How to Put Roofing Felt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Roofing felt, often called tar paper, is a crucial component in the roofing process. It provides an additional layer of protection against moisture, helping to prevent leaks and prolong the life of your roof. Whether you’re installing a new roof or replacing an old one, knowing how to properly put roofing felt is essential for ensuring a durable and effective roofing system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing roofing felt.
Why Roofing Felt Is Important
Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to understand why roofing felt is used. Roofing felt acts as a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping through the roof decking and into your home. It also offers additional protection against wind-driven rain and ice dams. By placing roofing felt between the roof deck and shingles, you enhance the roof’s ability to withstand the elements and extend its lifespan.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- Roofing felt (15-pound or 30-pound, depending on your roof’s needs)
- Roofing nails or staples
- Hammer or staple gun
- Utility knife or roofing blade
- Ladder
- Measuring tape
- Chalk line
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, non-slip shoes)
Step 1: Prepare the Roof Deck
The first step in putting roofing felt is to ensure that the roof deck is clean, dry, and free of debris. If you’re working on a new roof, the deck should already be prepared. However, if you’re replacing an existing roof, you’ll need to remove the old shingles and any remaining nails or fasteners. Inspect the deck for any signs of damage, such as rot or warping, and make any necessary repairs before proceeding.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Roofing Felt
Next, measure the length of the roof to determine how much roofing felt you’ll need. Start by rolling out the felt on a flat surface and using your measuring tape and chalk line to mark the correct length. Cut the felt to size using a utility knife or roofing blade, ensuring clean, straight edges.
Step 3: Start at the Bottom Edge
Begin installing the roofing felt at the bottom edge of the roof, also known as the eave. This is crucial because starting at the bottom ensures that each subsequent layer overlaps the one below, creating a watertight barrier. Position the first strip of felt so that it overhangs the eave by about 1 inch.
Step 4: Secure the Roofing Felt
Once the felt is positioned correctly, secure it to the roof deck using roofing nails or staples. Place the fasteners along the top edge of the felt, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches apart. Be careful not to overdrive the nails or staples, as this can tear the felt. Work your way across the roof, ensuring that the felt lies flat without any wrinkles or bubbles.
Step 5: Overlap the Next Row
After securing the first row of roofing felts, move on to the next row. Roll out the felt above the first row, overlapping it by at least 2 to 4 inches. This overlap is essential for preventing water from seeping between the layers. Continue this process, working your way up the roof until you reach the ridge.
Step 6: Handle Valleys and Ridges
When you reach a valley or ridge, extra care is needed to ensure proper coverage. For valleys, cut a strip of roofing felts to fit the length of the valley, and press it firmly into place, ensuring it conforms to the shape. Overlap the adjacent strips of felt to maintain a continuous barrier. For the ridge, lay the felt over the top, overlapping both sides by several inches, and secure it with fasteners.
Step 7: Trim the Excess Roofing Felt
Once all the roofing felt is in place, use a utility knife or roof blade to trim any excess material along the edges of the roof. Be sure to leave a slight overhang at the eaves to ensure complete coverage and prevent water from seeping underneath.
Step 8: Inspect Your Work
Before proceeding with the installation of shingles or other roofing materials, take the time to inspect your work. Check for any gaps, wrinkles, or improperly secured sections of felt. Address any issues immediately to ensure the integrity of the roofing system.
Tips for Success
- Work on a Dry Day: Roofing felt can become slippery when wet, making it difficult to handle and install. Choose a day with dry weather to ensure the best results.
- Use the Right Weight of Felts: Roofing felts comes in different weights, with 15-pound and 30-pound being the most common. The heavier 30-pound felt offers better durability and protection but can be more challenging to work with.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of your roofing system. Ensure that your attic is well-ventilated before installing roofing felts to prevent moisture buildup and damage.
Conclusion
Knowing how to put roofing felt is an essential skill for any roof project. By following these steps, you can ensure that your roof is well-protected against the elements and built to last. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a homeowner looking to understand the process, this guide provides you with the knowledge you need to install roofing felts with confidence. Remember, taking the time to do the job right will pay off in the long run, ensuring the longevity and durability of your roof.