I see this all the time—people get sold on a “lifetime” underlayment, but if the crew’s not careful with laps, fasteners, or even just keeping it dry during install, it’s almost pointless. I’ve inspected roofs where the material itself was top-notch, but you could see daylight at the seams or find staples shot right through the valleys. That’s usually where the leaks start, and then the warranty’s basically useless. Manufacturers are quick to blame install errors, and honestly, they’re not wrong most of the time.
Midwest wind is no joke either. I’ve seen synthetic underlayments peel up like wrapping paper if they’re left exposed for even a day or two before shingles go on. Felt seems to stay put a bit better in gusty weather, but it’s definitely heavier and a pain to work with on steep slopes. I get why folks like synthetics—they’re lighter, faster, and less messy—but I still double-check every seam and edge, especially if storms are in the forecast. Maybe that’s overkill, but I’ve seen too many “temporary” covers turn into permanent problems.
One thing I always tell clients: pay attention to the crew, not just the product. A careful installer who takes time with overlaps, nails, and flashing will make even basic felt last longer than a rushed job with the fanciest synthetic. I’ve had homeowners call me out for leaks only to find the underlayment was fine—except for a 6-inch gap where someone got lazy at the ridge.
If you’re in a spot with wild weather swings, it’s worth asking how long the underlayment can be exposed before shingles go on. Some synthetics claim 90 days, but that’s in perfect conditions. Realistically, I’d never trust it that long, especially with Midwest storms rolling through.
Bottom line, I’d rather see a mid-grade product installed right than a premium one slapped down in a hurry. The details matter way more than the label on the roll.
You ever see a crew roll out “eco-friendly” synthetic underlayment and then leave it flapping in the wind for three days? I watched my neighbor’s roof get the greenest stuff on the market, but by the time shingles showed up, half the yard was covered in plastic sheets. Makes you wonder if “lifetime” means lifetime in a landfill. I’m all for sustainable materials, but if they can’t survive a good thunderstorm, what’s the point? Anyone else notice how the install matters way more than whatever fancy label’s on the box?
Man, I’ve seen that exact thing happen—guys roll out the “green” stuff and then just leave it for days like it’s supposed to be weatherproof on its own. Next thing you know, half the neighborhood’s chasing plastic down the street after a windy night. I get the idea behind eco-friendly materials, but if they’re not installed right, does it even matter what they’re made of?
I’m still learning, but every old-timer I’ve worked with says the same: doesn’t matter how fancy or “lifetime” something is if you don’t cover it up quick. Around here (Midwest), storms can blow in fast, so we try to shingle the same day or tarp it tight if we can’t finish.
Anyone else notice some of these new synthetics are so thin they feel like grocery bags? I’ve seen felt hold up better than some “premium” wraps just because someone actually nailed it right and got shingles on before the rain hit. Maybe it’s not always about what’s on the box but who’s swinging the hammer…
Had a neighbor down the street who went with one of those “next-gen” synthetics last fall. Looked great on paper, but he left it open for two days waiting on shingles and the stuff just shredded in the wind. Meanwhile, I stuck with old-school felt for my garage and, as long as I got it covered the same day, never had an issue. Honestly, I think folks get too caught up in marketing—if you don’t install it right or leave it exposed, doesn’t matter how fancy it is. Around here, weather’s just too unpredictable to gamble.
I hear you on the unpredictability—here in the Midwest, I’ve seen storms roll in out of nowhere and tear up anything left exposed, synthetic or not. I went with felt on my shed a couple years back, mainly because it was cheaper and I knew I could get the shingles on the same day. No issues so far, even after a couple nasty windstorms.
That said, I did help a buddy with his roof last summer and he used a synthetic underlayment (I think it was GAF Tiger Paw?). We got lucky with the weather, but I will say it was a lot lighter to haul up the ladder and didn’t wrinkle as much as felt. Still, I wouldn’t trust it sitting out for more than a day or two either. The packaging says it can handle “up to 60 days exposure,” but I’d take that with a grain of salt... marketing always sounds better than reality.
For me, as long as I’m not leaving it exposed, the old-school stuff just makes more sense for the price. If I ever have a bigger project where timing’s tight, maybe I’ll give the synthetics another look, but for now, felt’s been solid.
