A traditional roofing underlayment made from asphalt-saturated paper that provides a water-resistant barrier beneath shingles — commonly used on older roofs and often confused with modern synthetic underlayment in insurance estimates.
Table of Contents
- What Tar Paper (Felt Paper) Is
- How Felt Underlayment Works
- Types of Felt Paper
- Felt vs Synthetic Underlayment
- Performance and Limitations
- Felt Paper in Insurance Claims
- Common Questions
- How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Related Glossary Terms
What Tar Paper (Felt Paper) Is
Tar paper, also known as felt paper or roofing felt, is a traditional underlayment installed between the roof decking and shingles.
It is made from paper or fiberglass mat saturated with asphalt to create a water-resistant barrier.
It serves as a secondary layer of protection beneath the shingles.
How Felt Underlayment Works
Felt paper is installed in overlapping layers across the roof deck before shingles are applied.
It functions by:
- Shedding water that gets beneath shingles
- Protecting the roof deck during installation
- Providing limited backup moisture resistance
It is not waterproof — it is water-resistant.
Types of Felt Paper
#15 Felt
- Lighter and thinner
- Common in older installations
#30 Felt
- Heavier and more durable
- Better resistance to tearing and moisture
Both types are still used, though less common in modern roofing systems.
Felt vs Synthetic Underlayment
| Feature | Felt Paper | Synthetic |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Asphalt-saturated paper | Polymer-based |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
| Tear Resistance | Lower | Higher |
| Water Resistance | Good | Superior |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
Many modern roof replacements upgrade from felt to synthetic underlayment.
Performance and Limitations
Felt underlayment has several limitations:
- Can wrinkle when exposed to moisture
- Tears more easily during installation
- Degrades faster under prolonged exposure
However, it still provides:
- Basic water resistance
- Cost-effective protection
Performance depends heavily on proper installation and conditions.
Felt Paper in Insurance Claims
Felt underlayment frequently creates discrepancies in insurance estimates:
Material Mismatch
- Estimate lists felt but roof has synthetic
- Or vice versa
Upgrade Considerations
- Switching to synthetic may involve additional cost
Scope Accuracy
- Underlayment type affects pricing and material quality
If the underlayment type is incorrect, the estimate does not reflect the actual roof system.
This is a common supplemental claim item.
Common Questions
Is felt paper still used?
Yes — but less commonly than synthetic underlayment.
Will insurance pay to upgrade to synthetic?
Only if required by code, manufacturer, or policy conditions.
Can felt paper get wet?
Yes — but prolonged exposure can reduce effectiveness.
Does felt paper prevent leaks?
It helps — but it is not a primary waterproof barrier.
How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Material verification — confirming existing underlayment
- Estimate review — identifying incorrect specifications
- Upgrade justification — supporting necessary improvements
- Supplement preparation — correcting scope and pricing
Related Glossary Terms
Tar paper, or felt paper, is a traditional roofing underlayment that still appears on many homes, especially older ones. While it provides basic protection, it is often replaced with synthetic materials during modern roof replacements. Accurately identifying and specifying the correct underlayment is essential to ensuring a complete and properly valued insurance claim.
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📧 gerald@winik.io