If you are planning for your new or replacement roof in 2025, selecting the best roof underlayment can make a big difference to protect your home from water damage, keep the roof last longer and even help you save on energy bills. The roofing underlayment provides an extra layer of protection between your roof deck (the surface you’ll install the underlayment on) and your shingles (or other roof covering) and is a crucial part of the roofing system to help prevent leaks.
With advances in technology, elastomeric (synthetic and rubberized) asphalt underlayments now do a better job of withstanding the elements, offer increased longevity, and have decreased in cost. In this guide, we review the 5 best roof underlayment options for 2025; great for asphalt shingle roofs, so you can find the best one for your new or re-roofing project.
Why Roof Underlayment Matters
Before reviewing the top products, let’s discuss what roof underlayment does. Below shingles, or other roof covering, straight to the roof deck, several perform the following important functions:
Water resistance: Guards against water going inside due to wind-driven rain, ice dams or excess condensation.
Second line of defense: serves as backup if roofing materials are damaged or blown away.
Water movement: Other underlayments let moisture vapor move out, decreasing the chance of mold or rot.
Roof deck protection: Protects the plywood or OSB decking as shingles are applied in construction or from storm damage before shingles are installed.
Increased longevity: Seals out leaks and extends the life of the roof.
Which Type of Roof Underlayment Is Best
The material you use for your underlayment and the way it is configured can influence the ultimate performance, extend life and installation convenience of your roof. So let’s discuss the top five options in 2025.
1. Synthetic Roof Underlayment
Why It’s the Top Choice
Synthetic roof underlayment is now considered by many to be the 2025 standard in roofing protection. Woven or spun from polypropylene or polyethylene, it is both light and strong.
Key Benefits
- Tear resistance: Much stronger than normal felt, does not tear or rip during installation.
- Water-Resistant: Defend against water intrusion – even before the shingles are installed.
- UV resistant – Suitable for long term exposure to sunlight (some for up to 6 months).
- Non-skid surface: Safer for installers on steep or wet roofs.
- Lighter Weight: Much easier to lift and install, potentially saving on labor.
- Long life: Normally work for 20 to 50 years, depending on the material, a period that is comparable to or longer than roof shingle life.
Best For
- Homeowners who want a durable, high-performance roof.
- Wet, windy, ho,t or stormy areas on roofs.
- Fits on asphalt shingle roofs, and metal, slate, tile, and other roof types.
2. Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment
Why It’s a Premium Option
Rubberized asphalt underlayment is a peel-and-stick membrane that stands up to the harshest weather conditions and is one of the best solutions for eaves, valleys and around chimneys.
Key Benefits
- 100% WATERPROOF: Reduces or eliminates dirt and water entry into the boot.
- Self-Adhesive: Self-adheres directly to the roof deck to reduce the water infiltration under the underlayment.
- Great for ice and water shield areas: Eliminates leaks caused by ice and wind-driven rain.
- Long-lasting and flexible: Stretching it does not cause the duct to tear or crack, even in changing temperatures – such as freeze-thaw cycles.
- Great for cold weather: Works great in ice and snow.
Best For
- Economical, fragile roof areas including the eaves, valleys and roof penetrations.
- Cold or freeze-thaw climates.
- Homeowners who are interested in spending a little more for high-quality weatherproofing protection.
3. Asphalt-Saturated Felt Underlayment (Traditional Felt)
Why It’s Still Used
The most common felt underlayment is asphalt-saturated felt, which can be found in 15- or 30-pound rolls. Although synthetic choices are becoming increasingly popular, felt is a favorite because it is affordable and readily available.
Key Benefits
- Cost-effective: Lower cost than synthetic or rubberized materials.
- Gives entry-level water resistance: Poor moisture resistance.
- Ideal for dry climate: Appropriate for a location with less moisture.
- Ease of installation: Well known for roofing installers.
Limitations
- Prone to tearing during installation.
- It is liable to collapse or become wrinkled.
- Limited UV resistance, must be shingled shortly after installation.
- Less lengthy lifetime, usually 12 to 20 years.
Best For
- Budget-conscious projects.
- Roofs in arid climates with little rainfall or ice buildup.
- Temporary roof protection during construction.
Temporary roof protection during construction.
4. Peel-and-Stick Underlayment Membranes
Why It’s Emerging
New peel-and-stick membranes composed of synthetic polymers instead of traditional felt or even rubberized asphalt are also becoming popular.
Key Benefits
- Self-adhesive: Self-adhesive design can be applied easily.
- Water resistant: Good protection from percolating drip leaks.
