Why Felt A Roof

Installing a roof is much more than just nailing shingles onto some boards.

Why felt a roof. The main advantage of using felt roofing underlayment is cost. A great way to weatherproof your garden shed or tool shed is by applying felt to the roof. There are several disadvantages to using felt underlayment on a roof. The felt also serves as a protective membrane against ice or snow dams.

It starts with installing solid decking usually plywood or oriented strand board but that is not waterproof. Generally speaking roofing felt is a felt paper that is soaked in asphalt and other water resistant compounds to produce a membrane. It helps keep your roof free from moisture which can lead to leaks rot and mold. When the hot air is rising through the house and reaches the roof any moisture in the air that condenses on the underside of the shingles will get caught by the roofing felt.

The felt helps ensure water drains off the roof after a storm. Felt otherwise known as underpayment is required when. Felt underlayment tends to cost less compared to synthetic underlayment which is why it s often the go to for budget conscious homeowners. Commonly referred to as felt paper or tar paper common roofing felt is made of varying blends of cellulose natural plant fibers polyester bitumen or asphalt.

Here alternating layers of roofing felt usually fiberglass and hot applied asphalt are combined to create a long lasting roof system. Felt is commonly sold in either 15 or 30 rolls measuring 36 inches wide. It improves look and uniformity. Roof felt gives your roof a better appearance and will help it last longer.

Basemat the flexible base layer is saturated with asphalt for water resistance. A great benefit to roofing felt is that it can also act as a moisture barrier. Of course it is a bit more technical than that but this is the basic idea behind how felt works. Roofing felt is a layer of tar paper installed beneath the shingles to provide a backup waterproof membrane in case of leakage.

Long ago a 15 role actually weighed. Roofing felt prevents the deck from being exposed to the elements before or while the shingles are being applied. Because your roof deck might not lie perfectly straight or flat a layer of roof paper gives an even uniform surface upon which you can install your shingles. Felt paper is applied across the entire roof deck.