Honestly, I’ve read a lot about synthetic underlayments being the gold standard, but I’m not totally convinced they’re always better than felt, especially for older homes. I went with a high-quality felt on my place last year—partly because it breathes a bit more, which seemed to help with attic temps. Haven’t had any issues with leaks or seams so far, even after a wild winter. Maybe it’s just luck, but sometimes the “old school” stuff still holds up. That said, I do agree on the mineral wool—huge difference for noise, and not crazy expensive if you’re already tearing things up.
Title: Need Advice On Replacing An Old Leaky Roof
Honestly, I’ve read a lot about synthetic underlayments being the gold standard, but I’m not totally convinced they’re always better than felt, especially for older homes. I went with a high-quality felt on my place last year—partly because it breathes a bit more, which seemed to help with attic temps. Haven’t had any issues with leaks or seams so far, even after a wild winter. Maybe it’s just luck, but sometimes the “old school” stuff still holds up.
You’re not wrong about felt still having its place, especially in older houses where the structure needs to “breathe” a bit more. Synthetics are great for certain applications—lighter, tougher against UV if you’re leaving them exposed for a while—but they don’t always play nice with every roof system. I’ve seen some older attics get stuffy or even trap moisture when folks switched to synthetics without thinking through ventilation.
If you’ve already had a winter’s worth of storms and no leaks or seam issues, that’s a solid sign your install was done right. High-quality felt isn’t what it used to be in the ‘80s—it’s definitely improved. Sometimes the tried-and-true methods just work better for specific situations.
One thing I’d add: if you’re dealing with an old roof deck (especially plank decking), felt can actually conform better and is less likely to telegraph imperfections than some of the stiffer synthetics. That can make a difference in longevity and appearance down the line.
Mineral wool is another smart call. It’s underrated for sound and thermal performance, and if you’re already opening things up, it’s one of those upgrades that pays off every time there’s a hailstorm or heavy rain.
Bottom line: don’t let anyone tell you there’s only one “right” way to do underlayment. Matching materials to the age and condition of your house is half the battle. Sounds like you made thoughtful choices—and honestly, sometimes that’s what keeps these old places standing strong for another few decades.
Honestly, it’s refreshing to see someone not just chasing the latest trend. There’s a lot of hype around synthetics, but you nailed it—sometimes the “old school” way just fits better, especially with older homes that have their own quirks. I’ve worked on a couple of century-old places, and felt just seemed to mesh with the way those roofs were built. Synthetics can be great, but I’ve seen them trap moisture if the attic ventilation isn’t dialed in.
You’re right about high-quality felt being a step up from what it used to be, too. The stuff they make now is way tougher than the paper-thin rolls from back in the day. And yeah, after a rough winter with no leaks, that’s more than just luck—that’s solid work and good material choice.
I’d say trust your gut. Sometimes the best solution isn’t the flashiest one, it’s the one that respects how the house was built in the first place. You’re keeping that place standing strong, and that’s what matters.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
You’re speaking my language. There’s just something about working with older homes that makes you appreciate the way they were put together. I’ve seen modern materials look out of place when you try to force them onto a house that’s been standing for a century or more. It’s like putting a brand new high-gloss cabinet in a kitchen full of original woodwork—sure, it’s shiny, but it doesn’t always “fit,” if that makes sense.
The thing about felt is, it really has come a long way. I remember helping my dad patch up our old place when I was younger, and that stuff would practically disintegrate if you looked at it wrong. Now, it actually feels sturdy and holds up to more abuse—which is great because, let’s be honest, not every jobsite is perfectly dry and sunny.
I will say, though, I get the appeal of synthetics for certain projects. They’re lighter and can be easier to work with in some situations. But you nailed it—if the attic isn’t vented right or the house just breathes differently (which so many old houses do), you can end up with moisture issues that are a nightmare to fix later on. Sometimes “tried and true” really does win out.
At the end of the day, you’ve got to respect what the house needs instead of what’s trending in the industry this year. When you see those old beams and plaster still holding strong after all these years, it kind of puts things into perspective. Trusting your gut and using materials that play nice with the rest of the structure? That’s just smart.
Honestly, sounds like you’re doing right by your place. Not every solution needs to be flashy or high-tech—sometimes it just needs to work for another hundred years.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Couldn’t agree more about respecting the bones of an old house. I’ve been through a couple roof replacements on my own place (built in 1912), and every time I’m reminded that these homes just “breathe” differently. The temptation to slap on the latest synthetic underlayment is real, but I’ve seen it backfire—especially with moisture getting trapped in weird places. One neighbor went all-in on the new stuff, and within two years, he was dealing with peeling paint and musty smells. Sometimes the old ways stick around for a reason.
I’m with you on felt making a comeback. It’s not glamorous, but it’s reliable, and it plays nice with wood that’s already survived a century of weather. I’d also say don’t overlook copper flashing if you can swing it—costs more up front, but you’ll probably never have to touch it again.
End of the day, I’d rather patch a roof once every couple decades than chase down problems from “innovations” that weren’t meant for these old beauties. Sometimes the simplest fix really is the best one.
