Shop Roof Underlayment

Secure your next residential or commercial build using top-quality roof underlayment products for your roofing projects at Arlington Coal and Lumber Company. Understanding roof underlayment products is crucial; exploring these materials helps buyers pick proper deck protection layers, which are essential sub-categories under roofing and gutters products designed to defend against severe weather and moisture intrusion. Our extensive inventory features reliable options from industry leaders configured for complete building performance. Projects incorporate specialized self-adhered ice and water shields from GCP Applied Technologies for ultimate leak protection at roof penetrations, heavy-duty synthetic rolls from CertainTeed and Warrior Roofing to provide weather-resistant coverage across expansive framing decks, and specialized ventilation and drainage underlayments from Cor-A-Vent to control humidity buildup, and many more - utilized to establish a heavy-duty waterproof layer across all types of roofing structures.

 

Proudly serving Greater Boston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the surrounding New England region as a leading local building supply and home improvement store, we keep your projects fully supplied. We are your best partner in bringing your dream project to life by providing best material estimates with our friendly locations close to you from Arlington Coal and Lumber Company, Burlington Lumber Company, Wilmington Builders Supply, Sudbury Lumber Company, Chelmsford Lumber Company, and Hudson Lumber Company. Browse our structural products in our online product catalog, and contact us today to secure your custom material delivery. You can also create an account online to streamline your ordering process.

 

Roof underlayment is the unsung hero of your roofing system. It acts as the secondary barrier of protection installed directly onto the roof deck beneath your shingles, metal panels, or tiles. While exterior roofing materials are designed to shed bulk water and withstand the elements, extreme conditions like wind-driven rain, ice dams, or missing shingles can allow moisture to penetrate the primary defense. High-quality underlayment ensures this water never reaches your wooden roof deck, rafters, or interior living spaces. Modern roofing relies on three main types of underlayment: traditional asphalt-saturated felt, highly durable synthetic membranes, and self-adhering peel-and-stick ice and water shields. Utilizing the correct combination of these materials guarantees the longevity of your roof, prevents wood rot, and helps properly ventilate the attic space for optimal home weatherization.

 

Buyers Guide: To ensure maximum defense and warranty compliance on your next build, review these frequently asked questions regarding roof underlayment selection and installation practices.

 

• Does using non-CertainTeed underlayment void the SureStart warranty on Landmark and XT25 shingles? No, using a different brand of underlayment typically does not void the base manufacturing defect warranty; however, to qualify for enhanced system warranties, manufacturers often require their specific branded components to be used together.
  
  
• Which underlayment is required to achieve the upgraded 110/130 mph wind warranty on Landmark shingles? To qualify for upgraded wind warranties, you must generally use a high-performance synthetic underlayment, along with specific starter shingles and proper nailing patterns dictated by the manufacturer guidelines.
  
  
• Can I use the exact same underlayment for architectural Landmark shingles and traditional XT25 3-tab shingles? Yes, standard synthetic or high-quality felt underlayments are fully compatible with both architectural and traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles.
  
  
• What are the underlayment overlap rules when transitioning from standard slopes to low-slope areas with these shingles? When transitioning to a low-slope roof (typically between 2:12 and 4:12 pitch), you must overlap standard underlayment courses by at least 19-in to ensure a double layer of protection, or switch entirely to a self-adhering ice and water shield.
  
  
• Should the underlayment wrap completely over the ridge before installing Hip and Ridge accessory shingles? Yes, underlayment should be wrapped continuously over the ridge from both sides to ensure a watertight seal before installing ridge vents and capping with hip and ridge shingles.
  
  
• How do you properly seal the underlayment around heavy lead pipe flashing boot penetrations? The underlayment should be cut tightly around the penetration, overlapping the bottom flange of the lead flashing while the top and side flanges are layered under the subsequent courses of shingles and sealed with roofing cement.
  
  
• Does the underlayment go over or under the metal drip edges near the gutters? Along the eaves (the bottom edge near the gutters), the underlayment goes over the drip edge. Along the rake (the sloped sides of the roof), the underlayment goes under the drip edge to properly shed water.
  
  
• How much does roof underlayment cost per square foot? Costs vary based on material type; traditional felt is the most economical, synthetic rolls offer mid-range pricing with superior coverage, and peel-and-stick membranes are the most expensive per square foot due to their heavy waterproofing capabilities.
  
  
• Will a better underlayment lower my home insurance? Upgrading to a premium secondary water barrier - especially in hurricane or heavy snow zones - can sometimes qualify you for insurance discounts, though you should verify this directly with your insurance provider.
  
