That point about contractors not being able to give a final number until they open things up really rings true—
I had a similar situation last year after hail damage. The initial estimate was $7k, but once they pulled up the shingles, it jumped closer to $11k because of hidden sheathing rot. It’s frustrating, but I get why they can’t always predict it. I also went with synthetic underlayment for longevity, even though the upfront difference was minor. For me, knowing I won’t have to revisit the roof for a while was worth it.“Sometimes contractors can’t give a final number until they open things up, which drives me nuts as someone who likes to budget everything out upfront.”
I also went with synthetic underlayment for longevity, even though the upfront difference was minor. For me, knowing I won’t have to revisit the roof for a while was worth it.
I get the frustration with the budget swings, but honestly, sometimes contractors lean a bit too hard on the “can’t know till we open it up” thing. Sure, hidden rot is a wildcard, but a thorough attic inspection and moisture meter can catch a lot before demo. Not perfect, but it narrows the surprises.
About synthetic underlayment—good call for longevity, but in my area (lots of wind), I’ve seen it tear if it’s left exposed too long before shingles go down. Just something to keep in mind for folks juggling schedules or dealing with backlogs after a storm.
I’ve had contractors pull the “we won’t know till we open it up” card too, and sometimes it’s legit, but I’ve also seen them miss stuff that a quick attic check would’ve caught. After one storm, I thought I was in the clear—turns out, water had been sneaking in around a vent for months. Ended up costing way more than if we’d caught it early. And yeah, synthetic underlayment is great, but if your roofer leaves it exposed for even a couple days in high winds, you might as well be using tissue paper. Timing is everything after a storm, especially when everyone’s booked solid.
Timing is everything after a storm, especially when everyone’s booked solid.
I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes “we won’t know till we open it up” is just the truth, especially with older roofs or weird layouts. Quick attic checks help, sure, but not every leak leaves an obvious trail. Ever had decking rot hidden under insulation? That’s a nasty surprise. As for synthetic underlayment, I’ve seen some brands hold up better than others even after a few days exposed—maybe it’s just luck or maybe it’s the install method. Curious if anyone’s had good luck with a particular brand in high wind areas?
Yeah, that “we won’t know till we open it up” line is way too real. I thought I was just dealing with a couple missing shingles after last year’s windstorm, but once the roofer started poking around, turns out there was a whole section of decking that looked like it’d been soaking up water for ages. Hidden under a thick layer of insulation, too—never would’ve guessed from the attic.
I’ve tried a couple different synthetic underlayments over the years (I’m in a spot that gets those sideways rains and gusts that make you question your life choices). GAF’s Tiger Paw held up okay for me, but I’ve heard mixed things. My neighbor swears by Grace Ice & Water Shield, but that stuff’s pricey. Honestly, I think install makes a big difference—my first go-around, I rushed it and paid for it later.
Storm repairs always seem to cost more than you expect, especially if you get hit with the “surprise rot” tax. Insurance helped a bit, but there’s always something they won’t cover. At this point, I just cross my fingers and keep a stash of tarps handy...
