What goes on roof before shingles?
Olivia House
Updated on February 14, 2026
Underlayment— This is the first layer of waterproofing that goes down in between sheathing and shingles. Underlayment seals the roof from damaging elements like snow, ice and rain. Also referred to as a membrane, underlayment is mandatory for providing the roof with a waterproof barrier.
What do you put on a roof before shingles?
Before laying down shingles, you need to protect the roof with sheathing. Roll out a single layer of roofing felt or tar paper, which serves as a moisture barrier. Begin this layer at the bottom of the roof and add it in horizontal rows, with a slight overlap to prevent leaks.What layer goes under shingles?
Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing, or roof deck, which is typically either plywood or OSB. It's installed directly on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind.What layers go on a roof?
How To Understand The 8 Layers Of Your Roof
- Insulation. ...
- Ventilation. ...
- Roof Deck. ...
- Underlayment. ...
- Ice and Water Shield. ...
- Ridge Vents. ...
- Roofing Material. ...
- Flashing.
What goes on first drip edge or felt?
Installing roof drip edge flashing properlyThe best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier (in the snowbelt) or felt paper (underlayment) over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.