Does Tar Paper Have Tar in It?

Tar paper is made by impregnating paper or fiberglass mat with tar, producing a waterproof material useful for roof construction.

What is tar paper made of?

Tar paper used to be made by soaking a porous paper made from cotton rag scraps with thinned liquid asphalt. Asphalt, of course, is one of the final products that results from refining crude oil. The tar paper comes in different weights. The most common weights are 15-pound and 30-pound.

Is tar paper toxic?

Roofing felt is not considered toxic and is not listed as a carcinogen. Under normal use, the product is considered stable and nonreactive.