How to Install Roll Felt Roofing for Your Home: 1 Minute to Mastering Roll Felt Roofing Installation

Roll felt roofing, also known as roll roofing, offers a budget-friendly and practical solution for protecting your home’s roof. Popular for sheds, garages, and even flat or low-sloped residential roofs, this material is lauded for its ease of installation and effectiveness as a moisture barrier. If you’re a homeowner hoping to tackle a roofing project yourself, understanding the right steps is crucial for longevity and safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide to installing roll felt roofing:

1. Preparation: Begin by gathering all necessary tools: utility knife, hammer, roofing nails, measuring tape, chalk line, roofing cement, push broom, and obviously, the roll felt itself. Always check weather conditions before starting—dry, mild days are optimal.
2. Surface Cleaning: Clean the roof thoroughly to remove dust, debris, and loose shingles. Check for damaged areas or rot and repair them before proceeding.
3. Install Drip Edge: Install metal drip edge along the eaves to direct water away, securing it with roofing nails.
4. Cut and Fit the Felt: Measure the roof dimensions and cut the felt accordingly. Most rolls come in standard widths, so plan overlapping seams (4 inches between courses is typical). Lay the felt flat for easier application.
5. Start from the Bottom: Begin at the lowest point of the roof and unroll the felt horizontally. Secure one end, then carefully unroll and nail the edge every 3-4 inches along the eaves and every foot along the top.
6. Overlap and Seal Joints: Each new roll should overlap the previous one by at least 4 inches. Apply roofing cement on overlaps and seams to enhance waterproofing.
7. Finish at the Top: When you reach the roof’s peak or ridge, trim excess and ensure the top course covers the entire surface, with nails and cement holding the felt firmly.

Having installed and renovated many roofs as a designer, I find that attention to detail at the overlap points and edge sealing makes a remarkable difference in preventing future leaks—and saves time and costs in long-term maintenance. From a professional perspective, planning your surface in advance and visualizing the functional layers is much like drafting an initial sketch in a floor planning tool. It streamlines the whole project, minimizing waste and error.

Tips 1:

Always check local building codes before starting, as some areas may require additional waterproofing measures or specific felts. Wear gloves and safety gear, and have a helping hand if possible for better roll alignment and safety when working on sloped surfaces.

FAQ

Q: What is roll felt roofing best suited for?

A: It’s ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs on garages, sheds, and sometimes residential homes where a quick, cost-effective waterproof layer is needed.

Q: How long does roll felt roofing last?

A: With proper installation and maintenance, felt roofing can last 10-15 years, but this can vary based on exposure and local climate.

Q: Do I need underlayment beneath roll felt roofing?

A: Typically, roll felt acts as the underlayment itself, but some projects may require an additional barrier depending on building codes and climate.

Q: Can roll felt roofing be painted or coated?

A: Yes, some homeowners apply asphalt coating or reflective paint to increase longevity and reduce heat absorption.

Q: Is roll felt roofing waterproof on its own?

A: It is water-resistant, but careful overlapping and sealing are crucial for true water protection.