People searching for tar paper for sale are often looking for roofing felt, a traditional asphalt-based sheet used beneath shingles and in some construction projects. Despite its common name, modern roofing felt usually is not made from coal tar. The right product depends on the roof, local building requirements, exposure time, and installation method. Understanding the differences between felt grades, synthetic underlayment, and actual tar products helps buyers compare listings and avoid purchasing the wrong material.
What “Tar Paper” Means Today
In U.S. retail listings, “tar paper” most often refers to asphalt-saturated roofing felt. Manufacturers make it from a fibrous base sheet, commonly paper or fiberglass, saturated or coated with asphalt to resist moisture. It is sold in rolls and installed as an underlayment, typically between roof decking and shingles or another roof covering.
The name can be misleading. Roofing felt is generally asphalt-based, while coal-tar products are a separate category with different properties and uses. A product described as “tar paper” should be checked by its label, technical data sheet, and intended application—not by its informal name alone.
Some products sold under related search terms may be building paper, vapor-retarder paper, or a specialty waterproofing membrane. These are not automatically interchangeable with roofing felt. Buyers should confirm that the product is approved for the planned installation and compatible with the roof covering.
Common Types of Roofing Felt for Sale
Traditional No. 15 and No. 30 Felt
Traditional listings often use the terms No. 15 felt and No. 30 felt. These names come from historical product classifications and are not a dependable statement of a roll’s current weight. Manufacturing methods and product specifications have changed, so two rolls with the same familiar label may differ in dimensions, mass, strength, or performance.
Instead of relying on the number alone, check the product’s stated standard, coverage, roll dimensions, and technical data. Roofing felt may be manufactured to specifications such as ASTM D226 or ASTM D4869, depending on the product type. The product label and current manufacturer documentation should identify which standard applies.
Fiberglass-Reinforced Felt
Some asphalt felts use a fiberglass reinforcing mat. The reinforcement can improve dimensional stability and resistance to tearing compared with certain organic-fiber products. Performance still varies by product, and fiberglass-reinforced felt should not be assumed to be suitable for every roof or exposure condition. The manufacturer’s instructions remain the controlling guide.
Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment is a separate alternative, generally made from woven or spun polymer materials. It is often lighter than felt and can be easier to handle on large roofs, though grip, fastening requirements, exposure limits, and installation details differ by brand. A synthetic product is not “tar paper,” even if shoppers compare the two as roofing-underlayment options.
Specialty Asphalt and Waterproofing Products
Self-adhered membranes, ice-barrier products, and other specialty sheets may also appear in searches for tar paper. They are designed for specific locations or functions, such as eaves, valleys, or low-slope details. Their adhesive layers and installation requirements differ from those of standard felt. They should be selected only where the roof design, code, and manufacturer allow them.
What Roofing Felt Is Used For
The most common use is as a secondary water-shedding layer beneath roofing. It can help protect the roof deck from incidental water that gets beneath shingles and can provide temporary protection during construction, subject to the product’s stated exposure limits. It is not a substitute for properly installed shingles, flashing, drainage, or a complete roofing system.
Roofing felt is also used in some building and remodeling applications where the product is specifically permitted. However, “tar paper” is too broad a term for choosing material around walls, floors, foundations, or concrete. Those projects may require a vapor retarder, drainage layer, waterproofing membrane, or another product with defined performance characteristics.
Underlayment requirements vary with the roof covering, slope, climate, building-code adoption, and local amendments. Some roofs need special protection in vulnerable areas. For example, ice-barrier requirements may apply in parts of the country where ice dams are a concern. Local building officials and the roofing manufacturer’s instructions are useful checks before buying.
How to Choose the Right Product
Match the Product to the Roof
Start with the roof covering and installation plan. Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, and other coverings may have different underlayment requirements. A product approved under one roofing system is not necessarily approved under another. Check the covering manufacturer’s installation instructions and confirm that the underlayment is permitted for the roof’s slope and intended use.
Check the Standard and Product Data
Look for a clear product name, applicable ASTM specification, roll size, coverage, installation instructions, and exposure limitations. If the listing only says “tar paper” without explaining the material or intended use, request the technical data sheet before ordering. A recognizable brand name does not replace checking the specific product model.
Consider Handling and Weather Exposure
Roofing felt can wrinkle, tear, or become difficult to manage if exposed to wind or weather beyond the manufacturer’s stated limits. Synthetic underlayment may be easier to handle in some conditions, but it also has fastening and exposure requirements. Buyers should compare the actual installation instructions rather than assuming that one material is always more durable.
Verify Compatibility and Fasteners
Roofing systems may specify particular fasteners, lap dimensions, or installation sequences. Some products require cap nails or other approved fasteners; details vary. For metal roofs and specialty membranes, chemical or material compatibility may also matter. Follow the product instructions and applicable code rather than improvising based on a different underlayment.
