Roll roof felt

Types of roll roof felt

Roll roof felt is a type of roofing material made of asphalt-saturated felt paper. It is used as an underlayment for roofs. Roofers install it to provide extra moisture protection for the roof deck. Below are the different types of roll roof felt.

• Fiberglass felt

  Fiberglass felt is a roofing material that uses waterproof plastic or resin to hold the asphalt. The key features of fiberglass roof felt include the following. It is waterproof, durable, and lighter than other roofing felt. In addition, fiberglass roofing felt is less likely to be damaged by heat or cut through sharp objects.

  There are two main types of fiberglass roofing felt: smooth and gravel.

  Smooth fiberglass roofing felt has a flat surface without any texture. It is easy to install and create a seamless finish. On the other hand, gravel fiberglass roofing felt has a rough surface covered with small stones or gravel. The stones provide extra protection from the sun and bad weather.

• Asphalt felt

  Asphalt felt is a type of roofing material made of felt coated with asphalt. The asphalt makes it waterproof and more durable. The key features of asphalt felt include:

  - It is waterproof and protects roofs from leaks.

  - It is lightweight, cheaper, and easy to install.

  - It comes in different thicknesses and grades.

  - It is fire-resistant and protects roofs from bad weather.

  - It is available in black and dark brown colors.

  There are two main types of asphalt felt:

  - The Asphalt-saturated felt, which is lightweight and cheaper, and the Rubberized asphalt felt, which is more waterproof and durable.

Function and feature of roll roof felt

Whether using felt as a roof covering or as an underlayment, it provides several important functions.

• Moisture Barrier

  When installed correctly, roofing felt acts as a moisture barrier. It stops water from seeping through the roof and into the house. This is especially important during the construction phase when the roof is not yet finished.

• Temperature Control

  Roofing felt helps control the temperature inside the house. It reflects some of the sun's heat away in the summer and helps keep the heat in during winter.

• Protection from Wind and Debris

  Roofing felt protects the roof deck from wind-driven rain, debris, and extreme temperatures. This helps prevent damage to the roof deck wood and extends the life of the roof.

• Easy Installation

  Installing roll roofing felt is a simple process. Just roll it out over the roof deck or existing roof and secure it with staples or nails. This makes adding extra protection quick and cost-effective.

• Cost-Effectiveness

  Roofing felt is a very affordable material. It provides excellent protection for its low cost. Using felt as an underlayment can save money without skimping on quality.

• Durability

  Quality roofing felts are durable and long-lasting. They can withstand tearing, puncturing, and extreme weather conditions. This ensures strong protection for many years.

• Breathability

  Some types of roofing felts are breathable. They allow moisture from the house to escape while preventing water from entering. This helps prevent mold and maintains good indoor air quality.

• Fire Resistance

  Certain roof felt types have fire-resistant properties. This adds an extra layer of safety by slowing down the spread of flames in case of a fire.

• Noise Reduction

  The thickness of roofing felt helps reduce noise from rain, hail, and wind. This makes for a quieter home, even during storms.

• UV Protection

  Some roofing felts have UV-resistant coatings. This protects the underlayment and roof structure from the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays.

• Eco-Friendly Options

  There are eco-friendly roofing felt products made from recycled materials or sustainable sources. These perform as well as traditional felts while being better for the environment.

Scenarios of roll roof felt

Roofing felt serves many functions in the construction and roofing industries. It is used in different scenarios, including:

