Full Sheet vs. Patch? And Underlayment Thoughts
I get the temptation to patch, especially when you’re staring down a long day, but honestly, I lean toward full sheet replacement if the rot’s more than a hand-sized spot. It’s just less risk of hidden moisture or future headaches, and you know you’re not trapping anything nasty underneath. That said, I’ve definitely patched when I was short on time or materials... just always felt a little uneasy about it later.
On underlayment, I’m not sold on synthetic being “better” for the environment or longevity. It’s lighter, sure, but it’s plastic—so it’ll be around forever in a landfill. Felt’s not perfect, but at least it breaks down eventually. Plus, like you said, synthetic can be slick as heck. I’d rather deal with a little extra weight than risk sliding off the roof.
Valleys are always trouble spots. I’ve started using peel-and-stick membrane under the flashing in those areas, even if it feels like overkill. It’s saved me from callbacks more than once. Getting the flashing to sit right is half art, half luck... sometimes I just have to walk away and come back with fresh eyes.
Valleys are always trouble spots. I’ve started using peel-and-stick membrane under the flashing in those areas, even if it feels like overkill. It’s saved me from callbacks more than once.
I hear you on the valleys—those spots have given me more gray hairs than the rest of the roof combined. I used to just double up felt, but after one winter where water snuck in anyway, I caved and started using the peel-and-stick too. Haven’t looked back. Curious, has anyone tried those newer “eco” underlayments? I keep seeing them at the store but not sure if they’re just marketing hype or actually worth a shot.
I’ve wondered about those eco underlayments too. Some of the specs look decent, but I’m always a bit skeptical when the packaging leans heavy on the “green” angle and light on actual performance data. Has anyone seen how they hold up after a few years? I’d hate to swap out something tried-and-true for a product that’s just trendy. I’m all for sustainability, but not if it means more leaks down the line.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I’m always a bit skeptical when the packaging leans heavy on the “green” angle and light on actual performance data. Has anyone seen how they hold up after a few years? I’d hate to swap out something tried-and-true for a product that’s just trendy.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve seen my share of “eco” products that look great on a shelf and then fall apart when you actually put them to work. Marketing teams love to slap a leaf on the box and call it a day, but that doesn’t keep water out of your attic.
I’ve tested a couple of those so-called green underlayments on smaller projects—mostly because clients insisted. In my experience, the stuff made from recycled fibers or plant-based materials just doesn’t have the same durability as the old-school synthetics or even felt. One project, we tried a recycled-fiber underlayment under metal roofing, and it started to break down after two winters. Not catastrophic, but enough that we had to patch things up way sooner than I’d like. That’s not saving the planet if you’re ripping it off every few years.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for sustainability—if it actually works. But when it comes to something as critical as a roof, I’d rather go with what’s proven. If you want to be eco-conscious, there are better places to do it (insulation, solar, rainwater systems). Roof underlayment is one spot where I don’t mess around.
If you do go with an eco option, make sure you get a real warranty and check what the manufacturer actually covers. Some of them are pretty slippery with the fine print. And if you’re in a climate with big temp swings or heavy rain, I’d be even more cautious.
Bottom line: I’d stick with what’s tried-and-true unless you see some long-term, independent data showing these green options can actually go the distance. Otherwise, you’re just paying more for a feel-good label and risking another leaky roof down the line.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I get where you’re coming from on the “green” stuff—some of it really is just marketing. But I’ll admit, I did end up going with a recycled underlayment on my place last year, mostly because I got a good deal and thought, why not try it. So far, it’s holding up, but I’m in a milder climate, so maybe that’s part of it.
I guess my question is, isn’t a lot of the failure with the eco-products just because they’re newer and haven’t been as widely tested? Like, felt and synthetics have decades of data, but these newer options might just need more time. Also, some of the traditional stuff isn’t perfect either—my old roof had “proven” materials and still managed to leak after a few years. Maybe it’s just about finding the best fit for your specific situation, not just defaulting to what’s always been done.
Curious if anyone’s seen actual numbers or studies comparing these side by side, not just anecdotes. Seems like there’s gotta be a middle ground between “old reliable” and “new and risky.”
