Nailing felt paper on a roof is a critical step in the construction or renovation process, ensuring protection against water infiltration and enhancing the longevity of your roof. In this guide, we’ll cover the technical aspects, the equipment you’ll need, and the step-by-step process for nailing felt paper on your roof.

1. Technical Details

   Felt Paper: Felt paper, also known as roofing underlayment, is a vital layer that goes beneath the final roofing material (shingles or tiles). It serves to:
2. Waterproofing: Felt paper acts as a waterproof barrier, preventing water from seeping through to the underlying structure.
3. Protection: It shields the roof deck from potential damage caused by wind-driven rain, ice, or snow.
4. Insulation: Felt paper provides a degree of insulation, enhancing energy efficiency in your home.

5. Equipment and Materials

   To nail felt paper on your roof, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
6. Felt Paper Rolls: Purchase felt paper rolls, ensuring they cover your roof area with some extra for overlap (commonly 15 or 30 lb. felt).
7. Roofing Nails: Galvanized roofing nails, around 1.25 to 1.5 inches in length, provide secure fastening without rusting.
8. Hammer or Pneumatic Nail Gun: Use a hammer or a pneumatic nail gun for driving the nails.
9. Utility Knife: Required for cutting and trimming the felt paper.
10. Measuring Tape: Ensure accurate placement and overlap.
11. Safety Gear: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate footwear to protect yourself during the process.

12. The Nailing Process

    Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly nail felt paper on your roof:

    a. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the roof deck is clean, dry, and free of any debris, protruding nails, or old underlayment.

    b. Start at the Eaves: Unroll the felt paper at the eaves of the roof and secure it with a few nails, allowing for a slight overhang. This overhang helps direct water into the gutter system.

    c. Overlap Seams: For subsequent rows of felt paper, overlap the seams by about 3 inches. This ensures a continuous barrier against moisture.

    d. Secure the Field: Nail down the rest of the first row of felt paper, spacing nails about 6 to 12 inches apart along the eaves and the rake edges.

    e. Trim and Repeat: Trim the excess felt paper using a utility knife, then begin the next row. Continue this process, ensuring proper overlap and alignment, until you reach the top of the roof.

    f. Finish at the Ridge: When you reach the ridge of the roof, overlap and secure the last row. Trim any excess felt paper.

    g. Secure Rake Edges: Nail felt paper along the rake edges, ensuring it overlaps the eaves, just like the first row.

    h. Inspect and Double-Check: After nailing down all the felt paper, inspect the entire surface to ensure it’s smooth and wrinkle-free. Make any necessary adjustments.

13. Conclusion

Nailing felt paper on your roof is a crucial step in safeguarding your home against the elements. By following the technical details, using the right tools and materials, and adhering to the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can effectively and efficiently install felt paper, enhancing the durability and weather resistance of your roof.