Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof

I’m curious - has anyone here actually gone with synthetic underlayment and noticed a difference in interior comfort or humidity?

Honestly, I haven’t noticed much of a change in comfort or humidity just from switching to synthetic underlayment. It’s great for durability and water resistance, but I think most of the “comfort” claims are a stretch unless you’re pairing it with solid insulation upgrades. Upgrading to a higher R-value, though - that’s where you’ll feel a real difference. Had a client swap out old batts for spray foam during a roof job, and they said the house was way quieter and held temp better, especially in the attic rooms. The underlayment helps protect everything, but insulation is what really changes the feel inside.

Title: Need Advice On Replacing An Old Leaky Roof

The underlayment helps protect everything, but insulation is what really changes the feel inside.

Couldn’t agree more with this. Synthetic underlayment’s a solid upgrade for durability, but if you’re expecting it to magically make your house cozier, you’re gonna be disappointed. I’ve overseen plenty of roof replacements - unless you’re pairing that underlayment with better insulation or fixing airflow issues, you probably won’t notice much inside. Save the big bucks for insulation if comfort’s your goal. The underlayment’s more like an insurance policy than a comfort upgrade, honestly.

Makes sense about the underlayment not doing much for comfort. I’m curious - if you’re already tearing off the roof, is it worth looking into adding insulation from above, or is that just a waste unless you’re gutting the whole thing? Seems like a missed opportunity otherwise...

is it worth looking into adding insulation from above, or is that just a waste unless you’re gutting the whole thing?

I’d argue it’s not a waste at all - actually, it’s one of the smartest times to do it. A few years back, I managed a project where we added rigid foam above the sheathing during a roof replacement. The difference in thermal performance was noticeable right away, and it barely added to the timeline. Unless you’ve got some weird roof geometry or access issues, it’s almost always more cost-effective than trying to retrofit from below later. If you’re already tearing things off, why not get the most bang for your buck?

I get the logic behind adding insulation from above during a roof job - it’s definitely efficient if you’re already pulling things apart. But I’d just say, from a budget angle, it’s worth running the numbers first. The up-front cost for rigid foam can be a bit of a sticker shock, especially if you’re trying to keep expenses tight. On my last project, I ended up going with blown-in cellulose from below later on because the roofers’ quote for foam was way higher than I expected. If energy bills are killing you or you’re planning to stay put for years, maybe it pays off sooner... but if you’re thinking short-term or resale, it might not pencil out as fast as people say. Just my two cents - sometimes “most bang for your buck” depends on how long you’re sticking around.

- 100% agree on the sticker shock with rigid foam - when I saw the estimate, I nearly spit out my coffee.
- If you’re handy or have a buddy who is, blown-in from below can be a lifesaver for the wallet, though it’s definitely messier.
- For me, the math only worked when I factored in how long I’d actually stay put. If you might move in a few years, that big up-front investment just doesn’t add up.
- One thing I learned: check if your local utility offers rebates for insulation upgrades. Found out too late and missed out on some cash back...
- Sometimes it’s about finding that sweet spot between comfort now and not draining your savings.

Yeah, those insulation quotes are wild - I had the same reaction when I priced out spray foam. Did you factor in the roof replacement with your insulation plans? I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth doing both at once or just tackling the roof now and dealing with insulation later. The rebate thing is a good call, though... I almost missed out on that too. Curious if anyone’s actually seen a big difference in bills after upgrading both at the same time?

Curious if anyone’s actually seen a big difference in bills after upgrading both at the same time?

I’ve worked with a bunch of folks who did both the roof and insulation together, and honestly, it’s almost always worth it if you can swing it. The biggest thing people overlook is how much heat loss happens right through an old roof - even with decent attic insulation, if your roof’s leaky or poorly sealed, you’re basically throwing money out the window.

