CertainTeed Roofers Select Felt: A Guide to Premium Roofing Underlayment

The CertainTeed Roofers Select Felt line represents a premium synthetic roofing underlayment option designed to provide durable, weather-resistant protection for asphalt shingle roofs. This article explains what Roofers Select Felt is, its key features, installation considerations, and how it fits into a broader roofing system. Understanding these aspects helps roofing professionals select the right underlayment for varied climates and project requirements while optimizing long-term roof performance.

What Is CertainTeed Roofers Select Felt

Roofers Select Felt is a high-performance synthetic underlayment engineered for use under asphalt shingles and other roofing materials. It replaces traditional organic felts with a robust, tear-resistant material designed to resist water intrusion, improve dimensional stability, and reduce weight on the roof deck during installation. The product line typically emphasizes enhanced grip, fast-drying capabilities after precipitation, and compatibility with common roofing fasteners.

Key Features And Benefits

Weather Resistance and Water Management: Roofers Select Felt offers excellent water resistance and a moisture management profile that helps shed and resist moisture migration to the deck. This is particularly valuable in wet climates or during construction when weather delays are possible.

Durability And Tear Strength: The synthetic construction provides superior tear resistance compared with traditional felt, reducing the risk of damage from foot traffic, wind, and accidental punctures during installation.

Walkability And Handling: The surface texture and light weight make installation safer and more efficient for crews, with less risk of fabric snags and easier handling on steep pitches.

Heat Resistance And UV Exposure: While still intended for roof protection, Roofers Select Felt is designed to withstand typical UV exposure during construction and not degrade prematurely under normal job-site conditions.

Compatibility And Versatility: It is designed to work with a variety of roofing systems and fastener types, making it a versatile choice for residential and light commercial projects.

Installation Guidelines

The correct installation of Roofers Select Felt is essential to maximize performance. The following best practices help ensure a reliable continuum of protection:

• Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, including overlap requirements and installation direction for best performance.
• Install over clean, dry, and structurally sound decking, ensuring there is no damage or protruding nails that could compromise the underlayment.
• Overlap edges by a minimum amount specified by the product line, typically 4 to 6 inches, and stagger seams to minimize water intrusion risk.
• Avoid installing over wet or frozen decking, and remove standing water from the roof surface before application.
• Ensure proper fastener selection and placement to secure the underlayment without tearing the material. Use the recommended nails or staples as specified by CertainTeed guidelines.
• Seal or tape any penetrations and vent areas according to product recommendations to maintain continuous protection.

Performance, Codes And Compliance

Roofers Select Felt is designed to meet or exceed common code-required performance criteria for residential roofing underlayment. It provides a secondary waterproof barrier when installed correctly, contributing to overall roof system performance. In areas with high wind speeds, the underlayment’s enhancement in tear resistance and grip can help reduce installation-related damage and potential water intrusion during wind-driven rain events. Consumers and contractors should verify that the chosen underlayment aligns with local building codes and any insurer requirements for underlayment materials.

Compatibility With Roofing Systems

The Underlayment is intended for use under asphalt shingles and other compatible roofing surfaces. It is designed to work in conjunction with roof deck materials, flashing, and sealants from the same or compatible product families. When integrating Roofers Select Felt into a roof system, ensure proper ventilation and drainage design remain intact, and confirm that flashing at valleys, skylights, chimneys, and penetrations is installed to prevent leaks.

Applications And Climate Considerations

Roofers Select Felt is suitable for a broad range of residential applications, including new roof installations and re-roof projects. In terms of climate, the product’s synthetic construction helps manage temperature-related expansion and contraction, making it a viable option in both hot, arid regions and cooler, wetter environments. For regions with frequent rainfall, timely protection during construction is especially valuable to prevent moisture damage before shingles are installed.

Maintenance, Longevity, And Common Issues

Proper maintenance and installation are critical to the long-term effectiveness of any underlayment. Regular inspections after major weather events can help identify lifted edges or penetrations that require resealing. Common issues include seam separation due to improper overlaps, damage from foot traffic on steep pitches, and UV exposure beyond recommended timeframes. Address these promptly by resealing laps and re-fastening where necessary, following CertainTeed guidelines.

Comparisons With Other Underlayments

Compared with traditional organic felt, Roofers Select Felt typically offers better tear resistance, lighter weight, and improved water-shedding properties. It may come at a higher upfront cost but can reduce labor time and decrease the risk of damage during installation. When evaluating options, consider:

• Durability: Synthetic underlayments generally outperform paper-based felts in wear and weather resistance.
• Installation efficiency: Lightweight, textured surfaces can speed up crew work and reduce handling challenges.
• Code and warranty compatibility: Ensure the product meets local codes and manufacturer warranty conditions for the roof system.

Choosing The Right Underlayment For Your Project

Selecting Roofers Select Felt should involve evaluating climate, roof slope, and project timelines. For steeper pitches or weather-prone sites, the enhanced tear resistance and ease of installation can offer meaningful value. Contractors should assess compatibility with chosen shingle products and flashing components to maintain a cohesive roof system. Consulting CertainTeed’s installation guides and technical support can help confirm suitability for a given project.

Summary Of Practical Takeaways

• Premium protection: Roofers Select Felt provides strong moisture resistance and durability for demanding installations.
• Installation efficiency: Lightweight, grippier surface improves crew speed and reduces damage risk.
• System compatibility: Designed for use with asphalt shingles and related components, with attention to flashing and penetrations.
• Code and warranty alignment: Verify local code requirements and manufacturer warranties for the specific underlayment product variant.