Totally agree on ventilation—seen way too many attics turn into mold farms because folks underestimated airflow. A few quick points from inspections I've done:
- Underlayment matters, but even premium stuff won't save you if ventilation is poor or seams aren't sealed right.
- Ridge vents paired with soffit vents usually do the trick, but make sure insulation isn't blocking airflow at the eaves.
- Seen some folks tape seams with cheap tape—big no-no. Invest in quality seam tape; it's worth the extra bucks.
- Mid-range underlayment can definitely hold up if installed carefully, but never rush prep work or skip sealing overlaps.
Had a homeowner last month who thought venting was optional because he had "high-end" materials. Spoiler: his attic looked like a science experiment gone wrong. Good materials help, but they won't fix shortcuts or sloppy install.
Good points here, especially on ventilation. Couple other things I've noticed:
- Seen synthetic underlayments hold up surprisingly well after storms, but only when edges are properly secured.
- Ice and water shield at valleys and eaves can save a ton of headaches later—worth the extra step?
- Curious if anyone's tried breathable membranes...heard mixed reviews, not sure they're worth the hype.
Good observations on the synthetic underlayment—I've seen the same thing. After a big storm last year, a few roofs with synthetic held up way better than expected, but you're right about securing those edges. Any loose edge and the wind gets under there fast...then it's game over.
Ice and water shield is definitely worth it, IMO. Had a client who skipped it to save a few bucks, and guess what? Next winter, ice dams and leaks everywhere. After that mess, I've always recommended it without hesitation.
Breathable membranes...eh, mixed feelings here too. I've heard contractors swear by them, but honestly haven't seen enough real-world difference to justify the extra cost. Maybe in specific climates or roof designs they matter more, but for most typical jobs, standard synthetic or felt seems fine.
Good points overall—nice to see someone paying attention to these details.
Interesting points about breathable membranes—I had a similar experience. When we redid our roof a couple years back, the contractor pushed pretty hard for the breathable stuff, claiming it'd make a huge difference in attic moisture. I was skeptical but figured he knew better, so we went ahead with it. Honestly, haven't noticed any real difference compared to our neighbor who used standard synthetic underlayment. Both attics seem equally dry and trouble-free.
On the other hand, ice and water shield is something I'd never skip again. Learned that lesson the hard way after an ice dam nightmare at our old place...water dripping through the ceiling is not fun.
Curious if anyone's noticed a real-world difference between premium synthetic underlayments and the cheaper brands? I've always wondered if it's worth paying extra or if it's mostly marketing hype...
"Honestly, haven't noticed any real difference compared to our neighbor who used standard synthetic underlayment."
Yeah, that's been my experience too. Premium synthetics might feel sturdier during install, but once the shingles go down, the cheaper stuff seems to hold up just fine—haven't seen real-world issues yet.
