When it comes to roof repair or replacement, homeowners often ask whether roofing felt can be replaced from inside the home. Roofing felt plays a crucial role in protecting the roof deck and enhancing the durability of the entire roofing system. However, replacing it isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
This article explores whether roofing felt can be replaced from the inside, the key signs of damage, and the best approach to replacing it effectively.
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What is roofing felt?
Roofing felt, also known as underlayment, is a protective layer installed between the roof deck and the shingles. It acts as a moisture barrier, preventing leaks and water damage. Made from either organic materials or fibreglass, roofing felt strengthens the roofing system and enhances its weather resistance.
Signs You Need to Replace Roofing Felt
A number of indicators show that your roofing felt needs replacement.
Leaks
The presence of ceiling or wall leaks serves as evidence that roofing felt cannot effectively shield your roof anymore.
Sagging Roof
Water trapped underneath roofing material can make the roof sag thus affecting the roofing felt’s ability to defend the deck.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
The harm from seasonal moisture increases because shingles that are broken or missing allow moisture to penetrate the roofing felt.
Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold or mildew appearance on either your attic or ceilings notifies you that moisture has penetrated through your roofing felt.
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Why Can't Roofing Felt Be Replaced from the Inside?
Location of the Felt Layer
The location of roofing felt beneath the shingles above the roof deck makes this material inaccessible to inside home maintenance. The roof needs external access to execute any maintenance job on its surfaces.
Need for Shingle Removal
The protection of the roof materials requires complete shingles or tile removal before felt repair. Before replacing roofing felt, it is fundamental to obtain direct access so that necessary inspections can detect any wear signs, leak points, and other damage. The process of removing shingles or tiles is only feasible from outside the house structure.
Structural Integrity
When replacement of roofing felt takes place without correct external roof access, it might damage the building structure. Improper weight distribution and handling techniques during felt replacement may damage the roof deck, which increases future maintenance expenses.
The Process of Replacing Roofing Felt
The replacement procedure of roofing felt requires external work because access is only possible from outside the house. The following points show how external replacement takes place.
Inspection and Preparation
Roof work must start after performing an examination of the roof structure for damages. All shingles that show cracks or loose attachment require removal before the next steps. After the inspection, the roofer will verify whether any damage exists in the roof decking because decay would require repairs to proceed with new felt installation.
Removal of Old Felt
The work continues with removing all existing roofing felt because it has damage. Special care must be used to remove the roof decking by peeling off its surface. The full removal of installed felt requires occasionally extracting old nails and staples.
Installation of New Roofing Felt
The removal process of old felt must finish before starting to install new roofing felt. The horizontal laying of felt occurs before its fastening to the roof decking. Each layer of new roofing felt should overlap the next due to stapling or nailing to create protection against water entry.
Reinstallation of Shingles
Roles for new roofing felt become ready for addition with shingle replacement on top. Careful editing must happen to avoid water penetration through roof gaps.
Conclusion
Roofing felt replacement should be executed only through exterior roof access despite any initial temporary interest in performing it from within. Roof professionals remove shingles before placing freshly installed felt right onto the deck supports. A professional roofing contractor should handle any doubts about roof maintenance or perform assessments to determine felt replacement needs.
You can contact Action Roofing whenever you need assistance with roofing felt replacement. Call our team today to schedule your no-cost assessment.
FAQ's
Is small roofing felt repair possible instead of performing a total replacement?
The practice is acceptable when the damage remains minimal. Minor problems can be fixed through patching, but owners should replace the entire system to achieve lasting durability.
What Is The Expected Service Life Span Of Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt of high quality will survive outside conditions and maintenance procedures while delivering a lifespan of 20-30 years. Scheduled roof checks function as an effective method to increase the overall lifespan.
What Should I Expect If I Choose Not To Replace The Damaged Roofing Felt?
Any failure to repair damaged roofing felt results in future costs that grow higher because it allows water damage and mold growth while weakening the roof structure.
Does roofing felt need to be used on every roof?
The addition of roofing felt to your roof structure acts as a protective barrier against moisture, which enhances both its durability and extends its functional life.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Roofing Felt?
The replacement cost depends on the dimensions of the roof together with both the chosen materials and labor expenses. You need to contact Action Roofing so they can perform a free inspection for getting an accurate quote.
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