Tiger Paw definitely gets that weird smell when it’s wet—thought I was the only one noticing. Here’s what I’ve seen: 30# felt holds up longer than I’d expect if you get it down flat and tack the edges, but once it wrinkles, you’re toast. Synthetics are hit or miss in my book. Some brands get slick and noisy, others just seem to trap moisture underneath. Midwest summers, especially, make everything a gamble... I’ve started using a hybrid approach—felt for short jobs, synthetic if there’s any chance of delays. Not perfect, but fewer headaches so far.
That smell from Tiger Paw is no joke—had a whole crew complain about it last summer after a storm rolled through. I’ve had similar luck with 30# felt, but once it wrinkles or gets a tear, it’s basically done for. Synthetics are a mixed bag for me too. Some of the cheaper ones get dangerously slick, especially on steeper pitches. I’ve started using a higher-end synthetic for longer projects, but I still default to felt if I know we’ll be dried in quick. Midwest humidity just makes everything more complicated... nothing’s perfect, but at least the hybrid approach keeps callbacks down.
Synthetics are a mixed bag for me too. Some of the cheaper ones get dangerously slick, especially on steeper pitches.
That slickness is no joke—had a guy slip right off a 9/12 last fall when we tried a bargain roll. I get the appeal of felt for quick jobs, but around here (central Illinois), those summer storms can turn felt into mush if you blink wrong. What’s worked for me lately is using a synthetic with a textured surface—costs more up front, but it holds up way better if the shingle delivery gets delayed or we get hit with pop-up rain.
One thing I’ve started doing is laying down ice and water shield in all the valleys and along eaves, then running synthetic everywhere else. Not perfect, but it seems to balance cost and durability. Midwest humidity is brutal—felt just doesn’t breathe enough sometimes, and I’ve seen deck rot when things stay wet too long. Haven’t had any weird smells like Tiger Paw though... that sounds rough.
Every job’s different, but I’d rather pay a bit more for something that keeps my crew safer and saves me from coming back to fix blown-off underlayment.
That’s a smart move with the ice and water shield in the valleys and eaves—those spots always seem to be the first troublemakers. I’ve noticed the same thing with felt just not holding up when it gets muggy, especially if there’s any delay before shingles go on. The textured synthetics do seem to make a difference for grip, even if they sting a bit more at checkout. Safety’s worth it though. Haven’t run into the weird smells either, but I’ve heard some brands can get funky in the heat... guess it’s always a tradeoff.
I hear you on the price tag for synthetics—makes me wince every time, but I’ve had too many headaches with felt buckling or tearing if a job gets rained out. The grip is better, though I’ve noticed some brands get slick if there’s morning dew. Haven’t had the smell issue either, but I’m always a little suspicious of anything “new and improved.” At least the ice and water shield in the valleys has saved me from a few angry calls after storms... worth every penny there.
