The 10 Best Synthetic Underlayments For Roofs
Updated by · How we research
How long a sheet can sit in the sun and which code approvals it holds split these 10 synthetic roof underlayments. The Tyvek Protec 200 tops the list. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
None of the fastened synthetic underlayments here is waterproof once it's nailed down, so plan on a peel-and-stick strip at the eaves and valleys. The polymer sheet goes between the roof deck and the shingles or metal panels, and most roofers have switched to it from asphalt felt because it's lighter, tougher and comes in bigger rolls.
From the manual
- The final roof must go on within six months, and DuPont says the sheet is not a final roof or primary water barrier. p. 1
- Under tile, slate, cedar or metal, 1-inch cap nails or cap staples are required; bare staples only if shingles follow within 36 hours. p. 2
- Where design winds reach 100 mph or more, fasten at every printed mark with 1-inch cap nails. p. 2
- It's a vapor barrier, so ventilate the space under the roof deck before installing to avoid condensation. p. 1
Why the Tyvek Protec 200 is our top pick
The 200 gives a roof twice as long to sit open as our runner-up, the Tyvek Protec 120: DuPont's guide allows six months of sun before the final roofing goes on, against three for the 120.1 That margin matters when a job stalls. The 200 is also the only one of the two that the guide approves under tile and slate, as well as shingles, metal and cedar.1
The sheet itself is thicker and tougher. DuPont lists 16.5 mils against 9.76, and a lengthwise tear strength of 67 pounds-force against 25.2,3 Its limited replacement warranty runs 50 years to the runner-up's 30.1
The 120 still wins on two counts. Its roll weighs 25 pounds to our pick's 36,4 and it's the cheaper roll, so on a shingle reroof that will be covered within days, its three-month window and identical code approvals2,3 are enough. Both warranties are offered to builders and professional installers; DuPont says neither is a consumer warranty.1
| Tyvek Protec 200 | Tyvek Protec 120 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun exposure before covering | 6 months | 3 months |
| Approved roof coverings | Shingles, metal, cedar, tile, slate | Shingles, metal, cedar |
| Nominal thickness | 16.5 mils | 9.76 mils |
| Tear strength, lengthwise / crosswise | 67 / 47 lbf | 25 / 40 lbf |
| Limited warranty, pro installs | 50 years | 30 years |
Sources
- DuPont Tyvek Protec 1Installation guidelines for the 120, 160 and 200 (PDF), pp. 1, 2 2Protec 200 specifications 3Protec 120 specifications 4Single-family installation bulletin, Spanish (PDF), p. 3
From the manual
- Approved only under asphalt shingles, metal or cedar; tile and slate need the Protec 160 or 200. p. 1
- The final roof must go on within three months, half the window DuPont allows the 160 and 200. p. 1
- Slopes from 2:12 to 4:12 take two layers: a 26-inch starter strip, then full sheets lapped 26 inches. p. 2
- The 30-year limited replacement warranty is offered for builders and pro installers; DuPont says it is not a consumer warranty. p. 2
Compare the specs
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Product | Sun exposure limit (months) | Limited warranty (years) | Roll weight (lb) | Roll coverage (squares) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Tyvek Protec 200 | 6 | 50, pro installs | 36 | 10 |
| 2. Tyvek Protec 120 | 3 | 30, pro installs | 25 | 10 |
| 3. CertainTeed DiamondDeck | 6 | 30, or shingle term | 37 | 10 |
| 4. Titanium PSU30 | 6 | Lifetime limited | 48 | 2.16 |
| 5. HydroShield 50 | 6 | 50 | — | — |
| 6. Titanium UDL50 | 6 | — | — | 10 |
| 7. Typar Surround VR | 6 | 15 | about 21 | 10 |
| 8. DuPont Roof Protector | 3 | — | 20 | 10 |
| 9. Grip-Rite ShingleLayment LWE | 6 | 25 home, 20 other | — | 10 |
| 10. InterWrap RhinoRoof U20 | 3 | 20 | 23.5 | 10 |
Sun exposure is the longest each maker allows before the roof covering goes on (180 days counted as six months, 90 as three). DuPont offers its Protec warranties only for builders and professional installers. DiamondDeck's warranty matches the CertainTeed shingle warranty when used under CertainTeed shingles. The Typar weight is worked out from its code report's 2.1 pounds per square. Coverage is before laps.
