I get the hesitation with synthetic, but I’ve actually had better luck with it on my garage. I used a higher-grade synthetic, not the cheapest roll, and made sure to use cap nails every 12 inches. It held up in a couple nasty storms—no lifting at all. It does cost more, but for me the time saved (and not hauling heavy felt rolls up a ladder) was worth it. The slipperiness is real, though... I just wore those cheap grippy gloves and took it slow. Not perfect, but manageable. Guess it comes down to how much you want to gamble on weather during install.
That’s actually really encouraging to hear. I’ve always leaned toward synthetic for the same reasons—lighter, easier to handle, and honestly, it just feels like less of a hassle when you’re up there. The weather gamble is real, though. I had a neighbor who tried to rush felt before a storm and ended up with a soggy mess. The grippy gloves are a must... I’ve nearly slid off more than once. It’s not perfect, but if it keeps the water out and saves your back, I’d call that a win.
The weather gamble is real, though. I had a neighbor who tried to rush felt before a storm and ended up with a soggy mess.
That’s exactly why I tend to hold off if there’s even a hint of rain in the forecast. Synthetic underlayment can take a bit more abuse, but once water gets under there, it’s trouble no matter what you’re using. Out here (I’m in the Midwest), we get those pop-up storms that’ll sneak up on you mid-project.
I’m curious—has anyone actually had synthetic underlayment exposed for more than a few days before shingling? I’ve seen some brands claim you can leave it uncovered for weeks, but I’ve always been skeptical. Felt just turns into mush if it gets wet, but does synthetic really hold up that much better? Or is that just marketing hype?
And about the grippy gloves... totally agree. I’ve seen too many folks skip them and end up sliding around, especially on steeper pitches. Anyone ever try those roofing shoes with the extra tread? Worth it, or just another gimmick?
I wondered the same thing about synthetic underlayment when we had to pause our roof project last fall. We ended up leaving it exposed for almost a week because of rain, and honestly, it held up way better than I expected—no bubbling or tearing. Still, I was nervous the whole time, especially with all the wind we get here. As for the roofing shoes, I just used my regular work boots and felt like I was ice skating half the time... Do those shoes actually make a big difference?
I wondered the same thing about synthetic underlayment when we had to pause our roof project last fall.
I totally get the nerves with leaving underlayment exposed—I had to do that last summer when we ran out of daylight. It survived a couple thunderstorms, but I kept checking for leaks anyway. About the shoes... I tried those “roofer” shoes my cousin lent me, and honestly, they gripped way better than my old boots. But I couldn’t justify the cost at the time, so I just moved slower and hoped for the best. Did you notice your boots getting chewed up from all the shingle grit? Mine looked rough after one weekend.