• Residential roofing: Roofing felt is commonly used in residential homes. It acts as a waterproof barrier, protecting the roof deck from water damage. It is also used as an underlayment for asphalt shingles. Roofing felt comes in two main types: organic and synthetic. Organic felt is made from recycled paper materials, asphalt, and tar. It is used mostly for sloped roofs. Synthetic felt is made from polymers such as polyethylene. It is lightweight and more popular than organic roofing felt.
• Commercial roofing: Roll roof felt is used in commercial flat roofs. It acts as a waterproof barrier to protect the roof deck from water damage. It is also used as an underlayment for built-up and modified bitumen roofing systems. There are two main types of roofing felt used for commercial roofs. The fiberglass-based roofing felt is lightweight and easy to handle. The polyester-based roofing felt is more durable and resistant to tearing.
• Underlayment: Roofing felt is used as an underlayment in asphalt shingle roofs. It provides an additional layer of protection against water infiltration. It also protects the roof deck from UV damage during the roof installation process. The felt roofing supplies are commonly used as underlayment because they are cost-effective and easy to install.
• Vapor barrier: Vapor barrier is a material that prevents moisture from moving. Roofing felt acts as a vapor barrier in some roofing systems. It helps to regulate moisture and prevent condensation. This keeps the roof deck dry and prevents mold growth. The roofing felt rolls are not as effective as dedicated vapor barriers. However, they can still be used in low-humidity environments.
• Temporary weather protection: Roofing felt is used to provide temporary weather protection during the construction process. It helps to keep the roof deck dry until the final roofing materials are installed. This prevents water damage to the roof deck. Felt paper is easy to install and provides effective waterproofing.
• Sidewalls: Roll roof felt can be applied to sidewalls. It acts as a weather barrier. It prevents wind-driven rain from penetrating sidewalls. It also protects the exterior wall sheathing from moisture damage. Additionally, roofing felt can be used to provide a water-resistant barrier on exterior walls during the construction of new homes or renovations.

How to Choose Roll Roof Felt

When choosing felt roofing materials, there are several factors that need to be considered to ensure one stocks the right materials. These factors include:

• Quality and Durability:

  Business owners should look for high-quality roofing felt that is durable and long-lasting. They can check the specifications of the roll roofing felt to ensure it is thick and made from strong materials. They can also check if it has been treated with UV and heat coatings.

• Type of Roofing Felt:

  There are different types of roll roofing felt, and it is important for buyers to get the suitable one for their intended applications. For instance, asphalt-saturated felt is suitable for residential roofing projects, while fiberglass roofing felt is suitable for low-sloped roofs.

• Climate Suitability:

  Climate conditions play an important role in determining the suitability of different roofing materials. Buyers should get roofing felt that is suitable for the climate conditions of the regions where it will be used. For instance, buyers in regions with high temperatures can choose reflective roofing materials, while those in rainy regions can get roofing felt with high water resistance.

• Installation Requirements:

  Business owners should also consider the installation requirements of different roofing materials. Some roofing materials are easy to install and are more suitable for low-sloped roofs, while others require professional skills and are ideal for steep roofs. It is important to choose roofing materials that are compatible with the installation skills of the contractor.

• Cost:

  Cost is also an important factor when choosing roofing felt. Business owners should get roofing materials that are within their budget. However, it is also important to balance between quality and price to ensure the selected materials are of good quality. Buying from reputable manufacturers is a good way to achieve this.

roll roof felt Q & A

Q: What is the difference between felt roofing and roll roofing?

A: Felt roofing consists of felt material laid on top of the roof deck. It acts as a vapor barrier and insulation. Roll roofing uses asphalt felt similar to shingles but is installed in sheets. It serves as a primary roof covering.

Q: How long does a roll roof last?

A: A roll roof can last between 15 to 25 years. This duration depends on factors such as the quality of the roofing material, the pitch of the roof, and the installation process. Flat roofs have more wear and tear than angled roofs.

Q: Is roof felt the same as roofing felt?

A: Yes, roof felt and roofing felt are the same. It is used as an underlayment for roofs to provide moisture protection. There are different types of roofing felt, such as asphalt-saturated and fiberglass.

Q: Can a roof last 100 years?

A: Yes, a roof can last for up to 100 years. However, this will depend on several factors. These include the type of roofing material, quality, pitch, installation process, and environmental conditions.

Q: What are the disadvantages of felt roofing?

A: One of the main disadvantages of felt roofing is its longevity. It does not last as long as other roofing materials, such as asphalt. Environment conditions like UV light and extreme weather can damage felt roofing. It also requires regular maintenance to remain in good condition.