Layer of Felt Can Give Roof Longer Life
QUESTION: While cleaning out the gutters around my house last weekend, I happened to take a peek under the first course of shingles. I noticed that there wasn’t any roofing felt underneath. The previous homeowners had new plywood sheathing and asphalt shingles installed about 10 years ago. What purpose does the felt serve? Will the roof be harmed without the felt underneath the shingles?
Shannon Hinton of Cedarcrest Roofing in Kansas City, Mo., explains.
ANSWER: Asphalt-saturated felt “underlayment,” as it is called, has two purposes: It acts as a vapor barrier to protect the underside of the shingles from moisture and, if carefully applied, provides a second waterproof barrier for the plywood sheathing on the roof.
Not having felt underlayment could shorten the life of the roof slightly, depending on shingle quality and the severity of the weather in your area.
I typically install 15-pound felt under standard three-tab asphalt shingles and 30-pound felt under architectural shingles. On low-sloping roofs with a pitch of 3-in-12 or less, I use two layers of felt.
In some regions, however, felt underlayment isn’t required by the local building code, so some builders might not install it. If your roof isn’t leaking, I would not recommend any changes. But, when it comes time to re-roof, it makes sense to have a felt underlayment installed.
Bathroom Repainting Can Cover Old Tile
Q: We want to change some of the colors in our bathroom. A salesman at my paint store said it’s impossible to paint over smooth surfaces like ceramic tile and plastic laminate. Is this true?
Henry Spies of Spies Home Inspection Services in Champaign, Ill., replies:
A: Painting ceramic tile or plastic laminate isn’t easy to do, but it definitely is possible.
For areas like ceramic-tile wainscot that aren’t subjected to much water, you’ll have to remove the surface gloss. To do this, scuff-sand with 120-grit sandpaper; an orbital sander speeds this process. Be sure to get down into the joints slightly to remove any silicone grout sealer, because the paint won’t stick to it. Then coat the roughed-up surface with a primer, such as Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3, to provide a good base for the paint.
Wait for the primer to dry and then cover it with a high-quality latex gloss or semigloss enamel paint. Figure on five days for the paint and primer to cure fully and form a scuff-resistant bond.
Latex enamel is not suitable for tub or shower surrounds, which get wet. One option is to install a multi-piece plastic tub-surround over the existing ceramic wall. Another is to paint it with a marine epoxy primer and finish coat. Although manufacturers won’t warrant marine paint for bathroom use, it works. Use the same sanding procedure you used on the bathroom walls.
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