This development materials, generally accessible at massive residence enchancment retailers, features as an underlayment. It’s put in beneath roofing shingles or different exterior cladding to supply a protecting barrier towards moisture. The “15 lb” designation refers back to the approximate weight per 100 sq. ft, indicating its thickness and sturdiness.
The fabric’s significance lies in its means to stop water injury to the underlying roof deck, extending the roof’s lifespan and defending the constructing’s inside. Its widespread use stems from its cost-effectiveness and ease of set up, making it a regular element in residential and industrial development. Traditionally, it has served as a dependable technique for safeguarding buildings from the weather.
Subsequent sections will delve into the fabric’s particular purposes, set up strategies, comparative benefits, and issues for choosing the suitable sort for numerous roofing tasks.
1. Weight designation
The load designation, particularly “15 lb,” is a crucial identifier for this kind of roofing underlayment bought at retailers comparable to House Depot. This numerical worth signifies the approximate weight, in kilos, of a 100-square-foot roll of the fabric. The load straight correlates with the thickness and, consequently, the tear resistance and general sturdiness of the tar paper. A better weight usually signifies a thicker, extra sturdy product. Subsequently, the burden designation serves as a major indicator of the product’s means to resist set up stresses and environmental elements.
For instance, throughout roof set up, a lighter-weight materials is likely to be extra inclined to ripping round fasteners or throughout windy situations, probably compromising its water resistant properties. In distinction, a product with a clearly said and verified weight designation, just like the “15 lb” model, presents an inexpensive stability between value and efficiency for a lot of normal roofing purposes. That is notably related in areas with reasonable climate patterns. The standardized weight designation permits contractors and owners to match merchandise and choose an underlayment that meets the particular calls for of their undertaking and native local weather.
In abstract, the burden designation is an integral a part of figuring out and specifying this roofing materials. It offers essential details about its bodily properties and anticipated efficiency. Misunderstanding or disregarding the burden designation can result in the number of an inappropriate underlayment, probably leading to untimely roof failure and elevated upkeep prices. Subsequently, an intensive understanding of the burden designation is crucial for making certain the longevity and effectiveness of the roofing system.
2. Moisture barrier
The first perform of “15 lb tar paper,” accessible at retailers like House Depot, is to function an important moisture barrier inside a roofing system. Its effectiveness on this position straight impacts the longevity and structural integrity of the constructing.
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Water Resistance of Saturated Felt
The “15 lb” felt paper is asphalt-saturated, imparting water resistant properties. This saturation prevents rainwater from straight contacting the roof deck, mitigating potential wooden rot and structural injury. As an example, throughout shingle blow-off in a storm, the uncovered felt paper acts as a short lived barrier.
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Secondary Layer of Safety
This materials features as a secondary line of protection ought to the first roofing materials fail or turn into compromised. This layered strategy is crucial. A compromised shingle can enable water penetration. The tar paper beneath minimizes the water reaching the underlayment.
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Vapor Permeability Issues
Whereas offering water resistance, the underlayment should additionally exhibit some extent of vapor permeability. This permits moisture originating from throughout the constructing to flee, stopping condensation buildup beneath the roofing supplies. A 15 lb felt strikes a stability between resistance and permeability.
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Overlap and Set up Approach
The effectiveness as a moisture barrier is straight tied to correct set up. Overlapping the fabric accurately, and sealing seams, are crucial to stopping water intrusion. Inadequate overlap or improper sealing can negate the fabric’s inherent water resistant properties, resulting in potential leaks.
In abstract, the fabric’s position as a moisture barrier is paramount. Its properties and proper set up straight decide its effectiveness. Improper utility considerably reduces its means to guard the constructing from water injury. The 15lb designation represents a particular compromise between affordability, sturdiness, and water resistance suited for a lot of widespread roofing purposes.
