Common Roof Issues With Roofing Felt
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When This Inner Layer Needs Repair LOA Has the Solution
The only way to have a durable roof is for all of the components to work together seamlessly – literally. The roofing system needs to be watertight to prevent roof leaks. The roofing felt may be hidden under layers of roofing material, but it’s playing an important role.
When the roofing felt is damaged the problems could continue downward to the roof deck and beyond. But detecting these problems isn’t always easy, and there are a number of factors that could be contributing to roofing felt damage.
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Why Roofing Felt May Need Repair
Roofing felt, also known as roofing tar paper or underlayment, is above the roof deck and below the outer roofing material. It’s a waterproof barrier that’s made of felt paper covered with a layer of asphalt. Just like other parts of the roofing system, the felt can be damaged and degrade to the point repairs are needed. The reason for the damage and degradation can vary.
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What Causes Roof Felt Damage
When we think about roof damage, most people automatically think of roofing shingles or the metal panels on top. They don’t consider the layers underneath that can also need repair. The top reasons roofing felt can get damaged include:
- Poor Installation
- Weather Conditions
- Age-Related Wear and Tear
- Roof Movement
- Leaking Roof
Some of the issues above will cause damage gradually while others cause problems with the roof felt immediately.
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How Roofing Felt Can Be Damaged
Roofing felt isn’t a complex component, but it can be damaged in a number of ways:
- Cracking and Tearing
Roofing felt can become brittle and degraded to the point that it cracks and breaks. This can allow moisture to seep through and leak down to the structure.
Shrinking
The felt could also contract and shrink in size. This is an issue that can be caused by fluctuations in temperature from hot to cold.
Blistering
Moisture and Air can get trapped underneath the felt and expand to the point that bubbles form on the surface. Small blisters may not be a big issue and can just be monitored, but large blisters can damage the felt if they burst.
Pulling Loose at the Roof’s Edge
If the felt shrinks it could cause the felt to pull loose from the roof’s edge. This can lead to moisture damage under the roofing along with damaging the fascia and soffits.
Premature Deterioration
A roof leak that allows moisture through to the roofing felt will cause the material to degrade faster than normal.
Repairing Damaged Roofing Felt Paper
Roofing felt issues can be complex to repair simply because the roof problems are below the surface. When you think the felt is damaged it’s time to call a roofing contractor.
Have a Professional Roofer Assess the Damage
Because the roofing felt is underneath asphalt shingles, metal panels or another roofing material, it’s best to have a professional roofer inspect the situation. Property owners that try to diagnose the problem on their own could end up doing damage to the roofing materials.
Repair the Damaged Felt
Once the problem is assessed the repairs can begin. Typically to repair the roofing felt you will need to:
- Measure the dimensions of the damaged section.
- Get a piece of patch felt that’s slightly larger than the damaged area.
- Remove the top layer of material over the damaged felt.
- Put adhesive on the existing felt that’s damaged.
- Apply adhesive to the patch felt.
- Press the patch felt firmly over the damaged felt.
- Smooth out any wrinkles and air pockets.
- Seal around the edges of the patch.
- Replace the roofing materials.
Watch Out For Future Roofing Issues
Having regular roof inspections and roof maintenance is the best way to avoid major roof repair. Since a roof lasts 20+ years, it’s highly recommended that you have the roof inspected once a year at minimum to ensure there are no problems that could compromise the roof’s lifespan or performance.
Whether you have a flat roof or a pitched roof, LOA can help you with roofing problems in Austin, TX. Talk with a team member at 512-375-3654 to schedule a free roof inspection!
