Roofing Felt to Level Floors? (7 Contractor No-Nos!)
As a flooring contractor with years under my belt, I’ve seen it all when it comes to flooring woes.
Floors, just like roofs, take a beating.
Think about it: constant foot traffic, furniture weight, spills, and even the subtle shifts in your home’s foundation.
It’s a recipe for wear and tear.
Roofs battle the elements – sun, rain, snow, and wind – constantly expanding and contracting.
Over time, both flooring and roofing systems can develop problems.
One of the most common flooring issues I encounter is unevenness.
Whether it’s a slight dip in the hallway or a noticeable slope in the kitchen, uneven floors can be a real headache.
They can cause furniture to wobble, create tripping hazards, and just generally make your home feel “off.”
So, what’s the solution?
That’s where things can get interesting.
I’ve heard of some pretty unconventional methods for leveling floors, and one that keeps popping up is the use of roofing felt.
Yes, you read that right – the same stuff used to protect your roof from the elements!
The idea is that layering roofing felt can create a shim to even out those pesky dips and slopes.
But before you rush out to buy a roll of roofing felt, let me stop you right there.
While it might seem like a quick and cheap fix, using roofing felt to level floors is often a recipe for disaster.
In this article, I’m going to break down the top 7 mistakes contractors make when considering this unconventional method.
I will give you the lowdown on why it’s usually a bad idea.
Trust me, you’ll want to avoid these pitfalls to ensure your flooring project is a success.
Let’s dive in!
Section 1: Understanding Roofing Felt
Okay, let’s start with the basics: What exactly is roofing felt?
Roofing felt, also known as underlayment, is a water-resistant or waterproof barrier installed on your roof deck beneath the shingles or other roofing materials.
Its primary purpose is to protect your home from moisture damage.
Think of it as a second line of defense against leaks.
Roofing felt typically comes in rolls and is made from either asphalt-saturated paper or synthetic materials like fiberglass.
The asphalt-saturated paper type is the more traditional option, while synthetic felts are newer and generally offer better performance and durability.
Why is it appealing?
Well, for starters, it’s relatively inexpensive and readily available at most home improvement stores.
According to Home Depot, a roll of 15 lb roofing felt typically costs around $20-$30.
It’s also lightweight and easy to handle, which can make it seem like a convenient solution for various projects.
However, just because it’s cheap and easy to use doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for leveling floors.
Section 2: The Concept of Using Roofing Felt for Flooring
So, why would anyone even consider using roofing felt for flooring?
The appeal lies in its perceived ability to act as a shim.
A shim is a thin, tapered piece of material used to fill gaps or level surfaces.
The thinking goes that by layering roofing felt in low spots, you can create a more even surface for your new flooring.
This might seem appealing in situations where you’re dealing with minor imperfections or when you’re trying to save time and money.
Imagine you’re flipping a house and want a quick fix to make the floors look better without investing in extensive repairs.
Or perhaps you’re a DIYer on a tight budget looking for a cheap and easy solution.
However, the reality is that using roofing felt as a leveling agent is often based on misconceptions.
It’s a temporary fix that can lead to long-term problems.
The key is to understand the limitations of roofing felt and the potential consequences of using it inappropriately.
Section 3: Contractor No-No #1: Ignoring Manufacturer Specifications
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
One of the biggest mistakes I see contractors make is ignoring the manufacturer’s specifications for roofing felt.
Every building material comes with guidelines for its intended use, proper installation, and limitations.
Roofing felt is no exception.
Manufacturers design roofing felt to perform a specific function: protecting roofs from moisture.
They don’t design it to withstand the weight and pressure of foot traffic or furniture.
Using it outside of its intended application can lead to premature failure and other problems.
For example, the CertainTeed website clearly states that their roofing underlayment products are designed for use on roofs and should be installed according to their specific instructions.
Ignoring these instructions can void any warranties and leave you with a flooring system that’s prone to problems.
I once worked on a project where a previous contractor had used roofing felt to level a floor in a rental property.
Within a few months, the flooring started to feel spongy and uneven.
When we pulled it up, we found that the roofing felt had compressed and deteriorated, creating even bigger dips and slopes than before.
The cost of redoing the entire floor properly far exceeded the initial savings from using roofing felt.
Section 4: Contractor No-No #2: Overlooking Subfloor Preparation
Next up is another critical mistake: failing to properly prepare the subfloor before applying roofing felt.
The subfloor is the foundation upon which your flooring rests.
It needs to be clean, dry, and stable to ensure a successful flooring installation.
Neglecting this step can compromise the effectiveness of any leveling solution, including roofing felt.
Before you even think about applying roofing felt, you need to thoroughly inspect the subfloor for any signs of damage, such as:
- Moisture
- Rot
- Cracks
- Loose boards
Address these issues before proceeding.
Clean the subfloor to remove any dirt, debris, or old adhesive.
Use a level to identify any high or low spots.
If you’re dealing with significant unevenness, consider using a self-leveling compound instead of roofing felt.
In fact, according to Bob Vila, self-leveling compounds are ideal for correcting imperfections in subfloors and creating a smooth, even surface for new flooring.
I’ve seen contractors try to cut corners by skipping subfloor preparation, only to end up with a flooring system that’s prone to squeaking, buckling, and other problems.
Take the time to do it right, and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches down the road.
Section 5: Contractor No-No #3: Using Inappropriate Types of Roofing Felt
Not all roofing felt is created equal.
There are different types of roofing felt, each designed for specific roofing applications.
Using the wrong type for flooring can have serious consequences.
