How to Install Felt Paper to a Roof According to Florida Code

High-quality roofing and construction are important for Florida because of the threat of hurricanes. Hurricanes produce strong winds that produce vertical uplift on roofs, much like an airplane's wing, so the roofing felt paper and other roofing materials must be fastened securely to the structure. If the roofing materials are not installed correctly, high-force winds can rip off the material, exposing the structure to rain and further wind damage. To install felt paper according to Florida codes, have a licensed roofing contractor complete the installation.

Roofing tacks
Nail punch or hammer
Utility knife
Drip edge
Roof cement
Flashing

Instructions

- 1
  Unroll the 30-lb. roof felt paper along the bottom edge of the roof. Cut the felt at the end of the roof with a utility knife, and unroll the felt paper with a four-inch overlap over the layer below. The felt paper ends must overlap at least six inches. Continue to unroll the felt paper across the whole roof, and ensure the felt paper lays flat against the roof sheathing. Double up the felt paper along valleys at intersecting roofs for increased protection.
- 2
  Nail the roof with roofing tacks six inches on center along the bottom, top, and side roof edges; nail roofing tacks 10 inches on center along the edges of the roofing felt; and nail roofing tacks every 24 inches vertically across the roof surface. Use a hammer or nail punch.
- 3
  Install a metal drip edge along the sides of the roof. The drip edge ends must overlap four inches over one another and be fastened with roof cement. This drip edge must be 1/2 inch from the face of the roof's fascia board.
- 4
  Install flashing at all roof intersections, including at risers and equipment that pierce the plane of the roof, after applying the shingles or metal roofing.

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