Sources
- DuPont Tyvek Protec installation guidelines (PDF) Single-family installation bulletin, Spanish (PDF) Roof Protector specifications
- CertainTeed DiamondDeck Technical data sheet, 08/26 (PDF) 2026 limited warranty (PDF)
- Owens Corning Titanium PSU30 data sheet (PDF) Titanium UDL50 data sheet (PDF) Titanium UDL50 installation instructions RhinoRoof U20 specifications
- HydroShield 50 Alpha ProTech data sheet (PDF, retailer copy)
- Typar Surround VR Limited warranty (PDF) Intertek code report CCRR-0532 (PDF)
- Grip-Rite ShingleLayment LWE-GRE product page Roofing underlayment limited warranty (PDF)
From the manual
- Staples are banned; 1-inch plastic cap nails are required, driven at the diamond targets printed on the sheet. p. 1
- Not for ice-dam protection at eaves, and two cemented layers don't replace a self-adhered membrane. p. 1
- Under CertainTeed shingles its warranty matches the shingle warranty; under other brands it runs 30 years. warranty, p. 2
- The first five years cover repair labor, but leaks caused by fasteners are excluded throughout. warranty, pp. 2-3
From the manual
- Apply above 40 F and rising but below 100 F; colder, it may not fully stick, hotter, the backing gets hard to peel. install instructions
- Roll the whole surface afterward with a roller weighing at least 40 pounds. install instructions
- Rated for heat up to 240 F, and usable down to a 1/2:12 slope under standing-seam metal. p. 2
- Don't lay it over another underlayment unless local code requires it. install instructions
From the manual
- Fasten with 1-inch plastic cap nails or cap staples, 6 inches apart along the laps. p. 2
- Bare staples or nails are allowed only if the roof goes on within 24 hours, and they take the job outside the warranty. p. 2
- Below a 4:12 slope, lap each course 24 inches, about half the sheet. p. 2
- Not designed for indefinite exposure; the maker recommends the final roof go on within six months. p. 2
From the manual
- Staples void the warranty; use roofing nails, and 1-inch cap nails if it will sit exposed more than five days. install instructions
- It must be covered within 180 days and isn't recommended below a 2:12 slope. install instructions
- Rated from -40 to 240 F, with a Class A fire rating when used under asphalt shingles. pp. 1-2
From the manual
- The 15-year warranty is void if the sheet sits uncovered more than 180 days from the sales invoice date. p. 1
- Claims go by certified mail within 10 days of finding a defect, with samples and photos; disputes go to binding arbitration. p. 2
- Two layers cemented together may serve as the eave ice barrier codes require, per Intertek report CCRR-0532. code report, p. 2
From the manual
- The warranty runs 25 years on a single-family home and 20 on other structures, and pays in replacement material only. p. 1
- File claims online within 30 days of finding the problem, with proof of purchase and photos. p. 1
- It isn't transferable, and using parts Grip-Rite doesn't expressly recommend voids it. p. 1
From the manual
- It must be covered within 90 days; beyond same-day cover, use 1-inch cap nails at every printed mark. install instructions
- Staples are fine only when the roof covering goes on the same day with no rain or high wind. install instructions
- Slopes from 2:12 to 4:12 need two layers, and it isn't recommended below 2:12. install instructions
- Cedar shakes over it must be primed, and metal roofing use is residential only. install instructions
Editor's Notes
November 5, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
We read the makers' installation guides, data sheets and warranties for nine of the 10 picks, added a spec table and a section on why the Tyvek Protec 200 leads, and corrected six items that said no sun limit, warranty or code approval was published. We also fixed the felt-roll coverage in the guide, replaced its one-size fastener advice with each maker's rules, and noted that DuPont still makes the Protec 160.