The two main types of roofing felt are:
Asphalt-Saturated Felt: This is the more traditional option.
It’s made from paper that’s been saturated with asphalt to make it water-resistant.Synthetic Felt: This is a newer type of roofing felt made from synthetic materials like fiberglass.
It’s generally more durable and water-resistant than asphalt-saturated felt.
While synthetic felt might seem like a better option for flooring due to its increased durability, it’s still not designed for that purpose.
Both types of roofing felt can compress and deteriorate under the weight of foot traffic and furniture.
Additionally, some types of roofing felt may contain chemicals that are not suitable for indoor use.
I remember a project where a contractor used a heavy-duty asphalt-saturated felt to level a bathroom floor.
The felt emitted a strong odor that lingered for weeks, even after the new flooring was installed.
The homeowners complained of headaches and respiratory irritation, and we eventually had to remove the entire floor and start over with a proper leveling compound.
Section 6: Contractor No-No #4: Neglecting Moisture Issues
Moisture is the enemy of any flooring system.
Failing to address moisture concerns before using roofing felt can lead to a host of problems, including mold, mildew, and structural damage.
Roofing felt is designed to be water-resistant, but it’s not waterproof.
If moisture gets trapped beneath the felt, it can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
This is especially true in areas with high humidity or where there’s a risk of leaks.
Before applying roofing felt, you need to thoroughly assess the moisture levels in your subfloor.
Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood.
According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), the moisture content of the subfloor should be within a certain range depending on the type of flooring you’re installing.
If the moisture levels are too high, you’ll need to address the source of the moisture before proceeding.
This might involve repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or using a dehumidifier.
I’ve seen contractors try to cover up moisture problems with roofing felt, only to have the flooring fail within a few years due to mold and rot.
Don’t make the same mistake.
Address moisture issues upfront, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run.
Section 7: Contractor No-No #5: Inadequate Fastening Techniques
Even if you use the right type of roofing felt and prepare the subfloor properly, your leveling job will fail if you don’t fasten the felt securely to the floor.
Inadequate fastening can lead to movement, shifting, and eventual failure of the leveling system.
Roofing felt is typically installed using nails or staples when used on roofs.
However, these methods are not suitable for flooring applications.
Nails and staples can create holes in the felt, allowing moisture to penetrate.
They can also loosen over time, causing the felt to shift and buckle.
The best way to fasten roofing felt to a subfloor is to use a high-quality construction adhesive.
Apply the adhesive in a consistent pattern and press the felt firmly into place.
Use a roller to ensure good contact between the felt and the subfloor.
Allow the adhesive to dry completely before installing your new flooring.
I’ve seen contractors try to use cheap adhesives or skip the adhesive altogether, only to have the roofing felt come loose and create an uneven surface.
Invest in a good adhesive and take the time to apply it properly.
It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the long-term performance of your flooring.
Section 8: Contractor No-No #6: Lack of Professional Assessment
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to call in a professional.
Not conducting a thorough professional assessment of the flooring situation is a major mistake.
Before attempting any leveling solutions, it’s crucial to have an expert evaluate the condition of your flooring.
A professional assessment can provide insights into the underlying issues that may need to be addressed rather than simply applying roofing felt as a band-aid solution.
A qualified flooring contractor can:
- Identify the cause of the unevenness
- Assess the condition of the subfloor
- Recommend the best leveling solution
- Ensure that the job is done properly
Hiring a professional may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes.
According to Angi, the cost of hiring a flooring contractor typically ranges from $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the scope of the project.
While this may seem like a significant investment, it’s often worth it to ensure that the job is done right.
I’ve seen homeowners try to tackle flooring projects on their own, only to end up making costly mistakes that could have been avoided with a professional assessment.
Don’t be afraid to seek expert advice.
It’s an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your home.
Section 9: Contractor No-No #7: Ignoring Long-Term Implications
Finally, the last and perhaps most important mistake is overlooking the long-term implications of using roofing felt for leveling floors.
As I’ve mentioned throughout this article, roofing felt is not designed for flooring applications.
It’s a temporary fix that can lead to more significant problems down the line.
Over time, roofing felt can compress, deteriorate, and trap moisture, leading to:
- Uneven floors
- Mold and mildew growth
- Structural damage
- Increased repair costs
While it might seem like a quick and cheap solution in the short term, using roofing felt can end up costing you more money in the long run.
It’s essential to consider the longevity and sustainability of your leveling solution.
Choose methods and materials that are designed for flooring applications and that will provide a long-lasting, stable surface.
I’ve seen homeowners regret using roofing felt to level their floors when they realize the extent of the damage it has caused.
Don’t make the same mistake.
Think long-term and choose a leveling solution that will stand the test of time.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the top 7 contractor no-nos when it comes to using roofing felt to level floors.
Let’s recap:
- Ignoring Manufacturer Specifications
- Overlooking Subfloor Preparation
- Using Inappropriate Types of Roofing Felt
- Neglecting Moisture Issues
- Inadequate Fastening Techniques
- Lack of Professional Assessment
- Ignoring Long-Term Implications
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure the integrity of your flooring installation and prevent costly problems down the road.
Remember, while roofing felt may seem like a viable option in certain situations, the potential pitfalls far outweigh the benefits.
Prioritize proper methods and materials when addressing flooring issues.
Invest in a professional assessment, prepare the subfloor thoroughly, and choose a leveling solution that is designed for flooring applications.
Your floors will thank you for it!
Do you have any questions about flooring or leveling techniques?
Feel free to leave a comment below.
I’m always happy to help!
