But I still wonder about long-term durability. The eco-friendly stuff sounds great, but does it really hold up after a few years of Texas sun and hail? I’ve seen some of those recycled underlayments get brittle faster than expected.
I hear you on that. I tried one of those “green” underlayments a few years back—looked good on paper, but after two summers in central Texas, it started curling at the edges. Not a total disaster, but definitely not what I’d hoped for. The sun here just eats up anything that’s not built tough.
I will say, though, the newer synthetics (not the recycled blends) seem to be holding up better for me. I put down a synthetic underlayment on my shed roof about five years ago, and it’s still flexible, no cracking or brittleness yet. But yeah, the traction is a whole other story—felt is way grippier when it’s damp. I’ve had a few “skating rink” moments myself.
Honestly, I’m still on the fence too. If you’re worried about longevity, maybe stick with a heavier felt or one of the premium synthetics (not the bargain stuff). The cheap recycled ones just don’t seem to last in this heat. But I totally get wanting something that doesn’t send you sliding off the roof... safety first, right?
The sun here just eats up anything that’s not built tough.
That’s been my experience too—Texas sun is brutal, and I’ve seen plenty of “eco” underlayments get crispy way sooner than advertised. But here’s what I keep wondering: has anyone actually had a premium felt last more than 10 years without issues? I’ve inspected a few older roofs where the felt was basically dust. Maybe it’s just the climate, but I’m not convinced any underlayment is truly “long-term” here. Anyone seen otherwise?
I’ve inspected a few older roofs where the felt was basically dust.
Same here—my neighbor’s roof had “premium” felt and it just crumbled when we pulled up the shingles after about 12 years. Has anyone tried those heavier synthetics? Wondering if they actually hold up better in this heat, or if it’s just marketing.
Wondering if they actually hold up better in this heat, or if it’s just marketing.
I’ve pulled up both types here in Texas, and the synthetics definitely seem less brittle after a decade or so. The heavier ones (like 40 mil) don’t tear as easy when you’re walking on them, either. But I’ve heard some folks say they can get slippery, especially if there’s any dew. I’d still pick synthetic for heat, but maybe not the super cheap stuff.
I’ve had both on my place—old felt under some 3-tab shingles, and then synthetic when we redid the roof a few years back. The felt was basically dust after 15 years in the Texas sun. Synthetic’s holding up better so far, but I do notice it’s a pain to walk on if there’s any moisture, like you said. I’m curious if anyone’s had issues with synthetic getting brittle after, say, 20+ years? Or does it just outlast the shingles and you never really see it fail?
Also, has anyone tried using synthetic under metal roofing? I’ve only done asphalt, but I wonder if the heat build-up under metal makes a difference.
