When it comes to a durable and long-lasting roof, most homeowners focus on the visible part — the shingles. However, the real protection begins beneath them, with a crucial yet often overlooked layer: the roof underlayment. Acting as the roof’s hidden shield, the underlayment safeguards your home from moisture, temperature extremes, and wind-driven rain, ensuring your roofing shingles perform at their best for decades.
What Is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof membrane installed directly on the roof deck before the shingles are applied. It serves as a secondary barrier against water intrusion, adding an extra layer of protection in case shingles are damaged, misplaced, or lifted during storms.
The main types of roofing underlayments are:
Asphalt-Saturated Felt (Traditional Felt): Time-tested and cost-effective, ideal for standard shingle roofs.
Synthetic Underlayment: Lightweight, tear-resistant, and offers enhanced moisture protection — perfect for Kerala’s humid climate.
Rubberized Asphalt Underlayment: Premium-grade option with superior waterproofing and self-sealing properties around nails.
Why Underlayment Matters for Your Roof
Protects Against Water Infiltration
Even the best shingles can lift during heavy rain or strong winds. The underlayment acts as a secondary seal, keeping water from penetrating the roof deck.Improves Roof Durability
Quality underlayment extends the overall lifespan of your roof, reducing damage from moisture buildup, mould, or rot.Regulates Temperature and Energy Efficiency
A reflective or synthetic underlayment can help reduce heat absorption, keeping your home cooler — especially when combined with energy-efficient shingles like Solar Roof Tiles – Tejas Borja.Enhances Fire Resistance and Safety
Many underlayments are designed to meet fire-resistance standards, adding another layer of safety beneath your shingles.Provides Stability During Installation
Underlayment offers a smooth and stable surface for shingle application, preventing wrinkles or uneven placement that could lead to leaks later.
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Kerala’s Climate
In Kerala’s tropical and high-humidity environment, roofs face both intense rainfall and harsh sunlight. For this reason, synthetic or rubberized underlayments are ideal — they resist moisture better and provide superior UV protection.
Pairing them with the right shingles can make all the difference:
Architectural Roofing Shingles in Kerala – long-lasting and resilient.
Premium Designer Roofing Shingles – for style with durability.
Asphalt Traditional 3-Tab Shingles – budget-friendly and reliable.
How Scaffs India Ensures Roof Longevity
At Scaffs India, every roofing project includes carefully selected underlayments designed for the specific roofing system and local climate. From modern cottages like A-Frame and Wooden Cottages to large-scale installations, we ensure every layer — visible or hidden — contributes to long-term performance.
Our experts use globally trusted products like Tejas Borja tiles (Borja Tech, Borja Extrem) and premium shingles to deliver roofs that are not only beautiful but built to last.
Final Thoughts
The underlayment might not be the most glamorous part of your roof, but it’s undeniably one of the most important. Whether you’re installing architectural shingles, luxury designs, or solar tiles, a strong underlayment is the foundation of a long-lasting, leak-free roof.
For professional roofing advice, premium materials, or a full roof installation, reach out to the experts at Scaffs India.
🏢 Get in Touch
📍 Address:Kacheripady, Cochin
M K Shopping Mall,Palluruthy PO, Cochin – 682006
📞 Phone:+91 964 555 5534
📧 Email:marketing@scaffsindia.com