How To Put Roofing Felt Down

Roofing felt is comprised of a base made from natural materials such as wood cellulose or synthetic ones such as fiberglass or polyester and then coated or saturated with a protective coating such as bitumen asphalt which repels water but still allows the product to breathe.

How to put roofing felt down. Lightly heat the flashing and the end of the roofing sheet enough to begin melting the bitumen. These applications are ideal for flat roofs or protective surfaces under roof level decks. Roll out about 10 feet of felt and fasten with staples or roofing nails with plastic washer heads. Roofing felt can get wet and still maintain its integrity as long as it is not exposed to the elements for more than a few days.

If this felt is more than a temporary waterproofing measure apply roofing mastic using a caulking gun. I will be ok for a couple of years but leave the original upside down felt on and put a cheap shed roof felt over the top just to make sure. Some roofers prefer to attach felt underlayment with 1 inch roofing nails or special nails with plastic washers but most codes allow staples which are easier to drive. Some roofing felts are actually glued down.

Pull the trigger of the gun and move the nozzle around the circumference of each nail. Make sure the flashing can t move at all. Use a construction stapler or a hammer. Put fasteners at least every 8 inches.

Installing the roofing felt does take care but can go very quickly. It will break down in sunlight and with large amounts of ongoing. Before applying roofing you ll need to cover the sheathing with roofing felt also often called tar paper most local codes call for using 30 pound felt. Press down on the end of the bitumen to bind it to the flashing.

These thick layers of roofing felt are installed by heating the back of the felt with a butane torch and then carefully applying it to the roof. Cover all nail heads with roofing mastic for long term roofing.