Roofing felt paper, sometimes known as “tar” paper, is a shingle underlayment that is installed between the roof deck and roof shingle. Shingle underlayments provide temporary protection from the weather while the home is under construction and also provide a secondary barrier against leaks should there be a failure in the shingle system. In the past, 30# (30 pound) felt paper was often used in conjunction with the organic asphalt shingles then on the market. Today’s fiberglass composite shingles offer greater durability and a longer life expectancy in a thinner and lighter format.
Many manufacturers today recommend using 15# felt with their 20-year and 25-year fiberglass composite shingles available in our region. While many consumer publications continue to recommend 30# felt for re-roofing projects, we suggest the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed to ensure full warranty protection.
For maximum performance, and to meet the criteria of the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System program, we use Roofer’s Select High Performance Shingle Underlayment.