The roofing underlayment is one of the most important parts of your roof installation.  It covers the entire surface of your roof and provides protection against wind, rain, and snow while keeping water from getting underneath your shingles.  

There are two main types of roofing underlayment: felts and synthetic. Let’s take a closer look at both options in detail so you can determine which one is better for you.

Felt Roofing Underlayment

Felt underlayment is made from natural fibers like jute and flax, which are woven together with a backing material like tar paper or asphalt felt to make it waterproof.  The resulting product is an inexpensive material that provides an adequate level of protection for your roof if installed correctly.

Pros

Felt has several benefits over other types of materials:

• Environmentally Friendly. Synthetic underlayment uses non-renewable resources that can harm the environment by releasing harmful toxins into the air when burned or buried in landfills. Felt roofs are made from recycled materials and leave no toxic residue when removed from your home or business for disposal. 
• Lower Cost. Felt underlays cost less than synthetic ones because they're made from natural materials instead of synthetic ones that need to be processed to make them suitable for use as an underlayment on homes and buildings in the U.S.

Cons 

While the low cost of felt underlayment is an edge, there are several disadvantages to using felt underlayment on a roof that you should be aware of: 

• Felt is less durable than other types of underlayment materials.
• It does not provide much protection against punctures, tears, or rips, and it’s easily damaged by sharp objects like nails or roofing staples.
• Felt is also difficult to install properly, which can leave gaps in the roofing system that allow wind and water to penetrate the home.

Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

Synthetic underlayment is made from polypropylene plastic fibers that have been compressed into a sheet and then coated with asphalt adhesive before being rolled out onto your home's existing shingles or tiles. These products provide added strength and longevity, plus they offer better protection from the weather compared to felt. 

Pros

Synthetic underlayment has some advantages over felt underlayment: 

• Better Overall Durability. Synthetic underlayment is more resistant to ultraviolet light degradation and other weathering factors than felt products are, so they're more likely to last longer than felt and may not require replacement for up to 25 years.
• Better Performance in High-Moisture Conditions. Felt will not withstand prolonged exposure to high moisture levels, but synthetic underlayment has a much higher moisture-vapor transmission rate (MVTR).
• Lighter and Easier to Handle. Because it's made of plastic, synthetic underlayment is much lighter and easier to handle than felt. This makes it easier to install and reduces the chance of injury while you're working on your roof.

Cons

The biggest disadvantage of synthetic underlayment is its initial cost. Although the initial investment is higher than felt, making a quality investment in your home’s roof may save you money in the long run.

So, which is the Right Underlayment for Your Roof?

When it comes to protecting your home from moisture damage, don’t overlook the importance of roofing underlayment. A complete roofing system is only as good as its weakest link—and if you choose a lesser quality underlayment, you may end up with a more expensive need for repairs later. 

For more information, you can reach Watkins Construction and Roofing at 601-488-3179. We service areas in Jackson, Flowood, Clinton, and Ridgeland, MS.