NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Had a client years back who insisted on premium shingles but ignored my push for better flashing and ice barriers. Guess what failed first? Not the shingles. I always say: focus on what you can’t see once it’s done, not just the stuff that looks good from the curb. Venting’s important, but if water’s sneaking in at the valleys or eaves, no amount of airflow will save you.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Funny how folks get fixated on the shingle brand or color, but barely glance at what’s under them. I’ve seen more leaks from bad valley flashing than worn-out shingles, honestly. Here’s my usual checklist: strip it down to the deck, check for rot, ice and water shield at eaves/valleys, then solid flashing details—especially around chimneys and skylights. Venting matters, but if your underlayment’s not right, you’re just asking for trouble. Don’t skimp on the stuff you’ll never see again... that’s where the real protection is.
Don’t skimp on the stuff you’ll never see again... that’s where the real protection is.
That’s the truth. I learned the hard way—had a “budget” roofer skip ice and water shield, and paid for it with a soggy attic two winters later. Curious if you’ve tried any recycled or eco-friendly underlayments? I’ve been eyeing those but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
Title: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
I get the urge to go green, but honestly, I’m still a bit skeptical about some of those recycled underlayments. Maybe I’m old school, but when it comes to what’s between my shingles and my living room, I want something that’s been around the block a few times. I’ve seen a couple neighbors try out the eco-friendly stuff—one used a recycled felt product and had to redo it after three years because it started curling up at the edges. Not saying they’re all like that, but it made me wary.
I’d rather spend a little more on tried-and-true materials, especially for ice and water shield. That’s one spot where cutting corners just isn’t worth it. The upfront savings disappear fast if you end up with leaks or have to rip everything up again.
That said, I do think some of the synthetic underlayments (not necessarily recycled) are worth a look. They’re lighter, easier to handle, and seem to hold up better than old-fashioned tar paper in my experience. But for anything “new” or “eco,” I’d want to see some real-world results first—like five or ten years down the line.
If you’re set on going green, maybe try it on a shed or garage first before trusting it over your main living space. Just my two cents... sometimes the stuff you never see is exactly where you don’t want surprises later.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I was tempted by the “green” options too, but after reading a bunch of mixed reviews and seeing how unpredictable our weather can be, I just couldn’t risk it for the main house. Ended up going with a synthetic underlayment (not recycled) and honestly, it’s been solid so far—super easy for the crew to work with and no issues through two rough winters. Maybe in a decade I’ll feel braver about the eco stuff, but for now, I’d rather not gamble with leaks over my living room either.