Roofing Staples for Tar Paper: Selection, Installation, and Longevity

Tar paper, or asphalt felt, relies on proper fasteners to seal out moisture and resist wind uplift. Roofing staples are a common choice for securing tar paper during quick, economical installations. This article explains how to choose the right roofing staples, the best materials, sizing, and installation techniques to maximize performance and longevity on American rooftops. It covers compatibility with tar paper, wood sheathing, and weather conditions, while offering practical tips for DIYers and professionals alike.

What Are Roofing Staples For Tar Paper

Roofing staples are U-shaped fasteners designed to embed into wood sheathing and hold tar paper securely in place. They differ from nails by offering a wider crown that distributes load more evenly and resists tearing in thin building materials. For tar paper, staples provide quick installation, reduced risk of tearing the vapor barrier, and straightforward removal for repairs. The right staple type minimizes pull-out under wind uplift while resisting corrosion in exposed exterior conditions. Understanding staple configurations helps ensure a durable moisture barrier on the roof deck.

Choosing The Right Staples

Selecting the appropriate roofing staple involves material, length, crown width, and gauge. The goal is to achieve dependable penetration without damaging the tar paper or wood decking. Galvanized steel staples offer corrosion resistance in humid climates, while stainless steel staples provide superior rust resistance for coastal or highly damp environments. For most residential projects, a 7/12 to 8/12 inch roof pitch and standard asphalt felt benefit from staples in the 1/4 inch crown, 0.036 to 0.042 inch gauge range. Avoid staples that are too long, which can cause decking damage, or too short, which may fail under wind uplift.

Common Sizes And Materials

Understanding common sizes helps buyers match tar paper thickness and roof conditions. The table below summarizes typical options:

Tar paper thickness varies by grade (lightweight, medium, or heavy-duty). For typical 15-30 pound tar paper, a length that penetrates at least 3/8 inch into wood is adequate. In thicker felt, consider longer staples or alternate fasteners to ensure secure anchoring. When in doubt, follow the tar paper manufacturer’s fastening guidelines and local building codes for wind uplift resistance.

Installation Best Practices

Effective installation reduces the risk of wind-driven tar paper blow-off and water intrusion. Use a staple gun rated for outdoor use and a consistent firing angle to ensure uniform penetration. Begin at eaves or drip edge and work toward the ridge, maintaining steady spacing to avoid gaps that can collect moisture. Typical spacing ranges from 6 to 8 inches along seams and 8 to 12 inches across field areas, depending on roofing code requirements and tar paper thickness. Countersinking should be avoided to preserve the vapor barrier’s integrity.

Important tips include:

• Eye protection and gloves to handle sharp staples safely.
• Clean, dry wood surfaces for optimal staple bite.
• Check for staples protruding beyond the surface, which can snag or cause trips during shingle application.
• Pre-drill near corners if decking is especially hard or knot-rich to prevent wood splitting.
• Keep staple gun set to correct depth to avoid tearing tar paper or under-penetration.

Compatibility With Other Roofing Materials

Tar paper usually lies beneath shingles or metal roofing. Staples should be compatible with the underlayment’s thickness and the overall roofing system. If an upcoming roofing layer includes high-impact or heavy materials, verify that staples maintain holding power during transport and installation. For metal roofs, consider corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel to resist exposure to precipitation, dew, and salt in coastal regions. Always confirm compatibility with local building codes and the roof’s slope to prevent wind uplift failures.

Maintenance And Longevity

Proper installation supports long-term performance of tar paper. Inspect roofs seasonally, focusing on eaves, valleys, and along edges where wind uplift is strongest. Look for loose seams, visible staple heads, or signs of moisture infiltration beneath the tar paper. If staples show signs of rust or corrosion, especially in salty or humid environments, replacement with higher-grade staples may be necessary. In reroofing projects, removing old tar paper and inspecting decking integrity is essential before re-seating new underlayment and shingles.

Key longevity factors include:

• Material quality of staples (galvanized vs stainless).
• Climate considerations such as coastal humidity or heavy rainfall.
• Roof pitch and wind exposure affecting uplift forces.
• Underlayment thickness and compatibility with staple length.

Common Pitfalls To Avoid

Avoid these mistakes to maintain tar paper effectiveness:

• Using staples with inadequate corrosion resistance in damp environments.
• Installing staples too close to edges or overlaps, causing tearing or deck damage.
• Overdriving staples, which can deform the wood and reduce holding power.
• Choosing too-short or too-long staples for the specific tar paper thickness.
• Neglecting to follow manufacturer guidelines for wind uplift resistance.

FAQs

Can I use nails instead of staples for tar paper? Nails provide strong fastening but may split wood in thin decks and can be slower to install. Staples offer quick installation and even load distribution, which is typically preferred for tar paper underlayment. Always follow local code requirements.

Do staples rust over time? Some staples rust in moist or coastal environments. Galvanized staples resist rust, while stainless steel offers superior longevity where salt exposure is high.

What spacing should I use for tar paper? Typical field spacing is 8-12 inches, with 6-8 inch spacing along seams, but follow tar paper manufacturer guidelines and local codes for wind uplift requirements.