Peel-and-stick roofing underlayment adds a self-adhering water barrier beneath shingles, metal, tile, or other roof coverings. The right choice depends on your roof material, expected heat, slope, and how long the membrane may be exposed before the roof is finished. These five options range from general-purpose membranes to high-temperature products designed for metal and tile roofs. Always confirm the product’s installation instructions and local code requirements before buying.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Standout feature | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT | Self-adhering synthetic underlayment | Projects where traction and longer exposure flexibility matter |
| HydroShield Ice and Water Shield | Sand-grip surface and nail sealing | Shingle roofs with a slope of at least 2:12 |
| ZIP System Peel & Stick Underlayment | Rubberized asphalt membrane | Full-deck protection, including eaves and valleys |
| Henry Blueskin PE200HT | Rated for service temperatures up to 260°F | Metal, tile, shingle, and cedar-shake roofs |
| HydroShield HT Ice and Water Shield | High-temperature membrane with a skid-resistant surface | Metal roofs and other heat-exposed roof areas |
Our Picks: Best Peel And Stick Roofing Underlayment reviews
1. Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT: A Synthetic Option With Extended Exposure Time
Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT is a synthetic roof-deck underlayment described as self-adhering and self-sealing. Its polypropylene construction is designed to resist tearing, cracking, and moisture, while its woven upper surface and slip-resistant base aim to improve footing during installation.
One practical advantage is its stated UV exposure limit of 180 days, which gives a roofing project more scheduling flexibility than products with shorter exposure limits. The product description also says the roll lays flat and holds a chalk line. It mentions plastic cap nails as an installation support, so follow the manufacturer’s directions to understand where mechanical fastening is required.
This is a strong candidate when you want a synthetic membrane and may need more time between underlayment installation and roof covering. Its description does not provide a service-temperature rating or named compliance standards, so check those details if your roof covering or local requirements call for them.
Pros:
- Stated UV exposure limit of 180 days
- Woven top and slip-resistant base are intended to support footing
- Designed to resist tearing, cracking, and moisture
- Self-adhering and self-sealing according to the product description
Cons:
- No service-temperature rating is provided in the supplied product details
- Confirm fastening and deck requirements before installation
Verdict: Choose Grip-Rite if you want a synthetic, self-adhering option with a relatively long stated exposure window, but verify its installation requirements for your roof assembly.
2. HydroShield Ice and Water Shield: A Sand-Grip Membrane for Shingle Roofs
This HydroShield membrane is a self-adhering ice-and-water shield intended for shingle roofs. Its sand-based surface is designed to provide grip, and the membrane is described as self-sealing around nails and fasteners to help limit water intrusion at roof penetrations.
The listed roll is 36 inches wide and covers 100 square feet. The product details specify a minimum roof slope of 2:12 and a maximum UV exposure period of 60 days, so plan to cover it within that window. Its stated service temperature range is -40°F to 200°F. The product information also lists ASTM D1970, ICC-ESR-1930, Class A fire resistance, and regional approvals; confirm that the exact product and installation meet your project’s requirements.
Compared with the high-temperature options here, this version has a lower stated upper service temperature and is not identified as the HT model. It may suit a shingle-roof application, but its slope and exposure limits make it important to check the details before ordering.
Pros:
- Sand-based surface is designed for added foot grip
- Self-seals around nails and fasteners
- Lists ASTM, ICC, fire-resistance, and regional approvals
- Clearly states its slope and service-temperature limits
Cons:
- Specified for roof slopes of 2:12 or greater
- Has a 60-day UV exposure limit
Verdict: Consider this HydroShield version for a qualifying shingle roof when its temperature, slope, and exposure limits fit your project; choose an HT product for hotter roof assemblies.
3. ZIP System Peel & Stick: A Rubberized Asphalt Membrane for Full-Deck Coverage
ZIP System Peel & Stick is a self-adhesive rubberized asphalt underlayment intended for roof applications across the full deck, including eaves and valleys. The membrane is designed to form a water barrier and seal around fasteners, while its slip-resistant surface is intended to support safer handling during installation.
