Best Roofing Underlayment: Choosing the Right Option for Houston Homes
What Is Roofing Underlayment and Why It Matters
Roofing underlayment is the layer installed between the roof deck and the shingles. It provides crucial moisture and weather protection, making it an essential component of any roofing system. Choosing the right underlayment is especially important in Houston due to the high heat, humidity, and unpredictable storms. Selecting the wrong type can lead to moisture damage, shortened roof lifespan, and costly repairs. Homeowners often focus on the shingles themselves, but it’s the underlayment that can make or break a roofing system’s performance.
If you want to know more about how each roofing element works together, read Understanding the Different Parts of a Roofing System.
The Different Types of Roofing Underlayments: Pros and Cons
Asphalt-Saturated Felt (Tar Paper)
What It Is: A traditional option made of organic or fiberglass material coated in asphalt.
Why We Don’t Recommend It: It is prone to tearing, traps moisture, and degrades rapidly in high temperatures. In Houston’s climate, these weaknesses can lead to mold, wood rot, and premature roof failure.
Best For: No circumstances—Framework Home Remodeling does not recommend using felt underlayment due to its poor performance in Houston’s heat and humidity. For more insights on why certain materials fall short, check out our post on Common Roofing Mistakes to Avoid.
Synthetic Underlayments
What It Is: Constructed from woven polymers, synthetic underlayments are engineered for enhanced tear resistance and longevity.
Pros: Lightweight, strong, and resistant to UV damage, synthetic underlayments can withstand Houston’s heat better than felt, making them an ideal choice for long-term moisture protection.
Cons: Higher upfront cost compared to felt.
Best For: Homeowners seeking a durable, weather-resistant underlayment that can handle extreme weather, heavy foot traffic, and prolonged exposure to the elements.
Self-Adhering (Peel-and-Stick) Underlayments
What It Is: A self-adhering layer that bonds directly to the roof deck, providing maximum waterproofing.
Pros: Exceptional protection in high-risk areas like valleys and around roof penetrations (chimneys, vents, etc.). Its adhesive properties prevent water intrusion even in the toughest conditions.
Cons: Higher cost and more labor-intensive installation make it best for specific areas rather than entire roof coverage.
Best For: Eaves, valleys, and other vulnerable areas where water tends to collect.
Synthetic vs. Felt Underlayment: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re deciding between synthetic and felt underlayment, synthetic is almost always the superior choice, especially for Houston’s climate.
Durability and Tear Resistance: Synthetic underlayments can withstand high winds and heavy foot traffic without tearing.
Moisture Management: Unlike felt, which traps moisture, synthetic underlayments often provide a degree of breathability that allows moisture vapor to escape, preventing mold.
Safety and Ease of Installation: Being lighter and easier to handle, synthetic options are safer to install on steep roofs.
Framework Home Remodeling never uses asphalt-saturated felt in any installations due to its susceptibility to Houston’s climate challenges. For a more detailed guide on how the right roofing materials contribute to overall longevity, check out How to Prevent Common Roof Leaks Before They Happen.
Why We Use GAF Deck-Armor Exclusively
At Framework Home Remodeling, we believe in using only the highest-quality materials. That’s why we install GAF Deck-Armor on every project.
Superior Breathability: GAF Deck-Armor is uniquely breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape from the roof deck while keeping water out.
Enhanced Durability: It resists tearing, even under extreme heat and heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for Houston’s climate.
Improved Water Resistance: While breathable, it still provides excellent water resistance, keeping the roof deck dry under shingles.
Using GAF Deck-Armor means our customers get a roof that’s not just protected, but one that also performs exceptionally well under the toughest conditions. Learn more about our roofing system and warranties in our article The Ultimate Guide to Roofing Warranties.
Additional Benefits of Breathable Underlayments:
Prevents Mold and Mildew: By allowing moisture to escape, breathable underlayments reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and wood rot.
Extends Roof Life: A dry roof deck means fewer issues, extending the lifespan of your roof.
Versatile Compatibility: Suitable for a variety of roofing materials, including 3-tab shingles (which we never recommend) and architectural shingles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Underlayments:
Choosing Price Over Quality: Low-cost underlayments may seem budget-friendly, but they often lead to costly repairs and replacements.
Ignoring Climate Factors: Felt underlayments may work in drier, cooler climates but quickly degrade in Houston’s heat and humidity.
Overlooking Breathability: Trapped moisture can cause more harm than good, leading to mold, wood rot, and roof deck damage.
For a full breakdown of common roofing pitfalls, read our detailed guide on The Hidden Costs of a Poor Roof Installation.
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Houston’s Climate
When it comes to Houston’s unique climate, choosing the best underlayment isn’t just about protecting your roof—it’s about protecting your entire home. For most homeowners, GAF Deck-Armor is the superior choice due to its breathability, durability, and water resistance.
Curious to see how the right underlayment can improve your roof’s lifespan? Contact us today for a free consultation, or explore our Roof Replacement Service Page to learn more about our approach to roofing and why we’re Houston’s trusted experts.