You’ve decided to invest in a new roof for your home – congratulations! This is a significant investment that will protect your property for decades to come. But before you get too excited about the new shingles, let’s talk about roofing underlayment.
What Is A Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment is a protective layer installed between the roof deck and the final roofing material, such as shingles or metal panels. Its primary purpose is to provide an additional barrier against water infiltration, preventing leaks and moisture damage to the roof deck and interior of the home. There are different types of underlayment, and you can pick according to your need and roof covering.
In this blog post, our team has listed the top 10 roofing underlayment options for 2024. From synthetic materials to good old felt paper, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each product. Our experts will also weigh in with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Top Roofing Underlayments Options
When choosing an underlayment, it is crucial to consider factors like the climate in your area, the kind of roof you have, and your budget. In 2024, we thoroughly examined and compared different roofing underlayment products, enabling you to effortlessly compare and select from the list of best underlayments that suit your needs.
#1 Tyvek® Protec™ 200 Roof Underlayment by DuPont – 5/5
This high-performance, synthetic roof underlayment by DuPont is designed to offer superior protection against wind, rain, and ice dams. It is made from a 200-mil high-density polyethylene material that is reinforced with a high-strength adhesive.
| Pros | Cons |
| Superior water resistance: The high-density polyethylene material is highly water-resistant. | Not suitable for all climates: A different type of roofing underlayment may be a better option in areas with extreme cold or heat. |
#2 Grace Ice & Water Shield® HT by GCP – 5/5
It is a high-performance, self-adhered roofing underlayment by GCP that is designed to offer a superior shield against water damage. It is made of a rubberized asphalt adhesive that is bonded to a high-performance polymeric film with a UV barrier. This combination of materials makes Grace Ice & Water Shield® HT resistant to high temperatures, wind-driven rain, and ice dams.
Here are some pros and cons of Grace Ice & Water Shield® HT:
| Pros | Cons |
| Wind-driven rain: This product is also resistant to wind-driven rain, which can help to protect your roof from leaks during storms. Ice dams: It can help to prevent ice dams by creating a barrier that stops water from backing up. | Not suitable for all roofs: This is the best underlayment for metal roofs and is not suitable for other roofs. |
#3 FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt by GAF – 4/5
This asphalt felt is an upgrade compared to other underlayment felts and helps provide long-lasting protection against rain and snow. It’s part of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System and has even earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. This is the best underlayment for shingles.
Below are some of the pros and cons of GAF FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt:
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable construction: It is made from a tough, synthetic material that resists tearing and will not absorb moisture or become brittle. | Availability: FeltBuster® may not be available at all roofing supply stores. |
#4 ShingleLayment 15-GRE Roofing Underlayment by Grip-Rite – 4/5
This underlayment by Grip-Rite is made from a woven polypropylene substrate and is coated with an extra-grip polypropylene walking surface. This underlayment can be used on steep slope roofs under shingles, battened tiles, metal roofing, slate, wood shake, shingle, and simulated slate/shake prepared roof coverings.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the product:
| Pros | Cons |
| Weight and ease of installation – This underlayment is made from polypropylene, which is a lightweight material that is very easy to handle and roll out. | Cost: Polypropylene-based underlayments can be more expensive. |
#5 RoofRunner™ Roofing Underlayment by CertainTeed – 5/5
This roofing underlayment by CertainTeed is a lightweight, synthetic underlayment that is designed to protect your roof from leaks. It is made of a thin but strong material that is resistant to tearing and punctures.
Below are some of the pros and cons of the product:
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and easy to install: RoofRunner™ is made of a lightweight, synthetic material that is easy to roll out and install. It is also self-adhering, so there is no need for any additional adhesives. | More expensive than traditional felt: RoofRunner™ is more expensive than traditional felt underlayment. However, it is a more durable and long-lasting option that can help save you money in the long run. |
#6 ProArmor® Synthetic Roof Underlayment by Owens Corning® – 4/5
| Pros | Cons |
| Water-resistant: The use of the Fusion Back Coating Technology™ not only keeps your roof dry and leak-free but also provides a non-slick finish for easy and safe walking, no matter the conditions. | Expensive: It is more expensive than traditional felt underlayment. |
#7 WeatherWatch® Ice & Water Leak Barrier by GAF – 4/5
This underlayment is a self-adhering, mineral-surfaced leak barrier that is designed to protect your roof from leaks. It is made of a high-density polyethylene sheet with a mineral-surfaced adhesive that bonds to the roof deck. It is installed at the most vulnerable areas of your roof, like the eaves, rakes, valleys, and around chimneys and vents. It helps to prevent leaks caused by water backing up in gutters, wind-driven rain, and ice dams.
Below are some of the pros and cons of WeatherWatch® Ice & Water Leak Barrier:
| Pros | Cons |
| Prevention – It helps to prevent leaks by stopping water buildup before it starts. | Availability – It may not be readily available in all areas. |
#8 RhinoRoof® U20 Synthetic Roofing Underlayment by Owens Corning – 4/5
This 100% synthetic roofing underlayment is made of a woven polyester fabric coated with a waterproof asphaltic adhesive. It is designed to provide a secondary layer of protection for roofs and is best used under asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and cedar shakes.
Here are some pros and cons of RhinoRoof® Underlayment:
| Pros | Cons |
| Water-resistant: It can help to protect your roof from leaks, even in tough weather conditions. | Not as breathable as felt underlayment: Because of this, it can lead to condensation and mold growth. |
#9 Tyvek® Roof Protector™ Underlayment by DuPont – 4/5
This underlayment is made from a water-resistant, synthetic material that serves as a secondary layer of roof protection. It is typically installed under roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing.
Here are some pros and cons of Tyvek® roof underlayment:
| Pros | Cons |
| Water-resistant: It is a water-resistant material that can help to prevent leaks and moisture damage to your roof. | Expensive: Tyvek® can be more expensive than other types of roofing underlayment. |
#10 Sharkskin Ultra SA – 4/5
Sharkskin Ultra SA is a synthetic roofing material that is made from 3-ply blended polypropylene fabric. It is a self-adhered underlayment that can be installed quickly and easily and is designed to provide high water resistance and durability. Sharkskin roof underlayment is available in various sizes and thicknesses, and it can be used on multiple roofing materials, including metal, tile, slate, and asphalt shingles.
Pros and cons of Sharkskin Roofing Underlayment are below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile: Sharkskin roof underlayment can be used on many different roofing materials. | Not as effective in cold climates: Traditional underlayment materials, such as ice and water shield, are more effective in cold temperatures. |
Conclusion
The proper roof underlayment is essential for leak protection and optimal performance. Choosing the same brand as your shingles brings benefits like improved water resistance, increased durability, and better warranty coverage.
Choose Empire Roofing & Exteriors in Louisiana for your residential roofing needs. Our experienced team can help you find the best roofing underlayment options, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting roof. With a 10-year warranty, insurance claim assistance, and financing options, we prioritize customer satisfaction. Check our 5-star reviews and contact us at (225) 347-8877 to get started today.