Felt is an essential component in roofing which provides a waterproof barrier against the elements. It’s also a cost-effective and straightforward option which is extremely popular with the engaged homeowner.
You’re probably wondering:
How do you apply roofing felt?
You’ve come to the right place!
At Good Build Superstore, we’re going to show you exactly how to felt a roof like a pro.
Read on.
Table of contents:
Safety first
Working at heights can be dangerous, so make sure you take all necessary precautions to work safely.
Ensure you have a secure and stable ladder to reach the roof and wear suitable protective clothing, including gloves, safety glasses and non-slip footwear.
Preparation
Before you get to work felting a roof, you’ll have to remove any old felt or debris, clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
Additionally, check the roof for any damage or leaks that may need repairing before laying the felt.
To felt a roof, you’re going to need the following items:
- Roofing felt
- Roofing nails
- Hammer
- Chalk
- Tape measurement
- Utility knife
Note: Purchase high-quality roofing felt suitable for your roofing system. Standard felt is unsuitable for flat roofs, so ensure you select the correct type for your roof.
How to felt a roof step-by-step
Now that you’ve prepared the area and acquired all the necessary tools and materials, it’s time to get cracking.
Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Step 1: Measuring the roof
Before starting, you need to measure the roof to calculate how much felt you will need. Measure the length and width of the roof and multiply these measurements to get the total square footage of the roof. Add 10% to the total to account for overlapping layers.
To find out more, check out our guide on How to calculate roof area.
Step 2: Laying the felt
Start by unrolling the felt on the roof’s edge, leaving a 2″ overhang. Secure the felt with roofing nails, making sure to overlap each row by 6″. This will prevent water from penetrating through the gaps. When nailing, ensure that the felt is straight and taut.
Step 3: Making cuts
Cut the felt to size when you reach the end of the row, leaving a 2″ overhang. Use a chalk line to mark a straight line where you need to make the cut. Then, use a utility knife to cut the felt. Be careful not to damage the underlying roofing system.
Step 4: Continue laying the felt
Repeat the process, working from the bottom to the top of the roof, ensuring each row overlaps the previous one. Once the entire roof is covered, trim the edges of the felt to size with your utility knife, and then secure the overhang to the eaves with roofing nails.
Step 5: Finishing the roof
You’ve almost made it!
To finish the roof, you need to cap the top edge with a layer of felt, also known as the ridge cap. Fold the felt over the ridge of the roof, ensuring it extends at least 2″ over the roof’s edge. Secure it with roofing nails, ensuring each nail goes through the two layers of felt.
Step 6: Trimming the felt
Finally, trim any excess felt from the roof’s edges and valleys. Use a utility knife to cut the felt, making sure to leave a 2″ overhang at the eaves. Overlap the felt in the valleys, ensuring the felt conforms to the shape of your roof.
And that’s it – you can now enjoy your brand-new felt roof!
Final thoughts
Felt roofs come with plenty of style and practical benefits, which is why more and more homeowners are choosing one.
And now that you know how to felt a roof, you can decide whether it’s right for your home. Make sure you follow the correct procedures so that the roof is fitted correctly and is watertight.
As always, if in doubt, consult a professional roofing contractor who can advise on the best options for your home.