Installing Roofing Tar Paper

Installing a roof is much more than just nailing shingles.

Installing roofing tar paper.

It is used for temporary roofing for weatherproofing and as an underlayment under shingles or other permanent roofing materials. Usually roof felt also called tar paper. The tar paper made between 1900 and 1980 probably will last far longer than the tar paper made today. Whether you re building a new house or putting a new roof on your existing house installing tar paper first helps waterproof the roof and prevent leaks.

The idea is to make sure water that falls on the roof drips down from paper to paper and off the roof rather than up under the tar paper potentially damaging the roof s wooden structure. How to install felt underlayment for a new roof. While impossible to know unless you do an expensive analysis the asphalt used to make modern tar paper contains much more oxygen than it should. Position the next course of tar paper farther up the roof so that its lower edge overlaps the upper edge of the paper in the first course by 1 foot.

How to install roofing tar paper. Be sure the tar paper lies in flat strips that are absolutely smooth. The 30 pound tar paper is heavier and has much more asphalt in it. Install all subsequent courses with the same overlap until the top edge of the paper is within 6 inches of the roof s peak.

Installation is not particularly tough when following these simple steps that will ensure a successful project. Before securing the end of a row take time to walk the row smoothing out any rough spots and matching up the snapped chalk lines. Leave the top portion of the paper loose. It also acts as a layer of insulation and water protection underneath roof shingles.

Installing roofing paper or felt is an essential element to construct a waterproof roofing system. Roof felt also known as tar paper is a waterproof fiberglass product. Staple down the tar paper.