- Strong: Some are also UV-resistant and flexible.
- Lightweight, flexible: Better for conforming to roof contours.
Best For
- Roofing contractors in need of simple-to-install, versatile underlayments.
- It’s good for moderate levels of water resistance as well as aesthetics.
Note: These products are not all the same, so be sure to review product specs and their compatibility with roofing materials.
5. Synthetic Hybrid Underlayments
Why Consider Them
Advanced breathable underlayments facilitate vapor from inside the attic to escape, while denying entry to exterior moisture. These typically use synthetic materials and add more breathable membranes for better moisture management.
Key Benefits
- Moisture Vapor Permeability: Aids in allowing any moisture inside the roof to escape.
- External lining of waterproof material: Protects against water entering the boot caused by rain or snow.
- Enhanced roof deck drying: Helps prevent moisture and rot in the roof deck.
Best For
- Humid and fluctuating climate.
- Ventilated roof assemblies that do not require added moisture control.
Roof Underlayment Cost Comparison Per Sq.Ft.
| Roof Underlayment Type | Material Cost per Sq.Ft. | Installation Cost per Sq.Ft. | Typical Total Cost for 2,000 Sq.Ft. Roof | Key Notes |
| Asphalt-Saturated Felt (Traditional) | $0.25 – $0.80 | Included in total $0.50–$1.40 | $500 – $1,600 | Most affordable, limited lifespan, less durable |
| Synthetic Underlayment | $0.30 – $1.15 | Included in total $0.50–$1.40 | $600 – $2,300 | Strong tear resistance, UV stable, long lifespan |
| Rubberized Asphalt (Self-Adhering) | $1.00 – $2.25 | Included in total $1.00–$2.25 | $2,000 – $4,500 | Premium waterproof, ideal for critical roof areas |
| Peel-and-Stick Synthetic Membranes | $0.60 – $1.75 | Included in total varies | Varies; generally higher than felt | Easy to install, good waterproofing, variable cost |
| Breathable/Synthetic Hybrid | $0.60 – $1.50 | Included in total varies | Varies; moderate to high | Allows moisture vapor escape, good for humid areas |
Which is Best To Choose By Experts
Choosing the best roof underlayment for 2025 is about striking a balance between performance, price, the climate and the “rate” of your roof.
For asphalt shingled roofs, synthetic roofing underlayment is the dominant choice because of its light weight, water resistance, ease of handling, and installation.
For critical leak-prone areas, the protection of rubberized asphalt peel-and-stick membrane is second to none, particularly in colder climates.
The traditional felt underlayment is still suitable for budget projects, although its limitations suggest synthetic products are generally a wiser long-term investment.
In the end, by investing in high-quality underlayment, you’re not just protecting your home against the buildup of moisture; you’re also protecting the useful lifespan of your roof. Thus, work with roofers to select the ideal underlayment for your climate region, type of roof, and budget, lining your walls in 2025.
Contact our experts at Faver Roofing for more advanced tips and services.
FAQs
Q: What Underlayment To Use For Asphalt Shingles?
Synthetic underlayment is the preferred underlay for asphalt due to its better water resistance, durability, and UV protection in 2025.
Q: What is the life expectancy of roof underlayment?
The life of synthetic underlayment can be 20-50 years, depending on the process used to manufacture the material, and thus the quality, while felt paper is estimated at 12-20 years.
Q: Do I need rubberized asphalt underlayment?
For cold climates or if you decide to install the underlayment in eaves and valleys, go for rubberized asphalt underlayment to guard against ice dams and leaks.
Q: Does underlayment affect roofing warranty?
You’ll usually need to install manufacturer-approved underlayment to keep your warranty intact. Always verify underlayment compatibility.
Q: What should to consider when buying underlayment?
When you’re deciding on an underlayment, check your local climate, roof pitch, type of roofing materials you will be using, cost, UV exposure during installation, and the lifespan of the product.
Synthetic underlayment is the preferred underlay for asphalt due to its better water resistance, durability, and UV protection in 2025.
The life of synthetic underlayment can be 20-50 years, depending on the process used to manufacture the material, and thus the quality, while felt paper is estimated at 12-20 years.
For cold climates or if you decide to install the underlayment in eaves and valleys, go for rubberized asphalt underlayment to guard against ice dams and leaks.
You’ll usually need to install manufacturer-approved underlayment to keep your warranty intact. Always verify underlayment compatibility.
When you’re deciding on an underlayment, check your local climate, roof pitch, type of roofing materials you will be using, cost, UV exposure during installation, and the lifespan of the product.
