I get the worry about felt underlayment, especially with unpredictable Midwest weather. But honestly, I’ve seen plenty of roofs with good old 30# felt hold up just fine—even after a surprise rain or two—if the crew moves quick and knows what they’re doing. Synthetic is great, but sometimes it’s overkill for a basic roof with decent pitch. One thing I’d push back on: some contractors will try to upsell ice and water shield everywhere, but unless you’ve got a super low slope or a history of ice dams, valleys and penetrations are usually enough. Just my two cents from patching up storm messes over the years...
some contractors will try to upsell ice and water shield everywhere, but unless you’ve got a super low slope or a history of ice dams, valleys and penetrations are usually enough.
That’s been my experience too. I did splurge on full-coverage ice & water once after a gnarly winter, but honestly, it felt like overkill for my 6/12 pitch. These days, I lean toward recycled synthetic underlayment—costs a bit more upfront, but I sleep better knowing it’s less landfill in the long run. If you’re budgeting, maybe check if your area offers any green rebates? Helped me offset the price a bit.
These days, I lean toward recycled synthetic underlayment—costs a bit more upfront, but I sleep better knowing it’s less landfill in the long run.
I’ve been eyeing the recycled synthetics too, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. My last roof was all standard felt and honestly, it held up fine for 18 years, but I get the appeal of something greener. Did you notice any difference with install or how it handled during storms? I’ve heard some of the newer synthetics can be a pain if they get wet before shingles go on.
On the ice & water shield, I’m with you—full coverage seems like a sales tactic unless you’re in a spot that gets hammered with ice dams. I’m in the Midwest, so valleys and eaves are my main worry. Curious if you went CertainTeed for the whole system or mixed brands? I’m trying to figure out if the warranty is really worth sticking to one manufacturer or if it’s just marketing fluff.
I’m not sold on sticking with one brand just for the warranty. I mixed CertainTeed shingles with GAF underlayment last year—installer said the “system” warranty mostly just covers defects, not real-world problems like wind or leaks. Never had an issue with claim denial. Just my two cents.
- I had the same debate—my installer pushed the “full system” thing, but honestly, I just wanted what fit my budget.
- Ended up with CertainTeed shingles and some random ice/water shield. No issues so far, but I keep wondering if mixing brands will bite me later.
- Warranty stuff always feels like a gamble… They’ll cover it if the product fails, but not if it’s bad install or storm damage? That’s what my guy said, anyway.
- I’d rather save a few bucks up front than pay extra for a warranty I might never use. Maybe that’s naive, but it’s where I landed.
