"Makes sense that even premium materials won't hold up if they're not installed right or if the surface prep isn't thorough."
Yeah, good installation definitely matters, but honestly I've found that even with proper prep and quality materials, underlayments rarely hit their advertised lifespan. Could be climate or foot traffic, but in my experience, the manufacturer's claims are usually overly optimistic. Best bet is to treat those warranties as guidelines rather than guarantees—saves you some frustration down the line...
Totally agree with treating warranties as guidelines—I've seen some pretty optimistic claims myself. One thing I've noticed is that moisture issues can really shorten underlayment lifespan, even if everything else is done right. Had a client once who did everything by the book, but their basement humidity was off the charts...underlayment didn't stand a chance. So yeah, climate and moisture control are biggies, and sometimes it's just luck of the draw.
Yeah, moisture's definitely a sneaky culprit. But have you noticed how often the subfloor prep gets overlooked? I've inspected plenty of homes where the underlayment failed early, and turns out the subfloor wasn't level or had tiny imperfections causing uneven pressure. Moisture control is huge, but sometimes I wonder if manufacturers assume we're all installing on perfectly smooth, lab-grade surfaces... Has anyone actually seen an underlayment last its full warranty period in real-world conditions?
Honestly, I've never seen one hit the full warranty mark either. Seems like the warranties are more marketing than anything. But then again, how many homeowners actually follow every tiny guideline manufacturers set out during installation...?
"But then again, how many homeowners actually follow every tiny guideline manufacturers set out during installation...?"
Yeah, that's the real kicker right there. In my experience, most underlayment issues come down to installation shortcuts rather than the product itself. I've inspected plenty of roofs where the underlayment failed prematurely, and nine times out of ten, it's because someone skipped a step or two during install. Manufacturers put those super-specific guidelines in place because even minor mistakes can drastically cut lifespan.
On the other hand, I agree with you that warranty claims are tough to cash in on. Companies usually find some way to wiggle out of paying—often pointing directly at installation errors. So, it's not entirely marketing fluff, but it does feel like they're betting on people not following directions perfectly. My advice? If you're DIY-ing or hiring out, make sure you document every step and follow the instructions closely. Saves a lot of headaches down the line...
