Replacing roof felt is an essential maintenance task that can extend the life of your roof and protect your home from the elements. Over time, roof felt can become compromised due to weather conditions, wear and tear, or age, leading to leaks and other issues. This guide will walk you through how to replace roof felt, ensuring you have the necessary tools and knowledge for a successful project. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or tackling this task for the first time, following these instructions will help you achieve a reliable and long-lasting roof repair.
What is Roof Felt?
Roof felt, also known as underlayment or tar paper, is a protective layer installed beneath the shingles of a roof. This material is typically made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers that are saturated with asphalt, making it both durable and water-resistant. The primary purpose of roof felt is to provide an extra barrier against moisture and weather elements, preventing water penetration into the roofing structure and ultimately into the home.
Additionally, roof felt offers a cushioning effect that helps protect shingles from being damaged by impacts and contributes to overall roof longevity. It serves as a crucial component in maintaining the roof’s integrity, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Leaks in the Attic or Ceiling
If you notice leaks in the attic or ceiling, it’s a clear sign that your roof felt may be compromised and requires immediate attention. These leaks can occur due to several reasons, such as damaged shingles, improperly installed felt, or natural wear over time. Water seeping through can lead to significant damage, including mold growth, structural decay, and interior water stains. It’s crucial to address leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your home’s integrity. Replacing the roof felt and ensuring a proper installation can help mitigate these issues, protecting your home from future water damage and preserving its value.
10 Methods How to Replace Roof Felt
1. Assessing the Condition of the Roof and Roof Felt
Before you begin replacing roof felt, it’s essential to assess the overall condition of both the roof and the felt beneath. Start by examining the exterior of the roof for signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, areas where the roof is sagging, or spots where the felt is visibly deteriorating. Pay close attention to areas prone to leaks, like around chimneys, skylights, or vents. If there is significant damage to the roof deck itself, replacing just the felt won’t be enough—more extensive repairs may be necessary. Once you have a clear understanding of the damage, determine whether the felt can be repaired or if it requires full replacement.
2. Removing the Old Roofing Materials
After assessing the roof, the next step is to remove the old roofing materials. This involves carefully lifting off the shingles or tiles that cover the roof felt. Use a roofing shovel or a pry bar to gently lift the edges of the shingles, working from the edge of the roof upward. Be cautious not to damage the shingles, especially if they are still in good condition and will be reused. Once the shingles are removed, discard any nails or fasteners still embedded in the roof deck, as these can interfere with the installation of the new felt. Additionally, clear away any debris, dust, or remnants of the old roofing material that may have accumulated.
3. Inspecting the Roof Deck
Once the old roofing materials and felt are removed, the roof deck will be exposed. At this stage, it is vital to thoroughly inspect the deck for any signs of damage, rot, or deterioration. Look for any soft spots, holes, or warped wood that could indicate the presence of moisture or structural issues. If any damaged areas are found, replace the affected sections of the decking before installing new felt. This is a critical step, as the roof felt will only be effective if it is applied to a solid, stable surface.
4. Measuring and Cutting the New Felt
Before you begin installing the new felt, take precise measurements of the roof to determine how much material is needed. Measure both the length and width of the roof, ensuring that you account for all areas, including dormers, valleys, and other features. Once measured, use a utility knife to cut the felt to size. It’s essential to leave enough overlap between felt sections—typically, about 3 to 4 inches—to ensure there are no gaps where water could penetrate. Cutting the felt accurately and leaving adequate overlap will help create a strong, seamless protective barrier against moisture.
5. Laying the New Felt
With the felt cut to size, you can begin laying it onto the roof deck. Start at the lower edge of the roof, ensuring the first layer extends slightly beyond the eave to facilitate proper water runoff. Roll the felt out horizontally, aligning it with the roof edge. As you work, be mindful to smooth out any wrinkles or folds in the felt, as these can create gaps where water might pool and seep through. Once the first strip is laid, work your way upward, overlapping each subsequent strip with the one below it.
This layering method ensures that any water running down the roof will flow over the seams rather than into them. Take your time to ensure that the felt is securely in place before moving to the next section.
6. Securing the Felt with Roofing Nails
Once the new felt is in position, secure it to the roof deck using roofing nails or staples. Place the nails along the edges and at regular intervals—typically every 6 to 8 inches—across the felt to hold it securely in place. It’s essential to fasten the felt tightly without over-driving the nails, which could tear the material. Additionally, ensure that the nails are evenly spaced and placed in the overlap sections where the felt strips meet. This ensures that the felt stays in place during high winds and prevents it from shifting over time. Properly securing the felt with nails will help it stay adhered to the deck, providing maximum protection against weather-related damage.
7. Applying Felt Around Roof Penetrations
Areas where the roof has penetrations, such as chimneys, skylights, and vents, require special attention during felt installation. For these areas, cut pieces of felt that are slightly larger than the penetrations themselves to ensure a proper fit. These pieces should overlap the main layers of felt, forming a watertight seal around the penetration. Additionally, install flashing around each penetration to direct water away and prevent leaks. Ensure that the flashing is positioned underneath the upper layer of felt, with a generous overlap to direct water flow. Using high-quality roofing tape or sealant around these areas can provide added protection against moisture infiltration.
8. Installing Felt on Roof Valleys
Roof valleys, where two roof slopes meet, are particularly vulnerable to water buildup and leaks. Installing felt properly in these areas is critical to ensure long-term protection. Begin by laying a wider piece of felt along the valley, ensuring that it extends up both slopes by several inches. This wider strip will act as an additional moisture barrier, reinforcing the protection in this vulnerable area. Once the valley felt is in place, continue with the regular felt installation, ensuring that the sections on either side of the valley overlap with the wider strip. This layered approach creates a continuous barrier that directs water away from the valley and off the roof.
9. Reinstalling Roofing Materials
After the new roof felt has been securely installed, it’s time to reinstall the roofing materials, such as shingles, tiles, or metal sheets. Start by laying the first row of shingles along the edge of the roof, securing them in place with nails or screws as recommended by the manufacturer. Work your way up the roof, ensuring each row overlaps the one below it, just as you did with the felt. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for spacing and fasteners to ensure the shingles stay in place. If you removed any flashing or trim during the felt replacement process, reinstall these components now as well.
10. Performing a Final Inspection
Once the shingles are back in place, conduct a thorough inspection of the entire roof to ensure the new felt and shingles are properly installed. Check for any areas where the felt may be exposed, shingles that are loose or misaligned, and ensure that all roof penetrations are properly sealed. Additionally, inspect the roof from the inside of the attic to check for any signs of leaks or water damage. This final inspection is crucial, as it allows you to catch any potential issues before they become larger problems.
Conclusion
Replacing roof felt is a critical step in maintaining the integrity and longevity of your roofing system. By following the methodical process outlined—from measuring and cutting the felt to securely fastening it and ensuring thorough protection around penetrations and valleys—you can significantly enhance your roof’s resilience against the elements. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to replace roof felt! We hope you found it helpful and informative.