The historic role of underlayments has been demanding yet thankless.
However, synthetic and alternative underlayments are a growing trend for steep-slope roofing. Perimeter leaks, energy conservation and material shortages have contributed to a boom in sales, according to several manufacturers. A critical mass was reached when last year's hurricane season created a need for countless roofs to be dried-in quickly but had to sit without a covering for months at a time, something that would wither your father's 30-pound felt. Last January, TARCO introduced to the Florida market Fast 90, a peel and stick underlayment geared toward tile roofs. It can withstand up to six months of exposure and stacks of tile awaiting installation.