Synthetic Roofing Underlayment Rises to 64% of Roofing Underlayment Market

Cleveland OH, November 20, 2023 – According to a new study by The Freedonia Group, US Roofing Underlayment, demand for all synthetic roofing underlayment is expected to rise at an annual average pace of 2.5% to 148 million squares in 2027, valued at $1.3 billion. Growth will be driven by:

• the increasing number of roofing contractors switching to synthetic products because of their favorable performance properties and slip resistance (thus enhancing worker safety)

• building code modifications that stress the use of more durable materials in the construction of residences and commercial structures

  • more jurisdictions (especially in coastal areas) calling for waterproof underlayment around the eaves and roof perforations to inhibit leaks

  • some jurisdictions specifying the use of more (multiple layers) or more durable underlayment all over the roof, as synthetic products generally meet these requirements

  • more localities in the northern half of the US calling for ice and water barrier underlayment (such as waterproof synthetic products) to minimize the incidence of ice dams

• rising demand for metal roofing, which is often paired with synthetic underlayment because it is temperature stable and cannot melt and damage roof decks like asphaltic products

• efforts by builders and architects to reduce the buildup of water vapor in building exteriors by using water-permeable synthetic underlayment to help vent structures

Polypropylene accounted for most of the total synthetic underlayment demand in 2022 and will continue to do so based on its moderate cost and favorable performance properties. However, all synthetic types are expected to see growth going forward, with specific material choice depending on relative performance requirements and cost.