[rewrite] 9 Best Roof Underlayment for Reinforcing Your Roof Shingles

The best roof underlayment that balances price with durability and features is the ArmorLay 25 Synthetic Roof Underlayment. Other options include the Tyvek Protec 200, which specializes in UV resistance, and the GAF FeltBuster for keeping the roof cool. 

One of the best ways to protect your roof is to reinforce it using shed roof felt, thanks to their low cost and high durability. 

As such, shed roof covering products remain a popular option for outdoor sheds and garage roofing solutions. But the trouble is that there are a plethora of standard-grade shed felt options available on the market. 

So, to help you decide which one is the best, here is our list of the nine best roof underlayments. 

Listed below are the Best Roof Underlayments:

• ArmorLay 25: The ArmorLay 25 Synthetic Roof Underlayment offers the highest coverage of 1,000 sq. ft and impressive durability. Distinctive for its slip-resistance, though dust can reduce traction.
• Tyvek Protec 200: The Tyvek Protec 200 Roof Underlayment Roll is notable for exceptional UV resistance. Its coverage falls short, limited to 400 sq. ft.
• GAF FeltBuster: The GAF FeltBuster Synthetic Roofing Underlayment Roll is uniquely absorbent to minimal heat, making it perfect for warmer areas. Its effectiveness wanes on slopes.
• SIPA 100 GSM: The SIPA 100 GSM Synthetic Roof Underlayment covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. It notably has a non-woven top surface fabric, boosting traction on slopes.
• Grace Ice And Water Shield: The Grace Ice And Water Shield Self-Adhered Roofing Underlayment is resilient in harsh weather. Higher cost and smaller coverage area (225 sq. ft) compared to others.

1. Best overall – Armorlay 25 synthetic roof underlayment

A lightweight synthetic shed felt option, the ArmorLay 25 can be used to create an insulating watertight seal on your roofing deck.

This super shed felt includes ten square roll covers, allowing you to cover up to 1,000 square feet of roofing space. Each roll cover is strong and highly durable, particularly when compared to standard felt.

Installing the ArmorLay 25 was quite straightforward in our experience. None of the roll covers warped or cracked while being installed or walked on either, making them suitable for flat roofs. 

This quality helps the installation process significantly as well since the installation crew doesn’t have to worry about slipping on or breaking the newly-installed underlayment.

The ArmorLay 25 also features slip-resistant polymer at the bottom of the surface. Additionally, it has a textured textile surface at the top, which keeps it safe for walking on slopes as well. This water-resistant shed roof felt can last for a long while without showing any signs of water or physical damage.

It is worth noting that the textured surface may get slick if dust sticks to it. So, if you live in an area that sees plenty of dust, this sloping shed roof may not be as walkable.

2. Best UV resistance – Tyvek Protec 200 roof underlayment roll

The Tyvek Protec 200 roofing underlayments come with a unique embossed pattern for increased slip resistance to make walking atop the normal felt roof much easier. 

This shed felt weighs less and is quite durable during and after installation. Workers can freely walk on the slip-resistant underlayments while installing them, making the process much more streamlined.

Moreover, the textured surface can hold chalk marks quite well, further simplifying the measurement and installation process. 

We found that the Tyvek Protec 200 was able to resist moisture well and showed no wrinkles throughout the installation process. These qualities continue to persist long after installation, making them suited for all kinds of roofs.

This shed felt includes two 4 x 50 feet square rolls that are capable of covering 200 square feet of area per roll. Thus, the roofing felt can cover roofs that are up to 400 square feet in size, making it suited for small roofs and garden sheds.

It is also UV-resistant, capable of handling up to 180 days of UV exposure without any issues.

3. Best for warmer areas – GAF feltbuster synthetic roofing underlayment roll

The strong and long-lasting GAF FeltBuster Synthetic Roofing Underlayment is an option to consider for homes located in warmer areas.

With a moisture-resistant design, the FeltBuster is a roofing felt that will remain wrinkle-free throughout its lifetime. It includes a textured surface for enhanced walkability, along with a simple installation process that makes working on it simple and effortless.

Each of the ten square rolls is made using non-asphaltic polypropylene construction that ensures longevity. These rolls lay flat on the roof in an understated manner, making it so that they don’t take away from the aesthetics of the roof.

Additionally, the medium-gray color of this shed felt prevents the roof from absorbing much heat. This can keep it up to 30 degrees cooler than typical asphalt felts, making it quite a bit cooler to work on.

The only problem that we encountered was that the textured surface might not be as suitable for slopes. Slipping on it is a risk that must be kept in mind while walking on such slopes.

