Bob discusses the Titanium UDL roof underlayment product with the roofing contractor and a representative from Simplex Industries. This engineered roofing underlayment product that is 100 percent asphalt free. The polymer resins and additives combine to deliver a roofing underlayment that can be used under on all types of primary roofing materials to replace asphalt felt paper. Unlike smooth surfaced underlayments, it has a walking surface technology that allows for steep slope walkability even in wet conditions. On the modular home roof the twelve-foot drop for twelve linear feet of roof this product has proven helpful to the contractors. The product can be installed in hot or cold weather.

Sandro Di Pede of Interwrap explains the new technology behind roofing underlayments like the Titanium UDL being used on the Mashpee affordable home. Used in conjunction with an ice and water barrier, the Titanium UDL underlayment creates a weather-proof roof that can remain exposed for up to six months before being clad in the outer roofing layer. This advance in building technology lets builders seal the envelope of the house and be more flexible with the roofing schedule without compromising the construction. This 100-percent-synthetic polymer underlayment is lighter but sturdier than traditional builder's felt. One 40-pound roll of Titanium replaces six rolls of number 30 felt. This equates to savings in time, material, and storage. The grey material makes for a cooler, reflective roof that reduces energy loads on the home during high-temperature seasons. Titanium UDL also has a Sure-Foot patented design that reduces slipping for roofing crews.

Jesse Gonzalez joins Bob at the Punta Gorda storm-ready home to explain the roofing process. The crew has already nailed on the 30 pound asphalt-impregnated felt paper. They are now hot mopping 90 pound roll roofing with asphalt adhesive to make it adhere to the felt paper below. Gonzalez shows Bob the decorative wood dormers on the front of the house that are wrapped in house paper to protect against water intrusion. Bob remarks on the decorative arches above the front entry porch and the front window. They mirror each other as design elements and will both feature decorative columns. Around the back of the house the crew is completing a section of roof deck. They are using 5/8-inch plywood sheathing for a stiffer, more wind-resistant roof deck. The crew uses metal plywood clips to align the plywood and keep it even for nailing.

Bob talks with Larry Janesky of Basement Systems Inc., about the equipment being put in place to prevent moisture damage. An underlayment is being put on the floor to prevent water transfer. The underlayment is a plastic intelocking subfloor made specifically for basements. Organic material, like wood, should not come into contact with the concrete subfloor because water vapor rises up through the concrete and can create problems with mold. Traditionally, people remodel basements by putting visqueen down on the concrete, laying down pressure-treated 2x4's, insulating in between the boards, and then laying down a plywood subfloor. The ThermalDry inorganic underlayment is a better solution as it has tracks to allow some air circulation. With a traditional subfloor, water vapor condenses into water underneath the visqueen then transfers to the wood and organic materials in the subfloor, causing mold and rot. Plumbing leaks can also result in a wet subfloor, causing the plywood to buckle and mold to grow. ThermalDry underlayment is quick to install, which saves time and money. The panels lock together with teeth and a shiplap design to stop the water vapor. The tiles allow for a little expansion and contraction and take up only a half-inch of the basement's ceiling height. This underlayment system costs about the same amount as the traditional method but, unlike traditional subfloors, does not require replacement after a water episode. If there is a water problem, the tiles can be lifted up, dried, and put back in place once the water issue is addressed. On a flat floor, the tiles will lay flat and the perimeter tiles will be secured to the floor. The completed floor will be made up of three layers: the underlayment, the pad, and the carpet. These multiple layers will minimize any sound from the rigid plastic coming into contact with the concrete slab. The Melrose home has a wavy basement floor, so extra fasteners will be put in to hold the underlayment down. A dehumidification system will be put in the basement to draw water out of the air before it becomes a problem. It's important to use a dehumidifier designed specifically for basements as most dehumidifiers are rated for 80 degree temperatures and basements typically are much cooler than this. In this project, the dehumidifier installed was a SaniDry Basement Air System which has air filtration built in and is Energy Star rated.