. It can withstand heavy roof traffic and adverse weather conditions, reducing the risk of damage and the need for post-installation repairs.
4. Enhanced protection against mold and other roof infiltrations
RhinoRoof U20 is 100% synthetic and will not absorb water, wrinkle, or leach oils like traditional felt paper, making it highly resistant to mold and other infiltrations that can damage the roof structure and compromise its integrity.
5. Cost savings compared to other roofing systems
RhinoRoof U20’s light weight, wider width, and longer run length compared to felt paper allow for fewer laps, cuts, and easier roll handling, resulting in potential cost savings in labor, time, and inventory management.
6. Variety of roofing options to choose from
RhinoRoof U20 can be used in conjunction with other RhinoRoof products or as part of a wider roofing system, providing flexibility and options for different roofing applications and styles.
7. Professional installation and warranty services
RhinoRoof U20 is backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s limited warranty, and its professional installation by roofing experts ensures quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
8. Expertise in specialty roofing systems
RhinoRoof is known for its expertise in specialty roofing systems, offering innovative solutions for modern roofing needs and requirements.
9. Environmentally friendly and safe material
RhinoRoof U20 is a synthetic roofing underlayment, which is environmentally friendly and does not contain harmful chemicals, making it a safe and sustainable choice for roofing projects.
What are the differences between RhinoRoof and traditional synthetic roofing underlayment?
- Superior strength and durability: RhinoRoof is engineered to be highly durable and strong, providing superior wind resistance and protection against heavy roof traffic and adverse weather conditions. It is 12 times stronger than #30 felt, a traditional roofing underlayment, making it a more durable option.
- Fiber grip walking surface: RhinoRoof features a fiber grip textured walking surface, which provides improved traction for installers, making it safer to walk on during installation compared to traditional synthetic underlayments.
- Enhanced moisture resistance: RhinoRoof is 100% synthetic and does not absorb water or wrinkle, unlike traditional felt underlayments, which can absorb water and lose their effectiveness over time.
- Greater roll handling efficiency: RhinoRoof comes in a wider width (42 inches) and longer run length (286 feet), which allows for fewer laps, cuts, and easier roll handling during installation compared to traditional synthetic underlayments. This can potentially save time and labor costs.
- Can be used in extreme temperatures: RhinoRoof can be used in extremely low temperatures without becoming stiff and difficult to unroll, which is a common issue with traditional synthetic underlayments.
- Backed by a manufacturer’s limited warranty: RhinoRoof is backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s limited warranty, providing added assurance of its quality and durability, whereas traditional synthetic underlayments may have different warranty terms or may not come with a warranty at all.
- Mold resistance: RhinoRoof is impervious to mold, providing enhanced protection against mold infiltration compared to some traditional synthetic underlayments.
How is Rhino Roofing Underlayment installed?
Step 1: Ensure proper ventilation
RhinoRoof® U20 must be installed above properly ventilated space(s).
Follow ALL building codes applicable to your geographical region and structure type, as it is considered a vapor barrier.
Step 2: Follow safety guidelines
Always follow safe roofing practices and OSHA safety requirements. Always wear and use fall protection devices when working on roofs.
Be careful when walking or standing on RhinoRoof® U20 underlayment when it is wet or dusty, as this could make it slippier. Failure to use proper safety equipment and footwear can result in serious injury.
Step 3: Prepare the roof deck
RhinoRoof® U20 should be applied to a properly prepared dry deck that is smooth, clean, and free from any depressions, projections, or protruding nails.
Acceptable roof deck materials are minimum 3/8-inch plywood, minimum 7/16-inch OSB, or minimum 6-inch roof deck boards.
Roof decks should be structurally sound and meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the roof deck manufacturer and local building codes.
Step 4: Install RhinoRoof® U20
For slopes of 4:12 and higher, RhinoRoof® U20 should be laid out horizontally (parallel) to the eave with the printed side up.
Horizontal laps should be 4 inches and vertical laps should be 6 inches, both anchored approximately 1 inch in from the edge.
