A roof is only as strong as its weakest link, and often, that critical component lies beneath the shingles: the roofing underlayment. This essential layer provides an extra barrier against moisture, wind, and other environmental factors, significantly extending the life and performance of your entire roofing system. Choosing from the best roofing underlayment brands is paramount for ensuring long-term protection and peace of mind.
Understanding the different types and features offered by leading manufacturers can help you make an informed decision. This article will guide you through the top brands, highlighting their key products and what makes them stand out in the competitive roofing market.
Understanding Roofing Underlayment
Before diving into specific brands, it’s helpful to understand what roofing underlayment is and why it’s so important. Underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material installed directly onto the roof deck, beneath the primary roofing material like shingles, tiles, or metal panels. It serves several vital functions.
Primary Water Barrier: It acts as a secondary layer of protection, preventing water from reaching the roof deck if the primary roofing material fails or is damaged.
Deck Protection: It protects the roof deck from moisture during installation and before the final roofing material is applied.
Roofing Material Separation: It prevents direct contact between the roofing material and the roof deck, which can help prevent rot and corrosion.
Enhanced Fire Resistance: Some underlayments offer additional fire resistance.
Types of Roofing Underlayment
There are generally three main types of roofing underlayment available from the best roofing underlayment brands:
Asphalt-Saturated Felt: Also known as tar paper, this traditional option is made from organic felt saturated with asphalt. It comes in different weights (e.g., 15-pound and 30-pound) and offers basic water resistance.
Synthetic Underlayment: A more modern and increasingly popular choice, synthetic underlayment is made from polypropylene or polyethylene. It’s lighter, stronger, more tear-resistant, and often more water-resistant than felt, providing superior performance.
Self-Adhering or Ice & Water Shield: These are specialized, modified bitumen membranes with an adhesive backing. They create a watertight seal around fasteners and are primarily used in vulnerable areas like eaves, valleys, and around penetrations to prevent ice damming and severe water intrusion.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Underlayment
When evaluating the best roofing underlayment brands, several factors should influence your decision:
Climate: Harsh climates with heavy rain, snow, or high winds require more robust, waterproof solutions.
Roof Pitch: Low-slope roofs are more prone to water penetration and typically benefit from self-adhering membranes.
Primary Roofing Material: Some underlayments are specifically designed to complement certain roofing materials.
Durability and Longevity: Look for products with good tear resistance and a long lifespan to match your roofing material.
Cost: While underlayment is a small percentage of overall roof cost, prices vary significantly between types and brands.
Warranty: Ensure the underlayment’s warranty aligns with that of your primary roofing material.
Top Roofing Underlayment Brands
Many manufacturers produce high-quality roofing products, and several stand out when considering the best roofing underlayment brands. These companies are known for their innovation, reliability, and comprehensive product lines.
GAF
GAF is one of North America’s largest roofing manufacturers, offering a wide array of roofing solutions, including some of the best roofing underlayment products. Their underlayments are designed to integrate seamlessly with GAF shingles, providing a complete roofing system.
FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Underlayment: A premium, non-woven synthetic underlayment that is lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional felt. It offers excellent walkability and tear resistance.
TigerPaw™ Synthetic Roofing Underlayment: Known for its exceptional strength and weather protection, TigerPaw™ provides a robust barrier against wind-driven rain and moisture.
StormGuard® Film-Surfaced Leak Barrier: A self-adhering, modified bitumen membrane ideal for preventing leaks in vulnerable areas. It seals tightly around fasteners and offers superior protection against ice dams and wind-driven rain.
WeatherWatch® Mineral-Surfaced Leak Barrier: Similar to StormGuard but with a granular surface, providing added traction and UV protection.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning is another industry leader, recognized for its innovative roofing materials and comprehensive systems. Their underlayment products are engineered for superior performance and protection.
DeckDry™ Synthetic Underlayment: This product offers advanced protection against moisture and is designed for excellent tear resistance and durability during installation. It’s a strong contender among the best roofing underlayment brands for synthetic options.
