If you love maintaining the pristine look of your home’s exterior, then you already know painting is a surefire way to achieve this. A new coat of paint can make a world of difference, transforming the look of your home and boosting its curb appeal.
Yes, whether it’s your artificial grass, outdoor furniture, or deck, a fresh coat of paint can really breathe new life into your home. But what about your roof? Can you paint roofing felt?
Well, that’s a question we get to hear from meticulous homeowners more often. And herein, we will attempt to provide a comprehensive answer. But before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick look at what roof felt is.
What Is Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt, sometimes known as tar paper, is a type of material used in construction. It is laid underneath roofing shingles to serve as additional protection against the elements.
Generally speaking, there are three types of roofing felts:
1. Asphalt-Saturated Felt
Asphalt-saturated is the most common type of roofing felt. Actually, it’s from this underlayment where the name “roofing felt” or “felt paper” came from.
This type of roofing felt is from natural materials like wood cellulose impregnated in asphalt. Once the impregnation is complete, a mineral-based surfacing is then added on top.
2. Rubberized Asphalt
While it features the term “asphalt” in its name, this type of roofing felt contains minimal to no asphalt at all. Instead, it has rubberized compounds like styrene-butadiene rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer.
This type of roofing felt is highly flexible, making it ideal for homes that experience both extremities of weather conditions, such as super cold winters and hot summers.
3. Non-Bitumen Synthetics
As its name suggests, this roofing type features synthetic elements like polypropylene or polyethylene. These are hard-wearing materials that make this type of roofing felt very durable. In fact, it can last for as long as 30 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of roofing felts, let’s narrow down to the pending question – can you paint roofing felt?
Can You Paint Over Roofing Felt?
Yes, you can paint over roofing felt, but there’s more to that. Avoid using oil-based or water-based paints for this job as they are unsuitable. Instead, use bitumen paint for you to get the most out of it.
To begin with, the idea of painting your roofing felt is a good one and shows how much you value your home. And while you can rejuvenate your roof by painting it, there are some crucial things you need to know before doing it.
For instance, you can’t use just any paint. Oil-based paint contains compounds that can damage the roofing felt, while water-based paint doesn’t adhere well to the surface.
So, to get the best results, only use paint designed specifically for that kind of work. And yes, that’s where bitumen paint comes in. Bitumen paint can seep into the roofing felt, creating a protective barrier against the elements.
Plus, you don’t need any special equipment for the application. As long as you have a paintbrush within your DIY paraphernalia, you’re good to go.
Of course, you can also hire a professional roofing company to do it for you if you’re not confident enough to do it yourself.
Why Is Roofing Felt Important?
Roofing felt helps protect your home from the elements. It’s a waterproof barrier that helps keep your roof in tip-top condition and prolongs its lifespan. So, if you are wondering if it’s essential to have roofing felt in the first place, then the answer to that is a resounding YES.
It may look like a minor addition to your roofing. But as insignificant as it may seem, roofing felt is a crucial part of your roofing system. Actually, the mere fact that most people are now considering it should be enough to convince you of its importance.
And if that doesn’t do it for you, then perhaps the following benefits might change your mind:
1. It’s a Moisture Barrier
Water is one of the most significant enemies of your roof. It can cause severe damage, including leaks, mold, and mildew growth.
Roofing felt acts as a waterproof barrier that prevents water from seeping through the cracks and crevices of your roof. So, if you live in an area prone to heavy rains, having roofing felt is a must.
2. It Prolongs the Lifespan of Your Roof
Another significant benefit of roofing felt is that it helps prolong the lifespan of your roof. This underlayment protects your roof from the harmful effects of water and other elements.
Without roofing felt, your roof is more vulnerable to damage. So, if you want your roof to last for a long time, ensure it has this crucial component.
3. It Saves You Money in the Long Run
Lastly, roofing felt also saves you money in the long run. That’s because it helps avoid expensive repairs you would otherwise have to deal with if you don’t have it.
So, if you want to save money and prolong the lifespan of your roof, then make sure it has roofing felt.
Can You Repair The Roof Felt From The Inside?