There’s a bit of sticker shock up front, sure, but combining the jobs usually means less labor cost overall. Plus, you only have to deal with one round of mess and disruption. I’ve seen energy bills drop 20-30% after a full roof + spray foam upgrade (depends on house size and climate, obviously). It’s not just about bills either - comfort goes way up. No more weird cold spots or drafty corners.

The rebate thing is huge too. Some programs only pay out if you do both upgrades at once, so it’s worth double-checking before you commit. If you’re planning to stay in the house long-term, I’d say go for both now rather than piecemeal. Otherwise, you might end up undoing work later... which is just frustrating and more expensive in the end.

“I’ve seen energy bills drop 20-30% after a full roof + spray foam upgrade (depends on house size and climate, obviously).”

That’s wild - 20-30% is way more than I expected. I always thought insulation was the main thing, but now I’m wondering if my old cedar shakes are just leaking money. Has anyone tried those fancy metal roofs with built-in insulation? Worth the splurge, or just marketing hype?

I always thought insulation was the main thing, but now I’m wondering if my old cedar shakes are just leaking money.

Honestly, those old cedar shakes can be charmers, but yeah, they’re probably not doing your wallet any favors. I’ve seen a couple projects with metal roofs + insulation panels - pricey up front, but folks rave about the comfort and lower bills. Not just hype, but you gotta weigh the payback period. If you’re planning to stick around a while, it can make sense. If not... might be overkill.

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

- Cedar shakes look cool, but man, once they start leaking, it’s like your money just evaporates every winter.
- Insulation matters a ton, but if water’s getting in or air’s just whooshing right through the roof, you’re fighting a losing battle.
- I swapped out my old shakes for architectural shingles last year - cheaper than metal, still a big jump in comfort and way less drafty. Not as “forever” as metal though.
- Metal roofs + insulation panels are definitely next-level, but yeah, the price tag stings. Unless you’re planning to die in that house (kidding... sort of), it takes a while to break even.
- Don’t forget about attic ventilation - bad airflow can undo even the best insulation and new shingles.
- One thing I didn’t expect: tearing off old shakes is messy. Like, “find cedar bits in your socks for weeks” messy.

If you’re handy and up for some DIY, there are ways to save a bit on labor, but I learned the hard way that roofing is not for anyone afraid of heights or raccoons.

Metal roofs + insulation panels are definitely next-level, but yeah, the price tag stings. Unless you’re planning to die in that house (kidding... sort of), it takes a while to break even.

That’s my hesitation with metal too - great long-term, but the upfront cost is a hurdle. For those who went with architectural shingles, did you notice much difference in noise during rain or hail compared to shakes? I’m weighing cost savings, but don’t want to trade one headache for another.

Title: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof

I get where you’re coming from - metal is tempting, but that initial bill is a gut punch. I went with architectural shingles last year after debating shakes and honestly, the noise difference isn’t huge. During heavy rain it’s a bit louder than shakes, but nothing crazy or distracting. Hail’s another story, but unless you’re in a real hail-prone area, I wouldn’t sweat it. For me, the cost savings outweighed the minor uptick in noise. Plus, with decent attic insulation, it’s barely noticeable.

Metal’s upfront cost is definitely a hurdle, but I’d push back a bit on the idea that shingles are always the better value long-term. I get that the noise factor isn’t a dealbreaker for most people - especially with good insulation - but there’s more to it than just sound. Metal roofs tend to last two or three times as long as architectural shingles, and they’re way less prone to issues like algae, rot, or even fire. That’s not nothing, especially if you’re planning to stay put for a while.

I’ve seen folks regret going with shingles after a decade or so when they start curling or losing granules, and then you’re back at square one. Plus, metal can be recycled at end of life, which is a big plus in my book. The sticker shock is real, but sometimes stretching for the longer-lasting option pays off down the road... even if it stings at first. Just my two cents - sometimes “cheaper” ends up costing more in the long run.

