I get the appeal of synthetic, especially with how it stands up to wind, but I’m still not sold on the price tag. I used felt on my last roof (asphalt shingles, Midwest winters), and yeah, it was a pain to tear off after 15 years, but it did its job. I do wonder if all the new synthetics really last that much longer in real-world conditions or if it’s just marketing. Also, that slickness is no joke—my neighbor’s roofer nearly took a tumble last fall. For me, felt’s mess is worth the peace of mind, at least for now.
I’m right there with you on the felt. I’ve done two roofs now—both with asphalt shingles, both Midwest winters—and while tearing off the old felt was a sweaty mess, it held up fine for 18 years on my last place. I looked at synthetic this time around, but the price made me pause too. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather deal with a little extra cleanup than pay double for something that might not actually outlast the shingles themselves.
That slickness is no joke either. My cousin’s crew had to lay down extra boards just to keep from sliding off when they tried synthetic last year. Not worth the risk in my book, especially if you’re doing any of it yourself.
I get why folks like synthetic—lighter rolls, less tearing in wind—but for my money, felt’s still got a place. Maybe if I lived somewhere with constant rain or crazy winds I’d think different, but here? Felt’s messy but reliable.
Felt’s definitely got a track record, especially in the Midwest where you’re not dealing with constant moisture. I’ve seen plenty of roofs where the felt outlasted the shingles by a few years, which says something. The synthetic stuff is tempting for the weight and wind resistance, but that slick surface is a real hazard—especially if you’re not used to it. Honestly, unless you’re in a spot with wild weather or super steep pitches, sticking with felt makes sense. Cleanup’s a pain, but at least you know what you’re getting.
Had a job last spring where the homeowner insisted on synthetic because his buddy swore by it. Fast forward to a surprise thunderstorm mid-install and half the crew ended up sliding around like it was an ice rink—one guy nearly took out the chimney. I get the appeal, but for basic Midwest roofs, felt’s just less drama. Cleanup’s a pain, but at least you’re not risking a trip to the ER every time it rains.
“half the crew ended up sliding around like it was an ice rink—one guy nearly took out the chimney.”
That’s exactly what I worry about with synthetics—sure, they’re lighter and don’t wrinkle as much, but the slip factor is no joke. I had a crew do my garage last year and they switched to synthetic halfway through because of a supply issue. Even just morning dew made it sketchy for them. For a simple gable roof in the Midwest, felt might be messier, but at least you know where your footing is. Maybe on steeper pitches or fancier roofs the trade-off makes sense, but for most houses around here, I’d rather deal with a little tar paper cleanup than a busted leg.