Can You Use Roofing Paper Under Hardwood Flooring?

Picture this: you’re about to embark on a beautiful hardwood flooring installation, adding warmth and elegance to your home. But as you prepare the subfloor, you stumble upon a question that throws a wrench in your plans: can you use roofing paper under hardwood flooring? This seemingly simple question can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to DIY projects. You want to ensure a stable and long-lasting installation, and using the right materials is crucial.

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While roofing paper is a common sight in construction, its use under hardwood flooring remains a subject of debate. Some DIY enthusiasts and contractors swear by its benefits, while others advocate for alternative options. The key lies in understanding the purpose and limitations of roofing paper, as well as the specific requirements of hardwood flooring installation.

Understanding Roofing Paper

Roofing paper, also known as felt paper, is a common underlayment used in roofs to create a moisture barrier and protect the roof deck from water damage. Typically made from asphalt-saturated felt, roofing paper performs two crucial functions:

1. **Moisture Barrier:** Roofing paper prevents water from seeping through the roof deck and into the house, maintaining a dry and healthy living environment.
2. **Structural Integrity:** The felt layer provides a buffer between the roof shingles and the underlying structure, allowing the shingles to lay flat and preventing damage caused by wind or impact.

Can You Use Roofing Paper Under Hardwood Flooring?

Now, let’s address the big question: can you use roofing paper under hardwood flooring? The short answer is: it’s not recommended as a primary underlayment. While roofing paper can provide a moisture barrier, it’s not designed for the specific needs of hardwood flooring:

1. Structural Support

Hardwood flooring requires a rigid and stable surface to prevent squeaks, unevenness, and shifting. Roofing paper, being thin and flexible, lacks the necessary structural support to handle the weight and movement of hardwood planks. This could lead to long-term issues like creaking and floor instability.

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2. Moisture Management

While roofing paper can act as a moisture barrier, it’s not ideal for long-term moisture management. Flooring subfloors need to breathe, and roofing paper can trap moisture, potentially leading to mold or mildew growth beneath the flooring.

3. Installation Challenges

Roofing paper is not designed for use under flooring. It’s often difficult to cut and install accurately, and it lacks the smooth texture that allows for seamless installation. This can cause problems with the flooring installation process, leading to unevenness and difficulty in achieving a professional look.

The Best Underlayment for Hardwood Flooring

Instead of using roofing paper, choose underlayment specifically designed for hardwood flooring. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

1. Foam Underlayment

Foam underlayment is popular for its comfort, impact resistance, and sound reduction properties. It comes in various densities and thicknesses, ranging from 1/8″ to 1/2″ thick. This option is ideal if you’re concerned about reducing noise transmission between floors.

2. Cork Underlayment

Cork underlayment is a natural and sustainable choice, known for its soundproofing and moisture resistance. It’s also resilient and offers good support for hardwood flooring.

3. Synthetic Underlayment

This type of underlayment is crafted from materials like rubber or polyurethane. It offers water resistance, noise reduction, and a stable base for hardwood flooring.

Expert Advice

Before embarking on your flooring project, consult with a flooring specialist or experienced contractor. They can assess your subfloor condition, recommend the appropriate underlayment, and provide expert advice to ensure a successful flooring installation. Consider these key points when making your decision:

1. **Subfloor Condition:** Evaluate the quality of your subfloor. If it’s uneven, cracked, or damaged, addressing these issues before installing any underlayment is crucial. You may need to choose a thicker or more rigid option to compensate for inconsistencies.
2. **Moisture Levels:** Check for any signs of moisture in your subfloor, like dampness or musty smells. If moisture is present, ensuring proper ventilation and addressing the source of the moisture is essential. Opt for a moisture-resistant underlayment like cork or synthetic if your subfloor is prone to moisture.
3. **Noise Reduction:** If you want to minimize noise, consider underlayments that offer soundproofing features. Foam or cork underlayment can help dampen foot traffic and reduce noise transfer between floors.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about roofing paper and hardwood flooring:

Q: Can I use roofing paper as a barrier between the subfloor and concrete slab?

A: While roofing paper can act as a moisture barrier, it’s not the best choice for a concrete slab. Specialized “slab membrane” products are designed for this purpose, offering better moisture protection and adhesion.

Q: Can I use roofing paper under laminate flooring?

A: Laminate flooring is typically less sensitive to moisture than hardwood. You can use vinyl sheet underlayment, but roofing paper is not recommended as it may trap moisture.

Q: What are some other underlayment options besides the ones you mentioned?

A: Other underlayment options include:

• Vapor Barriers
• Combination Underlayments
• Sound-Deadening Underlayment

Can You Use Roofing Paper Under Hardwood Flooring

Conclusion

While roofing paper may seem like a simple and cost-effective option, when it comes to hardwood flooring, it’s best to steer clear of it. The right underlayment can make all the difference in ensuring a durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing flooring installation. For a successful outcome, always remember to consult with a flooring expert, carefully assess your subfloor conditions, and opt for underlayment specifically designed for hardwood flooring.

Are you planning a hardwood flooring project? What are your thoughts on using roofing paper? Share your experiences in the comments below!