An Underlayment 

When you hear someone ask, “what is an underlayment,” they’re talking about a crucial yet often unseen layer in your roofing system. It’s the hidden shield that works behind the scenes to protect your property. Underlayment is installed directly on the roof deck, sitting just beneath the shingles or other outer roofing materials. In essence, it acts as a secondary barrier against moisture, wind, and other elements that may slip past the shingles, giving your roof a reliable backup line of defense. 

 

Why Roof Underlayment Matters 

While shingles are designed to shed water, they are water-resistant, not always waterproof. It steps in to catch any rain, melting snow, or wind-driven moisture that finds a way beneath the shingles, helping prevent water from reaching the roof deck and causing leaks or water damage. 

Without good underlayment, moisture can seep into the wood decking under the shingles, leading to rot, mold, and structural issues over time. By providing a watertight layer, underlayment protects the bones of the roof and everything beneath it. By safeguarding the under-structure from water damage, it helps prevent premature wear, warping, and decay. That means fewer costly repairs and a longer-lasting roof system overall. 

In areas prone to heavy rain, snow, wind-driven moisture, or ice dams — or around roof features like valleys, skylights, and chimneys — provides essential added security. It helps shield against leaks and water infiltration in the spots where a roof is most vulnerable. 

 

What Makes Quality Underlayment Different 

On many roofs, traditional felt paper was once the go-to underlayment. But at Aspen Contracting, we take it a step further. We use our own Aspen Synthetic Underlayment a premium upgrade that dramatically outperforms traditional felt. 

Here’s how our synthetic underlayment stands out: 

• Strength and durability — it has nearly 50 times the tear strength of felt and more than double the puncture resistance. 

• Superior waterproofing — rather than just water-resistant, ours provides a robust barrier to water intrusion, reducing the risk of leaks significantly. 

• Temperature and weather resilience — engineered to withstand extreme temperature swings and resist UV damage for up to six months, it holds up even when shingle installation is delayed. 

• Safety for installation crews — thanks to a textured, non-slip surface, installers get better footing while working on the roof. 

• Eco-friendly and long-lasting — it’s 100 % recyclable and backed by a lifetime warranty, delivering both sustainability and peace of mind. 

Because of these advantages, Aspen Synthetic Underlayment gives property owners a stronger, more reliable roofing system right from the start, helping protect their investment, improve long-term performance, and create a durable foundation for every shingle installed. 

 

Why Underlayment Should Never Be an Afterthought 

In simple terms, underlayment is what stands between your property and serious water or weather damage when the outer layer of your roof fails. An underlayment is  not decorative. It’s critical. Whether you’re building a new roof or planning a replacement, choosing a high-quality underlayment like the one we use at Aspen Contracting makes a real difference. It ensures added water protection, stronger structural integrity, and a longer lifespan for your roof. 

If you’re curious whether your property’s roof incorporates quality underlayment or if it’s time for an upgrade, Aspen Contracting is here to help. Contact us at 877-784-ROOF or visit roofsbyaspen.com to schedule an inspection or learn more about our roofing systems.