What Is The Special Purpose Of Roofing Felt?

roofing felt with screws on it

When it comes to roofing, most homeowners focus on the shingles, tiles, or metal panels that define the exterior. However, lurking beneath these visible layers is an essential component that often goes unnoticed: roofing felt. 

This unassuming material plays a critical role in the overall performance and longevity of your roof, acting as a protective barrier against moisture, wind, and other environmental threats. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the special purpose of roofing felt, exploring its benefits, and types, and why it should be a priority in any roofing project. 

Whether you’re considering a new roof installation or simply looking to understand your current roofing system better, understanding felt in roof will empower you to make informed decisions that enhance your home’s durability and comfort. 

Join us as we uncover the vital functions of this often-overlooked yet indispensable element of roofing!

Understanding the Role of Roofing Felt

The Unsung Hero of Your Roof

When it comes to protecting your Winnipeg home from the harsh Manitoba weather, roofing felt is your silent guardian. This thin layer of material, also known as roofing felt underlay or roof felt, plays a crucial role in safeguarding your house from the elements. But what exactly does it do?

A Multitasking Marvel

Roof Felt paper serves several important purposes. First, it acts as a secondary water barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into your home if shingles become damaged. This is especially important in Winnipeg, where we face everything from heavy rains to melting snow.

Beyond Water Protection

But that’s not all! Felt in roofing also:

  • Provides a smooth surface for shingle installation
  • Protects the roof deck from resin released by shingles
  • Adds an extra layer of fire resistance

For Winnipeg homeowners, understanding the special purpose of roofing felt is key to maintaining a sturdy, long-lasting roof. At All Weather Exteriors, we’re experts in using high-quality felt in roofing to ensure your home stays cozy and dry, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

a man in overalls holding a roll of roofing felt

Types of Roofing Felt and Their Uses

Organic Felt: A Classic Choice for Winnipeg Homes

When it comes to roofing felt underlay, organic felt is a time-tested option that many Winnipeg homeowners trust. This traditional roofing felt paper is made from natural materials like wood fibers and recycled paper products, making it an eco-friendly choice for your home.

Organic felt in roofing offers several advantages. It’s highly absorbent, which helps protect your roof from moisture damage during Manitoba’s wet seasons. This roof felt also expands and contracts with temperature changes, adapting well to Winnipeg’s extreme weather conditions.

All Weather Exteriors often recommends organic roofing felt for its durability and cost-effectiveness. It’s particularly suitable for steep-slope roofs, common in many Winnipeg neighborhoods. The felt creates a reliable barrier against wind-driven rain and snow, essential for our harsh winters.

However, organic felt isn’t without drawbacks. It can be more prone to tearing during installation and may deteriorate faster in very humid conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to have experienced professionals like All Weather Exteriors handle your roofing project, ensuring proper installation and longevity of your roofing felt.

Water Resistance: The First Line of Defense

When it comes to protecting your Winnipeg home from the harsh Manitoba weather, roofing felt plays a crucial role. This essential roofing felt underlay acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing water from seeping into your attic and causing damage. As the first layer of defense, roof felt shields your home’s structure from rain, snow, and ice, ensuring your living space stays dry and comfortable year-round.

Underlayment Protection: Shielding the Roof Deck

Beyond water resistance, roofing felt paper serves another vital purpose. It acts as a protective layer between your shingles and the roof deck, preventing potential damage from wind-driven rain or ice dams. 

This extra barrier is especially important in Winnipeg’s climate, where extreme temperature changes can cause the expansion and contraction of roofing materials. By using high-quality felt in roofing, you’re investing in long-term protection for your home’s most important structural component.

Remember, proper installation of roofing felt is key to maximizing its benefits. Trust the experts at All Weather Exteriors to ensure your roof is built to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

The Secondary Benefits of Roofing Felt

Increased Roof Life Expectancy

When you’re living in Winnipeg, where the weather can be harsh, roofing felt underlay is a game-changer. This unsung hero of your roof does more than just keep water out. It acts as a shield, protecting your shingles from the elements. By using roof felt, you’re essentially giving your roof an extra layer of armor against Manitoba’s notorious freezing winters and scorching summers. This means your roof will last longer, saving you money in the long run on costly replacements.

