Safeguard your investment in your roofing project by selecting the best underlayment for your roofing system.
Building a solid and durable roof is crucial to shielding your home from the elements. And just like a solid foundation is crucial for the structural integrity of your home, a reliable underlayment is essential for a long-lasting roof. This comprehensive guide brings you the top 10 roof underlayments in 2024. With detailed reviews, pros and cons, and expert insights, we’ll help you navigate the market and choose the perfect underlayment to fortify your roofing project. This guide will provide you with the information you need to secure your roof’s defense against the forces of nature.
What Is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment refers to a protective layer installed between the roof deck and the roofing material, such as shingles or tiles. Underlayments are typically made of asphalt-saturated felt or synthetic materials. It serves as an additional barrier against water infiltration and provides insulation. They are crucial in preventing leaks, enhancing the roof’s durability, and providing temporary protection during roof installation. The underlayment acts as an extra line of defense, safeguarding the roof structure and interior of the building from potential damage caused by moisture, ice, or other external elements.
Top Roofing Underlayments
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. This guide thoroughly examines and compares roofing underlayment materials in 2024, enabling you to effortlessly compare and select from the top 10 options that suit your needs.
#1 Tyvek® Protec™ 200 Roof Underlayment by DuPont – 5/5
This high-performance, synthetic roofing 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:
Superior water resistance: The high-density polyethylene material is highly water-resistant.
Cons:
Not suitable for all climates: A different type of roofing underlayment
may be a better option in areas with extreme cold or heat.
Review
“Great product for under your concrete board siding.” – By Jay C on Home Depot
#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:
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.
Cons:
Not suitable for all types of roofs: This product is best for metal roofs compared to others.
Review
“I just finished installing GCP Applied Technologies Grace Ice and Water Shield HT. The product comes in a 36 in. x 75 ft. roll, a total of 225 square feet. It is also self-adhered roofing underlayment and does not require any additional adhesive. I was tired of my leaking shed, so I stripped off the old shingles and applied this product. It is easy to roll out and cuts easily with a utility blade. It has good instructions printed on the side of the box. I water tested the water shield before I placed it on the shingles, and not a single leak.” –
By Chris on Home Depot
#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.
Below are some of the pros and cons of GAF FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt:
Pros:
Durable construction: It is made from a tough, synthetic material that
resists tearing and will not absorb moisture or become brittle.
Cons:
Availability: FeltBuster® may not be available at all roofing supply stores.
Here are some reviews of GAF FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt:
Review
“I much prefer this over a traditional felt product. This rolls out smoother, covers more area per roll, and generally slips/tears less easily. Obviously, I cannot speak towards the longevity of the product yet, but combine this with the larger plastic-headed roofing nails from GAF, and you have a winning combination of products for the DIY roofer.” – By Shnool on Home Depot
#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
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.
Review
“Very tough product and long-lasting! I used it on a section of the new roof about a year ago and later on in the next phase of the addition. It holds very good to weather conditions. I definitely recommend it.” –
By Miteyo on Home Depot
#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 and other damage. 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:
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.
Cons:
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.
Review
“Good product used for years.” – By GNP on Iowes
#6 ProArmor® Synthetic Roof Underlayment by Owens Corning® – 4/5
This is a high-quality, durable, easy-to-install underlayment designed to protect your roof from leaks and other damage. It is made of a strong, lightweight material that is resistant to tearing and punctures. ProArmor® also has a unique Fusion Back Coating Technology™ that helps repel water and dry your roof.
Some pros and cons of ProArmor® Synthetic Roof Underlayment by Owens Corning are listed below:
Pros:
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.
Cons:
Expensive: It is more expensive than traditional felt underlayment.
Reviews
“The Owens Corning Proarmor synthetic roof underlayment is a great underlayment that is durable and easy to install. It works great on the OSB roof deck and is designed for use under asphalt shingles. It’s lightweight yet strong and is easier to roll out than tar paper. Depending on the roof slope, the overlap is 3 to 4 inches. If the asphalt shingles are not installed over it the same day, they can be attached to the roof using 1-inch steel cap fasteners and must be covered within 30 days of application. Each roll is 42″ wide x 286′ long.” – By Rockhunter Home Depot
#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:
Prevention – It helps to prevent leaks by stopping water buildup before it starts.
Cons:
Availability – It may not be readily available in all areas.
Reviews
“Product worked for my application. The delivery was very convenient. They brought it right to my garage door.” – By Brad
#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:
Water-resistant: It can help to protect your roof from leaks, even in tough weather conditions.
Cons:
Not as breathable as felt underlayment: Because of this, it can lead to condensation and mold growth.
Reviews
“I bought this a year ago for my off-grid cabin. I like it because it’s synthetic and won’t rot or be affected by moisture. Previously I used to use tar paper all the time, but this is much better. It is also marked well for where you put nails in to secure it. I must admit for a small roof, I just have the roofing nails go through the shingles and the Rhino instead of separately nailing. No leaks!” – By Joey Mac De Mac On Home Depot
#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 the roofing material, such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing, to help prevent leaks and moisture damage.
Here are some pros and cons of Tyvek® roof underlayment:
Pros:
Water-resistant: It is a water-resistant material that can help to prevent leaks and moisture damage to your roof.
Cons:
Expensive: Tyvek® can be more expensive than other types of roofing underlayment.
Reviews
“Ideal insulation and a moisture barrier for lining metal roofing. It prevents moisture from collecting and raining inside the building. Lightweight. Easy to roll out and cut to length.” – By Northldaho
#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:
Versatile: Sharkskin roof underlayment can be used on many different roofing materials.
Cons:
Not as effective in cold climates: Traditional underlayment materials, such as ice and water shield, are more effective in cold temperatures.
Reviews
“Have used Ultra SA several times in the past and has far exceeded my expectations. Recently relocated from pa to fl and wanted this for my our roof as it needed to be replaced, unfortunately, couldn’t find any roofing suppliers in sw fl area that carried it. Google search brought me to sc supply, excellent customer service and quick delivery. Shipping costs for 9 rolls was over $600, but understandable because size and weight. A lot cheaper than major water damage. But worth every penny because my roof will be ready and protected for the next monster hurricane like Ian.” – By Northldaho
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 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.