The Guide to Choosing the Right Roofing Underlayment Material 🧱

🧱 The Layer Beneath It All: Why Underlayment Matters

When most people think about roofing, they picture shingles or tiles. But it’s what’s underneath that often makes or breaks your roof’s performance.

Enter: underlayment — the hidden barrier between your outer roof covering and the wood decking below.

It’s your roof’s final line of defense against leaks, mold, and costly water damage.

Choosing the right underlayment can affect everything from how well your roof handles storms to how long it lasts overall.

Let’s break it all down. 🛠️

🔍 What Is Roofing Underlayment?

Underlayment is a protective membrane installed directly over your roof deck, beneath shingles or other outer coverings. Its purpose?

• 🛡️ Provide a secondary water barrier
• 🌀 Shield against wind-driven rain
• 🔥 Improve fire resistance (some types)
• 💨 Allow breathability while repelling moisture

🧰 The 3 Main Types of Underlayment

1. Asphalt-Saturated Felt (a.k.a. Felt Paper)

🟢 Also called 15-lb or 30-lb felt

• 🏷️ Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Readily available
  • Time-tested

• ⚠️ Cons:

  • Heavier, harder to install
  • Prone to tearing in wind
  • Absorbs moisture over time

• 🏠 Best For: Budget-conscious homes in low-rainfall zones

2. Synthetic Underlayment

🟢 Made from woven or spun polypropylene or polyethylene

• 🏷️ Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Durable, tear-resistant
  • Water-repellent and UV-resistant
  • Safer walking surface for installers

• ⚠️ Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Some products are too slick

• 🏠 Best For: Modern homes, high-wind regions, steep-slope roofs

💡 SRG Tip: We install synthetic underlayment on 90% of our new roofs due to its performance in extreme weather.

3. Self-Adhered (Peel & Stick) Underlayment

🟢 Features a sticky backing that bonds directly to roof decking

• 🏷️ Pros:

  • Excellent waterproofing — seals around nails!
  • Ideal for vulnerable zones (eaves, valleys, low slopes)
  • Required in ice dam-prone regions

• ⚠️ Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Tricky to reposition once applied
  • Requires clean, dry deck for adhesion

• 🏠 Best For: Cold climates, flat or low-pitch roofs, high-risk areas

🌡️ Matching Underlayment to Your Region & Roof Type

Choosing the right roofing underlayment depends on both your roof’s design and your regional climate. Here’s how to match them effectively:

🏠 Roof Style Recommendations:

• Steep-Pitched Asphalt Roofs:
  Use synthetic or felt underlayment. These roofs drain water quickly, but you still need durability and tear resistance beneath shingles.

• Flat or Low-Slope Roofs:
  Go with self-adhered membranes or specially formulated low-slope underlayments. Since water tends to sit longer on these roofs, full adhesion is essential to prevent leaks.

• Metal Roofs:
  Opt for synthetic underlayment with a slip layer. This reduces friction between the metal panels and the roof deck, minimizing expansion noise and helping prevent corrosion.

• Tile or Slate Roofs:
  Use a double-layer of felt or a high-strength synthetic base. These heavy roofing materials need a tough, durable underlayment to support their weight over time.

🧭 Climate Considerations:

• 🌧️ Wet or storm-prone areas:
  Use synthetic underlayment or peel-and-stick membranes for maximum moisture protection.

• ❄️ Snowy or icy climates:
  Always install ice and water shield underlayment along eaves, valleys, and penetrations to prevent ice dam leaks.

• ☀️ High-heat zones:
  Choose UV-resistant synthetic underlayment that won’t degrade under sun exposure during installation delays.

🧪 Bonus: What Makes a Quality Underlayment?

Look for these features:

• ✔️ ASTM-tested performance ratings
• ✔️ Fire classification (Class A or B)
• ✔️ High tear strength (especially for wind areas)
• ✔️ Slip resistance for safety
• ✔️ Warranty from the manufacturer

🏆 At SRG Roofing, we only use underlayments we’d trust on our own homes — selected for your region, roof type, and budget.

📷 Underlayment in Action: Real-World Results

• 💧 Case Study: Scottsdale, AZ
  Replaced aged felt with UV-rated synthetic → 35% cooler attic and longer shingle life

• ❄️ Case Study: Boulder, CO
  Peel-and-stick underlayment under metal roof → no ice dams, even in record snowfall

• 🌬️ Case Study: Corpus Christi, TX
  Synthetic underlayment survived 80+ MPH winds without tearing → prevented internal damage before insurance arrival

🤝 Let SRG Help You Choose the Right Underlayment

Whether you're installing a brand-new roof or upgrading for performance, SRG Roofing can help you choose the perfect underlayment for your structure, climate, and goals.

We’ll guide you through:

• Roof deck evaluation 🪵
• Climate adaptation strategies 🌎
• Budget and performance trade-offs 💵
• Manufacturer warranties 📜

📅 Schedule a roof inspection today at 1-877-779-3207, and let’s layer up your roof for long-term strength and protection.