Tips For Buying The Right Roofing Felt Or Tar Paper For Your Installation Job
by William Gerard
If you need a roof with brand new shingles, then you probably should replace the tar paper as well. This material helps to add a layer of protection to the roof so leaks are not an issue. And, like any other type of building material, you have quite a few options when it comes to the tar paper. Keep reading to learn about some tips that can help you in picking out the right material.
Find The Right Material
Roofing felt or tar paper may look pretty similar at your local home improvement store. However, the material may be constructed out of a few different materials. The most common is the traditional roofing felt which is a sheet of fiberglass soaked in waterproof bitumen. Common varieties use polyester instead of fiberglass and both options are relatively inexpensive and durable.
If you are looking for exceptional protection as well as a lightweight construction, then a TPO covering is best. TPO is a membrane made from a thermoplastic polyolefin. This is the same type of material that is used on flat commercial roofs and it is a great choice if you live in a cold weather area where a great deal of snow accumulates on your home. Specifically, the membrane will not add as much weight as traditional types of coverings.
If you are looking for more of an environmentally friendly material, then you can look at organic options made from rags and other types of recycled materials. However, make sure to check the strength ratings and longevity measurements of these materials since they may not last nearly as long.
Investigate Size
You may notice that roofing felt materials come in a variety of different sized rolls. And, while the smaller rolls may be cheaper and easier to work with, they will create more seams across the surface of the roof. When there are more openings and seams, there are more spots where water can seep into your home. So, try to construct your roof so there as few seams as possible. This means making sure the felt is a width that matches with your roof.
The most common felt rolls are about 36 inches wide, so look for these or for rolls that are wider than this.
You also want to make sure the felt or fabric is able to cover the square footage of your roof. This means the length of each roll matters. Both 50 and 100 foot rolls are common, so calculate the area of the roof before buying any rolls.
Contact a roof installation service for more help.
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!