It’s wild how something meant to keep water out can actually lock it in if there’s the tiniest breach.
Right? It’s like the roof’s version of a raincoat that turns into a sauna. I’ve seen those “breathable” underlayments in some high-end builds, but I’m always skeptical—do they really breathe, or just let the problems sneak around? Sometimes I wonder if we’re just inventing fancier ways for water to get creative.
Need Advice On Replacing An Old Leaky Roof
Had a job last year where the homeowner insisted on a “fully sealed” synthetic underlayment, thinking it was bulletproof. Fast forward to spring—tiny flashing gap, and suddenly there’s trapped moisture everywhere. Sometimes the old felt actually let things dry out better. It’s a balancing act, for sure.
I’ve run into that same issue with synthetic underlayments. They’re great for certain applications, but if there’s even a minor flashing miss, moisture just gets trapped with nowhere to go. Old-school felt isn’t perfect, but it does allow some drying if water sneaks in. Honestly, I think it comes down to the roof design and climate. On some projects, I’ve actually mixed materials—synthetic on the main field, felt around tricky details. Not everyone agrees, but it’s worked for me when ventilation is limited.
Mixing underlayments has saved me a headache or two. On my last roof job, I used felt around the chimney and valleys—those spots always seem to find a way to leak if moisture gets trapped. The rest got synthetic. Ventilation’s not great in my attic, so the felt gives me a little peace of mind. I know some folks swear by all-synthetic, but I’ve seen it bite people when flashing isn’t perfect. Just my two cents.
Need Advice On Replacing An Old Leaky Roof
That’s actually really helpful to hear. I’m in the middle of my first roof replacement and I keep second-guessing every decision. My builder was all about synthetic everywhere, but I’ve got a weird old chimney that’s already given me grief. I like the idea of mixing it up—felt in the “trouble spots” just sounds safer. I’d rather be a little old-school than wake up to a drip in the attic, you know? My neighbor went all-synthetic and had to redo a section after a storm... not fun.
