Roofing felt and tar paper are two common materials used for roofing underlayment.
Although they may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two. Understanding these differences is crucial for homeowners and contractors alike, as it can impact the performance and durability of the roof.
But what is the difference between roofing felt and tar paper?
Roofing felt is made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt, while tar paper is made of organic materials impregnated with tar. Roofing felt is more durable and offers better protection against moisture, but tar paper is more affordable and easier to install.
Additionally, synthetic underlayment has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its superior performance and durability compared to traditional roofing felt and tar paper.
Understanding Roofing Felt and Tar Paper
Roofing felt and tar paper are two common materials used in roofing. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two. In this section, we’ll explore what roofing felt and tar paper are, their differences, and their uses.
Roofing Felt
Roofing felt is a type of underlayment that is installed beneath the shingles or other roofing material. It is typically made of a synthetic, inorganic material known as asphalt. Roofing felt is sometimes referred to as “felt paper” or “asphalt felt.”
One of the benefits of roofing felt is that it offers more longevity than tar paper. It is also slip-resistant and can help prevent moisture damage. However, it may not be as rigid as tar paper.
Tar Paper
Tar paper, on the other hand, is made of tar. It is also a type of underlayment that is installed beneath the shingles or other roofing material. Tar paper is sometimes referred to as “roofing felt,” but this is not accurate.
While tar paper may not last as long as roofing felt, it does not leave a harmful carbon footprint on the environment. It is also less expensive than roofing felt.
Differences between Roofing Felt and Tar Paper
The main difference between roofing felt and tar paper is the material they are made of. Roofing felt is made of asphalt, while tar paper is made of tar. Roofing felt is also more slip-resistant and offers more longevity than tar paper. However, tar paper is less expensive and does not have a harmful impact on the environment.
Uses for Roofing Felt and Tar Paper
Both roofing felt and tar paper are commonly used as underlayment in roofing. They provide a layer of protection between the roofing material and the roof deck. They can also help prevent moisture damage and improve the overall longevity of the roof.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between roofing felt and tar paper can help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right material for your roofing project.
Composition and Material Differences
Composition of Roofing Felt
Roofing felt is a synthetic, inorganic material made of a fiberglass mat and saturated with asphalt. The mat is usually made of polyester, organic felt, or cellulose fibers. The asphalt used in roofing felt is a bitumen-based material that is melted and applied to the mat. The resulting material is then coated with another layer of asphalt to improve its water resistance.
Roofing felt is available in two weights: 15-pound and 30-pound felt. The 15-pound felt is thinner and lighter than the 30-pound felt, but it is also less durable and provides less protection against moisture. The 30-pound felt is thicker and heavier, making it more durable and providing better protection against moisture.
Composition of Tar Paper
Tar paper, also known as roofing felt, is made of a base material, such as polyester fleece or organic felt, that is saturated with asphalt. The asphalt used in tar paper is a bitumen-based material that is melted and applied to the base material. The resulting material is then coated with another layer of asphalt to improve its water resistance.
Tar paper is available in different weights, but it is generally thinner and lighter than roofing felt. It is also less durable and provides less protection against moisture than roofing felt.
In summary, roofing felt and tar paper are both made of a base material that is saturated with asphalt. However, roofing felt is a synthetic, inorganic material made of a fiberglass mat, while tar paper is made of a base material, such as polyester fleece or organic felt. Roofing felt is available in two weights: 15-pound and 30-pound felt, while tar paper is available in different weights but is generally thinner and lighter than roofing felt.
Installation Process
The installation process for roofing felt and tar paper is relatively similar. Both materials require professional installation by a roofer or contractor.
During installation, the roofer will typically start at the bottom of the roof and work their way up. They will lay the felt or tar paper in overlapping rows, securing it to the roof with roofing nails. The material should be pulled taut to ensure a smooth surface.
When installing roofing felt, it is important to note that it can be more difficult to work with than tar paper due to its weight and thickness. However, it does offer more longevity and better protection against moisture damage.
Tar paper, on the other hand, is generally easier to install due to its lighter weight and thinner profile. It is also highly affordable, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
Regardless of which material is used, it is essential to ensure that the installation is done correctly to prevent leaks and other issues down the line.
