I’ve managed a few properties where we went the full CertainTeed route just to keep the warranty airtight, and honestly, it felt like overkill. The accessories and underlayment are solid, but I’ve seen folks mix brands and not have issues—just know you’re rolling the dice with coverage if something goes wrong. Ventilation’s tricky... Had one building where we actually had to dial it back because tenants complained about cold drafts in winter. There’s definitely a sweet spot, and it’s not always what the manufacturer recommends.
I’ve actually run into this same debate a lot—whether to stick with CertainTeed everything or mix and match to save a bit. From what I’ve seen on inspections, the full-system approach really is about that warranty. Most of the time, you’re not going to see problems if you use a different underlayment or vent (assuming quality stuff), but when something does go wrong, the manufacturer can get pretty picky about coverage. I’ve had a couple clients try to file claims only to get tripped up by something as simple as using the “wrong” starter strip.
Ventilation’s a whole other can of worms. I’ve been called in more than once after new roofs went on and suddenly there were draft complaints or even ice damming issues nobody expected. Had one split-level where the contractor followed the book—ridge vent, soffit vents, all CertainTeed branded—but it ended up over-ventilated for how tight the house was. Tenants started griping about cold spots in winter, and there was even some condensation around the attic hatch. We ended up partially blocking a couple soffit vents just to balance things out.
If you’re budgeting, I’d say figure out where you can compromise without risking headaches down the line. Underlayment is one spot where I’ve seen folks go generic and not have issues, but flashing and ventilation seem to be where manufacturers scrutinize most if there’s ever a claim. That said, sometimes going all-in with their system is just easier—less arguing if something fails.
One thing I’d watch is installer experience, too. Even with premium materials, if they cut corners (seen it plenty), you’ll still get leaks or poor airflow. Sometimes it’s not about what’s in the manual but what actually works for your building and climate. Definitely pays to walk through it with whoever’s doing the work—sometimes they have tricks that aren’t in any brochure.
Long story short... yeah, CertainTeed wants you to buy their whole lineup for a reason, but you won’t always tank your roof by mixing brands—as long as you know the risks if something goes sideways later.
I went through this last year—wanted to save where I could but was worried about the warranty. Ended up using CertainTeed shingles and flashing, but generic underlayment. My installer said that’s pretty common around here (Midwest), and so far, no issues. The warranty is a bit of a gamble, though... I kept all my receipts just in case. Ventilation was tricky—my attic’s small, so we actually skipped the ridge vent and stuck with just soffit vents per the contractor’s advice. No drafts or ice dams yet, knock on wood.
I’m in the middle of this same budgeting headache right now, and it’s wild how much the little choices add up. I’ve heard the same thing about using name-brand shingles but saving on underlayment—my neighbor did that a couple years ago and hasn’t had any issues either. I get nervous about the warranty stuff too, though. Some of those shingle warranties are super picky about what products you use underneath, but honestly, I don’t know anyone who’s actually filed a claim.
Ventilation’s been my biggest stress point. My attic’s not huge, but it gets stuffy in summer. Contractor suggested adding a couple more soffit vents instead of a ridge vent since our roofline is weirdly short. I was skeptical, but it seems like that’s pretty common around here (I’m in northern Illinois). No ice dams last winter, so maybe it works.
If you’re trying to save, I’d say focus on good install over fancy extras. My cousin went all-in on premium everything and still had leaks because the crew rushed it. Sometimes it’s just luck... or maybe good timing with the weather.
My cousin went all-in on premium everything and still had leaks because the crew rushed it.
That’s honestly the part that gets me—people think the priciest materials will save them, but a rushed install is just asking for headaches. About the underlayment, I’ve seen CertainTeed’s warranty get sticky if you don’t use their whole “system,” but like you said, I’ve never met anyone who actually got a claim paid out. Curious if anyone here has? As for soffit vents, I’m north of you and that’s what most folks do on odd rooflines. If your attic’s staying dry and you’re not seeing ice dams, you’re probably good.