3. Roofing underlayment
Roofing underlayment represents a crucial element of any roofing system, serving as a protecting barrier between the roof deck and the outside roofing materials. “15 lb tar paper,” generally accessible at House Depot, is a particular sort of roofing underlayment with outlined traits and purposes.
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Main Climate Safety
As a roofing underlayment, this materials offers a short lived and secondary barrier towards moisture intrusion. Ought to the first roofing materials (shingles, tiles, and many others.) fail or turn into broken, the underlayment prevents water from straight contacting and damaging the roof deck. That is essential in stopping wooden rot, mildew progress, and structural compromise. As an example, after a extreme storm that damages shingles, the tar paper helps stop leaks till repairs will be made.
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Code Compliance and Finest Practices
Constructing codes in lots of areas mandate the usage of roofing underlayment. Its utility is commonly thought of a finest apply even the place not explicitly required by code. Adherence to those requirements ensures that the roofing system offers sufficient safety towards the weather and meets minimal efficiency necessities. Utilizing 15 lb tar paper can fulfill underlayment necessities in sure jurisdictions.
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Floor Preparation and Set up Assist
Roofing underlayment creates a extra uniform and secure floor for the set up of the first roofing materials. It could cowl minor imperfections within the roof deck. This uniformity helps guarantee correct shingle adhesion and a extra aesthetically pleasing completed roof. The tough floor of 15 lb tar paper can present further grip for staff throughout set up.
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Contribution to Hearth Resistance
Whereas not the first fire-resistant element, roofing underlayment can contribute to the general fireplace resistance of the roofing system. Sure underlayment supplies, together with some sorts of tar paper, could have a level of inherent fireplace resistance that helps sluggish the unfold of flames. In areas vulnerable to wildfires, this added layer of safety will be vital.
The number of an applicable roofing underlayment, comparable to “15 lb tar paper from House Depot,” necessitates cautious consideration of things. These embody native local weather, constructing code necessities, and the kind of major roofing materials. Correct set up is crucial to maximise the advantages. The underlayment offers a crucial layer of protection towards the weather and ensures long-term roof efficiency.
4. Price-effectiveness
The widespread adoption of 15 lb tar paper, steadily sourced from retailers like House Depot, is intrinsically linked to its cost-effectiveness. This stems from a confluence of things: comparatively low materials value, ease of set up, and a discount in potential long-term bills related to roof repairs. The fabric’s availability and affordability make it a sensible selection for each large-scale development tasks and smaller residential purposes. For instance, contemplate a builder developing a number of houses; the decrease per-unit value of the 15 lb tar paper, in comparison with costlier artificial underlayments, can result in vital financial savings throughout all the undertaking. This preliminary value benefit should, nonetheless, be weighed towards the fabric’s lifespan and efficiency traits relative to different choices.
The benefit of set up additional contributes to its general cost-effectiveness. The fabric’s manageable weight and simple utility course of cut back labor prices, notably for tasks the place specialised abilities or tools are usually not required. A home-owner endeavor a DIY roofing undertaking, as an illustration, can sometimes set up 15 lb tar paper with minimal prior expertise and normal roofing instruments. This contrasts with extra advanced or specialised underlayment methods that will necessitate skilled set up. Nevertheless, improper set up, even with a comparatively easy materials like 15 lb tar paper, can negate its value benefits by resulting in untimely failure and subsequent restore bills.
In conclusion, the cost-effectiveness of 15 lb tar paper, particularly when available at House Depot, is a major driver of its continued use. Whereas it might not provide the identical stage of efficiency or longevity as extra superior underlayment choices, its stability of affordability, ease of set up, and sufficient safety for a lot of purposes makes it a commercially viable selection. Nevertheless, a complete evaluation of undertaking necessities and long-term prices is crucial to make sure that this seemingly economical choice stays essentially the most cost-effective answer over the roof’s lifespan. The bottom preliminary worth doesn’t all the time equate to the bottom long-term value, notably in areas with extreme climate situations or for buildings with demanding efficiency necessities.
