I hear you on the premium upgrades. I used to think synthetic underlayment was just a way for roofers to pad the bill, but after dealing with a leak that snuck in through old felt, I’m sold. It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of those things you only appreciate when you don’t have to crawl into the attic with buckets during a storm. Still, I get why people hesitate—some of those “extras” really are just marketing. But for stuff like venting and underlayment, I’d rather pay once and not worry about it for decades.
I get where you're coming from, but I still wonder how much of the synthetic stuff is actually necessary versus just being the trend right now. Like you said,
I’ve seen some older roofs with basic felt last 20+ years without leaks, as long as the flashing and install were solid. Is there really that big of a difference in real-world lifespan, or are we paying for peace of mind more than anything? Sometimes I feel like the industry pushes upgrades just because they can.“some of those ‘extras’ really are just marketing.”
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
- Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing. I’ve seen plenty of “old school” roofs with just felt and good craftsmanship outlast some of the newer, fancier ones.
- From a design perspective, I get the appeal of all the new techy materials, but sometimes it feels like we’re just paying for buzzwords.
- If your installer is solid and the flashing’s done right, that’s half the battle. The rest? Maybe a bit of peace of mind... or just a lighter wallet.
- I’d say don’t get too caught up in every upgrade unless you’re in a super harsh climate or have a specific need. Sometimes simple really is better (and cheaper).
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I get the appeal of sticking with tried-and-true methods, but I wouldn’t write off newer materials so quickly. Some of the modern underlayments and membranes really do outperform felt, especially when it comes to moisture resistance and longevity. It’s not always just marketing—sometimes there’s real science behind the upgrades. That said, a good installer still matters more than anything else... but if you’re already investing in a new roof, it might be worth considering at least a hybrid approach.
That said, a good installer still matters more than anything else...
- 100% agree on installer quality. Even the best materials fail with bad labor.
- Modern membranes like synthetic underlayment last longer and handle water better than old felt. Worth the extra cost, especially if you plan to hold the property.
- Hybrid approach is smart—I've seen it save headaches down the line.
- Don’t cheap out on flashing or ventilation either. Those details kill roofs faster than most folks realize.
