Funny, I’ve actually had a few contractors try to sell me on synthetics like they’re totally foolproof, but I’ve seen the same curling and brittleness if they sit in the sun too long. I get the appeal—lighter, easier to lug up a ladder—but sometimes it feels like the old felt just shrugs off abuse better, especially in weird weather. Up here where it rains sideways half the year, I’ve noticed felt doesn’t get as crispy. I do wonder, though, if any of these new “eco” underlayments actually hold up or if it’s just marketing...
Yeah, I get what you mean about the curling—my neighbor’s synthetic underlayment looked like a potato chip after just one summer. I’m curious, has anyone actually had one of those “eco” options last more than a couple seasons, especially in places with rough winters?
my neighbor’s synthetic underlayment looked like a potato chip after just one summer
That’s a classic issue with some of the cheaper synthetics, especially if they’re not UV-rated and get left exposed too long. I’ve seen some of the “eco” felt-alternatives hold up decently for a couple winters up north, but honestly, most still can’t compete with high-quality synthetics or even old-school 30# felt in rough climates. The green options are improving, but right now, you’re trading some durability for sustainability. If you’re in a spot with brutal freeze-thaw cycles, I’d be wary about relying on them for more than a season or two unless you’re covering them fast.
The green options are improving, but right now, you’re trading some durability for sustainability.
That’s what I keep running into too. The eco stuff sounds great on paper, but I’ve seen it curl up or get brittle after a couple seasons, especially if it’s not covered quick. Anyone actually seen one of those “breathable” synthetic underlayments hold up long-term in a place with wild temp swings? I’m curious if they’re worth the extra cost or just marketing hype.
The eco stuff sounds great on paper, but I’ve seen it curl up or get brittle after a couple seasons, especially if it’s not covered quick.
That’s been my experience too, especially with some of the early “green” underlayments. I’ve put down a few brands that claimed to be both sustainable and tough, but if the shingles didn’t go on within a week or two, you could already see some curling at the edges. Once had a job where we got rained out for almost a month—came back and the stuff was practically waving at us in the wind.
About those “breathable” synthetics—mixed bag, honestly. I’ve used them on a couple jobs in Colorado where temps swing from 90s to freezing in the same week. The higher-end ones (think the pricier rolls) did hold up better than felt, but I still saw some shrinkage and brittleness after a couple years when we had to do repairs. The cheaper ones? Not worth it. They tore up just from walking on them during install.
I do think there’s something to be said for how fast you can get your roof covered. If you’re doing a big job and there’s any chance of weather delays, even the best underlayment can start to break down if it’s exposed too long. That goes for both green and traditional stuff.
Is it all marketing hype? Maybe not all of it, but I’d say you’re paying extra for features that only really matter if you’re in a specific climate or have certain install needs. For most folks, especially in places with wild weather swings, I’d still lean toward tried-and-true synthetics or even old-school felt if budget is tight. The eco options are getting better, but they’re not quite there yet for long-term durability—at least not from what I’ve seen on actual roofs.
Curious if anyone’s had better luck with the newer generations? Maybe there’s something out there that actually lives up to the hype...