That grip makes a huge difference, especially when things get slick. I’ve put down both the old felt and a few newer synthetics—honestly, the new stuff’s easier on the knees, too. Price is tough to swallow up front, but if it means fewer callbacks for leaks, I’m all for it. Had one job last winter where the underlayment held up through a week of sideways rain...was pretty relieved. Still curious how it'll look in five years, though.
Price is tough to swallow up front, but if it means fewer callbacks for leaks, I’m all for it.
I hear you on the sticker shock. I nearly choked when I saw the quote for synthetic underlayment, but after patching up leaks from the old felt (twice, in one year), I caved. My roof’s a low slope, so water just sits there... not ideal. The new stuff’s holding up, but I’m still watching for curling or weird wear. Five years feels like the real test—if it saves me from another emergency repair, maybe it’s worth the upfront pain. Still, I wish it came in smaller rolls—lugging those monsters up a ladder is no joke.
I get the hesitation—paying that much up front stings, especially when you’re not even sure it’ll last as long as they claim. I went with the cheaper felt last time, thinking I’d save a few bucks, but after a couple of storms and some sneaky leaks, I ended up spending more fixing the mess. Still, I’m not convinced the synthetic is a miracle either... mine’s only been up for three years, and I’m already seeing some spots where it looks a bit worn. Maybe it’s just our crazy freeze-thaw cycles here, but I’m keeping my expectations in check. And yeah, those huge rolls are a pain—almost threw my back out getting one up there.
And yeah, those huge rolls are a pain—almost threw my back out getting one up there.
Man, I hear you on that. Those synthetic rolls are no joke—felt was lighter, but it just didn’t hold up for me either. Up here with all the snow and ice, nothing seems to last as long as the packaging promises. I’m starting to think underlayment is just one of those “pick your poison” deals.
I’ve dealt with both—synthetic’s a beast to haul, but honestly, I’ll take the hassle over replacing felt every few years. Up here in the Midwest, ice dams just eat through felt. Still, those rolls are brutal on the back... wish they’d make ‘em smaller.