End laps in a succeeding course should be located at least 6 feet from laps in the preceding course.
Step 5: Install RhinoRoof® U20 on slopes 2:12 to less than 4:12
Cover the deck with two layers of RhinoRoof® U20. Begin by fastening a 22-inch-wide strip of RhinoRoof® U20 along the eaves with the minimal fasteners needed to hold the course in place.
Place a full-width sheet over the 22-inch course and overlap each successive course by 50% plus 1 inch.
Additional fasteners may be required in high-wind regions, as per local building codes. Vertical lap requirements are the same for 4:12 and higher slopes.
Step 6: Slopes less than 2:12
RhinoRoof® U20 is not recommended for use on slopes less than 2:12.
Step 7: Use proper fasteners
Provided there is no rain or high winds, RhinoRoof® U20 can be anchored with staples, cap staples, or corrosive-resistant 3/8-inch head X 1-inch leg roofing nails (ring shank preferred, smooth leg acceptable) when covered with primary roofing on the same day.
Step 8: Extended exposure
If RhinoRoof® U20 will not be covered on the same day and for up to 90 days, then the product must be attached to the roof deck using a minimum 1 inch diameter plastic or metal cap roof nail (ring shank preferred, smooth leg acceptable).
Miami-Dade-approved tin tags and metal caps are also acceptable, and it is recommended for best performance to use them with the rough edge facing up.
RhinoRoof® U20 must be anchored in all of the places printed on the facer for long-term use. Consult local building codes for fastener type and spacing requirements.
Step 9: Additional precautions for extended exposure
For extended exposure conditions where driving rain or strong winds are expected, it is recommended to take additional precautions, such as doubling the lap widths.
Alternatively or in addition, a compatible sealant could be used between the laps, or a peel-and-stick tape could be applied to the overlaps.
Step 10: Anchoring
All anchoring of RhinoRoof® U20 should be done in accordance with local building codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use the appropriate fasteners for the specific application and environmental conditions. Fasteners should be driven flush with the surface of the RhinoRoof® U20 without overdriving or underdriving, as this can compromise the integrity of the underlayment.
Fasteners should be spaced according to local building codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically around 6 inches apart along the edges and 12 inches apart in the field.
Take care to avoid damaging the RhinoRoof® U20 during installation, and ensure that all fasteners are properly seated and secured.
Is Rhino Roofing Underlayment durable?
RhinoRoof® U20 is a high-quality underlayment for roofs that is made to last and protect roofs for a long time. It is made from synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, which are known for their durability and resistance to weathering.
RhinoRoof® U20 is made to resist damage from UV light, water, and high winds, so it can be used in a wide range of climates and weather conditions.
When installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes, RhinoRoof® U20 can serve as an effective barrier against water infiltration, preventing leaks, and protecting the underlying roof structure.
It is also made to act as a vapor barrier, which helps reduce the risk of condensation and other problems caused by moisture in the roof system.
What type of warranty is offered with Rhino Roofing Underlayment?
The given source says that RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment comes with a 20-Year Limited Warranty.
But it’s important to read the actual warranty to find out all of the details, restrictions, and requirements, since warranties can be different depending on the product and the company that made it.
Under normal use and installation, the warranty usually covers problems with the materials or the way they were put together, as long as certain conditions are met.
It’s best to look at the manufacturer’s warranty paperwork or call the manufacturer directly to find out more about the warranty coverage, including if there are any exceptions or limits.
Following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and best practices, as well as doing regular roof inspections and maintenance, can help make sure the warranty stays valid and the RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment works well for as long as it is supposed to.
What types of roofing systems is Rhino Roofing Underlayment suitable for?
Synthetic underlayments like RhinoRoof® U20 are commonly used with different types of roofing materials, including but not limited to:
- Asphalt shingles: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment can be used as an underlayment for asphalt shingles, which are the most common type of roofing material used in residential roofing applications.
- Metal roofing: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment can be used as an underlayment for metal roofing systems, which are popular for their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency.
