Had a similar experience with “eco” underlayment—looked promising, but after two Texas summers it curled up like a potato chip. I want to go green, but not if it means patching leaks every year. Maybe someone will crack the code soon...
That “eco” stuff really does sound great on paper, but man, Texas sun will chew up anything that isn’t tough as nails. I tried a recycled underlayment a few years back—figured it’d be better for the planet and maybe keep the attic a bit cooler. Didn’t even make it through the second summer before it started peeling up at the edges. Ended up with a couple of leaks right over the kitchen, which was just awesome.
I get wanting to go green, but I’m not about to redo half my roof every year. For now, I’m sticking with the tried-and-true materials until someone comes out with something that can actually handle the heat down here. Maybe in a few more years they’ll figure it out, but for now I’ll take boring and reliable over “eco” that can’t hack it. Just not worth the hassle or the extra cost for me.
I get wanting to go green, but I’m not about to redo half my roof every year.
Totally get where you’re coming from. Here’s how I tend to approach it: 1) Check the warranty on any new material—some of those “eco” brands look good, but their heat ratings are buried in the fine print. 2) Ask local installers what actually holds up in our climate. I tried a “cool roof” paint once and it flaked off after two summers, so that was a bust. For now, I stick with stuff that’s proven itself in Texas sun. Maybe down the line they’ll figure out something better, but like you said, leaks aren’t worth it.
