Is Roofing Tar Paper Flammable

Today s single ply roofing involves the adhesion of an impervious roofing membrane by adhesives and solvents which are extremely flammable and some toxic.

Is roofing tar paper flammable.

Depending upon use these products have the potential to expose workers to dangerous levels of toxic vapor fire and explosion during handling. No open flames or smoking should be near the product during installation. The ignition temperature is 365 c. Since roofing felt is a flammable material it should be protected from sparks and smoking must be strictly prohibited.

Roofing felt also known as tar paper serves as both an extra layer of protection between the shingles and the plywood and as a temporary moisture barrier until all the shingles are in place. Due to its manufacture with petroleum products roofing felt is flammable. Roofing felt is a layer of tar paper installed beneath the shingles to provide a backup waterproof membrane in case of leakage. When stacked heat induced spontaneous combustion is readily possible with fresh roofing felt being at particular risk of spontaneous combustion.

Roofing felt can be ignited by a match flame. Once secured between the sub floor and the newly laid floor the material will be secure from open flames and will be no more of a fire threat than when used on the roof of a building.