Can tar paper be used indoors?
Christopher Harper
Updated on April 03, 2026
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Regarding this, is tar paper toxic?
Concerns about roofing felt stem from the bituminous impregnating agents (tar and asphaltic bitumen) and whether fumes from the felt may rise into rooms. Wooden floors will act as a vapor barrier and are often laid directly on top of the felt. Roofing felt is not considered toxic and is not listed as a carcinogen.
is felt paper and tar paper the same thing? Tar paper is a heavy-duty paper used in construction. Tar paper is distinguished from roofing felt which is impregnated with asphalt instead of tar; but these two products are used the same way, and their names sometimes are used informally as synonyms. Tar paper has been in use for centuries.
In this regard, can tar paper be used as a vapor barrier?
Asphalt felt, Grade D paper and house wraps such as Tyvek® are moisture barriers and are air barriers if correctly installed, but they are not vapor retarders. A Class III vapor retarder may be substituted in most of the country when using ventilated exterior wall coverings such as brick and vinyl siding.
How long can tar paper be exposed?
Supposedly, synthetic felt can be left exposed for something like 90 days and is more tear resistant than paper felt. It is lighter and comes in larger widths, too, so it is easier to handle.
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