Been looking into roofing underlayments and stumbled across GAF's offerings. Reviews online seem mixed, some swear by it for durability and ease of installation, others say it's overpriced compared to other brands. I'm a bit torn, you know...don't wanna overspend but also don't want leaks down the line. Has anyone here actually used GAF underlayment on their roof? Curious about your experience, good or bad, and if you'd recommend it or suggest something else.
- Just went through this myself last summer, first-time homeowner here too, so I feel your pain...
- My roofer recommended GAF underlayment and I was a bit skeptical at first—pricey compared to others.
- Did some digging online, saw the mixed reviews, almost went with something cheaper.
- Ended up biting the bullet and going with GAF (the FeltBuster specifically).
- Installation seemed straightforward enough—my roofer didn't complain anyway.
- We've had a couple of nasty storms since then, heavy rain and wind...no leaks yet (knock on wood).
- Can't say if it's worth the premium long-term yet, but so far it's holding up fine.
- That said, my neighbor used a cheaper brand (think it was Owens Corning?) and he's had no issues either.
- Honestly think proper installation matters as much or more than brand choice.
- Bottom line: GAF seems solid enough in my limited experience, but not convinced it's significantly better than cheaper alternatives.
Proper installation definitely plays a huge role—probably even more than the brand itself. I've seen roofs with premium underlayments fail prematurely just because the installer cut corners or didn't follow manufacturer guidelines. On the flip side, I've also assessed storm damage on roofs using budget-friendly materials that held up remarkably well, simply because they were installed meticulously.
That said, GAF FeltBuster has a decent reputation in my experience. I've inspected several homes after severe storms where FeltBuster was used, and generally speaking, it seems to perform reliably. It's not magic though—I've also seen Owens Corning and other less expensive brands hold their own during nasty weather.
One thing you might want to consider is your local climate conditions. If you're in an area prone to heavy wind-driven rain or ice dams, investing a bit more upfront in a premium synthetic underlayment could pay off down the road. FeltBuster and similar products tend to have better tear resistance and moisture protection compared to traditional felt paper, especially when exposed temporarily during installation.
Out of curiosity, did your roofer use any additional ice and water shield around vulnerable areas like valleys or eaves? That's another factor that really impacts performance during storms...