Yes, you can repair the roof felt from the inside, but only if the damage is minor. To do that, put a new piece of felt over the damaged area and work on any leakages using sealants.
One thing about roofing felt is that they take all the beating that could otherwise damage your roof. It acts as a shield, and that’s why it’s an essential component of any roofing system.
And with the role it plays, a hole or two over time is justifiable. Even so, the good news is that you can quickly fix it without necessarily calling a roofing contractor.
In fact, as long as the damage isn’t significant, you can quickly repair your roof felt from the inside.
But again, as long as you have the first installation done right, roof felts are highly durable. Precisely, you can expect your roofing felt to last up to 30 years, although it can be shorter in areas that experience extreme weather.
Can You Put Plastic Under The Roof Felt?
No, you shouldn’t put plastic under the roof felt. Plastic can trap moisture, and that could lead to severe problems like mold and mildew growth, something that can do you and your roof much harm.
So, if you’re wondering what you should put under your roof felt, the answer is nothing. You see, roofing felt is designed to be placed directly on the roof deck.
And if you’re worried about leaks, then don’t be. Roofing felt is an excellent moisture barrier, and it will keep your roof in tip-top condition. Actually, as already said, the ability to repel moisture is one of the main reasons you need a roof felt in the first place.
Can You Put A New Roof Felt Over The Old Shed?
Of course, yes! You can put a new roof felt over the old shed as long as the wood is still in good condition. So, before covering the shed with new roof felt, inspect for any rotten wood that needs replacing.
Most roofing experts will tell you that one of the worst ideas is to roof-felt over an existing felt. Placing a new underlay on an existing one may prevent the new one from effectively adhering to the roof, which could lead to severe problems.
But when working with an old shed, you don’t have to worry about that. The reason is, most old sheds are of wood, which provides an excellent surface for the new roofing felt to adhere to.
So, if you want to put new roofing felt over an old shed, feel free to do so. Just make sure the wood is still in good condition. Otherwise, you might have to replace it first.
Can Roofing Felt Get Wet?
Sure, roofing felt can get wet and will still maintain its integrity when it does. However, since it’s designed for repelling water and not absorbing it, overexposure to wetness can make your roofing felt break down with time.
Roofing felt will go to the extreme to keep your roof dry. But while it’s excellent at doing its job, overexposure to water can do your roofing felt injustice. You see, the material used for underlayment doesn’t like being soaked in water for long.
So, if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, then it’s best to check your roofing felt from time to time to ensure it’s still in good condition.
Can Roofing Felt Become Porous?
Roofing felt can become porous once it deteriorates over time. And when that happens, the surface may become uneven and even crack in some areas. But again, that’s not something you will notice any time soon after installation.
It’s normal for something to deteriorate over time, and roofing felt is no exception. With time, the material used to make underlayment may show some signs of wear and tear.
One of those signs is porosity. When your roofing felt becomes porous, it means the surface is no longer as smooth as it used to be. In fact, you might even see some cracks in the material.
But again, porosity is not something you will notice immediately after installing your roofing felt. In most cases, it takes years for the material to become porous.
Can Roofing Felt Be Used Under Hardwood Flooring?
Yes, roofing felt can be used under hardwood flooring. In fact, it’s often used as a moisture barrier to protect the flooring from water damage. So, if you are thinking about using roofing felt for hardwood flooring, it should do you a world of good.
Hardwood floors are popular choice for many homeowners because they’re stylish and durable. But they can be expensive, so they need the best care.
One of the best ways to protect your hardwood floors is to use roofing felt. This material is excellent at repelling water, and that’s why it’s often used as an underlayment.
The paper will also go a long way to dampen noise, making it ideal for use in high-traffic areas. So, if you are looking for a material to use under your hardwood floors, roofing felt should be at the top of your list.
Final Verdict
The role that roofing felt plays in the installation of a new roof cannot be overstated. This material is excellent at repelling water, and that’s why it’s often used as an underlayment.
It’s also durable and can last for many years. Even more, you can paint your roofing felt just in case you feel it doesn’t match your style.
The only main downside to using roofing felt is that it can become porous over time. But then again, that’s not something you will notice immediately after installation.