Overall, the installation process for roofing felt and tar paper is straightforward and can be completed by a professional with the right tools and expertise.
Performance and Durability
Water and Moisture Protection
Roofing felt and tar paper both offer excellent water and moisture protection. However, roofing felt provides better protection against water and moisture damage due to its ability to absorb moisture without losing its structural integrity. On the other hand, tar paper can become brittle and crack over time, leading to water leaks and damage.
Weather Protection
Both roofing felt and tar paper provide excellent protection against weather conditions such as wind, storms, and ice. However, roofing felt is more sun-resistant than tar paper, making it a better choice for areas with high sun exposure.
Longevity and Lifespan
Roofing felt has a longer lifespan than tar paper, making it a better choice for long-term roofing projects. Roofing felt can last up to 30 years, while tar paper typically lasts up to 15 years. Additionally, roofing felt has better tear resistance than tar paper, making it more durable in harsh weather conditions.
In summary, roofing felt is a better choice for long-term roofing projects due to its superior water and moisture protection, sun resistance, and longer lifespan. However, tar paper is a more affordable option for short-term roofing projects. Ultimately, the choice between roofing felt and tar paper depends on the specific needs and budget of the project.
Pros and Cons of Roofing Felt
Roofing felt is a popular underlayment material used in roofing applications. Here are some of the pros and cons of using roofing felt:
Pros
- Durability: Roofing felt is made of a synthetic, inorganic material known as asphalt, which offers more longevity than tar paper.
- Uniformity: Roofing felt is manufactured to strict standards, ensuring uniformity in thickness and quality.
- Effective Moisture Barrier: Roofing felt acts as an effective moisture barrier, preventing water from penetrating the roof and causing rot and mold.
- Maintenance: Roofing felt requires less maintenance than tar paper, making it a popular choice among homeowners and contractors.
- Price: Roofing felt is generally less expensive than other roofing underlayment materials, making it an affordable option for many homeowners.
Cons
- Slippery: Roofing felt can be slippery during installation, making it less safe to work with than tar paper.
- Less Eco-Friendly: Roofing felt is made from petroleum-based products and is not as environmentally friendly as other roofing underlayment materials.
- Less Effective in Extreme Temperatures: Roofing felt may not be as effective in extreme temperatures as other roofing underlayment materials.
Overall, roofing felt is an effective and affordable roofing underlayment material that offers durability, uniformity, and an effective moisture barrier. However, it may not be the best option for those looking for an eco-friendly material or for use in extreme temperatures.
Pros and Cons of Tar Paper
Tar paper, also known as roofing felt, is a popular underlayment choice for many homeowners. While it has its advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making a purchase decision.
Pros
- Highly affordable: Tar paper is one of the most economical roofing underlayment options available in the market. It is a great choice for homeowners who are on a tight budget.
- Moisture protection: Tar paper is effective at preventing moisture from penetrating the roof structure. It can help to prevent mold and rot from developing in the roof decking.
- Easy to install: Tar paper is relatively easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. It can be installed using staples, nails, or adhesive.
- Climate protection: Tar paper can provide a layer of insulation between the roof decking and the shingles. This can help to regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.
Cons
- Less durable: Tar paper is less durable than other roofing underlayment options. It is more susceptible to damage from wind, sun, and moisture, which can lead to rotting and cracking over time.
- Thinner: Tar paper is thinner than other underlayment options, which can make it less effective at preventing moisture from penetrating the roof structure.
- Less uniform: The thickness of tar paper can vary from one roll to another, which can make it difficult to achieve a consistent level of protection across the entire roof structure.
- Less effective: Tar paper is less effective at preventing moisture from penetrating the roof structure than other underlayment options, such as synthetic roofing felt.
In summary, tar paper is an affordable and easy-to-install option for homeowners who are on a tight budget. It can provide some protection against moisture and temperature fluctuations. However, it is less durable and effective than other underlayment options, which can lead to problems down the line.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to roofing, safety is of utmost importance. Both roofing felt and tar paper have their own safety considerations that should be taken into account.
Gripping Surface
Roofing felt has a rougher surface compared to tar paper, which can provide a better gripping surface for workers during installation. This can help prevent slips and falls.