The product has a specific advantage for roof assemblies built with ZIP System sheathing and tape: when installed as part of that system, it qualifies for the ZIP System Leak-Free 30-year Guarantee. That guarantee is tied to the full system, not simply to using this underlayment by itself, so review the system requirements carefully.
The supplied information calls this a standard-temperature product but does not give a temperature rating, exposure limit, or specific roll coverage. If you are installing metal or another roof covering that can create high heat, compare its documentation with a product that has an explicit high-temperature rating, such as the Henry or HydroShield HT options.
Pros:
- Designed for full-deck coverage, including eaves and valleys
- Rubberized asphalt membrane is intended to seal around nails
- Slip-resistant surface is designed to improve traction
- Can qualify for a system guarantee when used with specified ZIP components
Cons:
- Temperature rating and UV exposure limit are not provided in the supplied details
- The stated guarantee depends on using the ZIP System components and meeting its requirements
Verdict: This is worth considering for a ZIP System roof assembly that needs full-deck protection, but check temperature suitability and system conditions before choosing it for another setup.
4. Henry Blueskin PE200HT: A High-Temperature Pick for Metal and Tile Roofs
Henry Blueskin PE200HT is a self-adhered, rubberized underlayment with a stated service-temperature rating of up to 260°F. That high-temperature rating makes it a relevant option beneath metal and tile roofing, which can expose underlayment to more heat than some other roof coverings. The product is also listed for use under shingles and cedar shakes.
The membrane adheres directly to wood or gypsum decks without a separate adhesive, according to the product details. Its rubberized layer is designed to seal around fasteners and provide a secondary water barrier at eaves, valleys, and other areas exposed to ice dams or wind-driven rain.
Its broad roof-covering compatibility makes it more versatile than products limited to a particular roof type. Still, the supplied details do not include an exposure-time limit or roll coverage, so confirm those specifications and the required deck preparation before planning your installation.
Pros:
- Stated service-temperature rating up to 260°F
- Listed for metal, tile, shingle, and cedar-shake roofs
- Self-adhering installation does not require a separate adhesive
- Designed to seal around fasteners
Cons:
- Exposure-time limit and roll coverage are not included in the supplied details
- Deck preparation and installation conditions still need to be checked
Verdict: Henry Blueskin PE200HT is a strong fit when you need an explicit high-temperature rating and compatibility with metal or tile roofing.
5. HydroShield HT: A Skid-Resistant Membrane for Hotter Roofs
HydroShield HT is a self-adhering ice-and-water shield made for applications where heat resistance is important. Its blue polyolefin film is described as skid-resistant, and the product is listed for use beneath metal roofs, including copper and zinc. The membrane is also suitable for residential and commercial buildings, according to the supplied details.
This 36-inch-wide roll is listed as covering 195 square feet. Its stated service-temperature range is -40°F to 250°F, with a UV exposure limit of 120 days. The product also has a selvage edge for waterproofing and is designed to seal around nails and fasteners. Its listed standards include ASTM D1970, ICC listing, and UL classification.
Compared with the standard HydroShield membrane, this HT version has a higher stated upper service temperature and a longer stated UV exposure window. It does not reach the Henry Blueskin’s stated 260°F rating, but it offers specific suitability for metal roofs and a clear coverage figure for estimating materials.
Pros:
- Stated service-temperature range up to 250°F
- Listed for metal roofs, including copper and zinc
- Skid-resistant surface and selvage edge
- Provides a stated roll coverage of 195 square feet
Cons:
- Its upper temperature rating is lower than Henry Blueskin PE200HT
- Roll weight is listed as 50 pounds, which may make handling more demanding
Verdict: Choose HydroShield HT if you need a metal-roof-compatible membrane with a stated 250°F service limit and a longer exposure window than the standard HydroShield option.
How to Choose Peel-and-Stick Roofing Underlayment
Match the membrane to your roof covering
Start with the roof material. Metal and tile roofs can call for underlayment with a specific high-temperature rating, while a product intended for shingles may have different limits. Henry Blueskin PE200HT is listed for metal, tile, shingles, and cedar shakes; HydroShield HT is specifically listed for metal roofs, including copper and zinc. Check the underlayment manufacturer’s guidance for your exact roof covering.
