"Honestly, feels like a guessing game figuring out who's right... or if anyone even knows for sure."
Haha, you nailed it with that line. I've been apprenticing for a while now, and I swear every roofer I've worked with has their own favorite underlayment brand they swear by—and another brand they absolutely refuse to touch. Last summer, we redid a roof where the homeowner had replaced the underlayment just three years earlier. The installer blamed the product, the supplier blamed the installer, and meanwhile, we're standing there peeling off sheets that looked like they'd been up there since the '80s.
But honestly, from what I've seen, it's usually a mix of factors—product quality matters, sure, but installation technique and proper ventilation play huge roles too. And sometimes it's just plain bad luck with weather or moisture buildup. Seems like no matter how careful you are picking products and installers, there's always something unexpected waiting around the corner...
Yeah, totally get what you're saying. I've managed a bunch of properties, and honestly, underlayment lifespan is always a bit of a wildcard. One thing I've noticed helps is making sure the attic ventilation is spot-on—poor airflow can really shorten the lifespan. Also, double-checking installation details like proper overlap and sealing around edges can save headaches later. Even then, sometimes you just get unlucky with weather or a bad batch...
"Even then, sometimes you just get unlucky with weather or a bad batch..."
Yeah, no kidding. I've done a few roofing jobs myself and honestly, underlayment warranties always seem overly optimistic to me. Like, sure, in perfect lab conditions it might last 30 years—but who lives in a lab? Real-world conditions are messy: sun baking it all summer, ice dams in winter... good luck hitting those warranty numbers.
Ventilation definitely helps (learned that one the hard way after my attic practically turned into a sauna), but even with perfect airflow and textbook installation, you're still rolling dice with material quality. My two cents—don't skimp on quality brands. Might cost a bit more upfront, but you'll thank yourself later when you're not climbing up there again in five years.
I get your point about quality brands, but honestly, I've had decent luck with mid-range underlayments. The key for me was doubling down on prep work—making sure the decking was spotless and dry before installation, and overlapping seams a bit more generously than the instructions suggest. Sure, it's extra effort, but it saved me from leaks even during some nasty storms. Sometimes technique beats brand name, especially if you're watching your budget.
I see your point about technique and prep work, and you're right—installation quality definitely matters. But I'd argue that material choice still plays a significant role, especially long-term. Mid-range underlayments might hold up initially, but their durability under prolonged UV exposure or repeated temperature fluctuations can be questionable. I've seen mid-tier products degrade prematurely despite meticulous installation. Investing in higher-quality materials upfront often reduces maintenance headaches down the line...just something to consider if longevity is a priority.
