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Why Synthetic Felt is Standard: Shield and Shelter Roofing’s Commitment to a Superior Foundation

  • Writer: shieldandshelterro
    shieldandshelterro
  • Nov 7, 2025
  • 2 min read


Shield and Shelter Roofing | Service Area: North-Central Texas

When you invest in a new roof, the shingles are what you see, but the true protection lies underneath. At Shield and Shelter Roofing, we understand that the longevity of your roof starts with a superior foundation. That’s why we have a company standard: we replace every roof using premium synthetic underlayment—at absolutely no additional charge.

We refuse to use cheap, outdated materials. For all our projects across North-Central Texas—from Fort Worth to Stephenville—you get the highest quality underlayment built into our service, setting us apart from the competition.


🛑 The Problem with Old-School 15 lb Felt


For decades, asphalt-saturated 15 lb felt (or "tar paper") was the industry standard. While it offers a basic layer of protection, it has significant drawbacks, especially in the extreme heat and humidity of Texas:

  • Tears Easily: It can rip during installation, creating immediate vulnerability.

  • Absorbs Moisture: It retains water, which can cause wrinkling, buckling, and telegraphing through your shingles.

  • Degrades in Heat: High Texas temperatures cause the asphalt oils to break down and crack, reducing its effective lifespan.

  • Heavy and Messy: It makes the job harder, slower, and often less safe for the crew.


✅ The Shield and Shelter Solution: Synthetic Underlayment


We only use synthetic felt underlayment because it is a modern, high-performance product engineered for superior, long-lasting protection.


The Key Differences and Importance of Upgrading


Feature

Generic 15 lb Felt

Shield and Shelter's Synthetic Felt

Moisture Resistance

Absorbs water; wrinkles when wet.

100% Water Resistant; lays flat.

Tear Strength

Low; prone to rips and punctures.

Extremely High; often 10-20x stronger.

Weight (Per Square)

Heavy, requiring more labor.

Lightweight (up to 5x lighter) and easier to install.

Longevity

Degrades in high heat/UV exposure.

UV Stable; can protect the roof deck for months.

Slip Resistance

Poor traction when dusty or wet.

Excellent slip-resistant walking surface for crew safety.

By upgrading you to synthetic felt, we ensure a secondary protective layer that will not warp your roof deck, will not tear during shingle installation, and will last as long as the shingles themselves—giving you better defense against leaks and weather damage in North-Central Texas.


Our Value Promise: The Complimentary Upgrade


Why do we include synthetic underlayment at no extra cost? Because we are Shield and Shelter Roofing, and cutting corners on the foundation of your roof is simply not an option. It provides a better, safer installation for our crew and a dramatically superior, longer-lasting roof for you.

When comparing quotes from different roofing contractors in the North-Central Texas area, always ask what underlayment they use. If they use 15 lb felt, you're getting outdated protection. If they charge extra for synthetic, you're paying for a modern necessity.

With Shield and Shelter Roofing, the best material is standard.


North Texas roofing contractor installing new dark shingles over premium synthetic felt underlayment during a full residential roof replacement

 
 
 

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