The best roof felt alternatives include woven synthetic underlayments (for sloped roofs) and EPDM rubber or liquid membranes (for flat roofs). Synthetics tear significantly less, while rubberized membranes provide superior long-term waterproofing.
Made from high-tech polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene, synthetic underlayment is designed to be strong, lightweight, and much more durable than felt. It's quickly become the go-to choice for many modern roofing professionals. Pros: Excellent water resistance.
For the longest lifespan and all-around durability – an EPDM roof kit is the best option. For an easy-to-apply, seamless solution for complex designs – a liquid roofing kit is a great choice. For shed roofs – an EPDM shed kit, the perfect alternative to roof felt, for a seamless, fast application.
At one point, all roofing underlayments were made of felt. However, there are now synthetic underlayment options.
The top five most popular and highly recommended roofing materials are:
Slate is the longest-lasting roofing material. Mined from natural stone, these tiles are impervious to rot and fire and can last anywhere from 75 to over 100 years, frequently outliving the home itself. While highly durable, slate is expensive and requires a structurally reinforced roof to support its immense weight.
A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy. This lowers the temperature of the building just as wearing light-colored clothing keeps you cool on a sunny day.
The original material for roofing felt was bitumen sarking felt, which is mounted on a strong woven base.
The best overall roof underlayment is high-quality synthetic, offering the best balance of durability, tear resistance, and water protection, such as Owens Corning ProArmor or GAF FeltBuster. For maximum waterproofing in leak-prone areas like valleys and eaves, self-adhered rubberized asphalt (e.g., GCP Grace Ice & Water Shield) is considered the premier choice.
Bitumen roof felt is a dense and somewhat flexible product that is weather resistant, however it can become brittle over time making it susceptible to damage from leaks. Although bitumen roof felt is a hardy product that will waterproof your roof, EPDM outperforms in durability over time.
It is usual for older homes to have roofs without felt and it shouldn't be needed as long as your tiles are in good condition as for the price ask anyone you get a quote from for it to be itemised, depending on the size of your roof scaffolding alone can cost a fair bit of money.
Asphalt shingles are the most common affordable roof option—good for 15–30 years depending on the type. Roll roofing is the cheapest roof material upfront, but it only lasts 5–10 years and is best for sheds or flat roofs. Metal roofs have higher upfront costs but lower long-term costs due to their 40–70 year lifespan.
To tell if a roofer is lying, watch out for high-pressure sales, suspiciously low bids, and demands for large upfront cash payments. Honest roofers provide clear, detailed contracts and verifiable credentials. Always check their local license, avoid signing contingency agreements before fully committing, and get a second opinion.
On the other hand, if you are looking at costing for a flat roof, roofing felt is the most cost-effective product. The initial capital outlay for this product is low. However, if you are looking at the cheapest flat roofing material in terms of longevity and high performance, EPDM membrane is the best choice.
Yes, you can felt over old felt on a shed roof, but it's usually going to create bigger problems later. Trapped moisture, uneven layers and extra weight can shorten the roof's lifespan and turn a simple fix into rotten boards, sagging panels and repeat leaks.
Generally, the late fall and winter months can be the most cost-effective times to schedule a roof replacement. This is typically the slow season for roofing contractors, and as business wanes, you might find that they are more willing to negotiate on price.
EPDM membrane stands out as a top choice for flat roof covering due to its durability and resistance to harsh weather. Made from synthetic rubber, this roofing material offers homeowners and builders a long-lasting solution.
While EPDM is water-resistant, standing water or pooling can still pose challenges: Structural Shifts: Over time, buildings may settle or shift, causing depressions or low spots on the roof. These areas can collect water, leading to pooling. Membrane Stress: Prolonged water pooling can put stress on the EPDM membrane.
If you know the underlying deck is compatible and plan to install EPDM, we recommend placing a barrier in between, like a new layer of plywood or a fibreglass-backed OSB board. Our rubber sheets can generally be installed over old roofs, especially if the existing roof is in good condition and correctly prepared.
Synthetic underlayment is highly recommended over 30 lb felt for modern roofs. While 30 lb felt is thicker than traditional 15 lb felt, synthetics offer superior tear resistance, lighter weight, better water resistance, and longevity. Synthetics also won't wrinkle under moisture.
Flat or Low-Slope Roofs: Use 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch CDX or T&G plywood to handle pooling water and heavier roof loads. Steep-Pitched Roofs (Residential): 1/2-inch CDX or OSB works well with standard rafter spacing (16″ on center).
The best roof felt alternatives include woven synthetic underlayments (for sloped roofs) and EPDM rubber or liquid membranes (for flat roofs). Synthetics tear significantly less, while rubberized membranes provide superior long-term waterproofing.
Neutral and timeless roof colors like black, charcoal, gray, and brown consistently deliver the highest return on investment. These classic shades have universal appeal, seamlessly match nearly all architectural styles, and attract the widest pool of potential buyers.
The traditional underlayment that has been utilized for many years and is still used today in steep-sloped roof applications is “asphalt saturated felt.” This product is commonly referred to as “felt paper,” “#15 felt,” or “#30 felt,” “building paper,” “felt underlayment,” or simply “underlayment.”
During the Viking and Middle Ages, most houses had sod roofs, while churches and other buildings with steeper roofs were covered with boards, wood shingles, or lead. In rural areas, sod roofs were almost universal until the early 18th century.