How To Use Roofing Felt

Divide the area of your roof by the area of the felt rolls you plan to use and allow an approximate 10 extra for waste.

How to use roofing felt.

Also known as tar paper roofing felt originated in finland in the 1870 s as a waterproofing underlayment for roofs. As you work the paper can be tacked down in the center so it won t blow away. If you use the lines as guides for installing shingles measure up from the drip edge to confirm that you stay parallel. Later asphalt was used in the manufacture of roofing felt.

Flip the piece of felt over so it s not curling up at the ends. Begin at the bottom working in horizontal lines and gradually moving upward. Use a 4 inch 10 cm paintbrush or a roller to apply the paint or primer. Roofing felt is sold in rolls and the product label will give information on the area contained.

Start at the bottom of the roofline and work up so any water that gets through the roofing material will shed down the tar paper and will not go under it. Roll out the felt eliminating creases or bubbles and drive at least three staples every foot. Drag it gently from one end of the roof to the other east to west or west to east. First paper was impregnated with coal tar.

Overlay a second layer of felt 2 to 3 inches and fasten it through the overlay so it secures the top of the felt underneath. Roll out a course of roofing felt on the floor alongside the wall where you want the flooring courses to start. Align this layer with the bottom of the roof. Cut the felt at the end against the perpendicular wall by laying a level across the width of it and running a utility knife along the level.

Apply waterproof paint or primer to promote felt attachment. Snap a chalkline 32 inches above the top edge of the wsu or use the lines on the felt as guides.