Has anyone else noticed that #30 felt seems to handle ice damming better than some synthetics? I’ve seen a few roofs where the synthetic underlayment actually let water sneak underneath after a freeze-thaw cycle. Maybe it’s just the install, but I’m not totally sold on synthetics for harsh winters. Curious if the recycled stuff would hold up any better, or if it’s just another marketing gimmick...
- Bought my first place last year, so I’m still figuring out what’s “normal” for roofs in cold climates.
- House has a 15-year-old asphalt shingle roof with #30 felt underneath. We had a couple nasty freeze-thaw cycles this winter (Minnesota), and I noticed some minor ice damming, but no leaks or water spots inside.
- Neighbor across the street got a new roof last fall—synthetic underlayment, same shingles. He had a leak right over his kitchen after the first big thaw. Contractor blamed “bad install,” but it’s hard not to wonder if the material played a part.
- I did a bit of reading before buying, and it seems like synthetics are supposed to be more durable, but I keep hearing stories about water sneaking under them if they aren’t perfectly sealed at the overlaps.
- Not sure if it’s just installer skill or if felt is just more forgiving in these freeze-thaw situations. I’ve heard felt can absorb a little water and then dry out, while synthetics just let it run, which could mean more trouble if there’s a weak spot.
- Haven’t tried the recycled stuff myself. Saw a few brands at the store, but honestly, the marketing all sounds the same. Would love to know if anyone’s actually seen a difference long-term.
- For now, I’m leaning toward sticking with felt when it’s time to redo the roof, unless something really convincing comes up. The peace of mind is worth a little extra hassle, I think...
I get the appeal of sticking with what’s worked—my last place had felt, and it survived some wild Wisconsin blizzards. But honestly, I’m starting to think synthetic gets a bad rap mostly because of botched installs. My cousin’s roofer swore by the stuff, and her roof’s been watertight for years (also Midwest). Felt is forgiving, yeah, but it also tears way easier if the wind picks up before shingles go on. I’d rather gamble on a decent synthetic and a crew that knows what they’re doing... less soggy ceiling drama down the road, hopefully.
I hear you on the felt vs synthetic debate. I was pretty skeptical about synthetics at first—felt just seemed like the “safe” bet, especially since my old house had it and never leaked, even after a couple nasty ice storms. But then again, that stuff would rip to shreds if we got a big wind before the shingles went on. I remember chasing pieces across the yard more than once.
Last time I re-roofed, my contractor convinced me to try synthetic. Honestly, I was surprised by how tough it was—didn’t tear, even when we had a few days of gusty weather before they finished. Plus, it was way lighter to haul up the ladder (my back appreciated that). I do think you’re right that a lot comes down to the crew. A bad install will ruin either product, but a good synthetic with careful work seems to hold up better in the long run, at least from what I’ve seen.
Still, I get why folks stick with felt—it’s familiar and cheap. But for me, less risk of leaks and less hassle during install tipped the scales toward synthetic.
I get the appeal of synthetic—lighter, tougher, and it doesn’t turn into confetti when the wind picks up. But I’m still not totally convinced it’s always the better call, especially if you’re watching costs closely. When I did my garage roof last year, I priced out both options, and synthetic was almost double what basic felt cost. That adds up fast if you’ve got a big roof or you’re trying to squeeze every dollar.
Plus, I’ve read some of the warranties on synthetics are only valid if you use specific fasteners or install them a certain way. If you’re DIY-ing or your crew cuts corners, that could bite you later. Felt might not be fancy, but it’s been around forever and if you get it covered quick, it does the job. I guess I just trust what’s worked for decades, especially when every penny counts. Maybe I’m just stubborn, but I’d rather put the savings toward better shingles or ice/water shield.
