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When it comes to installing a metal roof, choosing the right underlayment is crucial. The underlayment provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring that your roof remains durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting.
Like asphalt shingles, there are many manufacturers that produce the top underlayment and ice & water barriers.
In this blog post, we will discuss seven underlayment brands that are known for their quality and performance in metal roof installation. Whether you’re a homeowner or own a commercial business, these underlayment options are worth considering. So let’s get started.
👉🏼 What Is A Metal Roof Underlayment? Why Is it Necessary For Your Roof?
A metal roof underlayment is a layer of material that is installed directly onto the roof deck before the metal roofing panels are applied. It serves as an additional protective barrier between the roof deck and the metal panels.
Metal roofs are one of the most robust roofing materials. This is because the panels made from metal are very sturdy and can withstand harsh weather conditions easily. Many homeowners, therefore, wonder if an underlayment is actually necessary or not.
In our opinion, regardless of the roofing material you install, an underlayment is a must. Here are a few reasons why:
- They prevent water from penetrating the roof deck and leaking into the structure below.
- Underlayments enhance the wind resistance of a metal roof system.
- Underlayments provide sound-dampening properties that help reduce the noise transmitted into a building.
👉🏼 Best Underlayment To Consider For Your Florida Home
Florida’s climate, characterized by hot and humid summers, occasional heavy rain, and the threat of tropical storms, requires underlayments that can withstand these conditions and provide optimal protection. In this article, we will explore some of the best underlayment options:
#1 GAF Tiger Paw™ Underlayment
GAF has been a top name in the roofing industry for a long time, be it roof shingles or underlayment, the company offers it all. GAF’s Synthetic FeltBuster underlayment is renowned for its exceptional performance, but it is specifically designed for shingle roofs. However, if you’re considering a metal roof installation, GAF’s Tiger Paw underlayment is the ideal choice.
This premium underlayment combines strength and durability in a single product. It has a durable construction that is designed to offer exceptional moisture control, preventing leaks and ensuring a watertight barrier. This underlayment also has a rugged synthetic-based woven construction and a slip-resistant surface. Tiger Paw underlayment can also resist UV degradation for up to 180 days.
GAF also provides a limited lifetime warranty option, making Tiger Paw an excellent choice for metal roof installations in areas such as Florida that are prone to high winds and heavy rain.
#2 TyvekⓇ Protec™ 120
Roofing underlayment manufactured by Tyvek are quite popular, especially for metal roofs.
This high-performance underlayment features a unique and highly-praised embossed pattern that provides better traction and grip while walking on the roof. It is compatible with various roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, and metal roofs,
The four-layer construction of Tyvek Protec 120 offers exceptional durability and strength. Not only is it durable, but it’s also easy to install, thanks to its slip-resistant coating that grips the roof. Like most other underlayments, it’s made of woven polypropylene that gives it strength and a water-resistant barrier that protects the roof from moisture damage. You can trust the quality of Tyvek Protec 120 to provide long-lasting protection for your metal roof.
#3 Owens Corning ProArmorⓇ Synthetic Roof Underlayment
Owens Corning made a name for itself with its distinguished underlayments, which are some of the most popular and durable underlayments for metal roofs. Owens Corning offers an exceptional underlayment option for roofs with their ProArmor Synthetic Roof Underlayment featuring Fusion Back Coating Technology™.
This product is a high-quality synthetic underlayment designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Its advanced polymer technology provides exceptional tear resistance and superior adhesion. It features a special anti-slip surface that ensures safe installation even on steep roofs. You also get other benefits such as excellent UV protection that withstands exposure for 90 days. This helps reduce heat transfer, making it energy-efficient. This underlayment also comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
#4 GCP Grace Ice and Water ShieldⓇ
The Grace Ice & Water Shield by GCP is a premium self-adhered underlayment that provides outstanding protection against ice dams and water infiltration. This rubberized underlayment is available in a peel-and-stick form, making it extremely easy to install. Due to its style, it is suitable for several roofing systems, especially metal ones. It is made specifically to counter the challenges that occur during metal roof installation, and it does not require the use of nails.
This underlayment is highly resistant to tearing and can withstand severe weather conditions. It also offers superior flexibility, making it easy to install on complex roof designs.
There is another advanced version, the Grace Ice & Water Shield HT. This retains all the features from the basic underlayment but comes with the added advantage of withstanding high temperatures. So it would be more suited for heat in Florida.
#5 Owens Corning Rhino RoofⓇ U20
This is another popular underlayment from the roofing powerhouse Owens Corning. RhinoRoof U20 is a high-performance synthetic underlayment designed specifically for metal roofs. It offers excellent durability and works exceptionally well against heavy rains.
With its advanced non-woven technology, RhinoRoof U20 provides a reliable barrier against water infiltration, UV rays, and wind-driven rain. It is also quite easy to install, lightweight, and suitable for both residential and commercial applications. This product also comes with a 20-year limited warranty option.
#6 ArmorLay 25
The ArmorLay 25 synthetic roof underlayment is a premium roofing underlayment that offers superior protection against water infiltration and other weather-related damage. This product is designed to meet the performance characteristics ASTM D4869 and ASTM D226, which are the standards for asphalt-saturated felt, ensuring that it performs well under a wide range of conditions.
This roofing material is water-resistant and won’t buckle, warp, or crack, ensuring that your roof stays protected against the elements for years to come. It can also withstand UV exposure for up to 60 days, which is a bit lower than other products, but is still effective.
#7 Grip-Rite ShingleLayment-HT™
Grip-Rite is a recognized name in the home improvement industry. It offers several products for the protection of both commercial and residential properties. Its roof underlayment, the Grip-Rite Shingle Layment, can offer your metal roofing system the protection it needs.
It is manufactured with 100% synthetic material and boasts an 8-layer composition. This makes the metal roof underlayment thicker and more effective in withstanding the conditions, providing much-needed support to your roof. Also, this underlayment is high-temperature tested (hence the name HT), so it can perfectly match the warm weather conditions of Florida.
👉🏼 Need Help Finding The Best Underlayment For Your Metal Roof?
Selecting the right underlayment for your metal roof installation is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the longevity and performance of your roof.
At SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors, our roofing company understands the importance of installing proper underlayment during roof replacements. We specialize in installing high-quality underlayment that provides maximum protection and peace of mind for our valued customers. Trust in our expertise and experience to ensure a successful metal roof installation that withstands the test of time. Contact us today at (813) 400-3329 if you still need help finding the best product for your home.
Related: Metal Roofing Over Shingles: Is It Worth It?
Related: Top 7 Metal Roofing Manufacturers In North America
