If underlayments could talk: which one would outlast the others?

Mixing underlayments isn’t unheard of, but it’s a bit of a gamble. Here’s what I’ve seen:

- Did a job last year where the homeowner wanted to try a recycled-fiber underlayment on the main field, with synthetic at the eaves and valleys (Midwest, lots of freeze/thaw). Looked fine at first, but after two winters, the seams between materials started to curl up. Not a leak yet, but it’s only a matter of time.
- The installer you mentioned is spot on about ventilation. I’ve ripped off plenty of “eco” underlayments that failed not because of rain, but because attic moisture cooked them from below. Doesn’t matter how green it is if it can’t breathe.
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“Maybe it’s less about the material and more about how it’s installed and what kind of roof it’s on.”

Couldn’t agree more. A perfect install with the wrong product for your climate or pitch is still gonna fail early.
- Mixing materials can work in theory, but most manufacturers won’t warranty that setup. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own.
- For low-slope roofs, I’d never risk anything but full synthetic or peel-and-stick - seen too many “experiments” go sideways.

If you’re set on trying plant-based stuff, maybe keep it to sheds or detached garages like you did. Main house? I’d stick with what’s proven unless you really want to be the test case. Just my two cents from crawling around too many attics with a flashlight...

That’s interesting about the seams curling up after a couple winters. I’ve wondered if mixing underlayments would be a good way to save money, but it sounds like it can backfire.

“A perfect install with the wrong product for your climate or pitch is still gonna fail early.”

That really hits home - my place has a low slope and I’ve been debating between synthetic and peel-and-stick. Anyone else notice synthetic gets super slippery when wet? Makes me nervous just thinking about walking up there...

“A perfect install with the wrong product for your climate or pitch is still gonna fail early.”

That’s the truth right there. I’ve seen too many folks try to cut corners on underlayment, especially on low slopes, and end up with leaks a couple years later. Synthetics are definitely slick when wet - had a buddy take a nasty slide last spring. For low slopes, I usually lean toward peel-and-stick, even if it costs more. It’s a pain to pull up if you ever need to, but I’d rather deal with that than water sneaking in. Don’t blame you for being nervous about walking on synthetic... it’s like ice sometimes.

I get the appeal of peel-and-stick, but I actually went with a high-quality synthetic on my place (4/12 pitch, Midwest weather). Did a ton of research - some synthetics now have textured surfaces for grip and better UV resistance. The crew said it was way easier to work with than felt, and it’s held up well so far. I guess it just depends on the specific product and how long it’s exposed before shingles go on... but for me, synthetic made more sense cost-wise and install-wise.

I’ve managed a few properties with different underlayments, and honestly, I’m still a little torn. The last place I oversaw had a synthetic underlayment - can’t remember the brand, but it was one of those newer ones with the grippy surface. The roofers loved it, especially since we had a couple of surprise rain delays and it sat exposed for almost two weeks. No curling or weird bubbling like I’ve seen with felt in the past.

But I did have a building a few years back where we went with peel-and-stick, mostly because of ice dam issues. That stuff was a pain to install in the summer heat, but it definitely held up better around the eaves and valleys. I guess my only hesitation with synthetics is how they’ll look in 20 years. Felt’s been around forever, and you kind of know what to expect, but these new synthetics are still proving themselves.

Curious if anyone’s had issues with synthetic breaking down after a decade or so? I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m always a little skeptical of “new and improved” until it’s got some real-world miles on it.