4. Best for sloped roofs – Sipa 100 gsm synthetic roof underlayment

Offering high water resistance, tear resistance, and UV protection, the SIPA Synthetic Roof Underlayments are designed to be a long-term waterproofing solution for your shed roofs.

With 10 square roll covers, you can use the SIPA 100 to cover up to 1,000 square feet of roof space. This makes it suitable for cottages, sheds, garages, and garden buildings that need the waterproofing solution.

The SIPA roofing felt is also UV-resistant, being able to handle UV-ray exposure for up to 60 days continuously. Combined with its high build quality, this roofing felt can be an option for all kinds of roofs.

Moreover, the shed felt features a non-woven top surface fabric that improves traction, making it easier to walk on them. During our tests, we found that this extends to sloped surfaces as well, being highly slip-resistant even on steep slopes.

Note that the shed felt is not self-adhering, which means that you may need adhesive for shed as well.

5. Best for harsh weather conditions – Graceice and water shield self-adhered roofing underlayment

The self-adhering Grace Ice and Water Shield is a shed felt option for homes in harsh weather conditions.

Capable of creating a high-quality seal around clout nails, the Grace shed felt can keep your roofing deck completely free of moisture in any weather. It remains effective even during torrential rain and ice storms, making it suited for areas with the harshest of weather.

In addition to waterproofing and ice-proofing, the Grace roofing felt last for a long time, provided that they are maintained well. Proper maintenance may extend its life expectancy by several years for a permanent shed roofing felt.

Moreover, the Grace Roofing Underlayment is compatible with a multitude of surfaces, including concrete roof, metal roof, and timber roof. This peel-and-stick shed felt can cover up to 225 square feet, making it suited for an exposed shed roof and motorcycle garage.

That said, its price is quite high for the area it covers, making it too hefty an investment for a waterproofing solution.

6. Highest roofing compatibility – Interwrap Corp titanium com-grade roof underlayment

The Interwrap Corp Titanium Com-Grade Roof Underlayment is designed to be compatible with all standard shed roof covering types. This includes metal roofing, slate, asphalt shingles, roof tiles, felt shingles,  synthetic shingles, and cedar shakes.

This shed roof felt is five times lighter and 25 times stronger than typical new shed felt, making it a more effective option for your home. Its synthetic construction prevents the growth of mold while keeping your roof waterproof.

The Interwrap Corp roofing felt includes a slip-resistant nodular walking surface that retains traction during and after installation. It doesn’t bend or warp under duress or intense weather conditions.

Moreover, its cool gray surface wards off heat without expanding or contracting, which suits houses in warmer areas. And it features UV resistance as well, being capable of resisting UV rays for up to six months.

It’s worth noting that for the features it offers, the Interwrap shed roof felt may be a little expensive. This may deter some from purchasing the roofing felt for sheds.

7. Most reasonably priced –  Tarco STD15 asphalt felt

The lightweight and sturdy TARCO Asphalt Felt is a roofing solution that can cover up to 432 square feet of a roof.

Its asphalt felt composition makes the TARCO roofing felt effective for protection against torrential rain, wind, and UV rays. The shed roof felt creates a watertight seal properly to prevent leaks, ensuring that your roofing deck doesn’t face any moisture even under strong winds.

This roofing felt from TARCO is also quick and easy to install. The roofing will be ready to be used within just an hour or two, making it an effective roofing solution for renovations and new constructions alike.

Moreover, the TARCO shed roof felt is reasonably priced. This keeps the product in the price range for those looking to waterproof their sheds or garages.

It’s worth noting that due to its asphalt construction, the TARCO roofing may not be as long-lasting as necessary. This may lead to quicker renovations than what may be ideal.

8. Easiest To Install – GAF WeatherWatch Roof Leak Barrier Roll

The peel-and-stick WeatherWatch roofing felt is designed to keep water from seeping into your home by creating a watertight seal with a mineral coating.

This roofing solution can be installed on all kinds of shed roofs without requiring too many nails to cover the areas most vulnerable to moisture. It can prevent water from damaging your roofing deck plywood by sealing the eaves, rakes, and the areas around the chimneys. This can also help you reduce the frequency of repairs.

The GAF WeatherWatch underlayment is reinforced with fiberglass that prevents it from buckling or shattering when walked on. And being completely waterproof, the shed roofing felt does not wrinkle either.

This self-adhering underlayment can also reduce waste with its peel-and-stick installation method. The strength of the adhesive for shed felt grows over time, which we found to be convenient for repositioning the shed roofing felt.