  
• Does upgrading the underlayment add to the total home resale value? Yes, a high-quality roofing system built with premium synthetic and self-adhering underlayments provides peace of mind to home buyers and passes strict home inspections, thereby supporting your overall property value.
  
  
• What is the difference between felt paper and synthetic underlayment? Felt paper is made from a paper or fiberglass mat soaked in asphalt, which can tear easily and absorb moisture over time. Synthetic underlayment is woven from polymers, making it highly tear-resistant, lightweight, and completely waterproof.
  
  
• Which material works best with heavy rain and high heat? Synthetic underlayment is superior in extreme climates because it does not absorb water, does not dry out or crack in high heat, and provides a safer, slip-resistant walking surface for installers.
  
  
• Is a peel-and-stick membrane better than a standard rolled underlayment? Peel-and-stick membranes offer the ultimate protection because they adhere directly to the roof deck and self-seal around roofing nails, making them mandatory for eaves, valleys, and low-slope applications where water or ice dams gather.
  
  
• Does installing underlayment require removing the old roof first? For the underlayment to effectively protect the roof deck and bond properly, especially in the case of ice and water shields, the old shingles and existing underlayment must be completely torn off down to the bare wood.
  
  
• How does underlayment overlap with metal drip edges and gutter aprons? The underlayment must overlap the top flange of the gutter apron or eaves drip edge to ensure water flows smoothly into the gutter system rather than wicking backward into the fascia board.
  
  
• Can poor underlayment cause water leaks behind my gutters? Yes, if the underlayment is improperly lapped behind the drip edge or deteriorates at the eaves, runoff can slip behind the gutter system, leading to rotted fascia boards and interior wall leaks.
  
  
• How many years will my roof underlayment last before it fails? Premium synthetic underlayments and rubberized peel-and-stick membranes are designed to outlast the shingles themselves, often carrying warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years when properly installed.
  
  
• Can the underlayment handle being left out in the sun during construction? Synthetic underlayments are UV-treated and can typically be left exposed to the sun for anywhere from 30 to 180 days without breaking down, whereas traditional felt will degrade and warp quickly.
  
  
• Will the underlayment stop ice dams or wind-driven rain from entering? Standard synthetics stop wind-driven rain, but only a self-adhering ice and water shield installed at the eaves and in valleys will truly stop backed-up water from an ice dam from penetrating the roof deck.
  
  
• Are synthetic underlayments safe to walk on for roofers? High-quality synthetic rolls feature specialized anti-slip coatings and textured top surfaces to provide excellent traction for roofing crews, even in damp conditions or on steep slopes.
  
  

Popular Ideas and Applications for Roof Underlayment:

 

• Coastal storm defense: Utilizing a heavy-duty self-adhering ice and water shield across the entire roof deck, rather than just the eaves, creates an impenetrable barrier for homes in hurricane-prone coastal regions where shingles may be blown off.
  
  
• Metal roofing integration: Applying high-temperature synthetic underlayments beneath standing seam metal roofs ensures the membrane will not melt or stick to the metal panels during intense summer heat, allowing the metal panels to expand and contract smoothly.
  
  
• Cathedral ceiling moisture control: Deploying breathable synthetic underlayments over cathedral ceilings or unvented attic spaces allows trapped indoor humidity to escape outward, preventing condensation from rotting the structural rafters.
  
  
• Low-slope architectural transitions: Seamlessly overlapping standard synthetic underlayment with peel-and-stick membranes at the transition points of dormers and porch roofs ensures that water slowing down on the flatter sections does not back up under the main roof shingles.
  
  
• Extended construction timelines: Choosing UV-resistant synthetic rolls for large custom home builds allows contractors to safely dry-in the structure and continue interior framing and electrical work for months before the final roofing material is applied.
  
  

We also offer a wide selection of quality roofing products to complete your build. Explore our premium Certainteed roofing systems, featuring beautiful Landmark shingles for a dimensional architectural look and reliable XT25 shingles for classic 3-tab designs. Do not forget to finish the peaks securely with our color-matched hip and ridge accessories. We also stock heavy-duty lead flashing to seal plumbing vent pipes and intricate roof penetrations permanently.

 

You can also shop for all product categories with our complete building products in-stock, ranging from structural building materials and reliable fasteners, to essential hardware. We are a premier local lumberyard offering top-grade lumber, composites, and plywood, as well as beautiful moulding and millwork, and so much more.