Tar paper is a waterproof building material used as an underlayment in construction. It works as a vapor barrier and is made from cellulose, glass fibers, or polyester fleece. It is sold in rolls of various sizes and weights and is typically installed under roof shingles, exterior siding, and hardwood floors. It is also used as a coating on exterior walls and can help protect a building if external elements are lost or damaged. However, it is not weather resistant and will deteriorate if left exposed for long periods of time.
Tar paper is a waterproof building material that serves as an underlayment in building construction. Works as a vapor barrier by preventing the ingress of moisture and providing a thin layer of protection against airflow. Tar paper, also called roofing felt, is made from cellulose fibers, glass fibers or polyester fleece compressed into thin sheets. The tarpaulins are treated with tar or asphalt to make them waterproof. Tar paper is typically installed under roof shingles, exterior siding, and hardwood floors.
Sold in rolls of various widths, weights, and lengths, tar paper is inexpensive and readily available at home improvement stores and building supply stores. The most common size rolls are 3 feet (0.9144 meters) wide by 50 or 100 feet (about 15.25 or 30.5 meters) long. It is available in 15 lb or 30 lb (6.8 or 13.6 kilograms) weights.
The weight designation indicates the weight of 100 square feet of tar paper. 15 lb (6.8 kg) tar paper is less strong than 30 lb (13.6 kg) paper and is used in less critical areas such as walls and floors. Tar paper is sometimes coated with sand to prevent it from sticking to itself while on the roll.
The process of installing tar paper is called tar paper roofing. It is typically installed on roofs above the attic before shingle or shingle is installed. In heavy rain, water may be pushed under the tiles. The tar paper acts as a secondary line of defense, preventing water from reaching the internal wooden structure.
Tar paper is also applied as a coating on exterior walls. It is installed under the siding. This not only prevents water from reaching the internal wood structure, but also helps prevent the loss of heated or cooled internal air. Tar paper is sometimes used as a vapor barrier and shock absorber under hardwood floors, keeping the subfloor dry and helping to prevent squeaking hardwood floors.
Tar paper can help protect a building if external elements are lost or damaged. For example, if a shingle is blown away in a storm, the underlying tar paper can protect the attic until the shingle is replaced. While tar paper is a convenient way to provide an extra layer of protection, it is not weather resistant. It will deteriorate if left exposed for long periods of time. Exposed tar paper should be covered as soon as possible to help it maintain its integrity.
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