Caleb Foster
When it comes to roofing, one of the key questions that arises is whether roofers should remove all old felt and nails before starting work. While some roofers may argue that leaving the old felt intact is standard practice, others insist on its removal to ensure a thorough inspection of the decking underneath. This step is crucial to identify any damage or rot and ensure that the sheathing is nailed off properly. In some cases, roofing contractors may install a new layer of shingles without removing the previous ones, but this is not always considered acceptable. Ultimately, the decision to remove or retain old felt and nails depends on various factors, including local regulations, the condition of the existing roof, and the preferences of the roofer and client.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should roofers remove old felt? | In some cases, it is acceptable to install a new layer of felt without removing the previous one. However, leaving old felt can prevent inspection of the decking, and it is generally recommended to remove it. |
| Should roofers remove nails? | It is recommended to remove protruding or large roofing nails. Nails that have sunk in or worn off can be pounded down. |
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What You'll Learn
Roofing laws vary by location
Roofing laws do indeed vary by location, and it is important to be aware of the specific laws in your area to ensure your roof replacement project is legal and safe. For example, in California, the California Building Code (CBC) outlines the minimum requirements for construction and building safety, including roofing. This includes stringent energy efficiency standards, such as the Cool Roof Code in Los Angeles County, which requires roofing materials that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. On the other hand, Florida has strict regulations designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
In Illinois, roofing regulations and building codes also depend on local laws. Building codes in Illinois often require contractors to follow the manufacturer's instructions and may mandate that repairs or replacements are of the same or better quality than the original work. Additionally, certain codes require the installation of specific roof elements like flashing, ice and water shields, and vents in designated spots.
The permitting process is another aspect that varies by location. In most places, a building permit is required before starting significant roofing work, and the process typically involves submitting an application with details about the project and paying a fee. However, the specific requirements and costs of permits can differ depending on the local regulations.
Furthermore, local regulations can dictate the acceptable practices during roofing projects. For instance, in some areas, it is generally acceptable to have two layers of paper or felt on a roof deck, while in others, specific installation methods may be mandated to prevent issues like leaks.
It is always advisable to consult with professionals who are well-versed in the local and national building codes and regulations to ensure your roofing project complies with the relevant laws and standards.
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Roofers can identify rotten spots without removing shingles
It is generally recommended that roofers remove old felt and nails before roofing to ensure a thorough inspection of the decking and identify any potential damage or rot. However, some roofers may argue that it is unnecessary to remove all the old felt if it is in good condition. Experienced roofers can often identify rotten spots without removing shingles by stepping on them and feeling if they give more than normal. They may also be able to spot signs of rot from inside the attic, especially around leak points such as skylights and roof-mounted items.
While it may not be necessary to remove all the old felt if it is intact, it is crucial to inspect the decking for any damage or rot. If the felt is left intact, roofers should ensure that the sheathing is properly nailed off and in good condition. This is because water can damage the felt and wood, and it is easier to identify rotten wood than damaged felt.
In some cases, removing the old felt may be required by local building codes or regulations. For example, in Florida, the roofing laws changed in 2007, requiring the roof to be stripped to the deck and re-nailed with ring shank nails before installing the felt and shingles.
To summarize, while roofers can identify rotten spots without removing shingles, it is generally advisable to remove old felt to allow for a thorough inspection of the decking and ensure that any potential issues are addressed. This decision may depend on local regulations, the condition of the existing felt, and the roofer's expertise in identifying rotten spots without direct inspection.
Regular inspections of your roof are essential to maintaining its integrity and addressing any potential issues promptly. Whether you're preparing to sell your home or have recently experienced severe weather, it's crucial to pay attention to your roof's condition and consult with professional roofers or home inspectors as needed.
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Leaving old felt can prevent future damage
While some people believe that old felt should be removed before installing a new roof, others argue that leaving it can prevent future damage. This school of thought suggests that the old felt can provide an added layer of protection against water damage and increased fire resistance.
Felt has a primary function of keeping the roof deck dry before the shingles are installed. It also offers additional protection against wind-driven rain and potential wind damage to the shingles in the future. Leaving the old felt in place can, therefore, act as a buffer and provide extra security against the elements.
