Best Felt Paper for Roofing: Top Underlayment Options
Choosing the right felt paper or underlayment is essential for protecting a roof from moisture, wind-driven leaks, and temperature swings. This guide highlights leading felt and underlayment options available in the United States, comparing traditional asphalt felts with modern synthetic alternatives and self-adhesive membranes. We emphasize durability, installation ease, UV resistance, and compatibility with common roofing styles. The selections below include related fastening accessories to support secure installation. Use the quick-reference table to compare key attributes at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Roll Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTERWRAP Roofing Felt Replacement Roll | INTERWRAP | Synthetic, stronger than traditional felt; improved UV resistance | 42 in x 286 ft |
| Atlas Summit 60 Synthetic Felt Roll | Atlas | Flatter lay; long UV exposure; water resistant | Single roll |
| SQQEZ Self-Adhesive Roofing Felt | SQQEZ | Self-adhesive; quick installation; weather and fire resistant | 1.6 x 3.3 ft |
| 500 Pack Plastic Cap Nails | One Stop Outdoor | Sturdy caps and galvanized nails for secure felt installation | 500 pack |
| 250 Pack Plastic Cap Nails | One Stop Outdoor | Durable caps; rust-resistant nails for long-term use | 250 pack |
INTERWRAP Roofing Felt Replacement Roll
The INTERWRAP felt replacement roll is designed as a modern alternative to traditional asphalt felt. It is suited for steep-slope roofing under asphalt shingles, synthetic shingles, residential metal roofing, and cedar shakes. The synthetic construction is stronger and less prone to wrinkling, with improved UV protection and mold resistance. The roll measures 42 inches wide by 286 feet long, providing wider coverage per lap and easier handling during installation. It is marketed as a replacement for #15 or #30 oil-saturated felt and claims higher strength compared to standard felt grades.
- Synthetic roofing felt replacement for steep-slope roofs
- Meets ASTM D226 Types I & II and D4689 Type II & IV
- Wider, lighter, and provides more coverage per lap
- Imprevious to mold; resists water absorption and wrinkling
- Enhanced UV protection for extended exposure
SQQEZ Self-Adhesive Roofing Felt
This self-adhesive underlayment acts as a waterproofing membrane with strong adhesion to a wide range of materials. It is designed for repairing leaks and sealing roofs, balconies, gutters, and other surfaces. The material is touted for excellent heat and cold resistance and reliable water resistance, allowing quick, seamless installation by peeling away a protective film and pressing into place. The product emphasizes longevity, weather resistance, and environmental adaptability for hot and cold climates, with a flexible design that can be cut freely to fit project needs.
- Self-adhesive membrane with high adhesion and sealing power
- Excellent heat, cold, and water resistance; broad material compatibility
- Quick, seamless installation; easy to cut to size
- Weather- and fire-resistant properties cited in its description
Atlas Summit 60 Synthetic Felt Roll
Atlas Summit 60 is positioned as a versatile synthetic roofing felt option designed to lay flatter than traditional felts and resist air pockets. It offers a 60-day UV exposure window and water resistance, making it suitable for various roof styles. The synthetic construction helps achieve a smoother, more uniform roof deck before shingles are applied. The roll is marketed as a durable underlayment option that improves installation efficiency while maintaining protection against moisture and weather during the critical stages of roof assembly.
- Designed for any roof style; flatter lay with fewer air pockets
- 60-day UV exposure tolerance
- Water resistant properties for robust protection
500 Pack Plastic Cap Nails
These tar paper nails include round plastic caps paired with galvanized nails, designed to secure roofing felt, house wrap, and foam board. The round caps help prevent water from seeping under the nail head, while the galvanized finish offers rust resistance for longer service life. The integrated cap design also saves time during installation, reducing the chance of cap-related leaks at nail penetrations. The package contains 500 caps and nails for large roofing projects.
- Quality plastic caps with galvanized nails
- Round head design minimizes water intrusion
- Widely applicable to roofing felt, house wrap, and foam boards
250 Pack Plastic Cap Nails
This 250-pack provides round plastic cap nails with integrated caps designed to secure roofing felt and related materials efficiently. The nails feature an electro-galvanized finish to resist rust and corrosion, contributing to a longer service life in varying weather conditions. The flexible, round-cap design helps prevent water intrusion and simplifies installation, making it a practical choice for mid-sized roofing projects that use felt underlayment or house wrap.
- Quality plastic caps and electro-galvanized nails
- Round head design helps seal penetration points
- Widely applicable for roofing felt, sheathing, and house wrap
Buying Guide
When selecting felt paper or underlayment for roofing, consider material type, roof design, climate, and installation method. Synthetic felts generally offer improved tear resistance, mold resistance, and dimensional stability compared with traditional asphalt felts, though pricing may be higher. Self-adhesive membranes simplify installation and reduce labor time, but may require precise surface preparation to ensure a proper seal. For nail-on systems, round plastic cap nails with galvanized hardware reduce water intrusion at fasteners and help maintain deck integrity over time. Below are key purchase considerations to help balance performance, durability, and cost.
- Material type: Synthetic vs traditional asphalt felts; evaluate durability, tear resistance, and mold resistance in your climate.
- Roof type and slope: Steep-slope roofs may benefit from wider, more durable synthetic felts; flat or low-slope roofs may prioritize self-adhesive membranes.
- UV exposure tolerance: UV rating dictates how long underlayment can be exposed before shingles are installed; Atlas Summit 60 notes a 60-day exposure window.
- Water resistance and mold resistance: Look for products marketed as water resistant and impervious to mold to reduce moisture-related risks.
- Roll size and coverage: Wider rolls with longer lengths improve coverage per lap and reduce installation time on large roofs.
- Adhesive vs mechanical fastening: Self-adhesive membranes provide quick installation; nails and caps are essential for traditional felt methods.
- Environmental and code compliance: Ensure products meet ASTM standards (e.g., D226, D4689) and align with local building codes.
- Installation conditions: Temperature, wind, and surface cleanliness affect adhesion and handling; plan installation for favorable conditions when using self-adhesives.
- Durability and warranty: Consider expected lifespan, exposure forecast, and manufacturer warranties to match project timelines.
- Accessory readiness: Include compatible nails, caps, and flashing tape to support a complete underlayment system.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
| Product Type | Key Benefit | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| INTERWRAP Felt Replacement Roll | Synthetic, high strength; mold and water resistance | Steep-slope roofs with asphalt or synthetic shingles |
| Atlas Summit 60 Synthetic Felt | Flat lay; long UV exposure tolerance; water resistant | General roofing underlayment for various styles |
| SQQEZ Self-Adhesive Underlayment | Self-adhesive; quick installation | Repair, waterproofing, and quick protection on demand |
| Plastic Cap Nails (500/250 pack) | Water-sealing cap design; galvanized nails | Securing roofing felt, house wrap, and foam boards |