5. Set up ease
The issue of set up ease is a major consideration contributing to the enduring recognition of 15 lb tar paper, notably as a product available at retailers like House Depot. Its comparatively easy utility course of interprets to decreased labor prices and elevated accessibility for each skilled contractors and do-it-yourself owners.
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Manageable Weight and Dealing with
The 15 lb designation, indicating the burden per 100 sq. ft, implies a manageable weight for a single employee to deal with throughout set up. This contrasts with heavier roofing supplies that require specialised tools or a number of personnel. The power to simply carry, carry, and place the fabric on the roof deck considerably streamlines the set up course of.
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Easy Reducing and Fastening
The fabric will be readily minimize to measurement utilizing normal utility knives or roofing blades, minimizing the necessity for specialised reducing instruments. Fastening is usually achieved utilizing roofing nails or staples, that are simply utilized with standard hand instruments or pneumatic nailers. This simplicity reduces the complexity and time required for set up.
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Overlap and Alignment Steerage
Set up generally includes overlapping successive programs of the tar paper to make sure correct water shedding. The fabric’s texture and suppleness enable for straightforward alignment and conformability to the roof deck’s contours. Whereas exact alignment and safe fastening are important, the fundamental course of stays comparatively uncomplicated, even for people with restricted roofing expertise.
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Minimal Required Experience
In comparison with extra subtle roofing underlayment methods, the set up of 15 lb tar paper requires minimal specialised experience. Whereas adherence to correct roofing practices is essential for long-term efficiency, the elemental steps of unrolling, overlapping, and fastening the fabric will be mastered with fundamental instruction and a focus to element. This accessibility makes it a preferred selection for owners endeavor roof repairs or small-scale roofing tasks.
The cumulative impact of those elements manageable weight, easy reducing and fastening, ease of alignment, and minimal experience necessities reinforces the hyperlink between set up ease and the widespread use of 15 lb tar paper accessible at House Depot. This ease of set up, mixed with its cost-effectiveness, contributes to its place as a sensible and accessible roofing underlayment answer for a broad vary of purposes. Nevertheless, it’s vital to acknowledge that correct set up strategies should be adopted to make sure the fabric performs as meant and offers sufficient safety towards the weather.
6. Materials composition
The traits and efficiency of 15 lb tar paper, generally accessible at House Depot, are intrinsically linked to its materials composition. This materials sometimes consists of a cellulose-based felt saturated with asphalt. The standard and kind of each the felt and the asphalt straight affect the underlayment’s water resistance, tear power, and general sturdiness. As an example, a higher-grade felt base will exhibit higher tensile power, resisting tears throughout set up or beneath wind hundreds. Equally, the asphalt used for saturation determines the paper’s means to repel water and stand up to temperature fluctuations with out turning into brittle or dropping its waterproofing properties. The precise composition and manufacturing course of dictate whether or not the product successfully meets its meant perform as a protecting layer beneath roofing supplies.
Variations in materials composition can result in tangible variations in product efficiency. Contemplate two rolls of 15 lb tar paper sourced from totally different producers. One would possibly make the most of a recycled felt base, leading to a decrease tear resistance in comparison with a product made with virgin fibers. The asphalt saturation stage can even differ. Incomplete saturation renders the paper extra prone to water absorption, diminishing its effectiveness as a moisture barrier. These compositional variations manifest within the discipline. A poorly manufactured roll would possibly tear simply throughout set up, requiring further labor and materials. Over time, it’d degrade extra quickly, resulting in untimely roof leaks and necessitating pricey repairs. Understanding the fabric composition is essential for assessing the suitability of the product for a particular utility, notably in areas with harsh climate situations.
