Had a similar situation on a duplex I worked on—felt just didn’t cut it in the valleys, especially with our freeze-thaw cycles. Synthetic’s been way more forgiving. I do miss the old-school vibe of felt, but I don’t miss the leaks.
I get what you mean about missing the old-school felt—there’s something classic about that black paper smell, right? But yeah, leaks are a deal-breaker. I learned that the hard way on my own place... tried to save a few bucks sticking with felt under the shingles, but after one winter, those valleys were a mess. Ended up replacing a bunch of drywall and cursing myself for not going synthetic the first time around.
What kind of synthetic underlayment did you guys use? I’ve seen some brands claim crazy durability, but I always wonder if it’s marketing hype or actually worth the extra cost. Anyone ever try mixing materials—like felt on the main runs and synthetic just in the valleys and eaves? Not sure if that’s a recipe for disaster or if it could work in a pinch.
Need Advice On Replacing An Old Leaky Roof
I hear you on the nostalgia for felt, but honestly, after seeing what a winter can do to it, I just can't recommend it anymore. I've used Grace Ice & Water Shield in valleys and along eaves—it's pricey but it's bulletproof. Mixing materials sounds tempting, but I worry about how the seams between felt and synthetic might handle water migration. If you’re in a pinch, maybe, but long-term, I’d go all synthetic. The peace of mind is worth it, especially if you’ve already dealt with drywall headaches.
Mixing materials sounds tempting, but I worry about how the seams between felt and synthetic might handle water migration.
I get where you’re coming from on that—seams are always the weak point, right? I’ve seen a few projects where people tried to save a bit by mixing underlayments, and it looked fine at first, but a year or two later, there were weird stains creeping down the walls. Not fun.
I’m curious, though—has anyone here actually had luck with a hybrid approach long-term? Sometimes I wonder if certain climates or roof pitches make a difference. Also, for those who went all synthetic, did you notice any difference in how the attic “breathes” or feels? I’ve heard some folks say it can get stuffier up there, but maybe that’s just rumor.
And since we’re talking about peace of mind, has anyone added extra insulation or soundproofing while redoing the roof? I’m always thinking about how these upgrades can help with both leaks and noise, especially during heavy rain.
Title: Need Advice On Replacing An Old Leaky Roof
I’ve actually gone through this with my last place, and I’ll admit, I was tempted by the idea of mixing underlayments to cut costs. In the end, I stuck with all synthetic after hearing a few horror stories about seam failures—especially in areas with wild temperature swings. The installer mentioned that even with careful taping, those transition points between materials can become trouble spots over time.
As for attic ventilation, I did notice a slight difference after switching to synthetic. It seemed like the space held onto heat a bit more during the summer, but it wasn’t dramatic—probably because we made sure to upgrade the ridge vents at the same time. If anything, it felt quieter during storms, which was a nice bonus.
When we redid the roof, I also added a layer of mineral wool insulation for soundproofing. It made a surprising difference during heavy rain... not total silence, but enough to take the edge off. If you’re already opening things up, it’s worth considering—even if just for peace of mind.
