When homeowners think about a new roof, shingles usually get most of the attention. But some of the most important protection in a roofing system is installed underneath them.

At Big League Roofers, one of the products we use to provide additional protection in vulnerable areas is GAF StormGuard® Leak Barrier. This self-adhering underlayment is designed to help protect against water intrusion caused by wind-driven rain, ice dams, and other conditions that can allow moisture beneath the shingles.

For Kentucky homeowners, where roofs regularly experience heavy rain, strong winds, summer heat, winter freezes, and severe storms, that additional layer of protection can make an important difference.

What Is StormGuard Underlayment?

StormGuard is a self-adhering leak barrier installed directly to the roof deck beneath the finished roofing material.

While synthetic underlayment provides an important protective layer across much of a roofing system, leak barriers such as StormGuard are particularly useful in areas where water is more likely to find its way beneath the shingles.

These vulnerable areas can include:

• Roof valleys
• Eaves
• Rakes
• Chimneys
• Plumbing vents and other roof penetrations
• Roof-to-wall transitions
• Other areas where water can collect or be driven beneath the shingles

StormGuard creates an additional waterproofing layer between these areas and the wood roof decking below.

Added Protection From Wind-Driven Rain

Ice dams are one reason leak barriers are commonly used in colder climates, but here in Kentucky, wind-driven rain is just as important to consider.

During thunderstorms and severe weather, strong winds can push rain beneath shingles and into areas where ordinary rainfall might never reach.

Valleys, flashing locations, roof penetrations, and transitions between different roof sections are especially vulnerable.

StormGuard helps create an additional line of defense in these areas, reducing the opportunity for moisture to reach the decking and eventually the interior of the home.

Self-Sealing Around Roofing Fasteners

Thousands of nails and fasteners may be used during a typical roof installation.

StormGuard is designed to self-seal around properly installed roofing fasteners, helping maintain the integrity of the water-resistant barrier even where nails pass through the material.

That may seem like a small detail, but roofing systems depend on many individual components working together. Protecting these potential entry points is another way a properly installed roofing system helps prevent leaks.

Designed for Difficult Areas of the Roof

Some portions of a roof are naturally more complicated to waterproof than others.

Roof valleys are a good example. Water from two roof slopes is directed into a relatively narrow channel, meaning valleys can handle a tremendous amount of water during a heavy Kentucky rainstorm.

StormGuard’s self-adhering design allows our installers to create a continuous protective layer underneath the shingles in these critical areas.

It can also be useful around chimneys, walls, vents, and other locations where multiple roofing materials or flashing components come together.

Improved Traction During Installation

StormGuard also features a textured synthetic surface designed to provide improved traction during installation.

Morning dew, humidity, and changing weather conditions can make roofing surfaces slick. While proper fall protection and safety procedures are always required, the textured surface helps provide better walkability for roofing crews in both dry and damp conditions.

The surface also incorporates channels designed to help move moisture away from areas where installers are walking.

Built to Handle High Temperatures

Kentucky roofs can become extremely hot during the summer.

Even when the outdoor temperature is only in the 90s, the surface temperature of a roof exposed to direct sunlight can become significantly hotter.

StormGuard uses a high-temperature compound rated for temperatures up to 250°F, allowing it to perform beneath asphalt shingles as well as many metal roofing applications.

That makes it a versatile option for roofing systems exposed to Kentucky’s wide range of seasonal conditions.

Part of a Complete GAF Roofing System

A roof performs best when its components are designed to work together.

When we install a complete GAF roofing system, homeowners may see products such as:

GAF Timberline® shingles provide the primary exterior roofing surface.

GAF QuickStart® or Pro-Start® Starter Strip Shingles help secure the perimeter of the roofing system.

GAF FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt provides an additional protective layer over the roof deck.

GAF StormGuard® Leak Barrier provides enhanced protection in vulnerable areas.

GAF Seal-A-Ridge® or TimberTex® Ridge Cap Shingles protect and finish the hips and ridges of the roof.

Together, these components create a roofing system designed to manage water, wind, ventilation, and changing weather conditions rather than relying on shingles alone.

Why Proper Installation Matters

Even the best roofing materials can only perform as intended when they are installed correctly.

Before installing a new roof, our crews remove the existing roofing materials so the decking underneath can be inspected. Damaged or deteriorated decking can then be identified and addressed before the new roofing system is installed.

From there, leak barriers, underlayment, flashing, starter shingles, field shingles, ventilation, and ridge cap shingles are installed in the proper sequence.

As a GAF Master Elite® Contractor and GAF President’s Club Award Winner, Big League Roofers installs GAF roofing systems according to manufacturer specifications and proven roofing practices.

A Small Part of the Roof That Provides Important Protection

Most homeowners will never see StormGuard once their new roof is finished—and that’s exactly how it should be.

It sits beneath the shingles quietly providing another layer of protection in the areas of your roof that need it most.

When you’re investing in a new roof, it’s worth looking beyond just the color and style of the shingles. The materials underneath them can play an equally important role in how well your roofing system protects your home for years to come.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your current roof or simply want to know what’s protecting your home beneath the shingles, Big League Roofers offers FREE HAAG-certified roof inspections throughout Central Kentucky.