Roofing is one of the most critical elements of your home’s structure, acting as the first line of defense against the elements. While shingles are the visible outer layer, there’s another essential component working behind the scenes to protect your home from water damage: roofing felt. Often overlooked, this underlayment plays a vital role in moisture protection, ensuring the longevity and durability of your roof.
What Is Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt, also known as tar paper, is a protective layer installed directly on the roof decking before the shingles are applied. It is typically made from a base material, such as organic fibers or fiberglass, saturated with asphalt for enhanced durability and water resistance. The result is a sturdy, flexible material that serves as an extra barrier against water infiltration.
Roofing felt comes in various weights, with 15-pound and 30-pound options being the most common. Heavier felts offer greater durability and water resistance, making them an excellent choice for roofs exposed to harsh weather conditions.
How Roofing Felt Protects Against Moisture
The primary role of roofing felt is to provide an added layer of moisture protection. Roofs are constantly exposed to rain, snow, and humidity, which can seep beneath shingles and cause damage to the underlying structure. Roofing felt acts as a safeguard, catching any water that penetrates the shingles and directing it away from the roof deck. This added protection is particularly crucial during extreme weather events when wind-driven rain can force water beneath the shingles.
In addition to moisture resistance, roofing felt helps prevent condensation buildup. Without proper underlayment, temperature fluctuations can cause water vapor to condense on the roof deck, leading to rot and mold growth. By creating a breathable barrier, roofing felt reduces the risk of these issues, keeping your roof dry and structurally sound.
Roofing Felt as a Temporary Shield
Roofing felt also serves as a temporary shield during the installation process. When a roof is being installed or repaired, there are often periods when the shingles are not yet in place. During these times, roofing felt provides crucial protection against rain and other environmental factors, preventing damage to the exposed decking and interior spaces of your home.
This temporary protection ensures that the construction process can proceed without the risk of water damage, giving contractors time to properly install the shingles and complete the project.
Compatibility with Roofing Systems
Roofing felt is compatible with most types of roofing materials, making it a versatile choice for homeowners. Whether you have asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or even wood shakes, felt underlayment can be installed beneath these materials to enhance moisture protection. Its adaptability is one reason why roofing felt remains a popular choice despite the emergence of newer synthetic underlayment options.
While synthetic materials may offer additional benefits such as increased tear resistance or lighter weight, roofing felt continues to be a reliable and cost-effective solution for many Atlanta homeowners.
The Importance of Proper Installation
For roofing felt to perform its moisture protection role effectively, proper installation is key. This involves carefully overlapping the felt sheets to ensure complete coverage of the roof deck, as well as securing the material with staples or roofing nails. If improperly installed, gaps or wrinkles in the felt can compromise its ability to repel water and lead to leaks or structural issues.
Working with a professional roofing contractor like ImproveIT Atlanta ensures that your roofing felt is installed correctly. Experienced roofers have the expertise to handle every detail of the installation process, guaranteeing that your roof is fully protected against moisture and other environmental threats.
When to Replace Roofing Felt
Like any roofing material, roofing felt can degrade over time. Exposure to heat, moisture, and other elements may cause it to lose its integrity. If you’re replacing your roof or notice signs of water damage, it’s essential to inspect the underlayment and replace it if necessary. Skipping this step during a re-roofing project can compromise the performance of your new shingles and lead to costly repairs in the future.
A Trusted Partner for Your Roofing Needs
At ImproveIT Atlanta, we understand the critical role roofing felt plays in protecting your home from moisture. Whether you’re considering a new roof, a repair, or a full replacement, our team is here to ensure every layer of your roofing system is expertly installed and designed to last. Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services and how we can help safeguard your home against the elements.
