Need help in choosing from among Epilay’s growing line of underlayments? We’ve got you! There are four different ProtecTite synthetic underlayment options available—and we’ll show you when to use each.
The Underlayment Lineup
To get started, here are the different ProtecTite underlayments that we offer:
- ProtecTite Platinum: With a 17-mil thickness, this is our thickest, most durable synthetic underlayment.
- ProtecTite Ultra: This synthetic underlayment features an 11-mil thickness, which is a bit lighter than Platinum, but still heavy-duty.
- ProtecTite Superior: This underlayment’s 7-mil thickness makes it a lightweight option ideally suited to lighter-weight roofing materials.
- ProtecTite Plasfelt: At 6.5-mil thickness, this is our budget-friendly but still incredibly durable option.
Each of our synthetic underlayments offers a common set of benefits, which means you won’t have to make tradeoffs in order to get certain benefits. Chief among these is our GripWalk and Skid-Resist layers.
GripWalk is a high-traction top layer that helps make walking easier on steep slopes—even when there is a lot of moisture on the underlayment’s surface. Skid-Resist works similarly, but this is a bottom layer that uses advanced polymers and technology to create an anti-skid surface. This helps keep our underlayments in place while you fasten it, minimizing the risk of accidents or tears.
Which Underlayment is Best for Different Roofing Types?
When you’re picking from among our underlayments, the primary roofing material that will sit atop the underlayment will be the primary factor in your choice. All of our underlayments will work extremely well with lightweight asphalt shingles and metal rooftops. In these situations, you can use ProtecTite Superior or Plasfelt for a cost-effective option that protects the roof deck below — or you can get even more durability with ProtecTite Ultra and Platinum.
When you’re installing heavier roofing materials, you should definitely choose a heavier underlayment to match. ProtecTite Ultra is the minimum thickness that we recommend for slate roofs, and if you’re planning concrete or clay tiling, ProtecTite Platinum is the way to go.
Balancing Other Considerations
While the primary roofing material will be the main factor that should guide your choice, there are a variety of other considerations to account for, too. Let’s explore those next.
Ease of Installation vs. Longevity
All of our synthetic underlayments boast fantastic ease of installation and longevity when compared to alternatives like asphalt roofing felt. However, if you’re making a choice between only Epilay underlayments, then the general rule is that lighter-weight products will be easier to install—but they’ll offer a somewhat shorter lifespan.
ProtecTite Superior and Plasfelt are only 23 and 21 pounds per roll, respectively, which makes them the easiest choice when it comes to hauling them up to rooftops and rolling them out. Both offer a 20-year limited warranty.
ProtecTite Ultra is a bit heavier at 29 pounds, which makes it a little harder to work with, but it offers a 30-year limited warranty. At 37 pounds per roll, Platinum is our heaviest product, but it also offers the longest lifespan with a 40-year limited warranty.
Costs vs. Performance
On the typical roofing project, roofers also need to strike the right balance between costs and performance. The general rule is that lighter-weight underlayments will cost less—and they’re lighter weight and easier to install, they’ll cost less to install in terms of labor, too. However, they also offer shorter lifespans and somewhat less durability against extreme weather. Heavier underlayments cost more per roll, and they’ll take more time and labor to install, but they offer premium longevity and performance.
In terms of Epilay underlayments, Plasfelt is the product that will save you the most money whereas Platinum is the most expensive—but offers double the lifespan, plus incredible durability against the elements.
We Can Help You Choose the Best Fit
The considerations above will help you choose the ideal underlayment for your next roofing project. However, if you have additional questions or considerations, and you’d like to learn more, get in touch with your local Epilay distributor to discuss your concerns and get a recommendation.
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