Roof Underlayment Synthetic Versus Felt Paper Comparison
Roof Underlayment Synthetic Versus Felt Paper Comparison Underlayment is the layer of your roof almost nobody sees and almost everybody underestimates. Sandwiched between the wood sheathing and the shingles, it is the secondary water barrier that protects your home during the brief but critical window when wind-driven rain finds its way past the primary roof covering. For nearly a century, the default choice was asphalt-saturated felt paper, the heavy black rolls you have probably seen on construction sites. Over the past fifteen years, synthetic underlayments made of woven polypropylene or polyester have steadily taken over the market, and by 2026 they account for the majority of new residential installs. Choosing between them is not a simple cost comparison; it involves climate, roof pitch, primary covering, code requirements, and how long the underlayment might sit exposed before the shingles go down. This article walks through the differences in detail so you can match the r...
