That’s interesting about the self-healing underlayments—I’ve been eyeing them too but haven’t pulled the trigger. I keep wondering if they actually “heal” after a nail or staple, or if that’s just marketing talk. Also, has anyone tried any of the recycled-content or “eco” underlayments? I’m always looking for something that’s a little less harsh on the environment, but I don’t want to sacrifice durability, especially with the wild weather swings we get here.
I keep wondering if they actually “heal” after a nail or staple, or if that’s just marketing talk.
Tried one of those “self-healing” underlayments last year after a hailstorm did a number on my shed. Honestly, it does close up around nails better than the old felt stuff, but “heal” is a strong word—think more like a band-aid than Wolverine. As for the eco ones, I put a recycled-content roll on my garage roof. Held up fine through heat and snow, but it did get a bit wavy in the humidity. Not a dealbreaker, just something to watch for if your weather’s as wild as ours.
That “self-healing” label always seemed a bit optimistic to me. I’ve pulled up shingles after a season and yeah, the synthetic underlayment does kind of seal around the nail holes, but it’s not like the hole disappears. It just doesn’t gape open like felt does. I’ve noticed some brands handle expansion and contraction better than others—humidity here in the Midwest can really mess with cheaper rolls. Haven’t tried the recycled stuff yet, but if it gets wavy, I’d worry about shingle laydown over time.
That’s a good point about the “self-healing” thing. I remember the first time I heard that, I pictured the hole just closing up like magic, but in reality it’s more like the material just hugs the nail a bit tighter. Still, way better than felt, which always seemed to tear or stay open around fasteners, especially after a hot summer.
Humidity’s a pain here too (I’m in southern Illinois), and I’ve seen some of those budget synthetics wrinkle up or get all bunched under the shingles. Makes for a lumpy finish and can mess with how the shingles lay down. One of my old bosses used to say, “If it looks wavy before shingles, it’ll look worse after.” Not sure if that’s always true, but it stuck with me.
Haven’t tried recycled underlayment either—kinda curious but also nervous about durability. If you ever do give it a shot, I’d be interested to hear how it holds up. For now, I just stick with brands that have a bit more weight to them. Seems to help with expansion and contraction, at least in my experience.
- Totally agree on the “self-healing” thing—first time I heard it, I pictured Wolverine-level repairs. Reality check: it’s just a snug fit around the nail, but hey, better than felt flapping around after a storm.
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That’s been my experience too. Had a crew rush through underlayment once and the roof looked like a potato chip. Tenants complained about “weird shadows” for months.“If it looks wavy before shingles, it’ll look worse after.”
- Humidity is brutal here (central Missouri), and those thinner synthetics are basically wrinkle magnets. I’ve had to redo sections because they bunched up so bad under the shingles. Not fun when you’re trying to keep costs down.
- Haven’t braved recycled underlayment yet either. I’m all for green options, but if it means more call-backs or leaks, I’ll pass for now. Maybe in a garage or shed first...
- Heavier stuff seems to lay flatter and doesn’t stretch as much in the heat. Costs a bit more, but fewer headaches later.
- Anyone else notice some brands get slick as ice when wet? Nearly did the splits last summer—felt like a cartoon character.