ProArmor® Synthetic Roof Underlayment: ProArmor® is lightweight, easy to install, and provides a strong, durable layer of protection. Its specially engineered surface enhances walkability and reduces slippage.
WeatherLock® Ice & Water Barrier: Owens Corning offers various WeatherLock® products, including granular and smooth surface options. These self-adhering membranes are crucial for preventing leaks in critical areas, sealing out water from ice dams, and wind-driven rain.
CertainTeed
CertainTeed provides a broad range of building materials, with their roofing division offering high-quality shingles and complementary underlayment products. Their solutions are often part of a complete system, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
DiamondDeck® High Performance Synthetic Underlayment: A durable, lightweight synthetic underlayment that outperforms traditional felt. It’s designed for superior tear resistance and excellent weather protection.
RoofRunner™ Synthetic Underlayment: This product offers a cost-effective yet high-performance alternative to felt. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and provides a reliable secondary water barrier.
WinterGuard® Ice & Water Shield: CertainTeed’s popular self-adhering underlayment offers robust protection against water penetration in eaves, valleys, and other critical areas, effectively preventing ice dam damage.
Atlas Roofing
Atlas Roofing is known for its strong focus on product innovation and quality, offering a variety of residential and commercial roofing products, including some of the best roofing underlayment options.
Summit® 60 Synthetic Underlayment: This heavy-duty synthetic underlayment provides exceptional tear strength and weather resistance, making it suitable for various roofing applications and climates.
Premium Felt Underlayments: Atlas also offers traditional felt underlayments, providing reliable, time-tested protection for those who prefer conventional options.
WeatherMaster® Ice & Water: Their line of self-adhering membranes designed to seal the roof deck and prevent water intrusion in vulnerable areas, protecting against ice damming and wind-driven rain.
IKO
IKO is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of residential and commercial roofing products. They offer a comprehensive range of underlayments designed to enhance the performance and longevity of their shingles.
StormShield® Ice & Water Protector: A self-adhering, modified bitumen membrane that provides robust protection against water penetration from ice dams and wind-driven rain, sealing around fasteners for a watertight barrier.
ArmourGard™ Synthetic Underlayment: This lightweight, durable synthetic underlayment offers superior tear resistance and excellent protection against moisture, making it a reliable choice for various roofing projects.
RoofGard-Cool Grey™ Synthetic Underlayment: Designed for enhanced UV stability and reduced heat absorption, this synthetic underlayment improves comfort for installers and adds an extra layer of protection.
Other Notable Brands
While the above are major players, other brands also offer excellent roofing underlayment products:
Titanium™ (InterWrap): Known for its high-performance synthetic underlayments like Titanium UDL25 and UDL30, which are extremely durable, lightweight, and offer superior UV resistance.
Epilay™: Offers a range of synthetic underlayments, including Epilay PlyStiK and PlyLok, known for their strength, walkability, and water resistance, catering to different roofing needs.
Installation Tips for Optimal Performance
Even the best roofing underlayment brands will not perform optimally without proper installation. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, but here are some general tips:
Prepare the Deck: Ensure the roof deck is clean, dry, and free of debris or protruding fasteners.
Overlap Correctly: Underlayment rolls should be overlapped according to manufacturer specifications, typically 2-4 inches horizontally and 6 inches vertically.
Secure Properly: Use appropriate fasteners (e.g., cap nails or staples) to secure the underlayment, ensuring it lies flat without wrinkles or buckles.
Critical Areas First: Install self-adhering ice and water shield in eaves, valleys, around chimneys, and other penetrations before the main underlayment.
Work Safely: Always prioritize safety during installation, especially on sloped roofs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best roofing underlayment brands is a critical step in building a resilient and long-lasting roof. Whether you opt for advanced synthetic products or robust self-adhering membranes, investing in quality underlayment provides an essential layer of defense against the elements. Brands like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Atlas Roofing, and IKO consistently deliver high-performance products designed to protect your home for decades.
Always consult with a qualified roofing professional to determine the most suitable underlayment type and brand for your specific roof, climate, and primary roofing material. Their expertise will ensure you select the best solution for your home’s ultimate protection.