In the past decade, the roofing industry has largely transitioned from traditional organic felt paper to synthetic underlayment. This shift is driven by the need for better moisture protection and increased worker safety during installation.
Synthetic underlayment is typically composed of woven or spun-bonded polyethylene or polypropylene. This makes the material significantly more tear-resistant than paper-based products, which can easily rip under foot traffic or in high winds.
Key Advantages
- Better moisture resistance: Synthetics do not absorb water, preventing the rot and wrinkling common with felt.
- UV exposure: Most synthetic brands can remain exposed to the elements for weeks without degrading, providing a better temporary seal.
- Coverage: Rolls are lighter and wider, leading to fewer seams and more efficient installation.
While traditional #15 or #30 felt is still permitted by many local building codes, synthetic options are now the standard for high-performance roofing systems in Texas. Most manufacturers now require synthetic underlayment to maintain the highest levels of their limited lifetime warranties.