Underlayment choices for a Tampa roof that will carry solar
The layer nobody sees decides how the roof performs after a hurricane. Synthetic, peel-and-stick and felt compared for solar-bearing Tampa roofs.
If shingles blow off in a hurricane, the underlayment is the only thing between your house and the rain. Under a solar array, it also has to last as long as the panels.
The three options
- Felt (15/30 lb). The old standard. Cheapest, tears easily, degrades in UV if it's exposed for more than a few days. Rarely the right pick for a roof that will carry solar for 25 years.
- Synthetic. Stronger, lighter, far more tear-resistant, tolerates exposure during the job. The sensible default for most Tampa re-roofs.
- Self-adhered (peel-and-stick). Fully bonded to the deck and self-seals around fasteners. The best water performance available and the reason it's specified as a secondary water barrier.
Under solar, penetrations matter more
Every mount is a fastener through the underlayment. A self-sealing membrane closes around those penetrations; felt does not. If you're planning solar on a new roof, peel-and-stick — at minimum in the array zones and at all valleys and edges — is money well spent.
Ask what's actually being installed
Underlayment is invisible after day two of the job. Get the product name in the contract, not just "synthetic underlayment," and photograph the dry-in before shingles go on.
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Talk it through with a Tampa crew
Origin is a Tampa-based solar, roofing, battery and electrical contractor (Florida license EC13012465). Start with the quick questionnaire, read the Tampa solar install page, or book a consultation — in person, virtual, or a call back.
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