Nailing Down the Facts: A Handy Guide to Roof Tar Paper

Hello home improvement enthusiasts! Today, imagine we put on our hard hats and, quite literally, hit the roof. We're going to talk about a subtle superstar in the roofing game that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves: roof tar paper! Most people haven't even heard about it, but there's more to this brownish-black material than meets the eye.

Unraveling the Roof Tar Paper Mystery

Roof tar paper, also known as roofing felt or underlayment, is a heavy-duty paper saturated with asphalt. It acts as a barrier between your shingles and your roof's decking, offering a secondary line of defense against Mother Nature's fierce elements. In essence, it’s like the unsung hero of roof protection.

If your roof was a rock band, shingles would be the lead singer, metal flashing would play lead guitar, while tar paper would unassumingly be tapping away on drums, kicking major protection without the spotlight.

To Use or Not To Use? That is the Question

As a skilled DIY'er or even as a roofing newbie, you may wonder if roof tar paper is indeed necessary. The answer is a loud, resounding YES! While roof tar paper may not be legally required in every jurisdiction, it's always a highly recommended best practice. It's like getting an insurance policy for your roof — better safe than sorry.

While your shingles are the primary shower-cap of your house, keeping off rain and snow, tar paper operates like a vigilant army, protecting against condensation, wind-driven rain, and ice dams. In addition, it gives your shingles a smoother surface to lay on and can even increase the lifespan of your roof by reducing wood deck rot.

Roll Out the Red... Oops! I Mean the Tar Paper

Alright, let's dive into the really fun part— the installation process. It's like playing real-life Tetris, only this time, it's your roof we're piecing together. But fear not! I'm here to guide you all the way.

Step 1: Stay Safe

Firstly, safety is paramount. Roof work can be dangerous, so ensure adequate safety measures are in place. Use a safety harness and have a buddy system.

Step 2: Roll Out the Tar Paper

Beginning at the lower edge of your roof, roll out the first course of roofing paper. Ensure it overhangs the edge of the roof by a half of an inch. Then staple the paper into the decking, using roofing staples fitted in a staple gun.

Step 3: Install the Next Courses

As you roll out the next course, make sure it overlaps the previous course by a minimum of two inches to create an effective barrier against any infiltrating water. And remember, the more, the merrier! The longer your overlap, the more protection you're offering your roof.

Step 4: Adding Shingles

Only after the entire roof is covered with tar paper, we bring on our lead singer - the shingles.

There you go! You're now armed with the nitty-gritty of roof tar paper.

Picking The Right Beat: The Types of Roof Tar Paper

As with any rock band, not every drummer uses the same drumsticks. Similarly, there are different types of tar paper, each appropriate for different kinds of roofing projects.

Let’s break it down. The two main types of tar paper are No.15 felt and No.30 felt. The No.30 felt is thicker and offers more protection. However, it's also more expensive and trickier to install. No.15 is lighter, cheaper, and a popular choice for residential roofing projects.

Jamming Up

Well, that's the lowdown on roof tar paper, folks! Now you're all set to rock the roof, armed with your shiny new drumsticks (read: tar paper roll). It may seem like a massive project, but believe me, once you get going, it's as fun as a DIY task can get.

Remember, a superior roof isn't just about fancy tiles or expensive shingles. It's also about the hidden helpers like roof tar paper that provide a strong defense against those nasty weather elements. So, go ahead and roll out that tar paper. Let’s keep those roofs over our heads rocking for years to come!