# Roof Tile Underlayment Last updated: 2023-02-04 Canonical URL: https://costeffectiveroofing.com/roof-tile-underlayment/ Page (HTML): https://costeffectiveroofing.com/roof-tile-underlayment/ [Open the HTML page](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/roof-tile-underlayment/) ## Summary ##### Roof Tile Underlayment, is it important? ###### Traditional Felt Underlayment VS New Synthetic Underlayment What exactly is my tile roof’s underlayment: This is the water proofing barrier between your tiles and your wood deck, first line of defense. There are two types of underlayment systems; Traditional SBS Modified 40# underlayment system and the synthetic (polyethylene or polypropylene) underlayment system. # Roof Tile Underlayment [Visit the original page](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/roof-tile-underlayment/) --- #### Roof Tile Underlayment, is it important? ##### Traditional Felt Underlayment VS New Synthetic Underlayment **What exactly is my tile roof’s underlayment?** This is the waterproofing barrier between your tiles and your wood deck, serving as the first line of defense. There are two types of underlayment systems: - **Traditional SBS Modified 40# underlayment system** - **Synthetic (polyethylene or polypropylene) underlayment system** [GET A QUOTE WITHIN 15 MINUTES!](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/contact/) ## [Get a Free Roof Inspection](#inspection) Or just **TEXT or CALL NICK**: [![Phone Icon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Phone_icon.png) 480-629-5244](tel:480-629-5244) --- ### Traditional 40# Underlayment In the Phoenix metro market, there are three top manufacturers of traditional SBS Modified underlayment: - **Fontana Vulcaseal® G40** - **Layfast® SBS TU43** - **Boral® Ply 40** These underlayments are SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) Modified Bitumen with infused fiberglass, making them extremely long-lasting membranes—tried, true, and tested! Most reliable Phoenix contractors use a double layer, providing a bulletproof underlayment system for your tile roof. If you are on the run, [click here](https://www.costeffectiveroofing.com/contactus.html) to fill out some quick contact info and someone will get back to you. For FAST service, call TRM Roofing: **480-629-9484** **FREE Roof Inspections for Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Surrounding Areas** --- ## Synthetic Underlayment There are many synthetic underlayment products like Titanium, Rhino Roof, Tyvek, and Tigerpaw, just to name a few. It is paper thin, very light (up to 4 times lighter than traditional 40# tile underlayment), so it’s fast to install and safe to walk on for the installer. The material and labor costs are less expensive than the traditional double-layer 40# underlayment systems. --- ## The Synthetic Sales Gimmick Many Arizona roofing contractors will demonstrate how tough and strong a synthetic underlayment is by trying to tear a piece in half—it can’t be done. Of course, you can make the same argument by using a standard tarp purchased at Home Depot® or Lowe’s®. --- ## COST Many roofers charge more for a synthetic underlayment system, but it actually costs less than traditional SBS underlayment. Plus, they are only using one paper-thin layer, making it easier and faster to install, saving them labor costs. --- ## QUALITY Synthetic underlayment is lightweight and much thinner, about 20 mils thick. Most roofing contractors only install a single layer. **THINK!** You have a single layer of 20 mils protecting your house. Plus, it is not self-healing like the SBS underlayment system, meaning when it is punctured by a fastener, it does not seal around it like the SBS 40# underlayment does. Arizona heat can also be brutal on synthetic underlayment systems. --- ## Traditional 40# Underlayment System Most reputable roofing contractors use a double layer, approximately 110 mils of thickness and an 18” head lap versus the standard 2” or lower. It is self-healing, meaning it seals around each fastener. Two layers take longer to install versus a single layer of paper-thin synthetic underlayment. - Traditional underlayment like Fontana® VulcaSeal® G40 rolls cover about 200 square feet, are quite dense, and one installer can only carry one roll at a time. - Synthetic underlayment comes in 1000 square foot rolls and an installer can easily carry it on their shoulder without fear of a back injury—very light material. --- ![Underlayment Comparison](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-1.png) ![Underlayment Example 1](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-1-1.png) ![Underlayment Example 2](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-2.png) ![Underlayment Example 3](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-3.png) --- Licensed • Bonded • Insured #ROC 310190, 330932, 8332227 --- ![Coupon Graphic](https://costeffectiveroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/coupon-graphic-1.png) **FREE Solar Attic Fan with Tile Underlayment Replacement** Call for details. *A $997.00 Value* --- ## Thank you! 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