Roofing felt, also known as underlayment or tar paper, is a crucial component of a roofing system. United Contracting & Roofing LLC, located in Greenville, SC, highlights the significance of roofing felt in protecting your roof and enhancing its longevity. Here’s why roofing felt is essential for your roof.
What is Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt is a protective layer placed between the roof deck and the shingles. It is made from natural materials like wood cellulose or synthetics like fiberglass/polyester, coated with asphalt (bitumen) to repel water while allowing the roof to breathe. This underlayment serves multiple vital functions:
Functions of Roofing Felt
Water Repellent
Roofing felt acts as a water repellent, protecting the roof deck from moisture during heavy rains and storms. It prevents humidity from getting trapped between the shingles and the wood, reducing the risk of water damage, leaks, and mold. By providing an additional barrier against the elements, roofing felt enhances the overall durability and lifespan of your roof. It also offers a secondary layer of protection during the installation process, ensuring that the roof deck remains dry even before the shingles are fully in place. This crucial underlayment helps maintain the structural integrity of your roof, contributing to a more resilient and long-lasting roofing system.
Protection During Storms
In extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rains, snow, or storms, roofing felt provides an extra layer of protection. Even if a shingle is lost, the felt continues to protect the roof deck, maintaining a line of defense against the elements. This added layer helps prevent moisture from penetrating the roof structure, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. Additionally, roofing felt can help stabilize the roof during adverse weather, ensuring that the underlying materials remain secure. By serving as a critical backup system, roofing felt enhances the overall resilience and longevity of your roofing installation.
Prevention of Ice Dams
For areas prone to snow and ice, roofing felt is essential in preventing ice dams. These dams can cause water to build up and seep through the roof deck, leading to damage. Roofing felt acts as a barrier, preventing melting ice and snow from penetrating the insulation and interior structures.
Fire Rating Enhancement
Roofing felt can enhance the fire rating of your roof, potentially lowering insurance rates. With a Class A fire rating, roofing felt increases the overall safety of the roof. It’s important to ask your roofer about the grade of shingles and felt paper they use to ensure compliance with ASTM International standards.
Protection During Construction
Roofing felt protects the roof deck during construction, especially if there is a delay in shingle installation. It prevents wood rot, moisture, and mold from developing on the new roof before the shingles are secured.
Providing an Even Surface
Roof decking may have imperfections that can affect the placement of shingles. Roofing felt provides an even surface, ensuring shingles lay flat and bind properly, resulting in a uniform appearance with fewer abnormalities.
Conclusion
Roofing felt is a vital component that enhances the durability, safety, and performance of your roof. For more information on Reasons to Hire a Licensed Roofer, click here.