In abstract, the fabric composition of 15 lb tar paper bought at House Depot is a crucial issue influencing its efficiency and longevity. Whereas the 15 lb designation offers a normal indication of weight and thickness, it doesn’t totally convey the standard or sort of supplies utilized in its development. Evaluating elements comparable to felt base composition and asphalt saturation stage is crucial for making knowledgeable selections. This understanding, coupled with adherence to correct set up strategies, ensures that the underlayment successfully protects the roof deck and contributes to the general integrity of the roofing system. The problem lies in acquiring detailed details about the fabric composition, as producers could not all the time disclose particular particulars. Subsequently, counting on product certifications, unbiased testing studies, and respected manufacturers can assist mitigate the chance of choosing a substandard product.
7. Tear resistance
Tear resistance is a crucial efficiency attribute of roofing underlayment, straight impacting its means to resist stresses throughout set up and environmental forces over its lifespan. The “15 lb tar paper” variant, generally accessible at House Depot, possesses a particular tear resistance profile dictated by its materials composition and manufacturing course of.
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Materials Composition and Tear Energy
The felt base and asphalt saturation decide the inherent tear power of the underlayment. A better-quality felt, composed of virgin fibers, sometimes reveals higher resistance to ripping than one manufactured from recycled supplies. Equally, the kind and quantity of asphalt utilized in saturation affect the fabric’s flexibility and talent to resist deformation with out tearing. A product with insufficient asphalt saturation is extra inclined to ripping, particularly round fasteners.
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Set up Practices and Tear Propagation
Set up strategies straight have an effect on the underlayment’s susceptibility to ripping. Over-tightening fasteners, strolling on unsupported sections of the fabric, or exposing it to sharp objects throughout set up can provoke tears. As soon as a tear is initiated, its propagation can compromise all the sheet, decreasing its effectiveness as a water barrier. Correct overlap and safe fastening are important to attenuate the chance of tear propagation.
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Environmental Elements and Lengthy-Time period Efficiency
Publicity to wind, temperature fluctuations, and moisture can degrade the tear resistance of the underlayment over time. Excessive winds can exert vital stress on the fabric, notably if it isn’t securely fixed. Temperature biking could cause the asphalt to turn into brittle, decreasing the fabric’s flexibility and rising its susceptibility to ripping. Steady publicity to moisture can weaken the felt base, additional diminishing its tear power.
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Comparative Evaluation with Various Underlayments
In comparison with artificial roofing underlayments, 15 lb tar paper usually reveals decrease tear resistance. Artificial underlayments, usually produced from woven polyethylene or polypropylene, possess considerably larger tear power and are much less prone to degradation from environmental elements. Whereas artificial choices sometimes command the next preliminary value, their superior tear resistance can translate to higher long-term sturdiness and decreased upkeep bills.
The tear resistance of 15 lb tar paper, as a particular underlayment choice accessible at House Depot, displays a stability between cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Whereas it offers sufficient tear resistance for a lot of normal roofing purposes, its susceptibility to ripping throughout set up and degradation over time necessitates cautious dealing with and correct set up strategies. For tasks requiring enhanced tear resistance, notably in areas with excessive winds or extreme climate situations, artificial underlayment alternate options needs to be thought of.
8. House Depot availability
The available provide of 15 lb tar paper at House Depot places considerably influences its accessibility and widespread use in roofing purposes. Its presence on this main retail chain streamlines procurement for each skilled contractors and particular person owners, impacting undertaking timelines and value issues.
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Geographic Accessibility
House Depot’s intensive community of shops throughout quite a few geographic places ensures that 15 lb tar paper is usually accessible to a big phase of the inhabitants. This accessibility reduces transportation prices and delays related to sourcing supplies from extra distant suppliers. For instance, a contractor engaged on a undertaking in a rural space can usually depend on a close-by House Depot to supply the mandatory supplies, minimizing logistical challenges.
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Quantity Buying and Aggressive Pricing
House Depot’s buying energy permits it to supply 15 lb tar paper at aggressive costs. Bulk reductions and promotional presents additional improve its cost-effectiveness, making it a horny choice for tasks with funds constraints. This aggressive pricing straight impacts the general value of roofing tasks, influencing materials choice selections.
