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When it comes to protecting your roof and extending its lifespan, underlayment plays a critical role. Acting as the hidden layer between your roof deck and the shingles or tile on top, underlayment provides moisture protection, stability, and an extra layer of defense against harsh weather conditions. Two of the most common types of underlayment are asphalt felt sheets (commonly referred to as roofing felt or tar paper) and self-adhering underlayment membranes. Each offers unique benefits depending on the project, climate, and budget.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and best use cases for asphalt felt and self-adhering underlayment so you can make an informed choice for your roofing project. Whether you’re a contractor, roofer, or dealer looking for dependable wholesale building materials, understanding your options can help you deliver better results and reduce call-backs.
Asphalt felt is one of the most traditional forms of roofing underlayment and has been widely used for over a century. It is typically made from a base of natural materials (such as cellulose) or fiberglass, which is then saturated with asphalt to provide water resistance.
Asphalt felt is generally available in two weights: #15 felt and #30 felt.
#15 felt is lighter and more flexible but less durable.
#30 felt is thicker, more tear-resistant, and provides better protection in more demanding weather conditions.
Advantages of Asphalt Felt:
Cost-effective: One of the most budget-friendly underlayment options.
Breathable: Allows water vapor to escape from the attic, reducing the risk of trapped moisture.
Easy to handle: Lightweight and easy to install with nails or staples.
Disadvantages:
Prone to tearing: Especially during high winds or installation.
Limited lifespan: Not as durable as newer synthetic or self-adhering products.
Can wrinkle or bubble: If exposed to moisture before shingles are installed.
If you’re sourcing materials for residential or light commercial projects, PatBest International offers wholesale asphalt felt underlayment in both #15 and #30 weights, ready for bulk delivery to your job site.
Self-adhering underlayments (also known as peel-and-stick membranes) are a newer, high-performance option for roofing protection. These consist of a rubberized asphalt or butyl-based adhesive layer covered with a high-strength surface material. They come with a peel-off backing that adheres directly to the roof deck.
Many products, like Weather-Armor® SB1 Self-Bond®, also include UV resistance, anti-skid surfaces for safety, and the ability to be left exposed for extended periods (up to 90 days in some cases).
Advantages of Self-Adhering Underlayment:
Superior waterproofing: Creates a watertight seal around nails and deck penetrations.
Ideal for ice & water protection: Especially in valleys, eaves, and low-slope areas.
No fasteners required: Reduces risk of leaks caused by nail holes.
Durable and long-lasting: Highly resistant to UV, wind, and impact damage.
Disadvantages:
More expensive: Higher upfront cost compared to felt.
Temperature-sensitive: Can be challenging to install in cold weather without heating.
Requires a clean, dry surface: Adhesion can fail if the deck isn’t properly prepped.
Contractors looking for bulk pricing on self-adhering roofing membranes will find a dependable source in PatBest International’s wholesale catalog. We carry top-performing products suited for code-compliant installations in high-risk zones.
Asphalt Felt:
Budget-conscious roofing projects
Standard residential shingle roofs in mild climates
Short-term weather protection before final roof covering is installed
Self-Adhering Underlayment:
High-risk areas for ice dams or heavy rain
Roof valleys, around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes
Tile or metal roofing systems that require extra water protection
Low-slope roofs where water drainage is slower
Whether you’re a roofing contractor or a building supply dealer, having access to high-quality wholesale roofing products ensures you’re prepared for any application—from starter homes to complex custom builds.
Both types of underlayment require proper installation to perform effectively.
With asphalt felt:
Overlap each course by at least 2 inches horizontally and 4 inches at end laps
Use cap nails or staples to secure
Avoid walking too much on felt to prevent tearing
With self-adhering membranes:
Clean and dry the deck thoroughly before application
Remove the release film gradually to prevent wrinkles
Overlap edges by a minimum of 3 inches and roll seams with pressure
Our team at PatBest International provides wholesale supply support and guidance to ensure your crew installs underlayment correctly the first time.
Many local and national building codes require specific types of underlayment, especially in areas prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or snow. Self-adhering membranes are often required in high-wind zones or for Class A fire-rated roofing assemblies.
It’s important to check with your local building authority to ensure your choice of underlayment meets the regional requirements.
For dealers and contractors in regulated markets, our South Florida-based wholesale building materials team can help ensure your order aligns with local building code requirements.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between asphalt felt and self-adhering underlayment comes down to:
Budget: Felt is cheaper, while peel-and-stick offers higher performance.
Climate: Self-adhering is best for extreme weather protection.
Roof design: Complex or low-slope roofs benefit from the watertight seal of self-adhering.
In many cases, a combination of both is used. For example, felt may be installed across the field of the roof, while peel-and-stick underlayment is applied to vulnerable areas like valleys and eaves.
Whatever option you choose, make sure you buy from a trusted distributor that offers quality materials and knowledgeable support. At PatBest International, we supply both #15 and #30 asphalt felt underlayment, as well as advanced self-bonding options like Weather-Armor® SB1. We specialize in wholesale construction materials, serving dealers, contractors, and suppliers throughout the Southeastern U.S., the Caribbean, and beyond.
Contact us today for product availability, contractor pricing, and expert advice to keep your roofing jobs running smoothly and profitably.
