When installing a metal roof, you cannot forget about the roofing underlayment. While it’s hidden underneath your beautiful new roof, it’s one of the key components to ensuring a long lifespan for your system.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we have been in the roofing industry for over 20 years manufacturing metal panels and work closely with roofing contractors everyday to help them find the products that will enable them to have a successful roof installation.
You may not have realized just how many different types of roof underlay there are to choose from, or what the differences between each of them are. In this article, we define the main types of metal roof underlayment to help you choose which is best for your project.
Felt vs. Synthetic Roof Underlayment
The first way to differentiate underlayment is by categorizing it as felt or synthetic.
Felt underlayment, also called roofing felt, is a layer of protection for the roofing system that is made from recycled corrugated paper mixed with sawdust. There are several types of felt underlayment including both organic reinforced and inorganic reinforced.
Synthetic underlayment is a roofing accessory composed of laminated polypropylene or polyethylene plastic that has superior tear resistance and durability compared to felt. It's a far superior product when compared to felt.
For an in depth comparison between felt underlayment and synthetic underlayment, we recommend reading:
Roofing Underlayment: Felt vs. Synthetic. Which Should I Use?
What Are The Different Types Of Metal Roof Underlayment?
- Asphalt-saturated felt underlayment
- Synthetic sheet underlayment
- Rubberized asphalt
- Peel & stick roof underlayment
- Radiant barrier roof underlayment
- Tyvek roof underlayment
- High temperature roof underlayment
Asphalt-Saturated Felt Underlayment
Asphalt-saturated felt underlayment has a base mat, or a flexible base layer, that is saturated with asphalt for water resistance. It can consist of either an organic or fiberglass substrate. It comes in 15-pound and 30-pound thicknesses with the 30-pound felt being thicker.
Synthetic Sheet Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment is a roofing accessory created with polypropylene or polyethylene and a polymer to form an all-over protective barrier for a roof. Synthetic underlayment is a relatively newer concept, having only been on the market for the past 20 years. It was created as a solution to fix the problems with felt underlayment.
Rubberized Asphalt
Rubberized asphalt is a term that can refer to several different types of underlayment. However, they all have one thing in common: they look and feel like rubber.
Peel And Stick Roof Underlayment
Peel and stick underlayment is an adhesive material whose installation process is in its name. By not needing to be nailed down, it decreases the chances of water infiltrating through nail penetrations.
Radiant Barrier Roof Underlayment
Radiant barriers reflect infrared energy to help regulate temperature which leads to a more energy efficient building. Radiant barrier underlayment blocks radiant heat energy instead of absorbing it.
Tyvek Roof Underlayment
Tyvek roof underlayment is a type of synthetic underlayment made up of high-density polyethylene fibers. The underlayment has a slip resistant surface that is known to be safer to walk on.
High Temperature Roof Underlayment
High temperature roof underlayment features exceptional resistance to heat and is ideal to use in climates with extreme high temperatures.
Synthetic Metal Roof Underlayment Manufacturers
- Sharkskin
- CHP Applied Technologies (formerly Grace)
- Owens Corning
Types Of Sharkskin Roofing Underlayment
- Sharkskin Comp
- Sharkskin Ultra
- Sharkskin Ultra SA
Sharkskin Comp
Sharkskin comp is a quality underlayment choice for metal and shingle roofing.
Each roll is 10 squares and weighs 40 pounds. Sharkskin Comp can be left exposed for up to 6 months.
Sharkskin Ultra
Sharkskin Ultra is a non-adhesive underlayment that is suited for metal, shingles, tile, and slate roof underlayment. It is slightly heavier and more durable than Sharkskin Comp.
Each roll weighs 50 pounds and is 10 squares. Sharkskin Ultra can be left exposed for up to 12 months.
Sharkskin Ultra SA
Sharkskin Ultra SA is a “state of the art” high temp rated peel and stick roof underlayment. As the underlayment with the most superior quality in the Sharkskin series, it is the ideal underlayment for all roofing types including asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and slate roofs.
Each roll weighs 65 pounds and contains 5 squares per roll. Sharkskin Ultra SA can be left exposed for up to 12 months.
Types Of GCP Applied Technologies Underlayment
- Grace Ice And Water Shield
- Grace Select
- Grace Ultra
Grace Ice And Water Shield Underlayment
Grace Ice And Water Shield is a self-adhered roofing underlayment that is made of two waterproofing materials, rubberized asphalt and laminated polyethylene film. This type of underlayment is suited for asphalt shingles, slate, tile, cedar, and standing seam metal. It is 3 feet wide and comes in varying lengths.
Grace Select Underlayment
Grace Select is a lightweight, self sealing underlayment that is made of rubberized asphalt and is only .64 mm thick. It’s easier to handle and apply compared to heavier underlayments.
Each roll is 195 ft2 long and measures 36” wide.
Grace Ultra Underlayment
Grace Ultra underlayment is made of 100% butyl rubber adhesive that can withstand temperatures up to 300°F. The product is 0.76 mm thick and comes in a198 ft2 roll that is 34” wide.
Owens Corning Roof Underlayment
ProArmor
ProArmor® Synthetic Roof Underlayment has dual-surface slip resistance and can be left exposed for up to 90 days. It is available in 42” rolls.
Where Can You Buy Metal Roof Underlayment?
- Home Improvement Store
- Roof Contractor
- Metal Roofing Supplier
Home Depot/ Lowes
Felt and synthetic underlayment is available at big box stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. However, going this route makes you limited to what they have in stock.
Roof Contractor
If you are having your roof installed professionally, then most likely your contractor will be quoting you one price with all material cost factored in and will be supplying the underlayment for you. Be sure to specify what type of underlayment you want used.
Metal Roofing Supplier
In addition to metal panels, metal manufacturers offer all the accessories you need for a successful metal roof installation including underlayment. You can order everything at the same time and delivery is offered throughout the US and Canada.
Choosing The Right Metal Roof Underlayment
At Western States Metal Roofing, we understand how important using quality products is to having a successful roof installation and we take pride in the products we offer.
Choosing the right underlayment for your roof can be confusing. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have. We have roofing underlayment ready to be shipped immediately in addition to all of our other roofing products and accessories. We can also provide you with a free quote for any of our products.
If you are not ready for a quote and want further information on underlayment types, we recommend reading the article below for an in depth comparison between felt underlayment and synthetic underlayment:
Roofing Underlayment: Felt vs. Synthetic. Which Should I Use?
Types Of Synthetic Roof Underlayment: Pros, Cons, And Cost
