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Synthetic Underlayment Outperforms Felt Paper

Tougher by Design

Stronger

Synthetic underlayment has a tough and durable construction with an extremely high tear strength compared to felt.

*Test data is based on average of samples tested in accordance with ASTM D2261.

Illustration of the increased resistance to wrinkles and tearing synthetic underlayment has over traditional felt paper

Extended UV Exposure*

When exposed to the elements, they don’t wrinkle and tear around fasteners like felt.

*Varies by product. See installation instructions for more details. Endures up to 180 days of UV exposure & repels water.

Tear Resistant

Synthetic underlayment is tough, durable material that resists small tears and stands up to boot traffic.

Faster by Design

Worker easily carries a full roll of synthetic underlayment because it is up to 4 times lighter than traditional felt paper underlayment

4x Lighter

Most synthetics are much lighter, so they are easier to handle and helps improve job site productivity.

*9 (2 sq.) rolls of standard #30 felt compared to 2 (10 sq.) rolls of Owens Corning® Deck Defense® High-Performance Synthetic Underlayment. Individual product weights may vary.

Side by side comparison of synthetic underlayment and traditional felt paper, showing how felt paper is required to do the job of just three rolls of synthetic underlayment

11 Fewer Trips up the Ladder

Fewer rolls, so less trips up the ladder. A typical 27 square home will require 3 rolls of synthetic underlayment compared to 14 rolls of #30 felt.

Area comparison of how much more coverage one roll of synthetic underlayment provides versus traditional felt paper

More Coverage Per Roll

Synthetic Underlayment comes in longer and wider rolls than felt. Synthetic underlayment come in 10 sq. rolls, 48” wide as compared to #30 felt 2 sq. rolls, 36” wide.

Safer by Design

Synthetic underlayment provides greater traction, providing a safer walking surface than traditional felt paper

Enhanced Walkability

Synthetic underlayment is engineered to provide a more secure walking surface. The enhanced slip-resistant surface creates better traction and allows crews to move easier, even on steep slopes.

Synthetic underlayment with nail fastener, showing increased resistance to tearing

Less Tears Around Fasteners

Synthetic underlayment has extremely high tear strength compared to felt. This means less tearing around fasteners during installation and fewer opportunities for water infiltration.

Well marked nailing and overlap guides help improve installation accuracy and consistency

Accurate Install

Synthetic underlayment has well marked nailing and overlap guides to help improve installation accuracy and consistency.

Repels Water by Design

Better Leak Protection

Synthetics have extremely high tear strength compared to felt. This means less tearing around fasteners during installation and fewer opportunities for water infiltration.

Water beads on the surface of synthetic underlayment

Won't Absorb Water

Synthetics repel water while felt products absorb water. Most homeowners like the idea of having a product that sheds water serve as their secondary water protection barrier on their roof instead of a sponge.

Mold will not grow on the surface of synthetic underlayment, unlike traditional felt paper

Inert to Mold

Synthetics are not a food source for mold like paper based #15 and #30 felt paper.

*Samples tested in accordance with ASTM D3274.

Roofing has evolved. Your underlayment should too.

A new standard. A new level of confidence. Tough, lightweight and weather-resistant, synthetic underlayment delivers advanced protection that’s easy on your crew, tough against the elements — and reassuring to your customers.

Get the edge from the start. Insist on synthetic.