October 18, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
At the top is the Tyvek Protec 200, the heaviest grade of DuPont's line, with six months of sun exposure, a 50-year limited warranty and Miami-Dade approval. The 2021 list needed work. The Firestone RubberGard on it is an EPDM membrane for flat roofs, not an underlayment, so it's out. The Grace Tri-Flex XT and Tyvek Protec 160 listings we had are no longer available, though DuPont still makes the 160, and the Atlas WeatherMaster is an ice-and-water membrane with a confusing listing, so those are gone too. We kept the Tyvek Protec 200, Tyvek Protec 120, Titanium PSU30, Titanium UDL50 and InterWrap RhinoRoof U20, and added the CertainTeed DiamondDeck, HydroShield 50, Typar Surround VR, DuPont Roof Protector and Grip-Rite ShingleLayment LWE.
Nobody publishes side-by-side lab tests of named underlayments, so the comparison turns on each maker's exposure window, thickness and warranty, code reports such as ICC-ES AC188 and trade-group guidance. The biggest takeaway is that none of these is waterproof once it's nailed down. Plan on a peel-and-stick strip at the eaves and valleys, and read your shingle warranty before you pick a roll.
Earlier notes
March 2, 2021, by Christopher Thomas:
There aren't a ton of new underlayments available, but we did decide to remove the InterWrap UDL30 because it's not much less expensive than the superior InterWrap UDL50. Instead, we added Firestone RubberGard, a synthetic rubber option that is about as durable and long-lasting as they come. Similarly, InterWrap Titanium PSU30 is a combination of high-tech, seld-adhering options and dependable, rubberized choices. Their long lifespans comes at a significant cost, however, and large projects will quickly get expensive. InterWrap RhinoRoof is far less costly than both, and for the average homeowner, will do just about as well, which is why it's one of the most popular options on the market. [2026 update: RubberGard is an EPDM membrane for flat roofs rather than an underlayment, so it's off the list, and InterWrap's Titanium and RhinoRoof lines now belong to Owens Corning.]
February 11, 2019, by Christopher Thomas:
Synthetic underlayments have been exploding in popularity over the last decade. They're particularly useful wherever the weather is routinely harsh, because they're generally less permeable than traditional, asphalt-impregnated felt. Keep in mind, though, that this also requires plenty of ventilation underneath the structure, to make up for their relative inability to breathe. InterWrap is undoubtedly one of the most relied-upon brands, and their 7-mil RhinoRoof is very well known. It strikes a good balance between vapor-proofing and permeability, and it's very lightweight, as well as pretty inexpensive. Their PSU30 is considerably thicker, and uses an adhesive coating to ensure ease of installation. Moving up their line, UDL30 and UDL50 are progressively more durable, though not necessary for many homes. Tyvek is a name ubiquitous to home-building, and their synthetic roofing products don't disappoint. From 120, through 160, to the 200 varieties, one of their products is almost certain to meet your needs. Grace Tri-Flex is another popular choice, and it's both resilient, as well as easy to install. Atlas's WeatherMaster is specifically designed for water- and ice-damming, and isn't commonly used across the majority of a job, because it's wildly expensive. Whichever you choose, be certain that it's installed by a practiced craftsman, as the quality of the job is every bit as important as the materials used.
Special Honors
SharkSkin SharkSkin makes synthetic and self-adhering roof underlayments for asphalt shingles, metal, tile, slate and cedar shake, including its Comp, Ultra, Ultra SA and Ultra Radiant products and a 2-Ply System. It also makes a ventilated roof mat. Its site lists the code approvals for each product, which helps when a building department asks. sharkskinroof.com
Epilay Building Products Epilay, a California company, sells its ProtecTite synthetic underlayments to roofers. The 17-mil ProtecTite comes in a 10-square roll of about 37 pounds and is rated for use under metal, slate, asphalt shingles and clay or concrete tile, and the company also makes Epistik peel-and-stick membranes. epilay.com
Nailed Synthetic, Peel-And-Stick Or Felt
Mechanically fastened synthetics are woven or spun polypropylene or polyethylene, usually a woven scrim laminated between films.
