What do you say when there is no tar paper?

[Marcel R. Cyr]

From the CertainTeed Manual;

Water-resistant shingle underlayment - Resistant is the key word. It is often referred to as roofing felt, tarpaper or asphalt felt. The most common type is 15# asphalt felt. Less common is the heavier version 30# asphalt felt. There are also special premium felts available that have heavier asphalt with fiberglass re-enforcement, which provides more strength and resistance to wrinkles. The original water-resistant underlayments were used for “drying in the roof,” or to keep the deck boards dry until the shingles could be installed. It was also useful as a separation between the asphalt shingles and the pine resin in the boards. Pine resin can cause the asphalt to break down and prematurely fail. Some roofers say the layer also helps conceal the minor imperfections in the decking or the “picture frame look” that you will commonly see on sheathed homes. Although not a major concern, felt underlayment that becomes wet will wrinkle. When severe, it may show through to shingles. Roofing felt paper (tarpaper) is a temporary water deterrent at best. Sun and moisture degrade the material quickly, and then the nails penetrate the material. If the wind blows off a few shingles, it serves as a backup – making the difference between a few drips and a waterfall.

[John Evans]

You have to be careful when reporting missing underlayment, it may have been started a little short of the edge, although still not correct. Missing drip edge is important, damage will occur to the sheathing without it.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

This is the first roof I've inspected that didn't look like it had any tar paper installed under the shingles. Roof was original to the home (16 years old).

What do you say when you find this? (Can't really tell from the picture but I pulled it up further and didn't see any. It could be farther up the roof, but not at the first row.)

On older homes, it may not have been required in your area. Also, even though it's always a good idea, it has not always been required by shingle manufacturers for roofs steeper than 4-12.

If the roof is 4-12 or steeper, I'd recommend confirmation of proper installation by a qualified roofing contractor to pass on the liability.

If the roof was less than 4-12, I'd call it a defective installation.

If it's gone 16 years without leaking, it may be a defective installation that's working OK and not worth losing a house you like if you're a buyer.