Check the service-temperature rating
Heat resistance matters because the roof covering and local conditions affect the temperatures the membrane may face. Compare the stated service-temperature range with the requirements for your roofing material. The listed upper limits vary across these products: the standard HydroShield is rated to 200°F, HydroShield HT to 250°F, and Henry Blueskin PE200HT to 260°F. Do not assume a product without a stated rating is suitable for a high-heat application.
Plan around exposure time
Some underlayments have a limit on how long they can remain exposed to sunlight before the roof covering is installed. In the supplied details, the standard HydroShield has a 60-day limit, HydroShield HT has a 120-day limit, and Grip-Rite states 180 days. These are product-specific limits, not a reason to leave a roof unfinished. Check the label and instructions for the exact version you buy.
Confirm slope and installation requirements
Roof pitch can affect whether a membrane is appropriate. The standard HydroShield is specified for a slope of 2:12 or greater, so it may not fit a lower-slope application. Also check the approved deck types, surface preparation, fastening pattern, overlap, and temperature conditions for installation. Self-adhering products still need to be installed according to their instructions.
Consider traction and handling
Underlayment can be slick, especially on a sloped roof. Several products in this guide describe a surface intended to improve grip, including the sand-based HydroShield surface, Grip-Rite’s woven top and slip-resistant base, and HydroShield HT’s skid-resistant film. These features do not make roof work risk-free; use proper fall protection and safe roofing practices.
Estimate coverage and handling needs
Calculate the roof area and account for overlaps, valleys, and other details before selecting roll quantities. HydroShield lists 100 square feet of coverage for its 33-foot roll, while HydroShield HT lists 195 square feet for its 65-foot roll. Product weights also vary, so consider how rolls will be moved and positioned on the roof. Check the current package specifications before ordering.
Verify approvals and system compatibility
Where codes or project plans require specific standards, confirm the exact product’s approvals rather than relying on a general product description. HydroShield lists ASTM and other approvals, and ZIP System’s stated Leak-Free Guarantee applies when the underlayment is used with the specified ZIP System sheathing and tape. Review the full installation documents and local code requirements before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does peel-and-stick roofing underlayment do?
It adheres to the roof deck to create a secondary water barrier beneath the finished roof covering. Some membranes are also designed to seal around nails and other fasteners.
Can peel-and-stick underlayment be used under a metal roof?
Some products are listed for metal roofs, but not every membrane has the same heat rating. HydroShield HT is listed for metal roofs, including copper and zinc, and Henry Blueskin PE200HT is listed for metal and other roof coverings. Confirm compatibility with your specific roofing material.
How long can underlayment stay exposed before shingles or metal are installed?
It depends on the product. The supplied details list different UV exposure limits, including 60 days for standard HydroShield, 120 days for HydroShield HT, and 180 days for Grip-Rite. Follow the instructions for the exact product you purchase.
Does self-adhering underlayment need nails?
Installation requirements vary. Grip-Rite’s description mentions plastic cap nails as installation support, while the other products describe self-adhering membranes and some are designed to seal around fasteners. Follow the manufacturer’s fastening instructions rather than assuming adhesive alone is enough.
Can I use the standard HydroShield product on a low-slope roof?
The supplied product information specifies a slope of 2:12 or greater for the standard HydroShield roll. If your roof is below that slope, choose a product approved for your application and verify its instructions and local code requirements.
Which option has the highest stated service-temperature rating?
Henry Blueskin PE200HT has the highest stated upper service temperature in this group at 260°F. HydroShield HT is listed up to 250°F, while the standard HydroShield is listed up to 200°F.
Final Recommendation
For a high-temperature roof, Henry Blueskin PE200HT is the clearest choice based on its stated 260°F rating and broad roof-covering compatibility. HydroShield HT is a practical alternative for metal roofs when its 250°F limit and roll coverage fit your project. For a synthetic membrane with a longer stated exposure window, consider Grip-Rite, but check its fastening and installation requirements. Before buying any underlayment, confirm that its ratings, approvals, and instructions match your roof design.
