Roofing Felt As A Level Floor: Is It A Viable Solution? (Explained)
Have you ever wondered if roofing felt can provide a solid, level floor? I certainly have. As a flooring contractor with years of experience, I’ve often faced the challenge of achieving a perfectly level surface. I’ve experimented with various materials and methods, and recently, I decided to explore the idea of using roofing felt as a potential solution. In this article, I’ll take you through my insights, experiences, and the detailed process of using roofing felt as an underlayment for flooring.
What is Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt, also known as tar paper, is a type of water-resistant material commonly used in roofing applications. It’s made from a base of organic or fiberglass materials that are saturated with asphalt, creating a durable barrier against moisture. This is essential for protecting roofs from water damage. While its primary purpose is for roofing, I started to wonder if it could also serve as an underlayment for flooring.
My Experience with Roofing Felt
I remember a specific project where the client wanted to install laminate flooring over a concrete slab in their basement. The floor was far from level, and traditional methods were either too costly or time-consuming. That’s when I thought about using roofing felt.
Why Consider Roofing Felt?
The idea was simple: could roofing felt help me create a smoother surface? Its moisture-resistant properties could also offer some added benefits. I decided to give it a shot and document the process for future reference.
The Installation Process
Preparation
The first step in any flooring installation is preparation. I started by cleaning the concrete slab thoroughly. Any debris or dust would compromise the adhesion of the roofing felt. Using a broom and a vacuum, I made sure to remove all loose particles. This simple step is often overlooked but is critical for ensuring a successful installation.
Measuring and Cutting
Next, I measured the floor area to determine how much roofing felt I would need. It typically comes in rolls, so I calculated the necessary length and cut it accordingly. For this project, I needed about three rolls of felt, each covering approximately 100 square feet.
Laying the Felt
With my measurements in hand, it was time to roll out the felt. I laid the first piece down, ensuring it covered the entire area while overlapping the edges by a few inches to create a continuous moisture barrier. To prevent shifting during installation, I used a staple gun to secure it to the concrete slab.
Leveling
Achieving a level surface is crucial for any flooring project. To ensure the floor was level, I used self-leveling compound over the felt. This was crucial for achieving that smooth finish that everyone desires. The self-leveling compound worked beautifully, filling in any low spots and creating an even surface.
Challenges Encountered
While roofing felt seemed like a great idea at first, I did encounter some challenges. The adhesive properties of the felt were not as strong as I had hoped. In some areas, it lifted slightly during the process of pouring the leveling compound. To combat this, I had to use additional staples and ensure that the compound was poured quickly before the felt could shift.
Another challenge was dealing with temperature variations in the basement. The cooler temperatures caused some minor condensation issues, which could have affected the installation if not addressed promptly. By paying close attention to these conditions and working efficiently, I minimized potential problems.
Successes and Results
Once everything was set, the laminate flooring went down beautifully. The combination of roofing felt and self-leveling compound worked effectively to create a smooth surface. My client was thrilled with the results, and so was I.
Cost Considerations
One of the biggest benefits of this approach was cost savings. The roofing felt itself is relatively inexpensive—around $15-$20 per roll, depending on where you buy it. In comparison to other underlayment options, it was a fraction of the cost.
Using FloorTally helped me estimate costs accurately for this project. It allowed me to factor in not only the price of materials but also labor and time involved in preparation and installation. Having access to localized material prices made budgeting easier and more transparent for my clients.
Comparing Options
After this experience, I began comparing roofing felt with other underlayment materials like foam and cork.
- Foam Underlayment: Foam is generally easier to work with and provides excellent sound insulation. However, it can be more expensive and may not provide the same moisture barrier as roofing felt.
- Cork Underlayment: Cork is eco-friendly and offers both insulation and moisture resistance but comes at a higher price point.
- Rubber Underlayment: Rubber provides excellent sound insulation and durability but can be more challenging to install due to its weight and density.
Tips for Using Roofing Felt
If you decide to try roofing felt for your flooring project, here are some tips based on my experience:
- Ensure a Clean Surface: Make sure your subfloor is clean and free of debris before laying down the felt.
- Use Enough Staples: Don’t skimp on securing the felt; use enough staples to prevent lifting during leveling.
- Check Moisture Levels: Before starting your project, check for any moisture issues in your subfloor that may affect the integrity of your installation.
- Consider Your Flooring Type: Roofing felt works well with laminate and engineered wood but may not be suitable for all flooring types.
- Monitor Temperature: Be mindful of temperature fluctuations during installation to prevent condensation issues.
Maintenance Considerations
Maintaining a floor installed over roofing felt is straightforward. Regular cleaning with appropriate products will keep it looking good. However, keep an eye out for any areas where moisture might penetrate, especially in basements or high humidity areas.
In terms of longevity, I’ve found that floors installed over roofing felt tend to perform well when maintained properly. The key is ensuring that any potential moisture issues are addressed before they become problems.
Practical Applications
The versatility of roofing felt extends beyond just being an underlayment for laminate flooring. I’ve had clients ask about using it under different types of flooring such as vinyl or tile.
Vinyl Flooring
When installing vinyl flooring over concrete slabs, roofing felt can provide an additional moisture barrier while helping to even out minor imperfections in the subfloor. However, care must be taken to ensure that the adhesive used for vinyl does not interact negatively with the felt.
Tile Flooring
For tile installations, using roofing felt can be beneficial as well—but there are caveats. While it can help with moisture resistance, tile requires a very stable base; therefore, proper leveling compounds should be used on top of the felt before tiling.
Advanced Tips for Installation
As I’ve gained more experience with roofing felt in flooring applications, I’ve developed some advanced techniques that can help improve outcomes:
- Combine with Other Materials: In some cases, layering roofing felt with another underlayment material can provide enhanced performance—especially in high-traffic areas.
- Be Mindful of Seam Placement: When laying out roofing felt, plan your seams thoughtfully to minimize potential weak points in your flooring.
- Use Quality Self-Leveling Compound: Invest in high-quality leveling compounds that adhere well to both concrete and roofing felt for best results.
- Test Before Full Application: For larger projects, consider testing a small section before committing fully to using roofing felt as an underlayment.
Personal Anecdotes
Reflecting on my journey as a flooring contractor, there have been numerous occasions where innovative solutions made all the difference in a project’s success.
I recall one residential job where we were tasked with renovating an old home with uneven wooden floors. After extensive discussions with the homeowners about various options, we decided to try roofing felt as part of our solution alongside plywood sheets for added support.
The transformation was remarkable! Not only did we create an even surface for their new hardwood floors, but we also managed to keep costs within budget—something that thrilled my clients.
Conclusion
Using roofing felt as an underlayment for flooring can be a viable solution if done correctly. While there were challenges along the way, the benefits often outweighed them. It’s essential to weigh your options based on your specific project needs.
Every flooring job brings its own set of challenges and rewards. If you’re considering roofing felt, I encourage you to weigh its pros and cons based on your unique situation. Have you tried it in your projects? What were your experiences? Let’s continue sharing insights in our industry!
In reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that innovation plays a pivotal role in our trade. Roofing felt may not be the first option that comes to mind when considering underlayment materials; however, it’s proven itself worthy through practical application and real-world results.