Underlayment keeps the deck dry until the roof covering goes on, then acts as a backup layer if wind-driven rain gets under the shingles. It also stops resin in wood sheathing from reaching the shingles and is part of how a roof earns its fire rating (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association). Three kinds do that job.
Mechanically fastened synthetics are woven or spun polypropylene or polyethylene, usually a woven scrim laminated between films. They weigh a fraction of what felt does and don't wrinkle when wet (Green Building Advisor), and they usually come in 10-square rolls, where a roll of No. 30 felt covers two squares and No. 15 covers four (Tarco felt specifications). They shed water, but they aren't waterproof: every nail or staple leaves a hole that stays open (Lamar Homes guide).
Self-adhering, or peel-and-stick, membranes use rubberized asphalt or butyl and seal around fasteners. ARMA points to them for ice-dam protection at eaves and as extra protection in valleys, at ridges and hips, and around penetrations. On slopes between 2:12 and 4:12, codes generally call for either two layers of fastened underlayment or one self-adhering layer (ARMA). They cost several times as much per square, so most roofs use them only in those spots.
Metal roofs are the special case. Green Building Advisor notes that many metal roofing makers require synthetic underlayment because felt can soften under sun-heated panels, and high-temperature peel-and-stick is common under metal and tile. Felt still works under shingles, and some roofers prefer it on reroofs because it lets more vapor through.
Reading The Label: Mils, UV Days And Code Reports
Within one maker's line, three numbers usually move together: thickness, how long the sheet may stay uncovered, and warranty length. DuPont's Tyvek Protec line is the clearest example. The Protec 120 is just under 10 mils, rated for three months of exposure and covered for 30 years; the Protec 200 is 16.5 mils, six months and 50 years. On this list the other exposure ratings run from 90 days to six months, printed on each maker's data sheet (K. Post Company). Treat that figure as a limit, not a goal. Mark Graham, the National Roofing Contractors Association's vice president of technical services, noted in a July 2021 Professional Roofing column that the lab weathering in the synthetic-underlayment standard reportedly equals only about 30 days outdoors.
Coverage is quoted before laps. A 4-by-250-foot roll is 1,000 square feet, or 10 squares, but overlaps eat some of it; CertainTeed's 2019 data sheet put DiamondDeck at 937.5 net square feet. Order about 10 percent extra for laps, hips and waste.
For years synthetic underlayment had no product standard of its own. ASTM D8257, published in December 2020, now covers mechanically attached polymeric underlayment; Graham urged specifiers to choose sheets that comply with it and to know each one's vapor permeance. The ICC Evaluation Service's AC188 criteria and its numbered evaluation reports are what building officials look for (ARMA, Green Building Advisor). You can look up a report at ICC-ES. Be wary of unbranded rolls that cite only ASTM D226 or D4869: those are standards for asphalt felt. In Florida's high-velocity hurricane zones, look for a Miami-Dade notice of acceptance or a Florida Building Code approval.
Installing It Safely And Keeping The Warranty
Fastener rules differ from maker to maker, so read the sheet before loading the nail gun. CertainTeed requires 1-inch plastic cap nails on DiamondDeck and bans staples, and Owens Corning says staples void the Titanium UDL50 warranty. DuPont (under shingles only), the RhinoRoof U20 instructions and HydroShield's maker allow bare staples or nails only when the roof covering goes on within a day or two; otherwise, use cap nails in the printed pattern. Under standing-seam metal, cap nail heads can show through the panels (Green Building Advisor).
Most synthetics let very little water vapor through, so the attic has to be well ventilated, or moisture from the house can condense under the deck. Breathable synthetics exist for roofs where that's a worry (K. Post Company).
Synthetic sheets are textured for footing, but they turn slick with dew, frost or sawdust. OSHA requires fall protection for construction work 6 feet or more above a lower level (OSHA), and its guide for roofing workers covers anchors, harnesses and ladders (OSHA Publication 3755). Don't unroll a big sheet in a strong wind.
