Hybrid underlayment systems actually make a lot of sense around here, especially with how unpredictable Midwest weather can get. I’ve seen too many cases where folks went with full synthetic or stuck with traditional felt, and both had their own set of issues—synthetic does hold up better in high winds and resists tearing, but like you said, the price jump isn’t trivial. Felt’s alright for most of the roof, but if ice dams or wind-driven rain are a concern (which is pretty much every winter and spring here), you really want that ice & water barrier in the valleys and along the eaves.
One thing I’d add: pay attention to your roof pitch and any areas where snow tends to pile up. Those spots are the first to leak if water gets under the shingles. I’ve worked a few storm jobs where just having that extra protection in the valleys made all the difference—no interior damage, even when shingles blew off.
If you’re not planning to stay long-term, I get not wanting to over-invest, but cutting corners on underlayment in the wrong spots can cost you more if you end up dealing with leaks or insurance claims. Hybrid’s a solid compromise for most homes here.
Felt’s alright for most of the roof, but if ice dams or wind-driven rain are a concern (which is pretty much every winter and spring here), you really want that ice & water barrier in the val...
Couldn’t agree more with your take on hybrid underlayment. That “extra protection in the valleys made all the difference—no interior damage, even when shingles blew off” is spot on. I’ve seen folks regret skipping ice & water shield after one bad winter. It’s tempting to save a few bucks, but honestly, patching leaks or fighting with insurance later is way pricier and a huge headache. Hybrid really does hit that sweet spot for Midwest roofs—solid call.
Had a client last year who skipped the ice & water in the valleys, figuring felt would do. Sure enough, late February thaw, water found its way in through a tiny gap—turned into a living room mess. It’s wild how just a little extra up front can save you months of hassle. Ever notice how insurance adjusters get real picky when it comes to “improper underlayment”?
That’s a classic case of “pay now or pay way more later,” right? I’ve seen people try to save a few bucks on underlayment and it always comes back to haunt them, especially around valleys and low slopes. Insurance folks definitely latch onto any little thing they can call “improper install”—it’s frustrating, but I get it from their side too.
If I had to redo my own roof, I’d lean toward something like standing seam metal with a full ice & water shield underneath, especially up here where freeze/thaw cycles are brutal. It costs more up front, but the peace of mind is worth it for me. Plus, metal is recyclable at end-of-life, so that’s a bonus. Ever looked into green or “living” roofs? I know they’re not for everyone—need the right structure and waterproofing—but for certain homes, they’re surprisingly practical and keep the house cooler in summer.
Has anyone tried those synthetic underlayments instead of traditional felt? Curious if they actually hold up better long-term or if it’s just marketing hype...
Standing seam metal with a full ice & water shield sounds like a solid combo, especially if you’re dealing with wild freeze/thaw swings. I’ve always wondered about the up-front cost vs. long-term headaches too—seems like you’re paying for peace of mind and less hassle down the road. The recyclability is a nice bonus, though I do wonder how much actually gets recycled in practice.
Green roofs have been on my radar for a while, but I keep running into the same questions: How much extra weight can a typical house handle? Is the waterproofing as bulletproof as they claim? I’ve seen some city projects where they work great, but I’m not sure how well they’d hold up on a regular old ranch house in the suburbs. The cooling effect is real, though—my friend’s place stays noticeably cooler in summer since they put one in, but they had to reinforce the whole roof structure first. Not exactly a weekend DIY.
On the synthetic underlayment front, I tried it on a shed project last year just to see what all the fuss was about. It was way lighter and easier to handle than felt, and didn’t wrinkle up when it got damp. But that’s a shed, not a house, so I’m not sure how it’ll hold up over 20+ years. Some contractors swear by it, others say it’s just marketing and that felt’s been around forever for a reason. I guess the real test is time—and maybe how picky your insurance adjuster is.
Has anyone actually had a synthetic underlayment fail, or is it mostly just skepticism because it’s newer? I’m tempted to use it if I ever redo my main roof, but I’d hate to find out the hard way that it doesn’t last.
