finally found an underlayment that lasts—what's your experience?

Can’t argue with the environmental side of things—felt just feels less wasteful, especially the recycled stuff. I get why some folks swear by synthetics, but I’ve seen felt hold up way longer than people think, if it’s put down right. Synthetics are lighter, sure, but that slipperiness is no joke... nearly slid right off a roof last summer. Honestly, patching felt every now and then seems like a small tradeoff for less plastic in the dump. Your take makes a lot of sense to me.

I’ve noticed the same thing with felt, especially on steeper roofs. Last winter, I was helping on a re-roof and the synthetic underlayment was so slick, I nearly lost my footing a couple times—felt just seems to grip better underfoot. I get why people like synthetics for the weight and tear resistance, but honestly, patching a bit of felt here and there feels like less hassle than worrying about sliding off. Maybe it’s just what you get used to, but I’m still leaning toward felt for now.

Felt just feels safer underfoot, especially when you’re up on a steep pitch and the morning dew hasn’t burned off yet. I’ve tried a couple of those synthetics and yeah, they’re lighter, but I never quite got used to how slick they are. Maybe it’s just old habits, but I’d rather patch a tear in felt than risk my footing. If it’s working for you, I say stick with it—sometimes the tried-and-true stuff is just less stressful.

- Just put my first roof on last year, went with synthetic since the contractor swore by it.
- Not gonna lie, stepping on it felt a bit like walking on a plastic sled—kinda slippery, especially when there was any dew or dust.
- The upside: it was way lighter to carry up the ladder (which my back appreciated), and it didn’t tear as easy as the old felt rolls I remember helping my dad with.
- Downside: I was super paranoid about slipping, so I moved like a penguin half the time.
- Haven’t had any leaks yet (knock on wood), but I do wonder if I’ll regret not going with what’s been around forever, like you said.
- Guess it comes down to what you’re used to and how much you trust your boots... and maybe how clumsy you are before coffee.
- For me, the lighter weight was nice, but if I had to do it again, I might stick with felt just for that peace of mind underfoot.

- Synthetic’s definitely easier on the back, but you nailed it about the slip factor. I’ve seen a few jobs where folks underestimated that and took a tumble, especially early in the morning when there’s still moisture.
- Durability-wise, I’ve noticed synthetics hold up better if the shingles get delayed—old felt can wrinkle or tear if left exposed too long.
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“For me, the lighter weight was nice, but if I had to do it again, I might stick with felt just for that peace of mind underfoot.”