Roofing felt helps protect roofs from water and weather damage. It is an important step when building or repairing a roof. This guide explains how to apply roofing felt in simple steps.

What You Need

Before starting, gather these materials:

Roofing felt rollsNails or staplesHammer or staple gunUtility knifeTape measureLadder

Prepare the Roof

Make sure the roof is clean and dry. Remove any old felt or debris. Check for damaged wood. Fix or replace it to ensure a smooth surface. This makes the felt stick better.

Measure the Roof

Use a tape measure to check the size of the roof. Measure the length and width. Write these numbers down. Buy enough roofing felt to cover the entire surface.

Start at the Bottom

Begin at the edge of the roof. Roll out the felt along the bottom edge. Let the felt hang over the edge by about 1 inch. This will help water flow off the roof.

Attach the Felt

Use nails or staples to fix the felt in place. Start at one corner and work across the roof. Place nails or staples every 6 inches. This keeps the felt tight and secure.

Overlap the Next Layer

Roll out the next strip of felt above the first one. Overlap the edges by 4 inches. This prevents water from getting underneath the felt. Smooth out wrinkles as you go.

Cover the Whole Roof

Repeat this process until the roof is fully covered. Make sure each strip overlaps the one below it. Cut the felt to fit around chimneys or vents. Use a utility knife for this step.

Secure the Top Edges

Once the roof is covered, check the top edges. Secure them with nails or staples. Make sure there are no loose pieces.

Check Your Work

Look over the entire roof. Ensure all areas are covered. Check for gaps or wrinkles. Fix any issues before moving to the next step.

Add Roofing Shingles

After the felt is applied, you can add shingles. These give extra protection and complete the roof.

Roofing felt is a simple but important part of roof care. By following these steps, you can apply it easily. This protects your home and keeps it dry.