That “ice rink” feeling is real—synthetics can be downright treacherous, especially when there’s dew or a bit of frost. I get why folks like felt for walkability. Still, I’ve seen synthetics save a ton of headaches in wet climates since they don’t soak up water and wrinkle like felt does. On my last job, we used a textured synthetic with a bit more grip and it made a noticeable difference, but I’d never trust the super-slick stuff on a steep pitch. Guess it depends if you’re prioritizing safety during install or long-term durability... sometimes it’s a toss-up.
- I get the safety concern with slick synthetics, but honestly, I’ve had more issues with felt tearing or shifting in high winds than slipping on synthetic.
- In my area (lots of rain, not much frost), felt just doesn’t hold up—ends up soggy and brittle after a season or two.
- Textured synthetics are a game changer for grip, but even the basic stuff is easier to patch if it gets damaged.
- For me, long-term durability outweighs the install-day walkability... but I can see why folks working on steep roofs might feel differently.
- Maybe it’s just what you get used to, but I’d rather deal with a little slipperiness than have to replace underlayment after every storm.
For me, long-term durability outweighs the install-day walkability... but I can see why folks working on steep roofs might feel differently.
I get the durability argument, but my wallet starts sweating when I see the price tags on some synthetics. I’ve patched felt with duct tape and crossed my fingers through a few storms—sometimes it holds, sometimes not, but at least it’s cheap to replace. Maybe I’m just stubborn, but if I can squeeze another year out of felt for half the cost, I’ll risk a little sogginess. My roof’s not that steep, though, so maybe I’m just lucky (or cheap).
I hear you on the cost—synthetics can sting, especially if you’re used to rolling out felt and calling it a day. I’ve seen plenty of patched-up felt limp through a storm or two, but after a big hail event last spring, the folks with synthetics had way fewer leaks to chase. On a low-slope roof, though, you might get away with felt for longer... just depends how much risk you’re willing to take when the weather turns ugly.
I’ve been weighing this exact trade-off for a while now, especially after managing a couple of buildings with different underlayments. The cost difference is real—synthetics are pricier up front, but I keep coming back to the long-term math. After a few years, the felt roofs seem to need patching or even full replacement sooner, especially after heavy storms. I’ve had tenants call about leaks where the only failure point was the old felt curling up or tearing at the seams.
But then again, on a low-slope roof, like you mentioned, felt can hang in there if you’re not in a high-wind or hail-prone area. I’ve got one flat-roofed property with basic felt that’s held up for almost a decade, but it’s in a pretty mild climate—rarely any hail, and wind isn’t much of an issue. Still, I’m always a little on edge during storm season, wondering if this is the year it finally gives out.
One thing I’m curious about: has anyone actually tracked the maintenance costs over time for both types? I’ve seen some numbers tossed around by contractors, but they’re all over the place. My experience is that synthetics cut down on emergency repairs, but you’re paying more up front and maybe not seeing the savings until year 7 or 8. Does that line up with what others have seen?
Also, how are folks handling warranties? Some manufacturers won’t honor shingle warranties if you use felt instead of their branded synthetic underlayment. That’s been a headache for me when dealing with insurance claims after storms—insurers love to find reasons not to pay out.
I get why people stick with felt for budget reasons, but I’m starting to lean toward synthetics for anything with a steeper pitch or in areas where weather is unpredictable. Still not sure it’s worth it for every roof, though... especially if you’re just trying to get another five years out of an old building before a bigger renovation.