Roofing felt and tar paper are two materials that are commonly used in roofing projects. While they are both used to protect the roof from water damage, there are some key differences between the two materials.
Knowing how roofing felt and tar paper are alike and how they are different can help you decide which material is best for your roofing project.
Is roofing felt the same as tar paper?
Roofing felt and tar paper is not exactly the same, but they are similar. Roofing felt is a type of roofing underlayment that is made from a blend of organic and synthetic materials, such as felt paper or fiberglass. It is designed to provide a barrier between the roof deck and the shingles to protect against moisture and other environmental factors.
Tar paper, also known as roofing paper, is a heavy-duty roofing underlayment that is made from asphalt-saturated paper. It is designed to provide higher durability and tear resistance compared to the roofing felt and was once typically used for steep-slope roofing applications.
While roofing felt and tar paper serve similar purposes, they have different properties and are used for different types of roofing applications.
What are the differences between roofing felt and tar paper?
What it’s made of
Roofing felt is typically made from organic materials such as cellulose-based recycled paper or wood fibers that are saturated with asphalt.
Tar paper, on the other hand, is made of heavy-duty paper that is coated with asphalt and then covered with a layer of mineral granules for added protection.
Moisture protection
Both roofing felt and tar paper are designed to provide moisture protection for the roof deck. Roofing felt provides a barrier against moisture, preventing it from reaching the roof deck and causing damage.
Tar paper provides only a slightly lower level of moisture protection even though it is denser and thicker than roofing felt.
Cost-effectiveness
In terms of cost-effectiveness, roofing felt is generally a bit less expensive than tar paper. However, tar paper is more tear resistant, so it may be worth the extra cost in the long run.
Installation process
The installation process for roofing felt and tar paper is relatively similar. Both require a clean, dry surface and should be installed in overlapping shingle-style layers to ensure maximum coverage.
Leakage prevention
Both roofing felt and tar paper are designed to prevent leaks in the roof. However, tar paper is less effective against leaks, but is thicker and more durable than roofing felt.
Lifespan
The lifespan of roofing felt and tar paper can vary, but roofing felt is typically considered to have a longer lifespan of about 20 to 30 years due to its durability and protection against moisture and other elements.
Tar paper is said to last only around 15 years.
Repair and replacement
Repairing or replacing roofing felt and tar paper is relatively straightforward, as long as the damaged area is properly cleaned and prepared before the repair or replacement is made.
Warranties and guarantees
Both roofing felt and tar paper typically comes with similar warranties or guarantees from the manufacturer which typically between 10 to 25 years.
These warranties or guarantees can vary in length and scope, so it is important to carefully review the terms before making a purchase.
What are the similarities between roofing felt and tar paper?
Purpose
Both roofing felt and tar paper serve the same basic purpose, which is to provide a protective barrier between the roof deck and the roofing material. This helps to prevent moisture from reaching the roof deck and causing damage.
Installation
Both roofing felt and tar paper are installed in a similar way. They are both applied in overlapping layers, like shingles, to provide complete coverage of the roof deck.
Durability
While tar paper is generally considered to be more durable in terms of tearing than roofing felt, both materials are designed to withstand the elements and provide protection for the roof deck.
Cost
While tar paper is typically more expensive than roofing felt, both materials are relatively affordable options for roofing underlayment.
Maintenance
Both roofing felt and tar paper require very little maintenance once they are installed. They should be inspected periodically, about once or twice a year, for damage and repaired as needed, but they do not require regular cleaning or upkeep.
Versatility
Both roofing felt and tar paper can be used on a variety of different roof types and slopes, making them versatile options for protecting the roof deck.
