The best roofing felt is synthetic underlayment. It lasts longer than old paper felt and protects your roof better. Most modern roofs use synthetic felt instead of tar paper. Synthetic felt stops water leaks and lets your roof breathe. It costs more upfront but saves money over time. Your roof choice matters because asphalt shingles dominate about 80% of U.S. homes, according to RubyHome (2025).
What Is Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt is a layer under your shingles. It goes between the shingles and your roof deck. This layer catches water that sneaks under shingles.
Old felt was made from paper and tar. New felt is made from plastic or fiberglass. Synthetic felt works better and lasts longer. Most roofers use synthetic felt today.
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Synthetic Vs. Paper Felt
Synthetic felt does not rot or fall apart like paper. Paper felt gets heavy when wet and can tear. Synthetic felt stays light and strong even in rain.
Paper felt lasts about 3 to 5 years. Synthetic felt lasts 15 to 25 years. According to RubyHome (2025), the average roof lifespan is 25 to 50 years. You want underlayment that lasts as long as possible.
Types of Underlayment Materials
There are three main types of roofing underlayment:
| Type | Best For | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic felt | Most homes | 15-25 years |
| Paper felt | Budget jobs | 3-5 years |
| Rubberized asphalt | Valleys and edges | 10-20 years |
Synthetic felt is the top choice for most houses. It does not cost too much and works great. Rubberized asphalt is thicker and sticks to the roof. Use it in places where water pools, like roof valleys.
Why Felt Matters for Your Roof
Felt stops water damage. Without it, rain leaks through small gaps and hurts your attic and walls. According to RubyHome (2025), leaking is the reason 33% of homeowners replace roofs. Good underlayment prevents costly leaks.
Felt also protects shingles during storms. High winds and hail can crack shingles. The felt layer catches damage and stops water. This matters because storm damage causes 33% of roof replacements, according to RubyHome (2025). Quality felt saves your home.
Pick synthetic felt for best results. It costs a bit more than paper but lasts three times longer. Your roofer should install it on all new roofs. Synthetic felt is the best roofing felt for most homes.
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Connect with an experienced roofing solutions to discuss your roofing needs and schedule an inspection.