How To Apply Roofing Paper

Apply tar paper directly to the plain plywood or other material that defines the shape of your roof.

How to apply roofing paper.

Roofing felt prevents the deck from being exposed to the elements before or while the shingles are being applied. It improves look and uniformity because your roof deck might not lie perfectly straight or flat a layer of roof paper gives an even uniform surface upon which you can install your shingles. It is commonly called 15lb paper. 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.

Measure the size of your roof in square feet. Many rolls are pre striped allowing installers to keep a straight line when applying roll strips to the roof side by side. Most roofing suppliers carry 15 lb. To apply rolled roofing you ll need your roof measurements a broom chalk to mark lines a razor blade to cut the material roofing cement nails and a hammer to hold down the material.

All drip edges along roof eaves valley liners and flashing need to be installed before the roof paper layer is laid down. For most applications 15 lb. Install flashings metal self adhesive or both as recommended by the window or door manufacturer or as required by local codes. 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.

Visit your local hardware store and ask for enough rolled roofing to fit the area of your roof. Taking the time to properly prepare the sheathing will make all the difference in how quickly and easily the felt paper is installed. Install pieces in the correct order and make cuts carefully so any moisture can travel downward at all points without slipping under the wrap. Felt or building paper must be applied to walls properly to be effective.

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. Felt if you plan to leave the paper exposed for more than a couple of days because it wrinkles less then 15 lb. Measure the width and height of each section. Felt doesn t tear as easily so it s safer to walk on when you re working on steeper pitches.