Roofing Felt Vs Tar Paper

Felt paper also referred to as tar paper was the standard underlayment material in roofing for decades.

Roofing felt vs tar paper.

Of course it is a bit more technical than that but this is the basic idea behind how felt works. Synthetic underlayment started gaining popularity in the last decade. Felt is commonly sold in either 15 or 30 rolls measuring 36 inches wide. The sheathing paper specified by code irc is astm rated type 1 paper astm d226 an asphalt saturated felt tar paper which weighs a minimum of 11 5 pounds per square.

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. Generally speaking roofing felt is a felt paper that is soaked in asphalt and other water resistant compounds to produce a membrane. Long ago a 15 role actually weighed. Sometimes called roofing felt underlayment roofing tar paper or roll roofing this is a layer of protection installed between the roof deck and the roofing shingles.

Lighter than felt synthetic underlayment is just as easy to work with. Roofing felt offers an additional layer. Synthetic or felt roofing underlayment which is better. Roofing felt also known as tar paper provides a protective underlayment over the roof deck and beneath the shingles.

Most of the felt paper stocked by lumberyards today is either unrated 15 felt which typically weight around 7 or 8 lbs. Per square 100 sq. Item 656632 model 0903000. Ft or unrated 30 lb.

Gaf shingle mate 36 in x 144 ft 400 sq ft felt roof underlayment. For decades roofers have fitted a layer of felt over a roof s sheathing or roof deck before installing shingles. It also offers fire resistance required for home construction. Prospectors during the california gold rush covered the roofs of their temporary shacks with roofing felt also known as felt paper or tar paper.

It was easy to use durable and even had alignment lines to help with the shingle installation.