I get the appeal of peel-and-stick, especially after seeing how it holds up in those crazy storms. But honestly, I’ve seen a few cases where folks relied on it too much and skipped proper flashing or ventilation—ended up with hidden rot a couple years later. Sometimes the basics like good flashing and making sure the attic breathes are just as important as the fancy underlayment. Not saying peel-and-stick isn’t great, but it’s not a magic fix for everything.
I’ve seen peel-and-stick do a solid job in hurricane zones, but I’m with you—no underlayment can make up for skipped flashing or poor venting. Still, I’d argue it’s a step up from old-school felt, especially on low-slope sections. Just gotta use it as part of the system, not the whole solution.
- Peel-and-stick’s definitely a step up from felt, especially when you’re dealing with sideways rain.
- Still, I’ve seen too many leaks where folks skipped proper flashing—no underlayment’s gonna save you there.
- On low-slope, it buys you time, but don’t trust it as your only defense.
- Venting’s another weak spot... seen more rot from trapped moisture than actual storm damage some years.
- Bottom line: use peel-and-stick smart, but don’t get lazy with the details.
You nailed it—peel-and-stick is a solid upgrade, but yeah, it’s not magic. I’ve seen too many roofs fail because someone thought underlayment alone was enough, especially around chimneys and valleys. Good venting and detailed flashing work really do make all the difference. It’s those small steps that keep the storms out.
Good venting and detailed flashing work really do make all the difference. It’s those small steps that keep the storms out.
Couldn’t agree more about the flashing—my last place had a “shortcut special” around the chimney and it leaked every time we got a sideways rain. I learned the hard way that underlayment is just one piece of the puzzle. I did peel-and-stick on my current roof, but also made sure the valleys and penetrations got extra attention. Haven’t had a single drip since, even with some gnarly windstorms. Venting’s another thing folks overlook... my attic used to roast in summer until I added a ridge vent. It’s not glamorous, but it sure helps everything last longer.
