Had a similar experience with felt turning into what looked like burnt toast crumbs on a teardown. Synthetics are definitely tougher, but man, I almost went skating off a roof the first time I walked on one after a rain. Still, if the crew’s rushing, doesn’t matter what you use—water finds every shortcut.
Synthetics are definitely tougher, but man, I almost went skating off a roof the first time I walked on one after a rain.
That’s exactly my worry with synthetics—one unexpected drizzle and it’s like an ice rink up there. Felt’s not perfect (the “burnt toast crumbs” description is spot on), but it at least gives you a bit more grip underfoot. Anyone tried recycled or plant-based options? Curious if they’re any less slippery or just as bad. I keep wondering if we’ll ever get an underlayment that doesn’t turn into either dust or a slip n’ slide...
I keep wondering if we’ll ever get an underlayment that doesn’t turn into either dust or a slip n’ slide...
I hear you. I’ve tried a couple of those recycled fiber mats—one from a local supplier, made with plant pulp and some kind of resin binder. They were definitely grippier than synthetics when wet, but they still broke down faster than I’d hoped, especially in our humid summers. Nothing’s perfect yet, but at least the eco options aren’t quite as slick underfoot. Still waiting for that “Goldilocks” underlayment myself...
Ha, “slip n’ slide” is right—my last go-round with synthetic underlayment was basically a backyard skating rink after a rain. I nearly did the splits hauling bundles up the ladder. I’ve been using felt for ages, mostly out of habit, but it’s not exactly built to last either. Down here in Georgia, the humidity just eats it up. I tried one of those “high-performance” synthetics and yeah, it held up longer, but walking on it in the morning dew was a gamble.
Funny enough, my neighbor swears by the recycled stuff too. He says it’s good for the environment and all that, but I watched him patching seams after just one summer. Maybe there’s some magic blend out there, but I haven’t found it. For now, I just pick whichever one won’t turn into confetti before the shingles go on. If someone invents an underlayment that doesn’t disintegrate or try to kill me, sign me up...
I hear you on the “skating rink” effect—first time I stepped onto synthetic after a rain, I nearly went down too. Here’s what I’ve figured out so far:
1. If you’re in a humid spot like Georgia (I’m in North Carolina, so pretty similar), felt just doesn’t last long if it’s exposed for more than a couple days. It gets soggy and tears up fast, especially if there’s any wind.
2. Synthetics are definitely tougher and lighter, but yeah, they can be slick as heck. I found that some brands have a textured surface that helps a bit, but it’s still not foolproof—especially with morning dew or pollen.
3. The recycled stuff is interesting, but I’ve seen seams curl up too. Maybe it’s better for low-slope roofs or sheds where you’re not walking on it much.
What’s worked best for me is getting shingles on as soon as possible, no matter what underlayment I use. If there’s any delay, I’ll tarp over the whole thing just to avoid the “confetti” situation you mentioned. Still waiting for someone to invent the perfect underlayment...