Comparison chart: roofing felt vs. tar paper
| Feature | Roofing Felt | Tar Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a protective barrier between the roof deck and roofing material | To provide a protective barrier between the roof deck and roofing material |
| What it’s made of | Organic materials such as recycled paper or wood fibers saturated with asphalt | Heavy-duty paper coated with asphalt and covered with mineral granules |
| Moisture Protection | Excellent | Good |
| Cost-effectiveness | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Installation Process | Overlapping shingle-style layers | Overlapping shingle-style layers |
| Leakage Prevention | Good | Good |
| Durability | Longer lifespan (20 to 30 years) | Longer lifespan (about 15 years) |
| Maintenance | Requires very little maintenance | Requires very little maintenance |
| Repair and Replacement | Straightforward | Straightforward |
| Versatility | Can be used on a variety of roof types and slopes | Can be used on a variety of roof types and slopes |
| Warranties and Guarantees | Usually offered by manufacturer (sometimes longer than tar paper) | Usually offered by manufacturer |
What type of roof should use roofing felt or tar paper?
Roofing felt or tar paper can be used under a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and tile roofs.
The choice between roofing felt and tar paper will depend on several factors, including cost, durability, and the specific roofing needs of the property.
Roofing felt is a good option for low-slope roofs because it is inexpensive and keeps water out well enough. It is also a good choice for roofs in regions with moderate weather conditions, as it has a relatively long lifespan of about 20–30 years.
On the other hand, tar paper is made of thick paper that is coated with asphalt and then covered with small mineral granules. It costs more than roofing felt, but it does a better job of keeping out water and lasts about 15 years longer. Tar paper is a good choice for steep-slope roofs or roofs in regions with severe weather conditions, as it is more durable, thicker, and more tear-resistant.
Are roofing felt and tar paper waterproof?
Even though roofing felt and tar paper are not completely waterproof, they are made to keep water out.
Roofing felt provides better water resistance compared to tar paper. The organic materials, such as recycled paper or wood fibers saturated with asphalt, used in roofing felt make it a good barrier against moisture. Even though roofing felt might not be completely waterproof, it does a good job of keeping water out.
On the other hand, roofing paper is a heavy-duty paper that is coated with asphalt and covered with mineral granules. It does a great job of keeping water out and is only slightly less resistant to water getting in than roofing felt. However, tar paper may not be as effective as roofing felt in resisting water.
When to choose roofing felt over tar paper
- Low-slope roofs: Roofing felt is ideal for low-slope roofs as it is relatively inexpensive and provides adequate protection against moisture.
- Severe weather conditions: If the roof is located in a region with severe weather conditions, roofing felt is a better choice as it has a longer lifespan of around 20-30 years.
- Cost considerations: If cost is a concern, roofing felt is a more economical choice compared to tar paper.
- Lightweight roofing material: Roofing felt is a lighter option compared to tar paper and may be better if the roofing structure is not able to support a heavy material.
- Improved protection against moisture: Roofing felt provides better protection against moisture compared to tar paper and may be a better choice in areas where there is a higher risk of water damage.
When to choose tar paper over roofing felt
- Steep-slope roofs: Tar paper is ideal for steep-slope roofs as it provides better protection against moisture compared to the roofing felt. However, these days, steep slopes have been replaced by a rubber sheeting called ice and water shield.
- Moderate weather conditions: If the roof is located in a region with moderate weather conditions, tar paper is a good choice as it has a relatively good lifespan of about 10-15 years.
- Durability considerations: If durability is a concern, tar paper is a more durable option compared to the roofing felt.
- Heavy roofing material: Tar paper is a heavier option compared to roofing felt and may be a better choice if the roofing structure is able to support a heavier material.
Which is more common, roofing felt or tar paper?
Roofing felt is more commonly used than tar paper. Roofing felt is an option that doesn’t cost too much and doesn’t weigh too much, but it does a good job of keeping water out. It is widely used for low-slope roofing applications and is popular among homeowners and contractors who are looking for an affordable solution.
On the other hand, tar paper is heavier and more durable, but it doesn’t protect as well against moisture. It used to be used most often on steep-slope roofs, and contractors and builders who wanted a long-lasting solution liked it.
Roofing felt and tar paper may be more or less popular in different places and for different kinds of homes.
Are roofing felt and tar paper interchangeable?
In situations where the preferred option is not available, either roofing felt or tar paper can be used as an alternative between each other.
However, it is important to understand the differences between the two and how they perform in different conditions.
Choose the right type of underlayment based on the property’s needs and the type of roof that will be put on. This will make sure that the roof is protected from moisture and other environmental factors.
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