Slipping
Tar paper, on the other hand, can be more slippery during installation, which can increase the risk of falls. It is important for workers to take extra precautions and use proper safety equipment when working with tar paper.
Safer
Overall, roofing felt is considered to be safer than tar paper due to its slip-resistant properties. However, it is important to note that both materials can be used safely when proper safety measures are taken.
Fire Ratings
When it comes to fire ratings, roofing felt is generally considered to be more fire-resistant than tar paper. This is because roofing felt is typically made from synthetic materials that are less flammable than the organic materials used in tar paper.
In conclusion, safety should always be a top priority when working with roofing materials. Both roofing felt and tar paper have their own safety considerations, and it is important for workers to take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Understanding Synthetic Underlayment
Composition of Synthetic Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment is a roofing material that is made from a combination of materials such as fiberglass fleece, polyethylene, and polypropylene. It is a type of synthetic roofing felt that is designed to provide a high level of protection against moisture and other weather elements.
Unlike traditional felt underlayment, synthetic underlayment is not made from organic materials, which means it is less susceptible to rotting and other forms of deterioration. It is also more resistant to tearing and puncturing, which makes it a more durable option for roofing projects.
Benefits of Synthetic Underlayment
One of the most significant benefits of synthetic underlayment is its longevity. Compared to traditional felt underlayment, synthetic underlayment is estimated to last for up to 40 years or more. It is also more resistant to UV rays, which means it can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without deteriorating.
Another benefit of synthetic underlayment is its water resistance. It is designed to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture, which helps to prevent water damage to the roof deck and other structural components of the roof.
In addition to its durability and water resistance, synthetic underlayment is also lightweight and easy to install. It can be cut to size and installed quickly, which helps to reduce the overall installation time and cost.
Overall, synthetic underlayment is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for a roofing material that is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to moisture and other weather elements. It is also a cost-effective option that can help to reduce the overall cost of a roofing project.
Comparing Roofing Felt, Tar Paper, and Synthetic Underlayment
Roofing felt, tar paper, and synthetic underlayment are all types of underlayments used in roofing. They serve as a protective layer between the roof deck and the shingles or other roofing materials. Each type of underlayment has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss below.
Roofing Felt
Roofing felt, also known as tar paper, is made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt. It is available in two weights – 15 and 30 pounds per square. The higher the weight, the more durable the felt will be. Felt is easy to work with, and it is often used as a temporary roof covering during construction. It is also a cost-effective option for underlayment.
One of the disadvantages of roofing felt is that it is not as durable as synthetic underlayment. It can tear easily during installation, especially in hot weather. Felt is also not as resistant to moisture as synthetic underlayment, which can lead to mold and rot if water gets trapped underneath.
Tar Paper
Tar paper is similar to roofing felt in that it is made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt. However, tar paper is made with a heavier coating of asphalt, which makes it more water-resistant than roofing felt. It is also more durable and less likely to tear during installation.
One of the drawbacks of tar paper is that it is heavier than roofing felt, which can make it more difficult to handle during installation. It is also more expensive than roofing felt.
Synthetic Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment is a newer type of underlayment that is becoming more popular in the roofing industry. It is made of a woven or spun polyethylene or polypropylene material, which makes it more durable and resistant to tearing than roofing felt or tar paper. Synthetic underlayment is also more resistant to moisture than roofing felt, which can help prevent mold and rot.
One of the advantages of synthetic underlayment is that it is lighter than roofing felt or tar paper, which makes it easier to handle during installation. It is also more expensive than roofing felt, but less expensive than tar paper.
| Type of Underlayment | Weight | Durability | Water Resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing Felt | 15-30 lb/sq | Less Durable | Less Water-Resistant | Cost-Effective |
| Tar Paper | Heavy Coating | More Durable | More Water-Resistant | Expensive |
| Synthetic Underlayment | Lightweight | More Durable | More Water-Resistant | Moderately Expensive |
In conclusion, each type of underlayment has its own advantages and disadvantages. Roofing felt is cost-effective but less durable and water-resistant. Tar paper is more durable and water-resistant but heavier and more expensive. Synthetic underlayment is more durable and water-resistant than roofing felt but more expensive. The choice of underlayment will depend on the specific needs of the roofing project.
