10 Best Roofing Underlayment Materials 2025 in the United States

The Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield HT is designed to offer robust protection for your roof. Made from aggressive rubberized asphalt combined with a polyethylene film, it provides excellent adhesion, ensuring it stays firmly in place. With a thickness of 40 mils, it offers substantial durability and strength, evidenced by a tensile strength of 250 psi. This material is high temperature resistant, making it suitable for areas experiencing extreme heat, and its water resistance capability helps in preventing leaks, adding an extra layer of protection to your roofing structure.

The UV resistance feature ensures that the material does not degrade quickly under constant sun exposure, which is crucial for maintaining its structural integrity over time. One significant advantage is its slip-resistant nature, which makes installation safer and more manageable for workers. The roll measures 66.6 feet in length and 36 inches in width, covering approximately 200 square feet.

While the weight of 62 pounds may make handling a bit cumbersome, the self-adhering feature simplifies the installation process, as no additional adhesives are necessary. Suitable for various roofing projects, the Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield HT seems like a reliable choice if you need a durable and high-performing underlayment material.

The Tyvek Protec 120 Roof Underlayment by DuPont is a versatile and durable option suitable for various roofing types, including asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, and metal roofs. Its compatibility with different roofing materials makes it an excellent choice for repairs, re-roofing, and new constructions. One of the standout features is its unique embossed pattern, which provides better traction and grip, enhancing slip resistance and safety when walking on the roof. This underlayment is known for its quality and durability, as evidenced by its high customer ratings (4.9 out of 5 stars from 149 reviews).

The material has a thickness of 6.3 inches, which should provide good protection. The product dimensions (48.1 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches) and weight (24.6 pounds) make it manageable for handling and installation. Given that Tyvek is a reputable brand, one might assume these qualities are up to standard, but confirming these attributes would be prudent. The product has been available since 2016 and has remained popular, ranking #49 in Roof Flashings in the Tools & Home Improvement category. It does not require batteries, making it straightforward to use.

The Tyvek Protec 120 Roof Underlayment offers excellent traction, versatility, and durability, making it a suitable choice for various roofing needs.

The ZIP System Peel and Stick Underlayment is a high-performance roofing underlayment designed to protect areas vulnerable to leaks or water damage, such as eaves, valleys, or entire roofs.

Made from self-adhered rubberized asphalt, it effectively seals around nails, providing robust water resistance and an additional layer of protection against ice dams and wind-driven rain. Its slip-resistant surface makes it easier and safer to apply, which is a significant advantage for DIY enthusiasts and professional roofers alike. Additionally, it meets the code requirements for an ice barrier or roofing underlayment as per ESR-4904 standards.

One of its standout features is its high temperature tolerance, with a maximum service temperature of 260 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for roofs in hot climates. However, the underlayment's thickness is not specified, which might be a consideration for those looking for a more substantial barrier. It's also relatively heavy at 51 pounds, which could make handling and installation more challenging. While it offers excellent water resistance, the product brief does not mention UV resistance, a factor that could affect its longevity if exposed to sunlight for extended periods.