Whether you’re building a new roof or tackling a replacement, if you want to maximize what a roof can offer you and feel secure all year round, researching roofing underlayment options is what we suggest. In this blog Pro Restoration LLC will summarize all you need to know about types of roofing underlayment and help you choose the best underlayment for your roofing!
Importance of Roofing Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is a protective layer that is installed between the roof deck and the final roofing material. It serves as an additional defense layer and is most commonly used in rough climates. Its purpose is to provide further support and to prevent problems if the first layer, the roof itself, gets damaged.
Types of Roofing Underlayments
Roof underlayment material can vary depending on its main purpose, but it’s usually made from some sort of synthetic material. That can be asphalt and rubber polymers in different ratios combined with felt paper and all kinds of chemical coatings.
Roofing Felt Underlayment
This is a traditional underlayment that contains a fiberglass base saturated with asphalt. It is widely used due to its affordability but effectiveness as well. Its main purpose is to prevent water infiltration, and it does a good job in most climates. Most often, it pairs with asphalt shingles and is long-lasting but not as much as synthetic options.
Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
This underlayment is made of modern and advanced materials like polypropylene and polyethylene. Due to the materials, it’s very lightweight. Regardless, it is a durable option and is considered to be one of the best waterproof roofing underlayments. Additionally, it is tear and UV damage resistant and one of the rare breathable roofing underlayments.
Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment
This is a flexible, self-adhesive, and highly waterproof type of asphalt-saturated felt that is made of asphalt and rubber polymer. It’s a favorite option in areas prone to ice dams and abundant rainfall since it does a great job of not letting water seep through. Nevertheless, it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a high-temp roofing underlayment.
Peel and Stick Roofing Underlayment
This is a rubber and asphalt underlayment, and as the name suggests it comes with a special adhesive backing that peels off and sticks to your structure. Due to that, it’s a great option if an easy installation is your priority. The application of self-adhered roofing underlayment is very fast, so it’s the number one option for quick fixes on eaves and valleys.
All of the underlayments above have their pros & cons so it’s important for you to sort out with your roofer which is the best for your needs. In complex situations, your roofer may even offer you some specialized options like heat-reflective roofing underlayment, energy-efficient roofing underlayment, non-bitumen synthetic underlayment or a fire-resistant roof underlayment.
This table organizes the recommended underlayment options for different roof materials, including low-slope roof considerations.
| Roofing Material | Recommended Underlayment |
| Underlayment for Asphalt Shingles | Asphalt-saturated felt Synthetic underlayment |
| Underlayment for Tile Roofs | Rubberized asphalt underlayment Synthetic roofing underlayment |
| Underlayment for Metal Roofs | Synthetic underlayment Peel and stick roofing underlayment |
| Low Slope Roof Underlayment | Rubberized asphalt underlayment Self-adhered roofing underlayment |
Choose the Right Roofer
When considering a roof underlayment installation or roof underlayment replacement it’s crucial to know your options. Not every underlayment can be a good fit for every roof material. This decision is especially important here in Rockford, where the weather can go from one extreme to another.
If you are researching your roof underlayment options, contact Pro Restoration LLC, your expert roofing contractor in Rockford, IL. We’ve been in this business for almost a decade, and in those years, we’ve learned all about roofing, including underlayments. We’re renowned as the best roof repair contractor in the area, so call today for a FREE quote and experience our services for yourself!
