But sometimes it feels like every project turns into “add this, upgrade that,” and suddenly a $500 shed is pushing $1,000.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d still throw down some kind of barrier if I was building again—even in Texas. OSB can look fine for a while, then one freak storm or wind-driven rain sneaks in and you’re dealing with swelling or rot. Underlayment’s not just about leaks, it helps with heat too. I switched to a recycled rubber underlayment on my last project—wasn’t cheap, but it’s kept things cooler and dry. Might be overkill for some, but I’ve seen too many “good enough” sheds start falling apart after a few years.
Title: Shed Costs Add Up Fast—But Skipping Underlayment’s Risky
- Totally get the frustration with “add this, upgrade that”—it’s wild how fast a simple shed project can balloon. I’ve had the same thing happen, especially when you start factoring in stuff like flashing, vents, or even just better screws.
- That said, I’m with you on underlayment. Even in drier climates, it’s not just about leaks.
Seen this firsthand—one summer storm and suddenly you’re patching soft spots or fighting mold.“OSB can look fine for a while, then one freak storm or wind-driven rain sneaks in and you’re dealing with swelling or rot.”
- I’ve used both felt and synthetic underlayments. The synthetics are pricier but lighter and easier to work with, especially solo. Haven’t tried recycled rubber yet, but that sounds interesting for heat—Texas sun is no joke.
- One thing I’d add: if you’re building on a tight budget, even a basic 15# felt is better than nothing. It’s not perfect, but it buys you time if the roof ever gets compromised.
- Maintenance-wise, sheds without underlayment always seem to need repairs sooner. I manage a few older ones and the difference is obvious after 5+ years.
- If you’re worried about cost, maybe skip some of the “nice to haves” inside (like shelving or fancy trim) and put that money into the roof layers instead. It’s way easier to add shelves later than to fix a rotted roof deck.
Funny enough, my granddad used to say “don’t cheap out on what keeps the rain off your head.” He built his first barn with whatever was lying around and regretted it every time it leaked. Sometimes the boring upgrades are the ones that save you the most hassle down the line.
That’s wild about Tamko starting in a chicken coop—makes you wonder how many big companies got their start in someone’s backyard or, well, barnyard. I’ve always leaned toward green roofs or at least recycled materials for sheds, but I’ll admit, sometimes the old-school stuff just works. Anyone else tried those recycled rubber underlayments? I used one on my last garden shed and it’s held up way better in the heat than the felt ever did. Still, even with the extra cost, skipping underlayment just feels like tempting fate... especially with how unpredictable storms are getting.
Recycled rubber underlayment’s definitely got some perks, especially if you’re dealing with heat. But I’ve had mixed results with it under green roofs—sometimes the drainage just isn’t as good, and I worry about root penetration over time. Ever notice any weird smells when it gets really hot? I had one batch that stunk up my whole shed for a summer. Still beats skipping underlayment, though... I learned that lesson the hard way during a freak hailstorm last year.
That smell is no joke—had a batch of recycled rubber that made my garage smell like burnt tires for weeks. I hear you on the drainage, too. Sometimes it’s like the water just hangs out up there, waiting for trouble. I’ve seen roots poke through after a couple seasons, especially with sedum. Still, after my neighbor’s roof got shredded by hail and he skipped underlayment, I’ll take a little stink over a waterfall in my living room any day.
