GAF Material Corporation is synonymous with quality roofing products, and their underlayment is no exception. I’ve used it extensively as a roofing contractor, and while it’s an excellent product, there are other great underlayments on the market for homeowners looking for an alternative.
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What Is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment is a thin, waterproof material, sold in rolls, that sits between the shingles and the roof deck. It’s primary role is to serve as a secondary barrier against water. Should the shingles (or other roofing material) fail, the underlayment is there as an emergency backup. It’s a standard and important part of the roofing system, and it’s important to maximize the lifetime of your roof.
Roofers lay strips of roof underlayment horizontally across the roof, starting at the bottom, to create overlapping runs up to the peak of the roof. Because the nails used to secure the shingles will penetrate through the underlayment, the strips are merely tacked in place with light fasteners. Ice and water shield will be installed over it, then the roof shingles.
What Are the Different Types of Roof Underlayment?
There are various types of roofing underlayment or underlayment materials. In the past, tar-paper was the standard, and I still occasionally come across old roofs that have it. However, today, fiberglass felt (sometimes called felt paper) and polypropylene/polyethylene are the industry standard. Tar paper is still available, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a new roof.
You can read more about the technical aspects of underlayment in our Today’s Homeowner article on roof underlayment.
GAF Roof Underlayment AlternativesÂ
DuPont has created the Tyvek Protec brand as one of the most widely used roof underlayments. The Tyvek Protec 160 roof underlayment is one of the best alternatives because it has ultraviolet (UV) protection that can last for six months. That is equal to 180 days of an exposed roof. It weighs 31 pounds per roll and has a thickness of 14.9 mils. The Tyvek Protec 160 is 4 feet wide and 250 feet long. This product is guaranteed durable.
For homeowners who live in areas that are prone to hurricanes, this is one roof underlayment worth considering. It works well for hurricane roof patching. Its installation is easy and will not require a lot of people to get the job done.
The Tyvek Protec 160 is almost the same as the Tyvek Protec 120 regarding features, though it offers some performance upgrades. It also offers similar industry-leading walkability. This can be installed under different roofing materials like asphalt shingles, cedar, and metal roof cladding. The Tyvek Protec 160 has great traction and that makes it ideal for roofs with steep slopes.
In terms of performance, it is impressive because it has a four-layer construction. The slip-resistant coating of this product is one of its most desirable qualities. It works as an effective moisture barrier, especially during roof installation.
The Owens Corning brand has been a well-known company in terms of building products. Homeowners who expect GAF roof underlayment quality won’t be disappointed with Owens Corning ProArmor roof underlayment. It is a great brand that offers durable and reliable underlayment. ProArmor is a proven synthetic felt underlayment that provides great water resistance despite being a thin and breathable product.
The surface of the Owens Corning ProArmor is slip-resistant and comes with button caps. Roofers will have an easier time upon installation because it is safer to operate while walking across. Owens Corning ProArmor is one of the most recommended options in terms of synthetic roof underlayment. Homeowners should consider this product when choosing among alternatives to GAF roof underlayment.
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Another excellent alternative to GAF roof underlayment is the Epilay brand. It offers a line of synthetic underlayment products perfect to serve a variety of needs. There is a Protectite line with four grades that range from Plasfelt to Protectite Platinum. All of these underlayments were designed to provide effective water resistance. They are highly tear-resistant as well.
Roof installers will also appreciate these products because they are easy to handle and install. Another impressive feature of the Epilay brand is that they feature up to 12 months of UV resistance. This means that this product can withstand exposure for a long time.
Another product that could serve as an excellent alternative to GAF roof underlayment is the Tyvek Protec 120. Yes, another Tyvek on this list. This product offers a fully weatherproof underlayment. It serves as an effective advantage, especially in places that experience severe weather conditions. Roof installers love using this roof underlayment because it has a textured surface that makes walking across easier for them.
The Tyvek Protec 120 roof underlayment is also a lightweight product and that helps roofers in terms of hauling. Going up ladders won’t be as difficult with heavier underlayment options.
Read also: Alternatives to Conventional Shingle Roofs
Homeowners looking for an excellent alternative to GAF roof underlayment should highly consider the Firestone brand. The Firestone RubberGard roof underlayment is one of the most popular underlayments in the market today. The brand has been known to be reliable and highly durable even in locations with severe weather conditions. It is manufactured using a synthetic rubber compound and offers superior UV resistance. This product can also withstand low temperatures. Roof installers recommend this product because of its safety and ease of installation.
This Firestone RubberGard Roof underlayment is one of the toughest underlayment options on the market today. This product comes with a 60mm thick layer. The advantage of having that thickness is that it would be more silent when heavy rains start to pour down the home’s roof. Another benefit is that it can keep the roof cool during hot summer days. The Firestone RubberGard roof underlayment also offers an incredibly tough underlayment that cannot be easily torn apart. It also provides top-notch waterproof protection.
Related: 5 Excellent Alternatives to Titanium Roof Underlayment
Premier Roof Underlayment Options
Without question, GAF is one of the best roofing underlayment options on the market today. However, for homeowners looking for an alternative to GAF, these alternatives will serve you well. I’ve used all five and found them to be high-performing, quality products. I would happily use any of them for my own home or recommend them to a client.
Related: Choosing Between a Roof Overlay vs Tearoff