Finally, check the shingle warranty. Many shingle makers give their best coverage only when the roof is built from their own components, underlayment included (K. Post Company), and CertainTeed ties DiamondDeck's warranty to the length of its shingle warranty. If you live where hurricanes hit, the FORTIFIED Roof program goes further, with a sealed roof deck that can lower insurance costs in some states.
How we researched this
Twenty roofing underlayments and membranes were narrowed to these 10. For the finalists we read DuPont's Tyvek Protec installation guidelines and spec pages, CertainTeed's DiamondDeck data sheet and 2026 warranty, Owens Corning's Titanium PSU30 and UDL50 data sheets and RhinoRoof U20 instructions, Alpha ProTech's HydroShield 50 data sheet, Typar's Surround VR warranty and Intertek code report, and Grip-Rite's underlayment warranty. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Green Building Advisor, a Professional Roofing column by the NRCA's Mark Graham and OSHA shaped the guide. A search of the CPSC recall database on Nov. 5, 2026, found no recalls of any of these underlayments, and a search of Health Canada's recall site turned up only a 2014 notice for another brand's peel-and-stick membrane.
Sources (27)
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association: steep-slope roofing underlayment
- Green Building Advisor: choices for roof underlayment continue to expand
- Lamar Homes: best roofing underlayment guide
- K. Post Company: pros and cons of synthetic underlayment vs felt
- OSHA: fall protection
- OSHA Publication 3755: Protecting Roofing Workers
- ICC Evaluation Service
- FORTIFIED Home: roof
- Owens Corning: Titanium underlayments
- SharkSkin Roof Underlayment
- Epilay: ProtecTite synthetic roofing underlayment
- CPSC recalls
- Tarco: felt underlayment roll coverage
- Professional Roofing: "A new standard" by Mark S. Graham, July 2021
- DuPont: Tyvek Protec installation guidelines (PDF)
- DuPont: Tyvek Protec 200 specifications
- DuPont: Tyvek Protec 120 specifications
- DuPont: Tyvek Roof Protector specifications
- CertainTeed: DiamondDeck technical data sheet (PDF)
- CertainTeed: DiamondDeck 2026 limited warranty (PDF)
- Owens Corning: Titanium PSU30 data sheet (PDF)
- Owens Corning: Titanium UDL50 data sheet (PDF)
- Owens Corning: RhinoRoof U20
- Alpha ProTech: HydroShield 50 data sheet (PDF)
- Typar: Surround VR limited warranty (PDF)
- Grip-Rite: roofing underlayment limited warranty (PDF)
- Health Canada: Gripgard SX membrane recall, 2014
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Tyvek Protec 120, 160 and 200?
They're three grades of one line. The 120 is just under 10 mils, with three months of UV exposure and a 30-year limited warranty, and DuPont doesn't approve it under tile or slate. The 160 is about 15 mils, with six months and 40 years. The 200 is 16.5 mils, with six months and 50 years. All three share the same code approvals, and DuPont offers the warranties for builders and professional installers, not homeowners.
Is synthetic roof underlayment waterproof?
No. Makers sell fastened synthetics as water-shedding layers, not waterproofing, and every nail or staple pierces the sheet. That's why roofers add a self-adhering membrane at eaves, valleys and penetrations.
Is synthetic underlayment better than felt?
For most jobs, yes: it's lighter, tears less, doesn't wrinkle and can stay uncovered for weeks or months. Felt lets more vapor through, which is why some roofers still prefer it on reroofs with poor attic ventilation.
What is the best underlayment for a metal roof?
Use a synthetic or peel-and-stick rated for high temperatures. Many metal roofing makers require synthetic, and self-adhering membranes like the Titanium PSU30 are rated to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the panel maker's instructions first.
How long can synthetic underlayment stay exposed?
It depends on the product. On this list, the RhinoRoof U20 allows 90 days, the Tyvek Protec 120 and Roof Protector three months, and most of the rest, including the Protec 200 and CertainTeed DiamondDeck, six months. Cover it sooner if you can.
How much underlayment do I need?
Measure the roof area in squares (100 square feet each). A 4-by-250-foot roll covers 10 squares before laps, so add about 10 percent for overlaps, hips and waste.