I hear you on the longevity and recyclability - those are big selling points for metal, especially if you’re thinking about resale value down the line. I’ve noticed in higher-end neighborhoods, metal roofs are almost expected now, partly for that modern look but also because buyers see them as “set it and forget it.” That said, I’ve heard some folks complain about hail dents or color fading over time. Has anyone here actually dealt with those issues? Curious if that’s just marketing noise or a real concern.

That said, I’ve heard some folks complain about hail dents or color fading over time. Has anyone here actually dealt with those issues? Curious if that’s just marketing noise or a real concern.

I put a standing seam metal roof on my last place, and honestly, the hail thing is real - got a few dings after a nasty storm, but nothing that actually messed with the function. Color fading was super minimal after five years, but I did go with a lighter gray, which probably helped. Anyone else notice if darker colors fade faster, or is that just me overthinking it?

I’ve been in the same boat, weighing out cost vs. longevity. You’re right about lighter colors - they seem to show less fading, at least from what I’ve seen. Darker roofs can fade a bit more, especially in full sun, but it’s not usually drastic. Hail dents are mostly cosmetic unless you get really unlucky. If you’re on a budget, I’d say don’t stress too much about minor dings or a little fading... the roof will still do its job just fine.

Honestly, I think you’re spot on about not sweating the small stuff like a bit of fading or a few dings. I get the urge to chase perfection - trust me, I’ve been there, obsessing over every detail. But at the end of the day, a roof’s main job is to keep you dry and safe, not win a beauty contest.

That said, I do think there’s something to be said for investing in a look you love if you can swing it. I went with a lighter slate on my last place, partly for the curb appeal, but also because it just felt right with the style of the house. It’s held up beautifully, even after a couple hailstorms. The little imperfections almost add character, weirdly enough.

If budget’s tight, don’t let the idea of “perfect” stress you out. A solid install matters way more than a flawless finish. And honestly, most people won’t notice those tiny flaws unless you point them out.

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

You nailed it about not letting small imperfections get under your skin. Over the years, I’ve seen way too many folks stress over a tiny scuff or a shingle that’s a shade off, when the real deal-breaker is whether the roof actually does its job. I remember working on a craftsman bungalow a while back - owners were fixated on matching the hue of their old cedar shakes to the point they almost delayed the project for months. In the end, the new roof wasn’t a perfect match, but after the first storm rolled through and not a drop came in, they pretty much forgot about color.

That being said, I do think there’s value in choosing materials and finishes that make you happy to pull into your driveway. I’ve always leaned toward natural materials - slate, cedar, even metal - because they age in a way that tells a story. A little patina, a few dings from hail... to me, that’s just part of the house’s character. Perfection’s overrated, especially when it comes at the cost of your sanity or budget.

One thing I’d add: don’t overlook the installer. Even the best materials can let you down if they’re slapped on without care. I’ve seen “bargain” jobs where folks spent a fortune on top-tier shingles, but cut corners on the crew, and the leaks started right away. Better to have a solid install with mid-range materials than the other way around.

If you’re working with a tight budget, focus on getting the basics right - good underlayment, proper flashing, solid ventilation. That’s what keeps the weather out and your structure sound. The rest is just details, and honestly, most people walking by aren’t going to notice if a shingle is a little off-kilter.

At the end of the day, I’d rather see a roof with a few scars that’s stood up to a decade of storms than one that looks pristine but leaks every spring.

NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF

Couldn’t agree more about not sweating the small stuff. When I redid my own roof, I spent way too long obsessing over shingle color, only to realize after the first rain that all I cared about was staying dry. Here’s what worked for me: start by checking your decking for rot (replace any sketchy spots), then lay down a solid underlayment. Flashing is huge - don’t skimp there. Take your time on the valleys and around chimneys; that’s where leaks love to sneak in. If you’re handy, you can do a lot yourself, but I’d still hire out the tricky bits like flashing if you’re not confident. And yeah, a little imperfection just adds character... roofs aren’t supposed to be art projects anyway.