How To Install Roofing Paper

Be careful when you trim back the felt paper so you don t slice into the underlayment.

How to install roofing paper. Finish installing felt paper on the rest of the roof overlapping the self stick underlayment. Before securing the end of a row take time to walk the row smoothing out any rough spots and matching up the snapped chalk lines. This will keep water farther away from the inside corner of the fascia. 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.

It also acts as a layer of insulation and water protection underneath roof shingles. Smooth application of the roofing paper will help you achieve a smooth installation of the shingles. Roofing felt prevents the deck from being exposed to the elements before or while the shingles are being applied. If you re using an ice or water shield place this first and then install the tar paper.

Photo 7 shows the underlayment covering the felt on one edge a couple of inches. 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. Installing roofing paper or felt is an essential element to construct a waterproof roofing system. Whether you re building a new house or putting a new roof on your existing house installing tar paper first helps waterproof the roof and prevent leaks.

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. Paper can be fitted around vent pipes by cutting a slit and then putting it over the pipe.