I’ve noticed the same thing with felt—if it’s humid or there’s a storm, it just falls apart way too fast. Synthetics are definitely more durable, but I’ve had crews complain about how slippery some brands get, especially in the early morning. I’m curious if anyone’s tried those newer “walkable” synthetics and actually found a difference? For now, I just budget extra time to get shingles on quick, but weather doesn’t always cooperate...
Synthetics are definitely more durable, but I’ve had crews complain about how slippery some brands get, especially in the early morning.
Yeah, those slick synthetics can turn a roof into a skating rink before the sun’s up. I’ve seen more than a few guys do the “morning slide.” Honestly, though, I still lean synthetic for longevity—felt just gives up at the first sign of humidity around here. The walkable stuff helps, but it’s not magic. At least you’re budgeting extra time... Mother Nature’s got her own schedule, as usual.
I’ve had both on my house over the years—old-school felt back in the day, and then synthetic when we re-roofed a few years ago. I’ll admit, the synthetic’s holding up better so far, especially with all the humidity and storms we get here in the Southeast. But that slipperiness is no joke; I watched my neighbor’s roofer nearly end up in his azaleas one chilly morning.
Has anyone noticed if certain brands are less slick than others? I’m wondering if it’s more about which product you pick than just “felt vs synthetic.” Also, for folks in colder or wetter areas, does felt ever hold up long-term? Around here it just curls up and tears after a couple seasons, but maybe it’s different out West or up North. Curious if climate makes a bigger difference than material sometimes...
- Definitely hear you on the slipperiness—synthetic can be like ice, especially early mornings.
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Seen that happen more than once... some brands do have a grittier texture, but it’s hit or miss.“I watched my neighbor’s roofer nearly end up in his azaleas one chilly morning.”
- In humid climates, felt just doesn’t last. Up north, where it’s drier and colder, I’ve seen 30# felt hold up decently under metal roofs, but it still can’t touch synthetic for longevity.
- Climate really does play a big role. Material matters, but if you’re in the Southeast with all that moisture, synthetic’s usually the safer bet—even with the slip risk.
- Appreciate your point about brands—worth checking samples in person if you can. Some are definitely less slick than others.
Not sure I’m totally sold on synthetic being the “safer bet” in the Southeast, even with all the moisture. Yeah, felt can break down faster in humidity, but I’ve seen some of these newer synthetics get brittle or curl up after a few years under metal—especially if there’s a lot of sun exposure. Maybe it’s just certain brands, but I’ve had callbacks where the underlayment basically turned into plastic wrap and started tearing at the fasteners.
Also, about slipperiness—gritty texture helps, but it’s still not great if you’re up there early or after a rain. At least with 30# felt, you know what you’re getting. It might not last as long on paper, but sometimes I’d rather deal with replacing felt every so often than risking a slip or having to rip up synthetic that failed weirdly.
Anyone else notice that some synthetics don’t breathe at all? Had a job last year where condensation built up underneath and caused more trouble than the old felt ever did. Maybe it’s just me being old school... but I’m not convinced synthetic is always better for every roof or climate.