This is done to ensure a flat surface for the roof felt.
Leave old felt on roof.
The 20 30 40 50 yr designations on your shingle type only refers to the length of time ther manufacturer anticipates the shingle will resist the sunlight weather.
It looks as if the installer of asphalt roof shingles still visible at below right but now worn out may have placed roofing felt on top of a still older wood shingle roof.
Call for free estimates from roofing pros now.
Hope all goes well.
Also you will need to remove any old felt on the roof as well as any nails or roof staples.
Find a pre screened local roofing contractor.
The felt is the last line of defence.
So if your contractor is not recovering your old roof with new felt you are not getting a reroof.
The old felt should be stripped off and the boarding aswell so you have a clean service for rubber or you can primer for a fibreglass roof.
Having a layer of roof felt will block the resin preventing it from staining or compromising your roof shingles.
I know its tempting because sometimes the shingles come right up and leave the felt nicely intact.
One disadvantage of traditional felt roofing underlayment is it generally can t be left exposed for more than a few hours.
This would impact the felt s ability to protect against moisture.
Lay down felt and secure to roof.
Sweep the roof clear of grit and dirt to avoid poking holes in the new felt.
Above is a peel and stick mineral surfaced roofing underlayment shown during installation of a metal standing seam roof.
The material may dry out or leach oils in the heat.
And as someone else posted you need to apply the ice and water to the plywood directly.
Photo courtesy galow homes.
When to use roof underlayment no matter what type of asphalt shingle you are using whether traditional or more robust styles such as under premium designer architectural and performance shingles it is recommended to use a underlayment.
If you re going to add a roof on top of an old one it s a good idea to remove any loose shingles and apply a new layer of 30 pound roofing felt before laying the new shingles.
But if the felt roof is done with good thickness high performance felt it should last a long time depending on when it was done.
Use the hammer s claw and the stanley knife to rip away the bulk of the felt then the screwdriver and the claw to pull out the old clout nails.
My boys always try to sway me into leaving it no dice.