I’ve had my fair share of underlayment mishaps, too. We manage a bunch of duplexes and small apartment buildings, and every time there’s a re-roof, it’s a bit of a gamble. I used to be all-in on felt—mostly because it was cheap and, honestly, the contractors were used to it. But after one particularly rough spring, I changed my tune. We had a stretch where it rained three days straight right after tear-off. The felt just turned to mush, and we ended up with water stains on the top floor units. Insurance wasn’t thrilled, tenants were even less so.
Switched over to synthetic for the last couple projects. I agree, it’s definitely slick—one of our guys nearly took a header off the edge when the morning dew hit. We started laying down some old rubber mats at the ladder access points just to give folks a fighting chance. But the big thing for me is how it holds up if there’s any delay. Had a roof half-covered for almost a week (thanks, supply chain), and the synthetic didn’t budge or soak through. That alone made the extra cost worth it.
One thing I noticed, though, is that not all synthetics are created equal. Some of the bargain stuff from the big box stores is barely better than felt. We had a roll that started to fray and tear just from being walked on. Now I stick to brands that have a decent warranty and at least some grip on the surface. Costs a bit more, but if you’re managing multiple roofs, the headaches you avoid are worth it.
Wildlife is a whole other story. We had squirrels chew through both types, looking for a warm spot. Ended up adding some metal flashing around the eaves just to keep them out. Never thought I’d be in the business of raccoon-proofing roofs, but here we are.
There’s no magic bullet, but for me, synthetic has saved more problems than it’s caused. Still, if you’re doing an outbuilding or something where you know you’ll get shingles on quick, felt is hard to beat for the price. Just don’t trust it to hold up if the weather turns or the local critters get curious.
That’s wild about the squirrels—never would’ve guessed they’d chew through underlayment. I just had my first roof job last fall (basic asphalt shingles, Midwest weather), and the contractor used synthetic. He said it’d hold up better if we got rain before the shingles went on, which we did... twice. No leaks, so I was relieved, but man, that stuff was slippery when I went up to check it out. Have you found any brands with a bit more grip? Or is it just something you have to work around?
man, that stuff was slippery when I went up to check it out. Have you found any brands with a bit more grip?
Yeah, synthetic’s great for water but it’s like walking on ice sometimes. I’ve tried GAF Tiger Paw and it’s got a little more texture, but honestly, nothing feels as grippy as old-school felt. Still, I’d rather deal with the slip than risk leaks. Midwest weather’s brutal—rain, wind, squirrels... pick your poison. I just move slow and wear shoes with good tread.
- Totally get the slip factor—synthetic’s a nightmare when it’s wet or frosty.
- I went with felt last time just because it was cheaper, but I swear it was easier to walk on too.
- The downside: it didn’t hold up as long as the synthetic stuff. Had to patch a few spots after one of those spring windstorms.
- For me, the budget wins out most years, but I’m starting to wonder if paying more up front would save headaches.
- Midwest weather’s no joke—hail, squirrels, ice... my gutters are always full of surprises.
- I’ve heard some folks use those grippy shoe covers, but I just wear old hiking boots and take it slow.
- Anyone find a brand that’s both affordable and not like an ice rink? Most of the “grippy” ones seem pricey where I am.
- Honestly, I’d love something that lasts but doesn’t break the bank—seems like you always have to compromise somewhere.
- Been there with the felt—cheap up front, but I had to replace half of it after two winters.
- Tried that “grippy” synthetic last year (forget the brand, blue label?) and it was a bit better for traction, but still got slick if I didn’t brush off frost.
- Midwest weather just eats up anything not nailed down.
- My last patch job held okay, but I’m honestly leaning toward paying more for something that’ll last longer. Tired of dragging the ladder out every spring...
- Not sure there’s a perfect option, but old hiking boots and slow steps have saved me more than once.