Improved Energy Efficiency

But that’s not all! Roofing felt paper also plays a crucial role in your home’s energy efficiency. Think of it as a cozy blanket for your house. In winter, it helps keep the warm air inside, reducing your heating bills. During Winnipeg’s sweltering summer days, it acts as a barrier against the heat, keeping your home cooler. This dual action of felt in roofing means you’ll be more comfortable year-round, all while cutting down on energy costs. It’s a win-win situation that makes roofing felt a smart choice for any Winnipeg homeowner.

a man working on a roof and installing roof felt

Choosing the Right Roofing Felt for Your Winnipeg Home

When it comes to protecting your Winnipeg home from the harsh Manitoba weather, selecting the right roofing felt is crucial. This essential roofing felt underlay serves as a vital barrier between your roof deck and shingles. Here are some key factors to consider:

Climate Considerations

Winnipeg’s extreme temperature swings demand a durable roof felt that can withstand both frigid winters and hot summers. Look for high-quality roofing felt paper that offers excellent water resistance and thermal protection.

Weight and Thickness

The weight of your roofing felt matters. Heavier options, like 30-pound felt, provide better protection but may be more challenging to install. Consider your roof’s slope and local building codes when choosing between 15-pound and 30-pound options.

Synthetic vs. Traditional

While traditional asphalt-saturated felt in roofing has been a staple for years, synthetic options are gaining popularity. These modern alternatives often offer superior durability and moisture resistance, which can be especially beneficial in Winnipeg’s snowy climate.

Installation Method

Some types of roofing felt are easier to install than others. If you’re planning a DIY project, consider user-friendly options. However, for the best results, it’s wise to consult with experienced professionals like All Weather Exteriors, Winnipeg’s most trusted roofing company for your roofing felt installation.

a man wearing a hard hat and gloves bending over on a roof

Common Roofing Felt Myths Debunked

Myth 1: Roofing Felt is Only for Flat Roofs

Many Winnipeggers believe roofing felt is exclusively for flat roofs, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Roofing felt underlay is crucial for all roof types, including the sloped roofs common in Manitoba. This versatile material provides an essential moisture barrier, protecting your home from our harsh prairie weather.

Myth 2: All Roofing Felt is Created Equal

Don’t be fooled into thinking all roof felt is the same. Quality matters, especially in Winnipeg’s extreme climate. Premium roofing felt paper offers superior water resistance and durability. At All Weather Exteriors, we only use top-grade felt in roofing projects to ensure your home stays dry and cozy, whether it’s -40°C or +30°C outside.

Remember, investing in high-quality roofing felt now can save you from costly repairs down the road. It’s a small but mighty component of your roof system that shouldn’t be overlooked. Trust the experts at All Weather Exteriors to select and install the right roofing felt for your Winnipeg home.

Roofing felt is an indispensable component in safeguarding your Winnipeg home from the elements.

 This often-overlooked layer acts as a vital barrier against moisture, ice dams, and the relentless prairie winds, ensuring that your roof and living space remain protected. 

By choosing high-quality felt in your roof for your next re-roofing project, you’re making a smart investment in the longevity and durability of your property.

Remember, the effectiveness of roofing felt hinges on proper installation, so whether you’re embarking on a DIY endeavor or enlisting the help of a professional, make sure this crucial material is included in your roofing plan. 

Your home will be grateful as it stays dry and comfortable through Manitoba’s harshest weather conditions. Don’t underestimate the power of this thin yet mighty layer; it’s a small addition that can lead to significant benefits in protecting your most valuable asset. 

Embrace roofing felt as an essential part of your roofing strategy, and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve taken a proactive step toward enhancing your home’s resilience.

a person using a blowtorch to seal the roof felt

Need a Roofing Expert in Winnipeg?

All Weather Exteriors is your trusted partner for top-notch roofing solutions. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we ensure your roof is protected, no matter the weather.

Contact us today for a free quote.

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