Best Roofing Underlayment Options for Wind, Snow, and Ice Protection

At Golden Group Roofing, we take our New England weather seriously when designing a roofing system.

Why Underlayment Matters in Harsh Weather

Homeowners “in the know” realize that roof underlayment is a critical water-resistant barrier installed directly on the plywood roof deck beneath the primary roofing material. The underlayment protects the home from moisture, wind-driven rain, snow and ice. It acts as a crucial backup if shingles blow off or water gets underneath shingles during a storm. 

The roof underlayment is not an optional filler. It is a vital, secondary defense system that is required to resist the potential damage from wind uplift, snow load, and ice dams. Selecting the right roof underlayment and having it professionally installed is especially important in the extreme weather of the Northeast.

Types of Roof Underlayment

There are two main types of roofing underlayment: felt and synthetic. Each product has its pros and cons, and the type your roofer selects depends on your geographic area, roofing materials to be used, roof design, budget, and weather factors.  We will get into detail later in this article, but for now, what type is best for where we live?

What is the Best Roofing Underlayment for Snow, Wind, and Ice in Massachusetts?

For New England winters, famous for their ice, snow, and storms, the best roofing underlayment is a rubberized asphalt, self-adhering membrane, otherwise known as an Ice and Water Shield. This provides a superior seal that is watertight and resists against ice dams and wind-driven snow.

Combining an Ice and Water Shield with a high-quality synthetic underlayment over other parts of the roof deck provides durability and traction. This combination offers the best defense against moisture infiltration from severe weather and the freeze/thaw/refreeze cycle that winter brings. This, in turn, protects against ice dams, rot, mold, and structural damage.

More About Ice and Water Shield Underlayment

An Ice and Water Shield underlayment is a sticky membrane that creates a waterproof barrier under the roof shingles. It is especially essential in vulnerable areas like eaves, valleys, and around chimneys and vents to prevent ice damming and wind-driven rain from getting through. It has a self-adhesive backing, so no nails or fasteners are needed, eliminating the risk of rain and snow penetrating those areas as well.

Is Ice and Water Shield Underlayment Worth the Extra Cost? 

Best practices for installing underlayment in areas with harsh weather, like in the Northeast, include using an Ice and Water Shield in combination with a synthetic underlayment. The synthetic underlayment is tear-resistant, non-absorbent, and offers excellent moisture protection. It stays pliable in the cold and provides traction for the installers on the roof. These features, along with its affordability, make it an excellent choice for the main roof deck.

The Ice and Water Shield is installed strategically in low slope areas where water tends to back up, and the synthetic underlayment is installed over most other areas of the roof deck. 

Pros and Cons of the Basic Underlayment Types

As a refresher, remember that the underlayment acts as a secondary water barrier that protects against water infiltration if the main roof covering fails. It keeps the roof deck dry, preventing warping and swelling during construction. The underlayment also prevents wood resins from damaging shingles and helps to meet fire ratings.

In addition, it provides a non-slip surface for workers, while on the roof preparing and installing the roof system. There are two types of basic underlayment – Felt and Synthetic.

Felt Roofing Underlayment.

One of the oldest types of roofing underlayment, felt is created by saturating paper or fiberglass with asphalt. 

Pros:

• Felt costs less compared to synthetic underlayment.

Cons:

• Felt cannot be left exposed for more than a few hours as it dries out or leaches oil in hot weather. This impacts the felt’s ability to protect against moisture.
• If exposed to moisture, felt can wrinkle, making it harder for shingles to lie flat. 
• Prone to tearing in high winds and during installation
• Felt weighs more than synthetic; there is less material per roll, resulting in more seams.
• It has a slippery surface, making installation more difficult.

Felt paper may be the traditional choice, but it is not ideal for heavy wind, snow, or ice. It can absorb water and become brittle, cracking in cold weather, which can lead to failure.

It is important to check the shingle manufacturer’s warranty requirements as some companies require synthetic underlayment.

When Felt Underlayment Still Makes Sense

Traditionally, felt underlayment was used as a crucial, affordable secondary water barrier beneath singles, protecting the roof deck from moisture. It smooths the surface of the roof deck and blocks wood resins from seeping through. Felt underlayment provides temporary weather protection during installation of the roofing material. Its primary role was to stop water from reaching the roof deck if shingles failed, preventing rot and structural damage. It helped achieve a better fire rating for the overall roof system.

Felt underlayment is made from cellulose or fiberglass that is saturated with asphalt for water resistance. Its low upfront cost made it a standard choice for homeowners and contractors. Decades of use made it a trusted, traditional material.

While still used and still budget-friendly, felt underlayment is now compared to modern synthetic underlayment that offers improved performance. 

Golden Group Roofing is often asked: “Is felt underlayment good enough?” The answer depends on several factors and Golden Group will assist in selecting the best roofing underlayment, often combining materials that provide overall protection, while being mindful of budget limitations.

Synthetic Roofing underlayment.

Synthetic underlayment is manufactured from long-lasting polymers, which provide added strength and longevity. It is moisture-resistant, and when installed correctly, it offers better protection from harsh weather, compared to felt underlayment.

Pros: 

• Exceptionally durable; cannot be torn by hand.
• Fast to install
• Synthetic has a non-slip surface, safer for installers
• Repels water

Synthetic roof underlayment doesn’t tear and is suitable for extended UV and moisture exposure. This can be especially helpful if there is a gap between the installation of the underlayment and the shingles. It is strong and outperforms traditional felt in high wind environments.

