Roofing technology has come a long way, and Epilay’s peel-and-stick underlayments are leading the way in offering smarter solutions for today’s job sites. Designed with contractors in mind, these underlayments eliminate many of the pain points roofers face when using traditional felt—including long installation times, poor moisture protection, and difficult handling in tricky roof areas.
In this post, we’ll explore six major benefits of choosing Epilay’s EpiStik product line over conventional felt. Whether you’re dealing with hot weather, high slopes, winter installs, or complex roof transitions, Epilay’s peel-and-stick underlayments are built to make your work faster, safer, and more reliable. The EpiStik line includes three self-adhered options—EpiStik Plus, EpiStik SA-250, and EpiStik Ice & Water—each designed to meet different performance needs while offering superior deck protection across the board.
1. Faster, Cleaner Installation
One of the biggest advantages of peel-and-stick underlayment is the simplified installation process. Epilay’s peel-and-stick underlayments are self-adhered, which means no more time spent loading up nail guns, hammering in staples, or wrestling with cap fasteners. Instead, installers just roll it out, peel the backing, and apply it directly to the roof deck.
This not only speeds up installation but also allows for a cleaner, wrinkle-free finish that holds firm even on windy days. EpiStik Plus is especially popular for everyday sloped roof installs, thanks to its balance of flexibility and ease of application. The result: less labor, fewer tools, and more time back in your day.
2. A Superior Moisture Barrier
When it comes to protecting a building from water damage, a solid moisture barrier is non-negotiable. Unlike felt, which is mechanically fastened and full of nail penetrations, Epilay’s peel-and-stick underlayments form a strong adhesive bond to the deck surface—leaving no fastener holes or gaps for water to seep through.
That bond is continuous, meaning there’s no need to add seam tape or go back to reinforce overlaps. Even in heavy rain or snow, the underlayment holds its seal and resists water intrusion. All products in the EpiStik line are water-repellent, non-absorbent, and UV-resistant for up to 180 days, giving crews peace of mind if the final roofing layer is delayed.
3. Reliable Performance in Difficult Roof Areas
Some parts of the roof are notoriously difficult to cover properly—valleys, hips, ridges, and transitions all require flexibility and precision. Traditional underlayments often bunch up or require extra cutting and fastening to stay in place, which increases installation time and introduces more risk of water entry.
Epilay’s peel-and-stick underlayments are engineered to conform easily to these complex surfaces. Thanks to their flexible composition and strong deck adhesion, they stay put during application and create a watertight seal, even on steep or irregular angles.
4. Strength You Can Rely On
Durability is one of the biggest reasons roofers choose Epilay over felt. The EpiStik line features polymer-modified technology that delivers superior tear strength and stretch resistance, even during extreme temperature swings. Unlike felt, which can dry out, tear, or crack with age or stress, peel-and-stick underlayments hold up under pressure and resist damage on site.
This added strength translates to less waste, fewer do-overs, and better long-term protection for the structure beneath. Whether it’s a high-traffic jobsite or a roof that will be exposed for several weeks before shingle install, you can count on EpiStik to stay intact.
5. Built-In Safety Features for Crews
Safety on the roof is always a top priority. Slippery surfaces, heat exposure, and heavy materials can all increase the risk of injury. Epilay addresses these concerns head-on with GripWalk®—a specially engineered non-skid surface that improves traction even in wet, dusty, or hot conditions.
This means roofers can move more confidently across the deck, even during long summer days or light rain. Plus, Epilay’s peel-and-stick underlayments weigh significantly less than felt, making them easier to lift and position—especially helpful for smaller crews or solo installers.
Less weight, less strain, better grip: these features combine to support a safer, more comfortable jobsite experience.
6. Meets Code Requirements in High-Risk Zones
Many regions across the U.S.—especially coastal states like Florida—have building codes that require self-adhered underlayments that meet ASTM D1970 standards. These requirements are in place for good reason: in areas prone to hurricanes, storms, or extreme heat, the underlayment must be able to stay sealed, even under pressure.
All products in Epilay’s EpiStik line meet ASTM D1970 compliance. By choosing one of these self-adhered options, contractors can meet local code requirements while also delivering stronger protection to their clients. It’s a win-win for performance and peace of mind.
We always recommend that contractors confirm with their local building authority for jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Ready to Upgrade Your Underlayment?
Epilay’s peel-and-stick underlayments are a major upgrade from traditional felt—offering faster installs, stronger moisture protection, better safety, and the code compliance today’s roofing jobs demand.
With options like EpiStik Plus for everyday jobs, EpiStik SA-250 for cold-weather installs, and EpiStik Ice & Water for vulnerable zones, the full EpiStik product line delivers performance that felt can’t match.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a modern, high-performance underlayment, explore the full line of EpiStik products today. Visit epilay.com to learn more and find a distributor near you.
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