Q&A – Tough Skin Underlayment 20 Rated

A North Carolina homeowner wanted information and recommendations for an underlayment. 

Ellwood from North Carolina had the following question regarding the cost and rating of a specific underlayment: 

How is Tough Skin Underlayment 20 by OX rated and what does it cost? Do you recommend something better? 

Our resident expert roofer, John Stout with Go Roof Tune Up™, had this to say in response:    

It is difficult to make a recommendation for a product without knowing what the application is.    

Tough Skin 20 by OX is a synthetic underlayment. There is currently not an ASTM Standard for synthetic roof underlayment.  

We are inclined to use and recommend only products that are ASTM and UL Tested and Approved. 

Was your question regarding tile roof application?  

To find a very good asphalt felt for tile underlay, stay with ASTM D2626. That designation is for Modified Asphalt in a Type 40 Felt. It is a very good product. 

Up a notch is an SBS Modified Felt with ASTM D4601. 

These products are well designed and tested. The roofing underlayment on the market today will have the UL Approval and the ASTM number on the wrapper.  

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About Go Roof Tune Up  

Comprised of certified roofing professionals and expert craftsmen with a senior management team of a combined 140 years of roofing experience, Go Roof Tune Up™ is the premier provider of roofing services including repair, maintenance and replacement. Go Roof Tune Up™ inspects your entire roof system, and provides a written report with photos on every property we evaluate. We currently offer services in a number of States and the list is growing regularly. We work with homeowners, real estate professionals, property managers and home investors.