Choosing the Right Underlayment for Your Home
When it comes to roofing underlayment, there are two main types to choose from: roofing felt and tar paper. Both types provide a layer of protection between the roof sheathing and the shingles, but they have some differences that homeowners should consider when selecting the right underlayment for their home.
Roof Protection
Roofing felt is made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials and is typically thicker and heavier than tar paper. It provides a higher level of protection against moisture and wind-driven rain, making it a good choice for homes in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Tar paper, on the other hand, is a bit thinner and lighter than roofing felt. While it still provides some protection against moisture, it may not hold up as well in areas with heavy rainfall or high winds.
Backup Protection
In addition to protecting the roof from moisture, underlayment also serves as a backup protection in case the shingles are damaged or blown off during a storm. Roofing felt is a bit more durable than tar paper and provides a stronger backup protection against water infiltration.
Vapor Barrier
Both roofing felt and tar paper can also serve as a vapor barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into the attic and causing damage to insulation and other materials. However, roofing felt is a bit more effective at blocking moisture than tar paper.
Design
Roofing felt is available in a few different colors, including black, white, and gray, which can help homeowners match the underlayment to the color of their shingles. Tar paper typically only comes in black.
Cost
Roofing felt is generally more expensive than tar paper, but it also provides a higher level of protection and durability. Homeowners should consider their budget and the climate in their area when deciding which underlayment to choose.
In summary, when choosing the right underlayment for your home, consider the level of protection you need, the climate in your area, and your budget. Both roofing felt and tar paper can provide effective underlayment for your roof, but roofing felt may be a better choice for areas with harsh weather conditions and a higher risk of moisture infiltration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both roofing felt and tar paper are popular choices for roofing underlayment. While they have some similarities, they differ in several ways.
Roofing felt is made of organic materials, such as wood pulp and asphalt, and is thicker and more durable than tar paper. It offers excellent moisture protection, reduces sound, acts as a compression layer, and provides weather protection. However, it is more expensive than tar paper and may require professional installation.
Tar paper, on the other hand, is made of nonorganic materials and is highly affordable. It is a strong waterproofer and has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts. However, it is not as durable as roofing felt and may not offer the same level of protection against moisture and weather.
Ultimately, the choice between roofing felt and tar paper will depend on several factors, including budget, climate, and personal preference. It is important to consult with a roofing contractor or refer to reputable roofing resources before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of roofing paper?
There are three main types of roofing paper: asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic underlayment, and rubberized asphalt. Asphalt-saturated felt, also known as roofing felt, is made of organic materials like paper or felt and is coated with asphalt for waterproofing. Synthetic underlayment is made of high-density polypropylene or polyester and is more durable than roofing felt. Rubberized asphalt is a more expensive option that provides better protection against water and UV rays.
Is roofing felt the same as tar paper?
No, roofing felt and tar paper are not the same. Tar paper is made of tar-coated paper or fiberglass, while roofing felt is made of organic or synthetic materials coated with asphalt. Roofing felt is more durable than tar paper and provides better protection against moisture.
What are the benefits of using roofing felt?
Roofing felt provides an extra layer of protection between the roof and the shingles, helping to prevent leaks and water damage. It also helps to reduce noise and acts as a cushioning layer, protecting the shingles from damage caused by foot traffic during installation. Additionally, roofing felt can help to extend the life of the roof by providing a barrier against moisture and UV rays.
How long does roofing felt last?
The lifespan of roofing felt depends on several factors, including the quality of the material, the climate, and the installation method. Generally, roofing felt can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, with higher-quality materials lasting longer.
What is the cost of roofing felt compared to tar paper?
Roofing felt is generally more expensive than tar paper, but it provides better protection and lasts longer. The cost of roofing felt can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the material, as well as the size of the roof.
What are some alternatives to using tar paper for roofing?
There are several alternatives to using tar paper for roofing, including synthetic underlayment, rubberized asphalt, and ice and water shield. Synthetic underlayment is more durable than tar paper and provides better protection against moisture. Rubberized asphalt is a more expensive option that provides better protection against water and UV rays. Ice and water shield is a self-adhesive membrane that provides excellent protection against leaks and water damage.