In some cases, roofing contractors deem it acceptable to install a new layer of felt without removing the previous shingles. This practice is supported by the fact that water has to ruin the felt before it ruins the wood, and it is easy to spot if the felt is damaged. Therefore, leaving the old felt in place can act as a safeguard, providing an additional barrier between the shingles and the roof deck.
Moreover, removing old felt can be a time-consuming process, and good roofers can identify bad spots and rotted areas without removing the shingles or felt. By leaving the old felt, roofers can save time and resources, and still ensure a secure roof. This practice is particularly common when the roof is in good condition, and there is no urgent need to replace the felt.
However, it is important to note that leaving old felt can hinder the inspection of the decking and sheathing. Without a thorough inspection, potential issues like rot or damage may go unnoticed. Therefore, while leaving old felt can offer added protection, it is crucial to balance this benefit with the need for a comprehensive assessment of the roof's underlying structure.
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Nails should be pulled to minimise attic condensation
While it is generally acceptable to leave old felt on a roof, it is important to remove old nails to minimise attic condensation. Nails that are left protruding in the attic can drip with condensation, causing mould and other issues.
Attic condensation is caused by excess moisture, which is a common problem during the cold season. If the attic space does not have proper ventilation, moisture will condense on cold surfaces, including nails. This can lead to potential issues such as mould and water damage. To prevent these problems, it is crucial to address the sources of incoming heat and moisture and ensure proper ventilation and insulation in the attic space.
One way to minimise condensation is to remove old nails that may be protruding into the attic space. While roofing nails are designed to protrude to achieve pullout resistance, they can pose a safety hazard and contribute to condensation issues if left unattended. By removing or clipping off old nails, the risk of condensation forming on them is reduced.
In some cases, it may be necessary to cover the nails with a protective material, such as rubber or foam, to prevent accidents and provide additional insulation. However, it is important to note that some materials, such as insulation board, may be flammable and should be used with caution. Proper ventilation and sealing of the attic space are also essential to prevent moisture buildup and ensure that any remaining nails do not contribute to condensation issues.
To summarise, while leaving old felt on a roof may be acceptable, it is advisable to remove or clip old nails to minimise attic condensation. By addressing the sources of heat and moisture, ensuring proper ventilation, and considering protective coverings for remaining nails, homeowners can reduce the risk of condensation-related issues in their attic spaces.
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Ice and water must adhere to wood, not paper
While some roofers may leave the old felt on, it is generally recommended to remove all old felt and nails before installing a new roof. This is because leaving the old felt can prevent proper inspection of the decking for rot or damage. In some places, like Florida, it is required by law to strip the roof to the deck.
Ice and water shields, on the other hand, are designed to be installed underneath a shingle, tile, or metal roof. They can be installed with no fasteners, and their sticky backing allows them to adhere well to the wood roofing sheathing. When nails penetrate an ice and water shield, the rubberized nature of the material creates a gasket effect on the shaft of the nail, preventing leaks.
In summary, it is important to remove all old felt and nails before installing a new roof to ensure a proper inspection of the decking. Ice and water shields should then be installed directly onto the wood sheathing to provide an effective barrier against leaks and water damage.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the local roofing laws. In Florida, for example, roofing laws changed in 2007, requiring roofers to strip the roof to the deck. However, in some cases, it is acceptable to install a new layer of felt without removing the old one.
Removing old felt allows for the inspection of the decking for any damage or rot. It also ensures proper adhesion of ice and water shields to the decking.
Leaving the old felt can make it difficult to inspect the decking for any issues, such as rot. It can also affect the adhesion of ice and water shields, which need to adhere directly to the decking.
It is generally recommended to remove old nails or staples before installing new felt. This helps minimize the number of nails protruding into the attic and reduces the risk of condensation from varying temperatures.
To remove old felt, carefully pull up each strip of felt using a pry bar or scraper tool. Remove any nails or staples holding the felt in place, taking care not to damage the underlying roof deck. Clean the roof surface of any debris before installing new felt.