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Comfort and Time Financial savings
The comfort of buying 15 lb tar paper alongside different roofing supplies and instruments at a single location streamlines the procurement course of. This eliminates the necessity to go to a number of suppliers, saving time and simplifying undertaking administration. A home-owner endeavor a roof restore, as an illustration, can purchase all vital supplies, together with the tar paper, from a single House Depot go to.
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Model Recognition and Client Belief
House Depot’s established model recognition and client belief contribute to the perceived reliability of the merchandise it carries. Whereas House Depot itself doesn’t manufacture the tar paper, its number of respected suppliers instills confidence within the product’s high quality and efficiency. This affiliation with a trusted retailer influences buying selections, notably amongst much less skilled owners.
The accessibility, aggressive pricing, comfort, and model affiliation related to House Depot availability collectively contribute to the widespread use of 15 lb tar paper in roofing tasks. This ease of procurement, nonetheless, mustn’t overshadow the significance of contemplating its suitability for particular undertaking necessities, as outlined in earlier sections. Different elements like local weather, constructing codes, and the kind of roofing materials getting used ought to all the time be thought of.
9. Climate safety
Climate safety is a basic perform of any roofing system, and the 15 lb tar paper accessible at House Depot performs a particular position in offering this safety. Understanding the extent and limitations of its weather-resistant properties is essential for knowledgeable decision-making throughout roof development or restore. The fabric serves as a secondary barrier towards the weather, complementing the first roofing materials.
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Water Resistance and Moisture Barrier
The first contribution of 15 lb tar paper to climate safety is its means to behave as a water resistant barrier. When correctly put in, it prevents rainwater from straight contacting the roof deck, mitigating the chance of wooden rot, mildew progress, and structural injury. For instance, throughout a interval of heavy rainfall, if shingles are lacking or broken, the tar paper offers a short lived layer of protection towards water intrusion.
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Wind Uplift Resistance
Whereas not a major wind-resistant element, the tar paper contributes to general wind uplift resistance by offering a further layer of adhesion between the roof deck and the shingles. Correctly fixed tar paper helps to stop shingles from being lifted off the roof by robust winds. In high-wind areas, nonetheless, further wind-resistant measures are sometimes vital, comparable to utilizing high-wind shingles and enhanced fastening strategies.
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UV Degradation Mitigation
The tar paper presents restricted safety towards ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the solar. Extended publicity to UV rays can degrade the asphalt within the tar paper, decreasing its water resistance and suppleness. Subsequently, it is essential to cowl the tar paper with the first roofing materials as quickly as potential after set up. Prolonged publicity to daylight can result in untimely failure of the underlayment.
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Temperature Fluctuation Buffer
The fabric offers a slight buffering impact towards temperature fluctuations. It helps to insulate the roof deck, decreasing the speed at which it heats up and cools down. This can assist to attenuate thermal stress on the roofing supplies, probably extending their lifespan. Nevertheless, the insulation worth of 15 lb tar paper is comparatively low in comparison with devoted insulation supplies.
In conclusion, 15 lb tar paper sourced from House Depot contributes to climate safety primarily by its water resistant properties and its position in enhancing general roof system integrity. Whereas it presents some extent of wind uplift resistance, UV degradation mitigation, and temperature fluctuation buffering, its effectiveness in these areas is proscribed. Its use needs to be thought of as a part of a complete roofing system designed to supply sturdy and long-lasting safety towards the weather.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next addresses widespread inquiries relating to the choice, utility, and efficiency traits of this roofing underlayment.
Query 1: What’s the anticipated lifespan of this materials when used as roofing underlayment?
The lifespan is variable, depending on elements comparable to local weather, set up high quality, and the kind of roofing materials used. Usually, it could present efficient safety for 10-20 years if correctly put in and maintained.
Query 2: Can this product be put in straight on prime of an current roof?
