I’ve noticed the same thing—labels say “high traction” but half the time it’s just marketing. I’m in upstate NY, and even with synthetic, things get sketchy when there’s dew or frost. Has anyone actually found an underlayment that isn’t slick when wet? Or is it just about being extra careful?
- Totally with you—
—that’s been my experience too.“labels say ‘high traction’ but half the time it’s just marketing”
- Tried a couple brands (Grip-Rite, GAF Tiger Paw) and even those get slick in early morning dew here in central PA.
- Only thing that helped a bit was using roof jacks and planks, plus soft-soled shoes.
- Haven’t found anything truly non-slip when it’s damp or frosty... seems like “high traction” is more about dry conditions.
- I just plan work for midday if possible and stay extra cautious. Not ideal, but better than risking a fall.
- Would love to hear if anyone’s actually found an underlayment that lives up to the hype.
Yeah, I hear you on the “high traction” claims. I’ve been on a few roofs where the underlayment felt like ice as soon as there was any dew, even with those brands you mentioned. I tried Cougar Paws boots thinking they’d help, but honestly, nothing’s magic when it’s damp. Around here (upstate NY), I just wait for the sun to dry things out a bit. Not always possible, but better than sliding off. Haven’t found an underlayment that’s truly grippy in all conditions yet... if someone has, I’d love to know what it is.
I tried Cougar Paws boots thinking they’d help, but honestly, nothing’s magic when it’s damp.
Yeah, I hear you. Those “high traction” claims always sound great in the catalog, but reality on a wet morning is a whole different story. I’ve tried a bunch of underlayments—synthetic, felt, you name it—and none of them have been foolproof once there’s dew or frost. Even the ones that feel grippy dry can turn slick as glass with just a little moisture. Boots help a bit, but like you said, nothing’s magic.
Upstate NY is brutal for this stuff. I’m in a similar climate and honestly, waiting for the sun is about the only thing that keeps me from taking a ride off the edge. I get why people want a “miracle” underlayment, but I haven’t seen one yet that lives up to the hype in all conditions. Maybe one day someone will crack the code, but for now, I just work around the weather and take it slow. Better to lose an hour than end up in the ER.
Been there, done that—once tried to “outsmart” a frosty morning with some so-called slip-resistant underlayment and nearly turned my roof inspection into an Olympic luge event. Step one: test with one foot. Step two: immediately regret it. I swear, the only thing that’s never failed me is patience (and maybe a hot coffee in the truck while I wait for the sun). Anyone who claims their underlayment is grippy in all weather probably hasn’t met upstate black ice yet...