What Is Felt Paper?
Felt paper being used in roofing is often also known as underlayment, roofing tar paper, and roll roofing. The felt paper is a layer of protection that is installed between the roof deck and the roofing shingles. It is comprised of a base, made from natural materials such as wood cellulose or synthetic materials such as fiberglass or polyester, and then coated or saturated with a protective coating such as bitumen. The bitumen is the layer that repels water but still allows the product to breathe.
Why Felt Paper Is Necessary
Felt paper is considered an underlayment. All roofs should have an underlayment. At a minimum, a roof with asphalt shingles should be completely covered with one layer of underlayment. Many roofers may consider adding extra layers of underlayment for the most protection. Extra layers of underlayment are especially necessary on low-pitched roofs.
Felt Paper Is Water Proof
Roofing felt can help with shedding water which provides additional water protection. When wind-driven rain gets trapped under your shingles, felt paper can help ensure the water drains off the roof. Therefore, protecting your roof from the potential risk of moisture damage, leaks, rot, and mold.
Extra Weather Protection
In the Lowcountry, we are prone to severe weather conditions. We experience windy thunderstorms, hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy rain storms throughout the year. Your shingles are the first line of defense for your rood deck. However, having a backup layer of weather protection under your shingles extends the life of your roof.
Roof Protection While Roofers Install
Sometimes it can take roofers days if not weeks to lay down the shingles, especially if we are experiencing rain often. Laying roofing felt protects the roof deck against the elements while roofers are laying shingles.
Are you in need of immediate roofing repairs or a roof replacement? The team at Southline Roofing is here to help. Contact us today!