Putting in over an current roof is usually not advisable. Eradicating the previous roofing materials, inspecting the roof deck, and making any vital repairs earlier than putting in the underlayment is taken into account finest apply.
Query 3: What’s the advisable overlap when putting in this tar paper?
A minimal overlap of two inches for horizontal seams and 6 inches for finish seams is advisable. In areas with heavy rainfall or excessive winds, a higher overlap could also be advisable.
Query 4: Is a vapor barrier required along with this underlayment?
The necessity for a separate vapor barrier depends upon native constructing codes and local weather situations. Consulting with a professional constructing skilled is advisable to find out whether or not a vapor barrier is important for a particular utility.
Query 5: What sort of fasteners needs to be used to put in this materials?
Roofing nails or staples particularly designed for roofing purposes are advisable. The fasteners needs to be lengthy sufficient to penetrate the roof deck securely and needs to be spaced in response to producer’s directions and native constructing codes.
Query 6: Does the “15 lb” designation seek advice from the precise weight of the roll?
The “15 lb” designation refers back to the approximate weight per 100 sq. ft of the fabric, not the precise weight of the roll. The precise roll weight will differ relying on the roll measurement.
Correct utility and adherence to trade finest practices are crucial to make sure the long-term efficiency and effectiveness of this underlayment.
Additional particulars relating to set up strategies are offered within the following part.
Important Utilization Pointers
The next suggestions present steering to make sure optimum efficiency when using this roofing underlayment.
Tip 1: Confirm Deck Situation
Previous to set up, totally examine the roof deck for indicators of injury or deterioration. Tackle any points, comparable to rotted wooden, earlier than making use of the underlayment. A sound deck offers a secure base, maximizing the underlayment’s effectiveness.
Tip 2: Correct Overlap is Essential
Adhere strictly to advisable overlap pointers to stop water intrusion. Inadequate overlap creates susceptible factors, compromising the water resistant barrier. Seek the advice of native constructing codes for minimal overlap necessities.
Tip 3: Safe Fastening Strategies
Make use of applicable roofing fasteners, comparable to roofing nails or staples, with ample size to penetrate the roof deck securely. Area fasteners in response to producer’s suggestions and native constructing codes. Insufficient fastening reduces wind uplift resistance.
Tip 4: Reduce UV Publicity
Extended publicity to ultraviolet radiation degrades the asphalt, decreasing its water resistance and suppleness. Cowl the underlayment with the first roofing materials as quickly as potential after set up to stop untimely deterioration.
Tip 5: Deal with with Care
Train warning throughout dealing with and set up to keep away from tears or punctures. Broken underlayment compromises its protecting capabilities. Restore any tears or punctures instantly with applicable patching supplies.
Tip 6: Contemplate Local weather Issues
In areas with excessive climate situations, comparable to excessive winds or heavy rainfall, contemplate different underlayment choices with enhanced efficiency traits. The “15 lb” variant could not present sufficient safety in all environments.
Adherence to those pointers will contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of the underlayment, making certain dependable safety for the underlying construction.
The next part presents concluding remarks relating to the usage of this widespread roofing materials.
Conclusion
This text has explored the traits, purposes, and issues surrounding 15 lb tar paper accessible at House Depot. Key factors have included its position as a moisture barrier, its cost-effectiveness and ease of set up, its materials composition and tear resistance, and the significance of correct set up strategies. Climate safety capabilities and limitations have additionally been examined. Its availability at House Depot contributes to its accessibility, influencing buying selections for a lot of.
Whereas a extensively used and available choice, the number of this underlayment needs to be rigorously thought of primarily based on particular undertaking necessities, native local weather situations, and related constructing codes. Knowledgeable decision-making, coupled with meticulous set up, is essential to making sure the long-term efficiency and protecting capabilities of this widespread roofing materials. Contemplate consulting knowledgeable roofing contractor for advanced tasks or when uncertainty exists relating to the suitability of this product.
