When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, your roof is your first line of defense. While shingles are the most visible part of your roof, the underlayment underneath them is just as important. If youve been asking yourself what is the best underlayment for roof shingles, this guide will help you understand the different types, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your home. The right underlayment can greatly enhance the durability, water resistance, and overall performance of your roof.
1. What Is Roof Underlayment and Why Is It Important?
Before we dive into what is the best underlayment for roof shingles, its crucial to understand what underlayment is and why its necessary. Roof underlayment is a protective layer that sits between the roof deck (the wooden or plywood base of the roof) and the shingles. Its primary function is to provide an additional barrier against water, ice, and wind, offering extra protection in case the shingles are damaged or compromised.
- Waterproofing: Underlayment helps prevent water from seeping into the roof deck during heavy rains or snowstorms.
- Wind Resistance: It adds an extra layer of defense against wind-driven rain that may penetrate through shingles.
- Backup Protection: If the shingles are damaged or displaced, the underlayment acts as a backup barrier to keep the roof deck safe from moisture.
Now that we understand its importance, lets explore what is the best underlayment for roof shingles based on your specific needs and conditions.
2. Types of Roof Underlayment
When selecting what is the best underlayment for roof shingles, you have three main options to consider: asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic underlayment, and rubberized asphalt underlayment. Each type has unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages depending on your climate, roof structure, and budget.
a. Asphalt-Saturated Felt
Asphalt-saturated felt, also known as "tar paper" or "felt paper," has been the traditional choice for roof underlayment for decades. Its made from a base material, usually organic or fiberglass, thats saturated with asphalt to enhance its water resistance.
- Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Provides a good water barrier
- Fire-resistant (especially fiberglass-based felt)
- Cons:
- Heavier than synthetic options, making installation more labor-intensive
- Can absorb moisture, causing it to wrinkle or degrade over time
- Less tear-resistant compared to synthetic underlayments
Asphalt-saturated felt is a budget-friendly option, but if you're looking for longevity and advanced protection, synthetic underlayments may be a better answer to what is the best underlayment for roof shingles.
b. Synthetic Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment is a newer option that has gained popularity due to its superior durability and performance. Made from polyethylene or polypropylene, this underlayment is lightweight, tear-resistant, and highly water-repellent.
- Pros:
- Durable and resistant to tearing and wrinkling
- Lightweight, making it easier and quicker to install
- Offers excellent water and UV resistance
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Cons:
- More expensive than asphalt-saturated felt
- Some synthetic underlayments may require special fasteners for installation
For those asking what is the best underlayment for roof shingles, synthetic underlayment is often considered the top choice due to its durability, ease of installation, and long-term performance.
c. Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment
Rubberized asphalt underlayment is the most advanced option available. Its a highly flexible and waterproof material made from a combination of rubber polymers and asphalt, often featuring a self-adhesive layer for easier installation.
- Pros:
- Provides superior waterproofing and ice dam protection
- Self-sealing properties around nails or fasteners
- Can act as a full water barrier in high-risk areas (like valleys and eaves)
- Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than other types of underlayment
- Heavier, making installation more labor-intensive
If your home is in an area with extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or frequent storms, rubberized asphalt may be the best underlayment for roof shingles to ensure maximum protection.
3. Climate Considerations for Choosing the Best Underlayment
The climate where your home is located plays a significant role in determining what is the best underlayment for roof shingles. Heres a breakdown of which underlayment type is best suited for different weather conditions:
a. Cold and Snowy Climates
In areas prone to heavy snowfall and ice, the biggest concern is ice dams. These occur when heat from the attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the edges, trapping water that can seep into the roof deck. For these climates:
- Rubberized asphalt is ideal due to its superior waterproofing and ice dam protection.
- Installing ice and water shield along the eaves and valleys will provide an extra layer of defense.
b. Hot and Humid Climates
In hot, humid regions, roofs are subjected to intense UV exposure and moisture, which can cause certain materials to degrade over time. For these climates:
- Synthetic underlayment is a great choice because it offers excellent UV resistance and moisture protection, ensuring the roof stays durable in high temperatures and humidity.
c. Windy and Storm-Prone Areas
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy storms, wind-driven rain can be a major concern. For these climates:
- Synthetic underlayment is a top choice because of its tear resistance and strong water barrier, providing excellent protection against wind and rain.
- Rubberized asphalt can be installed in high-risk areas like roof edges and valleys for added defense against water penetration.