Where to Find Tar Paper for Sale
Roofing felt is commonly available through home-improvement stores, roofing suppliers, lumberyards, and online retailers serving U.S. customers. Roofing supply houses may carry a wider range of specifications and can help identify products intended for a particular roof system. Local stores can be convenient for small projects, while larger orders may be easier to compare through a contractor-oriented supplier.
Online searches may include terms such as roofing felt for sale, asphalt-saturated felt, No. 15 roofing felt, No. 30 roofing felt, and roof underlayment. Adding the roof type or relevant specification can narrow results. Buyers should compare the exact product rather than just the listing title, since sellers may use “tar paper” loosely.
Before ordering, confirm that the seller has the required roll size and quantity, that the product is new and undamaged, and that delivery is available to the project location. Rolls can be bulky, and shipping charges may substantially change the total cost. For in-store purchases, inspect packaging for tears, water damage, or crushed edges.
How Much Roofing Felt Does a Project Need?
Quantity depends on the roof’s measured area, roll coverage, and the installation layout. The roof’s surface area may be greater than the building’s footprint because of pitch, overhangs, dormers, and other details. A roofer or accurate roof measurement can prevent shortages and unnecessary excess.
Use the manufacturer’s stated coverage rather than a generic assumption. The amount installed is affected by side and end laps, cuts, valleys, ridges, and waste. A simple planning method is to divide the measured roof area by the product’s listed coverage, then allow additional material for laps and cutting based on the installation plan. Complex roofs usually require more careful estimating.
For a small repair, buying a full roll may still be more economical or practical than searching for an opened roll. If purchasing partial material, confirm that it has been stored dry and is in usable condition. Do not use felt that is badly torn, wet, contaminated, or deteriorated.
Understanding Price and Value
The price of tar paper for sale varies by product type, brand, roll coverage, region, retailer, and delivery cost. Traditional asphalt felt is often less expensive per roll than some specialty membranes, but a roll price alone does not show the full value. Different products may cover different areas or require different accessories and installation labor.
Compare cost per stated square foot of coverage, not just the sticker price. Also consider whether the product meets the project’s code and manufacturer requirements, how it handles on the roof, and whether shipping or pickup fees apply. A low-cost roll that is unsuitable for the roof can create delays or require replacement.
Prices change frequently, so current retailer listings and local roofing suppliers are the best sources for a project-specific quote. Contractors may receive different pricing from retail buyers, but product selection should still be based on the job specifications.
Installation and Safety Considerations
Roofing work involves fall hazards, sharp tools, and exposure to changing weather. Work should be planned with appropriate fall protection and safe access, and steep or complex roofs are best handled by qualified roofing professionals. Felt can become slippery when wet, dusty, or covered with debris, so it should not be treated as a safe walking surface.
Install the material in the sequence and direction specified by the manufacturer, with the required laps and fastening pattern. Keep the underlayment as flat as practical and address tears or damage according to the instructions before covering it. Do not leave a roof exposed longer than the product permits; exposure limits can vary considerably.
Store unopened rolls in a dry location and handle them according to the label. Asphalt-based products should be kept away from flames and excessive heat. Follow the safety information on the packaging and safety data sheet, and comply with local rules for disposal of unused or removed material.
Roofing Felt Compared With Other Underlayments
| Product | Typical Role | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt-saturated roofing felt | Traditional underlayment beneath approved roof coverings | Applicable standard, coverage, laps, fastening, and exposure limits |
| Synthetic underlayment | Lightweight underlayment option for compatible roof systems | Grip, UV exposure limit, fasteners, and roof-covering approval |
| Self-adhered membrane | Specialty waterproofing or ice-barrier protection where specified | Substrate, temperature, placement, and system compatibility |
This comparison is general, not a substitute for product instructions or code requirements. A roof may use more than one underlayment type in different areas, but the transition and overlap details must be appropriate for the roof system.
Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all “tar paper” is the same: Listings may refer to different materials, standards, or applications.
- Choosing by the No. 15 or No. 30 label alone: Verify current specifications and coverage.
- Ignoring code and roof instructions: Confirm approval for the roof covering, slope, and local requirements.
- Underestimating quantity: Include roof geometry, laps, cuts, and waste in the estimate.
- Overlooking delivery and storage: Bulky rolls can add cost, and damaged or wet material may not be usable.
- Using roofing felt as a universal moisture barrier: Select products designed for the specific building application.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Is this asphalt-saturated roofing felt, synthetic underlayment, or another membrane?
- What standard and product specification does it meet?
- What is the listed coverage per roll, including any stated assumptions about laps?
- Is it approved for the roof covering, slope, and intended exposure period?
- What fasteners and installation details does the manufacturer require?
- Does the total price include delivery, and how should the rolls be stored?
For most shoppers, the safest way to find suitable tar paper for sale is to identify the roof system first, then compare verified product specifications, coverage, and total delivered cost. If the project involves unusual materials, a low slope, complex flashing, or local code questions, a roofing professional or building department can help confirm the correct underlayment before purchase.