Once installed correctly, not only is the WeatherWatch shed roofing felt waterproof, but it can also reduce the possibility of ice forming in the eaves. It can prevent ice dams from forming, which suits cooler areas.

Note that the WeatherWatch roofing felt for sheds can become rather slick in wet conditions, which can affect sheds with alarm systems.

9. Best Slip Resistance – Owens Corning ProArmor 42

The Owens Corning ProArmor 42 is a shed roofing solution to be considered for its dual-surface slip resistance. 

Featuring a textured surface on both sides of the roof covering, the ProArmor 42 provides high traction for walking during and after installation. It is possible to work with this set in the rain using new or old nails without the rolls ever slipping out of thick gloves.

This shed roof felt option can repel moisture and prevent water from reaching your roof deck wood, circumventing the need of a wood preservative. It achieves this by creating a seal on the surface of the roof, effectively warding off water and external elements.

In warmer climates, this shed roof felt  will not crack or wrinkle by absorbing heat. It can resist stretching and tearing around the nail set, making them safe to be used in warm areas. Moreover, the Owens roof covering can withstand UV exposure for up to 90 days.

This roofing option is available in 42-inch lightweight rolls that are easy to install as well. 

Note that it can be difficult to hammer or staple the fasteners symmetrically, even with a high-power staple gun. The stapling locations may not be simple to read, which may leave the fasteners misaligned.

What are the best roof underlayments?

In the quest for choosing the most suitable roof underlayment, understanding key performance metrics is crucial. The following table presents a comparative analysis of nine prominent roof underlayments. It includes the underlayment type, the coverage area (measured in square feet), inherent resistances (against elements like water, UV, and slip), and whether the textured surface is included.

Buyer’s Guide for Roof Underlayments

Roof underlayments or roofing felts, have a simple but important purpose: to form a watertight seal on flat shed roofs and other outdoor structures. These are placed between the roof deck and the roof shingle line, acting as a barrier to insulate the roof while locking moisture out of the deck.

Typically made from a mixture of bitumen, sand, and a fiber membrane, roof protection can be a cost-effective waterproofing solution. A high-quality old felt can last decades, making it a mainstay for a good-quality shed.

Broadly speaking, there are three main types of roofing felts: asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, and synthetic felt. And choosing between the three can be a troubling prospect, especially if you are not familiar with new felt roof installation.

Types Of Roofing Felts

A. Asphalt-Saturated Felt

Asphalt-saturated felt is a common low-cost roof underlayment choice, featuring a design that is reminiscent of tar paper. The insulation and watertight seal created by this felt are typically middle-of-the-road, making them a decent short-term roofing material.

Ensure you wear appropriate clothing and safety gear while installing these.

B. Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment

Next is the rubberized asphalt roof underlay, which offers the best bituminous waterproofing solution of the three types of felts. Its bitumen composition can be altered to suit the level of waterproofing needed for your home, making it quite versatile for heavy-duty roofing as well.

The downside of rubberized asphalt is its high cost, which can quickly rack up if the rubber roof job is extensive.

C. Synthetic Roof Underlayment

And lastly, the synthetic roofings are made using polyethylene or polypropylene, which is highly durable and tear-resistant. They may also come with a polyester reinforcement for added wear and tear resistance. Its waterproofing is asphalt-saturated felt but lower than rubberized asphalt, making it a jack of all trades.

Feel free to check out our recommendations for the Best Shed Alarm Systems For Enhanced Security to protect your shed better.

What is the best type of roof underlayment?

When it comes to choosing between the three roof underlayment types, synthetic roof underlayment are the best shed felt option. They offer the best balance between cost, durability, and resistance, making them highly versatile. 

How long does roofing underlayment last?

Depending on the maintenance frequency and build quality, roofing underlayment can last between 20 and 30 years on flat roofs. Of course, this can vary between the different types of underlayment, with rubberized asphalt lasting the longest without showing signs of wear and tear. 

What happens if roof underlayment gets wet?

Typically, roof underlayment is designed to repel water, not absorb it. As such, it’s possible that the decorative green mineral finish of a wet roof underlayment begins to crack if it doesn’t dry soon. 

After extensively testing each of the products, we found that the best shed felt set is the ArmorLay 25 Synthetic Roof Underlayment. Offering a long-lasting waterproofing solution for the roof at a reasonable price, the slip-resistant underlayment can be a great option for all roofing types. 

That said, it’s important to note that your needs and budget will determine which product is the best for you. If your home is exposed to UV rays continuously or you live in warmer areas with high winds, the Tyvek Protec 200 and GAF FeltBuster can be alternatives to consider. 

After all, it’s important to weigh your options and needs carefully before closing the deal on the best roofing shed felts.