Yeah, I’ve seen that too—doesn’t matter how high-end the shingle is if the deck’s soft or you’re missing ventilation. I’m always surprised how quick some of those “lifetime” shingles go bad when there’s even a bit of rot underneath. Curious if anyone’s tried those synthetic underlayments instead of felt? I keep hearing mixed things about how much difference it really makes for moisture and longevity, especially in places with wild temp swings.
Curious if anyone’s tried those synthetic underlayments instead of felt? I keep hearing mixed things about how much difference it really makes for moisture and longevity, especially in places with wild temp swings.
Honestly, I’ve used both and I’m still not 100% sold on synthetics. They’re lighter and easier to roll out, sure, but I’ve seen a few jobs where the stuff wrinkled up or tore when temps dropped fast. Maybe it’s installer error, maybe just bad luck. Felt’s old-school but at least you know what you’re getting. Anyone else notice synthetics can get slick as ice when wet? That’s a fun surprise on a steep pitch...
I’ve been down this road a couple times now, and honestly, I keep coming back to felt. Maybe it’s just habit, but I trust it more when the weather gets weird. Synthetics are definitely lighter and they don’t tear as easily when you’re dragging them up a ladder, but the slippery factor is real—nearly took a ride off my own roof last spring after a rain. Not my proudest moment.
The other thing I’ve noticed is, in our Midwest freeze-thaw cycles, some of those synthetic rolls seem to shrink or wrinkle up if you don’t fasten them just right. Maybe that’s just me being picky, but I’d rather deal with felt getting a little soggy than synthetic peeling up at the seams.
That said, I know a few neighbors swear by synthetics for the longer warranty and UV resistance. I guess it comes down to what headaches you’re willing to put up with. For me, a little extra weight and mess is worth the peace of mind.
I get the felt loyalty, but honestly, after this last hailstorm tore half my neighbor’s roof paper to shreds, I’ve leaned more into synthetics. They’re slick, yeah—almost wiped out myself once—but the newer textured rolls grip a bit better. Around here (Kansas), the UV resistance means less curling when a repair sits exposed for a week or two. Still, nothing’s perfect... I just got tired of replacing soggy felt every few years.
- Seen a lot of both felt and synthetics go up over the years, especially after storms.
- In my experience, synthetic underlayment’s been a game changer for our rental properties.
- Less callouts for leaks after wind-driven rain.
- Doesn’t tear as easily when crews are moving around, even if they’re not the gentlest.
- The slip factor is real—had a guy take a tumble last summer. We switched to the textured stuff too, and it’s helped, but I still warn folks to watch their step.
- UV resistance is a big deal here (central Oklahoma). Sometimes repairs sit exposed for weeks waiting on insurance adjusters. Felt just can’t handle that kind of sun.
- Cost-wise, synthetics are a bit more upfront, but I’m not replacing them every couple years like I was with felt. That adds up, especially when you’re managing multiple roofs.
- Only downside I’ve noticed: if you get a bad batch, some synthetics can wrinkle or bubble under shingles. Had that happen once—manufacturer swapped it out, but it was a hassle.
- As for composite vs. asphalt shingles, I lean composite for hail zones. They seem to bounce back better after a storm, and insurance likes them.
- Still, nothing’s bulletproof. Last spring, we had composite shingles shredded by baseball-sized hail. No underlayment’s saving you from that... but at least the deck stayed dry until we could get a crew out.
- Bottom line: I’ll take the extra durability and weather resistance of synthetics, even if it means being extra careful on the roof. Just wish they’d invent one that’s not so slick when it rains...
