Roofing Tar Paper Overlap

Overlapping the tar paper layers to create a seal.

Roofing tar paper overlap.

As you work the paper can be tacked down in the center so it won t blow away. Start at the bottom of the roofline and work up so any water that gets through the roofing material will shed down the tar paper and will not go under it. Once you get close to the top add another layer of felt so that you overlap the ridge of your roof by about 1 foot 0 30 m. Position the next course of tar paper farther up the roof so that its lower edge overlaps the upper edge of the paper in the first course by 1 foot.

Once the tar is applied tar paper can be carefully placed on top of the hot tar using a mop to sink the paper into the asphalt. This overhang will ensure water will not enter underneath the paper getting trapped on top of the wood roof planks. Even if there s older tar paper in place you should simply rip it off and replace it. It is used for temporary roofing for weatherproofing and as an underlayment under shingles or other permanent roofing materials.

Some roofers prefer to attach felt underlayment with 1 inch roofing nails or special nails with plastic washers but most codes allow staples which are easier to drive. Staple down the tar paper. Tack it firmly in place. Install all subsequent courses with the same overlap until the top edge of the paper is within 6 inches of the roof s peak.

Experienced professionals never allow the hot tar to clump up or build up in any area. Roof felt also known as tar paper is a waterproof fiberglass product. Make sure the rolls overlap by at least four inches and staple them into place on the wood. Climb onto the roof and lay a second strip of tar paper above the first strip overlapping it by about 5 inches.

The overlapping felt creates a secondary barrier for moisture and wicks water away from the shingles above and the sheathing below. Step 6 overlap next roll. Therefore a 2 inch overlap provides redundancy at the edges where the barrier is weakest. The roofing felt should be applied in layers that overlap.

Roll the roof paper up and over the peak. Roofing felt is required to overlap 2 inches over the lower felt course. Secure the outside edges with plastic capped roofing nails at 12 inch intervals. Continue overlapping strips up each side of the roof.

Step 4 over the peak. Before applying roofing you ll need to cover the sheathing with roofing felt also often called tar paper most local codes call for using 30 pound felt. Step 5 secure ends.