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Key Takeaways
- Sun, storms, and high winds can damage your roof felt.
- Poor installation, including bad overlaps, weak fastening, and cheap materials, also contribute to a shorter lifespan.
- If your roof felt looks old, brittle, or saggy, schedule an inspection ASAP.
- At Apex, we handle everything from check-ups to full replacements—so your roof stays leak-free and is built to last.
What’s Damaging Your Roof Felt?
Your roof felt fights off leaks, soaks up moisture, and keeps your roof in top shape. But it doesn’t last forever. Whether it’s brutal weather, a bad installation job, or just plain old age, your roof felt takes a beating over time.
And trust us, we’ve seen it all—soggy ceilings, surprise indoor waterfalls, and homeowners wondering how things went downhill so fast. Good news: most of these can be stopped before they start.
Let’s look into what’s wrecking your roof felt—and how you can get ahead of the damage before it costs you big time.
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
What is Roof Felt & Why Does It Matter?
Roof felt is your roof’s bodyguard—a tough, waterproof layer standing between your home and the elements. Sitting between your roof deck and shingles, it’s the backup plan when rain, snow, or leaks try to sneak in.
Why It’s Important:
- It keeps leaks out.
- It stops mold and rot.
- It boosts your roof’s lifespan.
But even the best bodyguards wear down over time. Weather, age, and bad installs can take their toll—leading to cracks, tears, and leaks.
The Most Common Causes of Roof Felt Damage
Extreme Weather Conditions
- UV Radiation: Sunlight cooks your roof felt—making it dry and brittle, and causing cracks.
- Heavy Rain & Snow: Water pooling leads to soggy, moldy roof felt.
- High Winds: Strong gusts lift and tear underlayment, exposing your roof’s vulnerable spots.
- Hail & Debris Impact: Hailstones and flying debris pummel roof felt, leaving holes and weak spots.
Prevention Tip: Upgrade to high-quality synthetic felt—it fights off UV rays, resists moisture, and lasts way longer than the old-school stuff.
| Weather Condition | Impact on Roof Felt | Prevention Tip |
| UV Radiation | Sun cooks your felt, making it dry, brittle, and cracking. | Use UV-resistant synthetic roof felt. |
| Heavy Rain & Snow | Water pools, soaks, and breeds mold. | Keep gutters clear and schedule regular roof checkups. |
| High Winds | Strong gusts rip up underlayment. | Secure your roof properly and use wind-rated felt that stays put. |
| Hail & Debris | Hail and flying branches smack holes in your felt. | Go for impact-resistant roofing materials. |
Poor Installation & Workmanship
- Bad Overlapping: Felt sheets should not leave gaps for water to sneak in.
- Weak Fastening: If it’s not secured right, expect shifting and tearing.
- Cheap Materials: Low-quality felt ages fast.
The Fix? Let our Apex team do it right the first time. We use top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship so your roof stays strong for years—not months.
Aging & Natural Deterioration
Nothing lasts forever—including your roof felt. Over time, heat, rain, and plain old aging wear it down, leaving your roof weak. And since roof felt isn’t exactly screaming for attention, most homeowners don’t realize it’s failing until leaks start showing up.
Signs Your Roof Felt is Throwing in the Towel:
- Soft spots and sagging.
- Water stains on ceilings.
- Cracked and curling edges.
Reality Check: Standard felt can last up to 20 years—but if you live somewhere with brutal weather, expect that number to drop.
Roof Leaks & Water Damage
- Standing Water: Turns your roof felt into a soggy, moldy mess.
- Ice Dams: Block drainage, forcing water to sneak under your shingles.
- Hidden Leaks: The worst kind—slowly rotting your felt and destroying your roof from the inside out.
The Fix? Schedule routine roof checkups with us! We’ll catch problems before they turn into big-ticket disasters. Need a quick fix while you wait for us? Here’s how to temporarily stop a leak from inside your house.
Pests, Debris & Foot Traffic
- Rodents & Birds: They chew, scratch, and turn your roof into a nest.
- Leaves & Dirt: Look harmless, but trap moisture, leading to mold and rot.
- Too Many Footsteps: Walking on the roof without knowing where to step = punctures, cracks, and regret.
The Fix? Keep gutters clean, trim those tree branches, and leave the rooftop adventures to the pros.
How to Prevent Roof Felt Damage
- Get an annual roof check-up.
- Keep gutters clean.
- Go for quality materials.
- Fix small damage ASAP.
- Stay off the roof (unless you know what you’re doing).
Protect Your Roof for the Long Haul
Roof felt doesn’t just randomly give up—it’s the result of years of wear, weather beatdowns, and avoidable mistakes.
The good news? A little roof love now can save you thousands in repairs later. Take care of your felt and roof, and they’ll take care of you.
Let Apex Check Your Roof Felt
At Apex, we don’t just fix roofs—we make sure you never have to stress about them.
- Licensed & Bonded Pros: No shortcuts, no guesswork—just top-tier craftsmanship backed by solid warranties.
- Storm Damage Experts: When bad weather hits, we fix it fast so you can get back to normal.
- Insurance? We’ve Got Your Back: Paperwork headaches? Nope. We handle claims so you don’t have to.
- Free Inspections & Estimates: Know what’s up with your roof before it turns into a problem.
Don’t wait for a disaster—schedule your FREE roof inspection now! Call us at 303-691-5035 or book online in minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the common causes of roof felt damage?
Roof felt takes a beating from wild weather, bad installs, aging, leaks, and the occasional foot traffic mishap. Too much sun? It dries out and cracks. Heavy rain or snow? Hello, mold and moisture damage. If it wasn’t installed right—loose overlaps, weak fastening, or cheap materials—expect trouble sooner rather than later. And just like everything else, time wears it down—but regular maintenance can keep your felt in the fight longer!
How does extreme weather affect roof felt?
Scorching sun leaves your roof felt brittle and cracked. Rain and snow soak it until it’s a soggy, moldy mess. Winds rip and lift it, leaving your roof deck vulnerable.
Can poor installation lead to roof felt damage?
Yes. If the felt wasn’t overlapped right, water’s going to find a way in. If it wasn’t secured properly, expect shifting and tearing—especially in strong winds. And if cheap materials were used? Let’s just say your roof won’t be winning any durability awards.
How do roof leaks contribute to felt damage?
When water sneaks under your roof felt, it soaks in, weakens it, and turns it into a moldy disaster zone. The worst leaks? The ones you don’t see. Slow, hidden seepage rots the underlayment and surrounding structures—so by the time you notice, you’re dealing with way more than just a patch-up job.
How can I prevent roof felt damage?
- Schedule annual roof checkups to catch small problems before they turn big.
- Keep your gutters clear so water actually goes where it’s supposed to.
- Trim overhanging branches before they dump debris all over your roof.
- Choose high-quality roofing materials that can handle the elements.
- And most importantly? Fix the little stuff fast!
At Apex, we handle inspections, repairs, and full replacements—so your roof is strong, leak-free, and built to last. Book a free inspection today!
