Funny thing, I’ve actually seen felt outlast synthetics in a couple of older homes I’ve inspected—probably because nobody expected much from it, so they left it alone. But I get the hesitation with synthetics being slick; I’ve nearly lost my footing more than once, especially on a frosty morning. Still, when you’re talking about long-term durability and water resistance, synthetics usually pull ahead. Felt’s great for quick jobs or if you’re on a tight budget, but if you want something to “cross the finish line” after years of abuse, synthetics tend to stick around longer... even if they cost more up front. Just depends what you need and how much risk you’re willing to take with the weather.
You nailed it about synthetics being slick—nearly took a ride off a roof myself once thanks to that “ice rink” effect. But I’ve also seen old felt hang in there way longer than anyone expected, especially in places where the sun isn’t beating down all year. There’s something to be said for the “nobody messes with it, so it just keeps going” theory. Still, for sheer water resistance, synthetics usually win the marathon. Either way, you’re spot on—it’s all about what you need and how much risk you’re cool with.
That “ice rink” feeling with synthetics is no joke—first time I stepped on a frosty synthetic, I nearly ended up in the neighbor’s yard. You’re right about felt sticking around longer than folks expect, especially in shaded spots or under tile where it’s not getting baked all day. I’ve torn off 30-year-old roofs and found the old #30 felt still holding together, which always surprises me.
But here’s the thing: if you’re dealing with a low slope or a spot that sees a lot of wind-driven rain, synthetics just don’t wrinkle or tear as easily as felt does when it gets soaked. That said, some of the cheaper synthetics can get brittle after a few years of sun exposure if the shingles aren’t down quick enough. It’s not always a slam dunk.
If you’re in a mild climate and nobody’s walking on the roof much, felt can be fine for decades. But for sheer water resistance and walkability (assuming you get one with some grip), synthetics usually edge out felt—just gotta watch your step when it’s wet or icy. Every job seems to have its own quirks... there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
You nailed it about the quirks—every roof’s got its own personality. I’ve seen synthetics hold up great after a hailstorm, but on a hot Texas summer, some brands just crisp up if left exposed too long. Felt’s old-school, but in shaded or protected spots, it really can surprise you with how tough it is. For storm-prone areas though, I lean synthetic for that extra tear resistance. Just gotta be careful on those frosty mornings... learned that lesson the hard way myself.
That’s a good point about synthetics getting crispy in the heat. I’ve seen a few jobs where the underlayment looked fine after a storm, but then a month of sun just baked it. I’m always curious how the “eco” options stack up—like those recycled-fiber felts or the newer plant-based synthetics. Anyone actually seen those hold up in real-world weather, or do they just sound good on paper? I’d love to use greener stuff, but not if it’s gonna fall apart after one Texas summer.
