Did you know shingles get layered like fish scales?

Curious if anyone’s had felt actually fail on them mid-project? Or maybe everyone’s just gotten lucky so far.

I’ve seen felt take a beating more than once, especially after a big storm rolls through. One job I inspected last year, the homeowner left felt exposed for about a week thinking the weather would hold. Then we got a nasty wind-driven rain—water worked its way under the overlaps and ended up soaking the sheathing in a couple spots. It wasn’t a total disaster, but it did mean extra work drying things out and replacing some boards.

You’re right about synthetics being slippery—honestly, I think some brands make it worse with all their “grip” claims. I’ve nearly lost my footing more than once, which is wild considering they market that stuff as safer.

In terms of long-term value, I’m still not convinced synthetics are worth the price for most folks. Maybe if you’re in hurricane alley or your project is going to sit open for weeks, but otherwise? Felt does the job if you respect its limits. Just don’t trust it to bail you out if the weather turns ugly before you get those shingles down.

- Seen felt fail a few times, but the worst was after a spring storm—wind peeled it back and rain just poured in. Sheathing started warping within two days.
- Synthetics are hit or miss for me too. Some brands claim “grip,” but I’ve had more sketchy moments on synthetic than on old-school felt.
- If you’re roofing in a place where storms pop up out of nowhere, I’d never leave felt exposed for more than a day or two. It’s just not built for that.
- Shingles do their job like fish scales, but if the underlayment’s compromised, water finds its way in. Learned that the hard way after one bad install... had to replace half the deck.

- That “wind peeled it back and rain just poured in” line... yeah, I’ve had that nightmare. Didn’t realize how fast sheathing can start to warp until I saw it myself.
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If you’re roofing in a place where storms pop up out of nowhere, I’d never leave felt exposed for more than a day or two.

Supposed to be “grippy,” but honestly felt like walking on a slip-n-slide when there was morning dew.

That’s exactly why I stick with the old-school felt, even if it’s a pain. I tried that synthetic stuff once—nearly did the splits. Anyone else notice it tears weird around the nails too, or is that just me being clumsy?

Felt’s definitely messier to haul around, but I’m with you—at least it doesn’t turn into a skating rink the second there’s a bit of moisture. That synthetic stuff is lighter, which was nice for my back, but I had the same problem with tearing by the nails. It wasn’t just you. I’m not the most graceful person up there, but it ripped almost like paper when I missed the stud and had to redo a nail. Maybe it’s supposed to be tougher, but it didn’t feel like it.

I went with felt for my shed last year, since it’s a small job and I’m not up for surprises. It was a pain in the wind (had to chase a few pieces across the yard), but at least I knew what to expect. My neighbor tried synthetic on his addition, swore by how fast it went down, but he ended up patching some spots after a bad storm—seems like it lifted more than felt would have. Not sure if that’s just a fluke or maybe he didn’t use enough fasteners.

Price was another thing for me. Synthetic looked good on paper, but it cost more, and for a DIY project, every penny counts. I’d rather spend on better shingles or ice guard than fancy underlayment. Guess it depends on the roof, too—my place is pretty low slope, so water doesn’t run off as quick in the spring.

If anyone’s got a trick for making synthetic less slippery, I’d love to hear it. Otherwise, I’ll keep wrestling with felt even if it means sticky hands and a bit more cleanup.