Roofing sheets are the best alternative to
Alternatives to roofing felt include synthetic underlayments and EPDM rubber roofing, both offering unique advantages. Proper installation is crucial for the effectiveness and longevity of any roofing material.
Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing material that has easier installation and low upfront installation costs. Shingles can be installed as a DIY home improvement project, saving you even more money upfront.
The Right Underlayment for Your Roof
Synthetic roofing underlayment has many advantages over felt and may be a worthwhile investment to protect your roof and home from the risks of water and moisture infiltration.
There are various types of roofing underlayment or underlayment materials. In the past, tar-paper was the standard, and I still occasionally come across old roofs that have it. However, today, fiberglass felt (sometimes called felt paper) and polypropylene/polyethylene are the industry standard.
Synthetic rubber materials are less susceptible to mould and mildew growth than traditional felt and enhance the roof's lifespan. Many felt roofers are making the switch to rubber as a more durable and eco friendly roofing material.
Synthetic underlayment is a high-tech alternative to traditional tar paper. It is made of polypropylene or polyester fabric that is saturated or coated with asphalt.
High-quality roofing felt lowers fire risks. Modern fire rating testing for shingles almost always requires roofing felt underlayment. If you don't have roofing felt, those shingles may not provide the same level of fire protection you expect. As a result, your building may not meet fire requirements in your area.
For a superior shed roofing material, choose rubber roofing for a waterproof, cost-effective option and long-lasting shed roof covering. EPDM is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane that outperforms shed roofing felt in all aspects.
#1 GAF FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt
If you're looking for a durable, synthetic underlayment that works well with asphalt shingles, GAF FeltBuster is a solid choice. It's from one of the most trusted names in roofing, GAF, so you know it's a product built to last. Pros: Lightweight and easy to install.
Asphalt shingles are generally the cheapest option as they are not only one of the cheapest roofing shingles but also one of the cheapest types of roof to install.
Rolled roofing, or MSR, is an inexpensive, easy-to-install roofing material often used for sheds and carports. Unlike individual composite (asphalt) shingles, rolled roofing comes in large rolls of up to 100 square feet; in a sense, each roll is a 100 square-foot shingle.
In fact, a new roof has the potential to lower your insurance premium anywhere from 5 to 35 percent. However, another thing that can affect the overall discount of roof insurance premium is the type of material your roof is made of.
Some felts are 100% wool; many are blends of wool and synthetic fibers. Some are made by pressing, others by needling. Both processes work to entangle and interlock the fibers. The first step in pressed felts is mixing, which loosens the stock, opens up any lumps or tangles and blends the fiber types.
The lifespan of roofing felt can change based on the type of material and the environment. On average, it lasts about 15 to 20 years. It's important to have regular inspections, especially for older roofs. If you see any signs of damage, you might need to replace it sooner.
EPDM is the answer.
Traditional roof felt is the cheapest way to waterproof a shed roof, but its benefits end with its low cost. Felt is one of the least durable shed roofing materials and can't be expected to last anywhere near the length of time that EPDM will.
Other Benefits of Roofing Felt
That being said, many homes do not and have never had felt installed. With an adequate covering, the absence may not be noticed. At least, initially. Much like airbags, you may not need them to get the car running but you'll certainly miss them if you crash.
ROOF FELT AS A MOISTURE BARRIER
This helps to prevent any damage being done to the wood decking in the long run. The moisture barrier in a roof is highly important nowadays since the way houses are now built with certain extras such as double glazing making air circulation more of a problem.
The benefits of EPDM over felt
Once correctly applied, it carries a life expectancy of more than 50 years, with a performance to match over the entire lifespan. This means that far from being an annual or a bi-annual task with felt, you need only use an EPDM kit once to replace your shed roof.
Whether you opt for traditional asphalt-saturated felt, modern synthetic underlayment, or premium rubberized asphalt underlayment, choosing the right type can make all the difference in the longevity and performance of your roof.
Unlike traditional asphalt felt, peel and stick roof underlayment doesn't wrinkle, which minimizes the risk of water pooling and penetrating the roof barrier below. Additionally, the absence of nail holes provides a more effective barrier against moisture.
Tar paper is less commonly used by far. It is made of tear-resistant paper or fiberglass matting and soaked in tar. Roofing felt is generally made of recycled paper products and then impregnated with asphalt.