Synthetic roof underlayment is up to four times lighter than other underlayment and is quick to install.  There is more material per roll compared to felt. That translates to fewer trips up and down the ladder to gather rolls and fewer seams or overlaps in the underlayment layer.

Synthetic roof underlayment is moisture resistant. It was designed to repel water, while felt tends to absorb water. Synthetic underlayment is made of plastic, so it is resistant to mold growth as well.

Synthetic underlayment stands up to the installers walking on it during installation. It will perform as designed even after taking abuse during installation.

Lastly, synthetic roof underlayment is better for worker safety. The surface features a variety of slip-resistant surfaces for enhanced walkability. 

Golden Group Roofing uses Certainteed and GAF underlayment as their products include all these attributes.

Cons:

Compared to felt, synthetic underlayment is more expensive. Many synthetics are competitively priced and the upfront investment in a higher quality underlayment can save homeowners money down the road. It offers peace-of-mind that comes with knowing your roof is water resistant.

Are You Wondering? “What’s the Best Roofing Underlayment for My Roof?”

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. There are many factors that your contractor will need to consider carefully before presenting a plan for your roof system. The pitch of your roof, what insulation you have in your attic, the ventilation in your attic, weather in your area, and local building codes will all affect the answer.

Manufacturers’ requirements may dictate minimum standards to keep their warranties in force.

Often the underlayment plan will include the combination of more than one type of underlayment for best protection of the elements. What is most important is the decision to use an accredited professional for your roof system installation. 

Since 2012, Golden Group Roofing has been committed to exceptional service with our client-first approach of no-pressure sales and a focus on educating our homeowners.

Professional Installation Matters More Than the Product Alone

Hiring a professional for roof underlayment is highly recommended as installation requires precise techniques for a watertight seal, compliance with local codes, and fulfillment of warranty requirements. Professionals can fix any underlying deck damage. Professional installation is essential for steep or complex roof designs and when using synthetic underlayment, which needs meticulous application. 

When selecting a roofing contractor, look for a company with an excellent reputation, verified licensing, liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and manufacturer certifications. Check out online reviews and local references. 

Be sure the contractor provides a detailed, written estimate with clear workmanship and material warranties. The estimate should include the materials to be used, labor, and timelines. Ventilation, flashing materials, and an underlayment strategy should be included. 

It is important to review how the contractor will install the underlayment. Improper fastening, overlaps, and sequencing can compromise roof underlayment, resulting in gaps that let water in and weaken wind resistance. This can lead to roof failure through moisture damage, mold, rot, and shingle blow-off.  Mistakes like insufficient overlay will allow water to get underneath. Incorrect fastener depth can tear felt and create holes. Improper sequencing where shingles cover seams destroy the underlayment’s role as a critical secondary water barrier. This in turn, compromises the entire roof system.

Be sure to learn about manufacturer specifications and compliance with local codes.

Lastly, ask how the contractor will handle post-installation cleanup to be sure that the job site is thoroughly cleared of debris, nails, and excess materials. 

The contractor you select must be detail-oriented and manage all required paperwork. You must be confident that your contractor will use best practices to ensure that risks are reduced to result in successful project completion.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Underlayment

Homeowners often make critical errors when selecting roof underlayment including:

• Assuming shingles alone will shield the home against the elements and provide water protection.
• Prioritizing price over quality. Selecting the cheapest option, if not appropriate for the job, can often lead to costly repairs and replacements later. Higher quality synthetic underlayment offers superior strength, longevity, and durability, and is often the better choice.
• Skipping Ice and Water Shield in cold climates. Underlayment performance is highly dependent on the climate in your geographic area. Extreme weather means specialized underlayment like Ice and Water Shield may be required. 
• Not considering high wind conditions during installation. Wind causes problems during installation and may require special fasteners or other techniques to ensure that the underlayment is installed properly.
• Failing to choose a material with adequate UV protection in areas with prolonged sun exposure will cause the material to break down.
• Not checking ventilation. Without proper attic ventilation, moisture can be trapped beneath the roof deck leading to mold, wood rot, and structural damage.
• Not reviewing technical specifications like weight per square foot, tensile strength, and performance certifications. 
• Selecting incompatible materials can present problems. Not all underlayment types work with every roofing material. Some are inappropriate for specific metal panels or require local building code approval.

While seemingly simple, proper installation of the underlayment is crucial for a watertight seal. Mistakes like improper nailing, inadequate overlapping, or creating wrinkles in the material can leave the roof vulnerable to water intrusion. Professional installation is the way to avoid unnecessary risks. Selecting the right contractor for your job helps to ensure that the job exceeds your expectations.

The Best Roofing Underlayment for Long-Term Protection

The underlayment selected depends on several factors, including the climate of your region, roof design, and risk tolerance. 

A felt underlayment may be the best if your home is not in areas that experience harsh or extreme weather conditions. If you have heavy winds or winters with snow and risk of ice dams, synthetic underlayment is more appropriate. A synthetic underlayment can be combined with Ice and Water Shield underlayment for vulnerable areas like eaves, valleys, and around chimneys and vents to prevent ice damming and wind-driven rain from getting through.

You and your roofing contractor should discuss the factors that will determine which underlayment is best for you. What matters most is that you make an informed decision with clarity and confidence.

Contact Golden Group Roofing to get the process started with a free consultation and a comprehensive quotation for your new roofing system.