- Tile roofing: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment may be used as an underlayment for tile roofing systems, which are known for their distinctive appearance and durability.
- Synthetic roofing materials: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment may also be suitable for use with synthetic roofing materials, such as synthetic slate or synthetic shake, which mimic the appearance of natural roofing materials but offer added durability and performance benefits.
How does Rhino Roofing Underlayment provide protection against water penetration?
RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment helps make your roof waterproof in several ways, as described in the source. These include:
- Sealing against water damage: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment is designed to seal your home against water damage and other moisture infiltration. It acts as a barrier that helps prevent water from penetrating into the underlying roof deck, which can cause damage to the roof structure, such as rotting of deck boards and mold growth.
- Excellent wind resistance: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment offers excellent wind resistance, which helps prevent wind-driven rain from infiltrating into the roof system. This is important in areas prone to high winds and severe weather events.
- UV exposure protection: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment provides roof deck protection from UV exposure for up to 90 days, according to the source. This means it can be left exposed to the sun for an extended period during roof installation without degrading, providing a temporary barrier against water penetration during the construction process.
- FiberGrip slip-resistant walking surface: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment features a slip-resistant walking surface called FiberGrip, which helps prevent slips and falls during installation, allowing for safer work on the roof and reducing the risk of damaging the underlayment during installation.
- Does not wrinkle or absorb water: RhinoRoof® U20 Underlayment is designed to lay flat and does not wrinkle or absorb water, helping to maintain its integrity and effectiveness as a barrier against water penetration.
What is the cost of Rhino Roofing Underlayment compared to traditional synthetic roof underlayment?
The cost of Rhino Roofing Underlayment is approximately $76.19 for a 42-inch by 286-foot roll, covering an area of 10 squares. This is comparable to the cost of traditional synthetic roof underlayment, which ranges from $60 to $83 on average for the same measurements.
How long does Rhino Roof last?
Rhino Roofing provides a 20-year limited warranty for Rhino Roof U20. This suggests that the Rhino Roof U20 is expected to last for at least 20 years under normal usage conditions, as per the terms and conditions of the warranty.
It’s important to remember that the actual lifespan of Rhino Roof U20 or any other roofing product can be affected by things like the weather, the quality of the installation, how well it’s taken care of, and other environmental factors.
Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer’s guidelines can help maximize the lifespan of the Rhino Roof U20 or any other roofing product.
Is Rhino roof breathable?
Rhino Roof U20s are generally designed to be breathable. Breathability refers to the ability of a roofing underlayment to allow moisture vapor to escape from the underlying structure while still providing a barrier against water infiltration from the outside.
Breathable underlayments are often used to keep moisture and condensation from building up under the roof. This can help make the roof healthier and last longer.
How is Rhino Roofing rated?
RhinoRoof® Synthetic Roofing Underlayment, which is made by InterWrap®, is a popular choice among professional roofers because it works well and lasts a long time.
RhinoRoof has been researched and developed for over twelve years. It adds a second layer of protection against wind-driven rain, shingle blow-offs, hail storms, and other natural elements.
RhinoRoof gives you peace of mind for your roofing project because it comes with a 20-year warranty from a top manufacturer. Unlike traditional asphalt felt products, RhinoRoof does not break down, dry out, or degrade, increasing the true life of your roof.
It also offers a safer walking surface for workers, wider and longer rolls for reduced seams and potential leaks, and can be left exposed to dry in your home for up to 60 days, allowing for flexible scheduling of your primary roofing installation.
Choose RhinoRoof for unmatched protection and durability for your roof.
Other interesting articles:
- What is Roll Roofing? (Basics, Benefits, and Costs)
- Does Roof Qualify for Bonus Depreciation? (Section 179 Deduction, Bonus Depreciation, and More)
- Is Roofing Qualified Improvement Property? (Bonus Depreciation and Tax Deductions You Need to Know)
- Is Polycarbonate Roofing Too Hot? (Top Roofing Options for Sun, Heat, and Winter)