If shingles are the star of your roof, underlayment is the silent force working behind the scenes. It holds everything together, keeps water out, and quietly does its job—especially when the weather gets loud.
Here in Mississippi, with a mix of hot sun, heavy rain, and storm season chaos, picking the right underlayment isn’t just important—it’s essential. That’s why we’ve updated one of our most-read articles ever to highlight the top roofing underlayments of 2025, with new recommendations, practical insight, and our clear favorite: GAF FeltBuster®.
Why Underlayment Matters
Modern roofing underlayments do a lot more than they used to. Today’s best products are built to last longer, hold up under stress, and keep moisture where it belongs—outside.
Here’s what to look for:
- Durability against wind, rain, and heat
- UV resistance, especially if shingles aren’t installed right away
- Slip resistance for safer installation
- Mold protection in damp or coastal climates
- Compatibility with shingles, metal, tile, or specialty roofs
Whether your home is in the central part of the state or closer to the coast, your underlayment needs to be as tough and weather-ready as your shingles.
Top Roofing Underlayments of 2025
1. GAF FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt
Our Top Pick This Year
Why it leads the list:
- UV-stabilized for up to 90 days of exposure
- Slip-resistant surface for added jobsite safety
- Lays flat for a cleaner shingle finish
- Part of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System
- Backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal
This is one of the most trusted products in the industry, and a favorite among our roofing crews for its strength, walkability, and all-around performance in Southern climates.
2. MaxFelt® NC + XT
Built for Moisture-Rich Environments
What makes it great:
- Anti-skid backing enhances crew safety
- Mold-resistant and moisture-friendly
- UV protection for up to 60 days
- Lightweight and 100% recyclable
MaxFelt products are becoming increasingly popular for homes in humid and high-rainfall zones. They’re made by roofers, for roofers—and it shows.
3. GAF Deck‑Armor™ Premium Breathable Underlayment
Ideal for Ventilated Attic Systems
Insert image showing roof underlayment on breathable system
Why it stands out:
- Breathable design allows trapped moisture to escape
- Up to 600% stronger than traditional felt
- Performs well under both asphalt and metal roofs
This is a solid choice for homes designed to breathe—especially useful in regions where humidity can sneak into the attic and stay there.
4. GAF Tiger Paw™ Synthetic Underlayment
A Budget-Conscious Upgrade with Proven Performance
Highlights:
- Durable, reinforced construction
- Resistant to wrinkling and tearing
- Compatible with GAF roofing systems
- Also backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal
Tiger Paw is a step up from old-school felt paper and is perfect for homeowners looking for quality without stretching the budget.
5. Owens Corning ProArmor® Synthetic Underlayment
Lightweight and Reliable Under Metal Roofs
Features we like:
- Tear-resistant and UV-stable for up to 90 days
- Great for metal roofs, sheds, and smaller structures
- Lightweight and easy to install
If you’re replacing a porch roof or adding a metal structure to your property, this underlayment makes for a solid base layer.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Rank | Product | Best For | UV Resistance | Surface Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GAF FeltBuster® | Asphalt roofs in warm, wet climates | 90 days | Slip-resistant |
| 2 | MaxFelt® NC/XT | Moisture-heavy or coastal environments | 60 days | Anti-skid |
| 3 | GAF Deck‑Armor™ | Breathable systems and vented attics | 30+ days | Permeable fabric |
| 4 | Tiger Paw™ | Budget-friendly asphalt systems | 60 days | Reinforced synthetic |
| 5 | ProArmor® | Metal roofing and accessory structures | 90 days | Smooth synthetic |
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Your Roof
The perfect underlayment depends on a few things—your roof’s slope, your material choice, how long your roof will be exposed before shingling, and, of course, the kind of weather your home sees most.
Whether you’re more inland Mississippi or closer to the coast, we recommend choosing a product with proven performance, solid warranty support, and features designed for our Southern climate.
Not sure what fits your needs? That’s what we’re here for.
📞 Call Renova Roofing today at 601-647-3433 or schedule a free roof inspection.
Final Thoughts
Underlayment might not be the most glamorous part of your roof, but it’s one of the most important. It’s your last line of defense against leaks, rot, and unexpected weather—and it plays a huge role in how well your shingles perform.
At Renova Roofing, we work with top-tier products like GAF and MaxFelt, chosen specifically for the conditions we face across Mississippi. If you’re looking for expert guidance and a crew that does the job right, we’d be happy to help.