When you think of a new roof, you probably picture the shingles. While shingles are the stars of the show, they aren’t actually the only thing keeping your home dry. Beneath those shingles lies a critical component called roof underlayment.  

If your shingles are like a high-quality windbreaker, the underlayment is your thermal base layer. You might not see it, but you definitely don’t want to be caught in a storm without it.  

What is Roof Underlayment?

Roof underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material installed directly onto your roof deck (the wood sheets that make up your roof's structure). It serves as a secondary barrier against the elements. Even if a shingle is damaged by hail or blown off by high winds, the underlayment is there to prevent water from reaching your attic.  

Why We Use Malarkey Underlayment Technology

At Stan’s Roofing & Siding, we don’t just use any generic "paper." We trust Malarkey Roofing Products for their industry-leading underlayment systems. Here is why:

  • SecureStart® Synthetic Protection: Unlike old-school felt that can tear or rot, Malarkey’s SecureStart® is a multi-layer synthetic barrier. It’s incredibly tough, stays flat in extreme temperatures, and provides an anti-skid surface that keeps our crews safe while they work.  

  • Arctic Seal® for Critical Zones: For the most vulnerable areas of your roof—like valleys and chimneys—we use Arctic Seal® . This is a "self-healing" waterproof membrane made with NEX® rubberized asphalt. If a nail goes through it, the rubberized material seals tightly around the nail to prevent leaks.  

  • Eco-Friendly Innovation: Malarkey is a leader in sustainability. Their underlayments are made with upcycled rubber and plastics, meaning your roof isn't just protecting your home—it's helping divert waste from landfills.  

Why It’s a Non-Negotiable

You might wonder if you can skip the underlayment to save a few dollars. The short answer is no. Here is why:  

  1. Uniformity: It creates a smooth, even surface so your shingles lay flat and look better.  

  2. Fire Rating: Most underlayments provide an extra layer of fire protection for your home.  

  3. Warranty Protection: Most shingle manufacturers require a complete system (underlayment + shingles) for their long-term warranties to remain valid.  

The Stan’s Pro-Tip

Always ask your contractor if they are performing a "tear-off." A quality roof replacement requires removing the old underlayment to inspect the wood decking underneath. Installing new underlayment over old, brittle paper is a recipe for trapped moisture and future leaks.