NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
- I hear you on not needing every fancy upgrade. Last time I did a roof, I got talked into some “premium” underlayment that cost a fortune and honestly, didn’t notice a difference. Ice & water shield at the eaves is legit, though—don’t skip it, especially if you get snow. If you’re redoing anything inside, schedule it together or you’ll end up chasing your own tail with patching. Learned that juggling act the messy way...
Ice & water shield at the eaves is legit, though—don’t skip it, especially if you get snow.
That’s spot on. I’ve seen too many folks try to save a few bucks by skipping the ice & water shield, only to end up with leaks right where the roof meets the gutters. It’s not worth the headache, especially in colder climates.
I do have to push back a bit on the underlayment, though. I’ve worked on a few projects where the “premium” stuff actually made a difference—mainly on low-slope roofs or spots that see a lot of wind-driven rain. But for a typical pitched roof? Standard synthetic usually does the job just fine.
One thing I always ask: are you planning to change out any skylights or vents while you’re at it? I’ve had clients regret not doing those at the same time, since cutting into a brand new roof later is just...painful. And yeah, if you’re touching ceilings or insulation inside, try to coordinate. Nothing worse than patching drywall twice because of poor timing.
Curious—what kind of roof are you replacing? Shingles, metal, something else? Sometimes the material choice changes what’s worth upgrading.
Had a project last winter where skipping the ice & water shield turned into a nightmare—ice dams everywhere, and water found every weak spot. I’d echo the skylight/vent advice too. Had a client who didn’t swap an old vent, and sure enough, it leaked the next season. If you’re already tearing things up, might as well do it right the first time. Material-wise, I’ve seen metal roofs handle snow better, but they’re not for everyone. Shingles are fine if you get the details right.
If you’re already tearing things up, might as well do it right the first time.
Couldn’t agree more. Cutting corners on roof work just isn’t worth it. I’ve seen too many “quick fixes” turn into expensive headaches. Metal roofs are great for snow, but yeah, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. If you stick with shingles, just make sure the underlayment and flashing are solid—those details make all the difference.
Couldn’t agree more about not cutting corners—seen too many “band-aid” jobs end up being way pricier down the road. If you’re tackling a full roof replacement, it’s honestly the perfect chance to get every detail right and maybe even add a bit of luxury. Here’s how I’d approach it:
First, pick materials that’ll last and look good—sometimes architectural shingles are worth the upgrade for both curb appeal and durability. Next, don’t skimp on underlayment; synthetic options can be a game-changer for moisture protection. Flashing is one of those things people overlook but it’s the difference between “dry and cozy” or “calling the roofer back next spring.”
I know metal roofs are polarizing—I’m personally a fan for modern homes, but they’re not always the vibe for everyone or every neighborhood. If you go with shingles, maybe think about adding some accent copper flashing or even a skylight if you’re feeling bold. It’s your home, after all... might as well make it something you love.
It’s a lot of work now, but trust me, when you hear rain pounding and don’t have to worry about leaks, it’ll all feel worth it.
