Residential & Multi-Family

The Best Roofing Underlayment In The Industry

  • Northwest Illinois

  • Northeast Iowa

  • Southwest Wisconsin

    Family Owned & Operated

    Fast Completions, Done Right

    Accurate Estimates

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Photo of the roof of a house with half of the shingles missing, exposing the plywood

What Is Roofing Underlayment?

Roofing underlayment doesn’t get as much attention as shingles do because they’re the most visible part of the roof. However, underlayment is the unsung hero of a good roof. It’s a layer of moisture-resistant material that goes underneath your shingles, helping to protect your roof from damage caused by water seeping through your shingles.

For years, roofers and contractors used felt for this purpose, but now synthetic materials have taken over. They’re more expensive but lighter, lie flatter, and offer better water resistance, saving you a big headache.

RoofRunner synthetic polymer-based underlayment

Maximum Protection

A modern roof system requires two underlayments for maximum protection from the elements. Elevated Roofing will first install a waterproof ice and water membrane along the roof’s perimeter to protect against ice damming in snowy areas and high-water flow in valleys and around roof penetrations like skylights and vents. The second underlayment covers the rest of the roof deck with water-resistant and tear-resistant material that provides the installer with a secure walking surface. With this advanced system, you can rest easy knowing your roof is well-protected and built to last.

First Defense

Waterproofing Roofing Underlayment

The first defense in protecting your home from the elements is with a waterproofing roofing underlayment. This self-adhering material is installed at vulnerable areas of your roof, like around chimneys and skylights, to create an added layer of protection to guard against leaks caused by rain and ice dams.

WinterGuard®

WinterGuard logo

You want the best of the best when it comes to keeping your roof watertight. That’s where CertainTeed WinterGuard® Waterproofing shingle underlayment comes in. Made from a composite of asphalt polymers, this rolled sheet of roofing underlayment is built to last. Not only is it vapor-tight thanks to the asphalt, but the polymers make it stretchy and adhesive too. This means it can stretch and seal around nails that might otherwise leave gaps for water to seep in. At Elevated Roofing, we know that protecting your roof is vital to keeping your home safe and dry. We feature CertainTeed WinterGuard® as our go-to solution for tackling water penetration in your roof’s most vulnerable areas.

Several options are available to meet the needs of every roof style, slope, and preference. Whatever surface type you choose, take comfort in knowing that you’ve made an informed decision to protect your roof for years to come.

Download the WinterGuard® Brochure
  • Granular

    If you’re looking for superior traction during application, the granular surface with embedded granules may be the perfect fit.

  • Sand

    The sand surface offers enhanced traction during application.

  • Metal

    For those with metal, shingle, slate, or mechanically-fastened tile roofs, the high-temperature textured surface roofing underlayment of the metal option has you covered.

  • High Temp (HT)

    If you’re searching for high-temperature and enhanced skid resistance for shingle, metal, slate, or tile roofs, the HT option covers you.

  • Second Defense

    Water-Resistant Roofing Underlayment

    Have you ever experienced a leaky roof during a rainstorm? It can cause severe damage to your home. This water-resistant layer of roofing underlayment acts as a secondary barrier against leaks, providing extra protection for your home. It’s like having a backup plan in case of emergencies.

    CertainTeed's DiamondDeck high-performance synthetic underlayment installed on a new construction home

    CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck®

    DiamondDeck logo

    Specifically manufactured to offer unparalleled weather protection, ensuring your roof is well-protected from the elements. CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck® High-Performance Synthetic Underlayment is also designed with the roofing contractor’s safety in mind.

  • Synthetic Underlayment

    This synthetic underlayment can be used with various roofing materials, including shingle, shake, metal, and slate. What sets it apart from standard felt underlayment is its exceptional dimensional stability. In other words, it won’t warp or move around like other options.

  • Slip Resistant

    One common issue of subpar roofing underlayments is how they can wrinkle and cause visible imperfections under your shingles. Luckily, DiamondDeck® eliminates the risk of wrinkling and has a top surface treatment that gives it outstanding slip resistance, even when wet.

  • CertainTeed’s RoofRunner™

    RoofRunner logo

    RoofRunner™ is a synthetic polymer-based underlayment that’s a game-changer in the residential roofing industry – outperforming felt and other synthetics out there. Special treatment on the top surface provides unbeatable slip resistance, even in wet conditions. And with a roll size that’s four feet wide and 250 feet long, it quickly covers a lot of ground.

  • Reinforced

    Based on a tough woven polyolefin reinforcement laminated between layers of specially formulated UV-stabilized polymer films.

  • Dimensional Stability

    It has exceptional dimensional stability compared to standard asphalt felt underlayment when wet.

  • See What Customers Are Saying

    • Roof Replacement

      Great workmanship. House & garage done in 1 day. Everything was cleaned up after.. We highly recommend them.

      Aerial view of Kay's rooftop after a full roof replacement
    • Roof Replacement

      Had my roof, gutters, & skylight replaced—couldn’t be happier! The team was professional, efficient, and detail-oriented.

      Aerial view of Earl's rooftop after a full roof replacement
    • Storm Damage

      Storm damage hit us. Elevated arrived next morning & guided us through everything with great communication. His crew finished our house, garage, & small building in 1 day!

      Aerial view of Sherman's rooftop after storm damage repair
    recommends

    The entire team at Elevated Roofing was great to deal with. Erika and TJ kept me updated from start to finish on the project. An amazing perk was getting pictures and progress updates throughout the day. The crew removed, replaced and installed new soffits in one long day. New gutters came a couple days later. I highly recommend using Elevated Roofing.

    Scott N Kathy Sadler
    Scott N Kathy Sadler August 15, 2025

    Good Experience x 2 Replaced house roof this spring and had great result. Built detached garage this summer and had them install a roof on that also. The crews show up when promised, they are courteous and do a great job cleaning up. The crews, both jobs, were adequately staffed and knowledgeable which made for quick work. Can’t remember superintendents name but he gave frequent updates and answered all questions. Erika & Matt run a great business with high standards. Highly recommend Elevated Roofing.

    M J Hoff
    M J Hoff August 5, 2025

    Erica was extremely helpful and friendly on the phone and Matt was able to look at my leaky roof the same day! Matt was so kind and explained everything in such a way I could understand. He even took my adult son up on the roof to show him how to do a small repair. Elevated roofing is honest and professional and I'll be calling them again when I need a roofer.

    Laura Pickel
    Laura Pickel August 4, 2025

    Elevated Roofing Only Uses The Highest Quality Products Including The Underlayment

    Elevated Roofing works hard to protect your home and your roof while strengthening its long-term performance. In order to do that, we have to have experienced roofers and use the best roofing products. Not just the shingles but the underlayment as well.

    Click the button below to start your roofing estimate or view our gallery of local roofs we completed in Northwest, Illinois and Northeast, Iowa.

    Close up of a rooftop with 2 dormers