I've worked on a few roofs in colder climates (think Minnesota winters...) and peel-and-stick has generally held up pretty well from what I've seen. The key, like you mentioned, is definitely the installation. If the decking isn't clean and dry, or if the installer rushes through flashing points and valleys, you're asking for trouble down the road.
One thing I've noticed is that in areas with heavy snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles, it's crucial to overlap seams generously and roll it out carefully to avoid air bubbles or wrinkles. Those small imperfections can become weak points over time, especially when ice dams form. A friend of mine had peel-and-stick installed about 9 years ago—no leaks yet, even after some brutal winters—but he was meticulous about prep work.
So yeah, I'd say peel-and-stick can be reliable even in harsh winter climates...as long as the installer takes their time and doesn't cut corners.
Interesting points about peel-and-stick, and I agree installation is key, but I've seen some mixed results over the years. A while back, I worked on a roof in northern Michigan—similar brutal winters, heavy snow, ice dams, the whole nine yards. The homeowner had peel-and-stick installed about 7 years earlier, and at first glance, everything looked solid. But when we tore off the shingles for a remodel, we found some concerning issues underneath.
Turns out, even though the installer had done a decent job overall, there were a few spots around the valleys and eaves where moisture had gotten trapped. It wasn't a total disaster, but there was definitely some deterioration of the decking. The homeowner mentioned they'd had ice dams pretty regularly, and I suspect that constant freeze-thaw cycle eventually took its toll. The peel-and-stick had bonded well initially, but over time, small imperfections and trapped moisture created weak points.
Since then, I've leaned more toward using a synthetic underlayment with a separate ice-and-water shield in critical areas. It gives a bit more flexibility, and I've found it easier to spot and correct issues during installation. Plus, if there's ever a leak or damage down the road, repairs seem simpler and less invasive.
Not saying peel-and-stick can't work—clearly, your friend's roof is holding up great—but in my experience, it's not always the best fit for every situation. Climate, roof pitch, ventilation, and even the type of shingles you're using can all factor into how well it performs long-term. Just something to keep in mind...
"Climate, roof pitch, ventilation, and even the type of shingles you're using can all factor into how well it performs long-term."
Good points here—I’ve noticed the same thing. Peel-and-stick can be solid, but it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. Always smart to consider the specifics of each job.
Totally agree with you guys on this. I've inspected a ton of roofs over the years, and peel-and-stick can be great stuff—especially in areas prone to ice dams or heavy rain—but it's definitely not bulletproof. I've seen it hold up beautifully on steep pitches with proper ventilation, but put that same product on a low-slope roof without adequate airflow, and you're asking for trouble down the line.
Funny story actually... I once inspected a home where the homeowner proudly told me he'd used "the best peel-and-stick money could buy." Problem was, he didn't factor in his attic ventilation at all. The attic was like a sauna—moisture everywhere, mold starting to grow, shingles curling prematurely. He couldn't believe it when I pointed out the issue wasn't the underlayment itself but how it was being used. Felt bad for him because he'd obviously tried to do everything right.
So yeah, climate and ventilation are huge factors. And let's not forget installation quality either—I've seen some pretty questionable DIY jobs that made me cringe (and laugh a little inside). Even the best materials can't compensate for sloppy workmanship.
Bottom line: peel-and-stick is solid stuff, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Matching your materials to your specific roof conditions and making sure everything else is dialed in—that's what really makes the difference long-term.
"Even the best materials can't compensate for sloppy workmanship."
This hits home for me. When we replaced our roof a few years back, I went with peel-and-stick because a buddy swore by it. The product itself was great, but my first installer rushed the job—corners peeling up, wrinkles everywhere. Ended up hiring someone else to redo half of it properly. Lesson learned: good materials are only half the battle...installation and ventilation matter just as much.
