To install roofing felt paper, you need to start with a clean roof deck, then roll the felt across the roof from bottom to top, overlap each row by 2 inches, and secure it with roofing nails or staples spaced 6 to 12 inches apart. Roofing felt paper, also called tar paper or underlayment, is a key layer that protects your home from water and wind damage. It sits between your roof deck and your shingles. Installing it correctly keeps your roof dry and extends your roof’s life.
Why Roofing Felt Paper Matters
Roofing felt paper acts like a water barrier. It catches water that gets past your shingles and directs it to the gutters. According to industry data, the average roof replacement cost is $9,526, and many costly repairs come from water damage that could have been stopped with good underlayment. Felt paper also helps your shingles last longer by keeping moisture away from the wood.
Good felt paper installation can save you money on future repairs. It takes just a few hours to install but prevents thousands of dollars in damage.
Related articles:
- How to Secure Roofing Felt
- How to Install Roofing Paper
- How to Install Roll Roofing Over Shingles
- How to Install Solar Panels on Corrugated Metal Roofing
- How to Install Palruf Roofing
- How to Install Roll Roofing on Low-pitch Roof
- How Much Is a Roll of Roofing Paper
- How to Apply Roofing Felt Adhesive
- What Size Staples for Roofing Felt
Step-by-step Installation Process
First, clean your roof deck of dirt and nails. Start at the bottom edge of the roof. Roll felt paper horizontally across the roof, keeping it tight. Overlap each row by 2 inches as you move up. Use roofing nails or a staple gun to secure the felt every 6 to 12 inches.
Trim any felt that hangs over the edges with a utility knife. Make sure corners are sealed tight. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average U.S. roof size is 2,647 square feet, so plan for multiple rolls of felt paper. Most roofs need 2 to 3 rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not stretch felt paper too tight. This causes wrinkles and tears when the paper shrinks. Never leave gaps between rows. Water will seep through and damage your wood deck.
Do not use old nails with the wrong fasteners. Use roofing nails with a wide head. According to This Old House, 31% of homeowners pursued roof repair or maintenance in the last 3 years, and most needed underlayment fixes. Proper felt installation prevents this need.
Installation Tips by Roof Type
| Roof Type | Felt Paper Tips |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | Use 15-lb felt paper. Overlap 2 inches. Most common choice. |
| Metal Roofing | Use synthetic felt. Prevents rust. Better durability than tar paper. |
| Wood Shakes | Use 30-lb felt paper for extra protection. |
According to RubyHome, asphalt shingles account for about 80% of roofing projects in the U.S., so most homeowners will use 15-pound felt paper. Synthetic felt costs more but lasts longer. Choose based on your budget and roof lifespan goals. According to industry data, architectural asphalt shingles last about 30 years, so your felt paper needs to protect your deck for that full period.
Related articles:
- How to Install Foam Closure Strips for Metal Roofing
- How to Install Metal Roofing on House
- How to Install Roofing Felt
- How Much Overlap on Roofing Felt
- How to Install Ridge Cap on Metal Roofing
- Is Roofing Felt Paper Waterproof
- Rubber Roofing How to Install
- How to Install Asphalt Roll Roofing
- What Is the Best Roofing Felt for Sheds
Contact a qualified roofing services for expert guidance on roof repair, replacement, or installation.