You cannot use roofing felt as house wrap because they serve different purposes. Roofing felt is designed to go under shingles, while house wrap goes on the outside of your wall sheathing. Using the wrong material can trap moisture and cause damage to your home. House wrap protects your walls from water and wind, but roofing felt does not do the same job on walls. According to the roofing industry, most homes built today use proper house wrap materials like Tyvek or similar products. Understanding the difference helps you protect your investment.
What Is Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt is a layer of material that sits under your shingles. It catches water that leaks past the shingles and helps direct it toward the gutters. Roofing felt is typically made from asphalt or synthetic fibers. It is not breathable like house wrap, which means it traps air and moisture.
The average roof replacement costs between $5,868 and $13,217, according to RubyHome (2025). When roofers install new roofs, they always use proper roofing felt under the shingles. This material must meet building codes and safety standards for roof systems.
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What Is House Wrap?
House wrap is a breathable material that goes on the outside of your walls. It lets water vapor escape while blocking liquid water from entering. House wrap protects your insulation and framing from getting wet.
Good house wrap allows your home to breathe. Roofing felt does not. If you use roofing felt on walls, moisture can get trapped inside your walls and cause rot, mold, and structural damage over time.
Key Differences Between Roofing Felt and House Wrap
Here are the main differences:
| Feature | Roofing Felt | House Wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Breathable | No | Yes |
| Location | Under shingles | On exterior walls |
| Moisture Control | Directs water down | Blocks water, lets vapor out |
| Purpose | Roof underlayment | Wall protection |
Why This Matters for Your Home
Using the wrong material can cost you money. According to RubyHome (2025), average roof repair costs range from $392 to $1,913. Many of these repairs come from water damage that could have been prevented with proper materials.
According to industry data, leaking and storm damage account for 33% of roof replacements each. Proper materials like house wrap on walls and roofing felt under shingles help prevent these problems. When you use roofing felt as house wrap, moisture gets trapped in your walls. This leads to costly repairs and potential mold growth.
Always use house wrap on your exterior walls and roofing felt under your shingles. These materials work together to keep your home dry and safe. Using the right material in the right place protects your investment and extends the life of your home.
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Connect with an experienced professional roofer to discuss your roofing needs and schedule an inspection.