By considering the climate, homeowners can make an informed decision about what is the best underlayment for roof shingles for their specific environment.
4. Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Choosing what is the best underlayment for roof shingles doesnt just involve the material itselfits also important to consider the ease of installation and ongoing maintenance.
a. Ease of Installation
- Asphalt-saturated felt: Heavier and more prone to wrinkling, making it harder to install, especially on larger roofs.
- Synthetic underlayment: Lightweight and easy to handle, making it a faster and less labor-intensive option for installation.
- Rubberized asphalt: While offering the best protection, its heavier weight and self-adhesive backing can make installation more difficult and time-consuming.
b. Maintenance and Durability
- Asphalt-saturated felt: Prone to absorbing moisture and deteriorating over time, requiring more frequent inspection and potential replacement.
- Synthetic underlayment: Long-lasting, durable, and resistant to mold, mildew, and UV rays, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
- Rubberized asphalt: Extremely durable and resistant to water, making it ideal for high-risk areas, though more expensive and labor-intensive to replace if needed.
5. Cost Comparison: Budget vs. Protection
Cost is always an important consideration when deciding what is the best underlayment for roof shingles. While budget is important, its also crucial to balance cost with the level of protection needed for your specific roofing project.
- Asphalt-saturated felt: The most affordable option, costing around $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot, but with lower durability.
- Synthetic underlayment: Mid-range pricing, typically around $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot, offering a good balance between cost and performance.
- Rubberized asphalt: The most expensive option, costing between $0.75 and $1.50 per square foot, but providing the highest level of protection and durability.
While synthetic underlayment is a solid middle-ground choice for most homeowners, rubberized asphalt may be worth the extra investment if your home faces harsh weather conditions.
6. Environmental Considerations
As you decide what is the best underlayment for roof shingles, its also worth considering the environmental impact of your choice.
- Synthetic underlayment is typically more eco-friendly than asphalt-saturated felt because its lighter, requires less raw material to produce, and lasts longer, reducing waste.
- Asphalt-saturated felt, while cost-effective, may contribute to more landfill waste over time due to its shorter lifespan and higher replacement frequency.
For environmentally conscious homeowners, synthetic underlayment may be the best choice due to its durability and smaller environmental footprint.
7. Warranty and Insurance Factors
Another important aspect to consider when choosing what is the best underlayment for roof shingles is how it may affect your roofs warranty or insurance coverage.
- Synthetic underlayment: Many manufacturers offer extended warranties for synthetic underlayment, given its superior durability and performance. Some roofing warranties may even require the use of synthetic underlayment for full coverage.
- Rubberized asphalt: Often required by insurance companies in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as hurricane-prone regions, due to its enhanced water and wind resistance.
Be sure to review your roof warranty and insurance requirements to ensure youre choosing an underlayment that meets those conditions.
8. Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Underlayment for Roof Shingles?
So, what is the best underlayment for roof shingles? The answer depends on several factors, including your climate, roof structure, budget, and long-term goals for your home. For most homeowners, synthetic underlayment offers the best balance between durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. It performs well in various weather conditions and provides excellent protection against water and wind. However, if you live in an area with extreme weather, rubberized asphalt may be worth the extra investment for its superior waterproofing capabilities. On the other hand, asphalt-saturated felt remains a budget-friendly option for those seeking a more affordable solution.
By considering the specific needs of your home and your local climate, you can confidently decide on the best underlayment to protect your roof and extend its lifespan.
FAQs
What is the best underlayment for roof shingles?
Synthetic underlayment is often considered the best due to its durability, water resistance, and UV protection.Is asphalt-saturated felt still a good option?
Yes, asphalt-saturated felt is a cost-effective choice, but it may not last as long as synthetic or rubberized asphalt underlayments.What underlayment is best for cold climates?
Rubberized asphalt is ideal for cold climates with heavy snowfall due to its superior waterproofing and ice dam protection.How does synthetic underlayment compare to felt?
Synthetic underlayment is more durable, lighter, and offers better water resistance and UV protection compared to traditional asphalt-saturated felt.What underlayment is best for hot, humid climates?
Synthetic underlayment is great for hot, humid areas as it resists moisture and UV damage, ensuring long-term performance.Does underlayment affect roof warranties?
Yes, many roofing warranties require synthetic or rubberized asphalt underlayment for full coverage, especially in extreme weather conditions.
View our residential roofing page for more information.