How to install roofing shingles the right way
For homeowners without any roofing or construction expertise, installing shingles may seem daunting. With a little planning and the right preparation, almost anyone can reshingle their roof.
Apply an underlayment of waterproof self-adhesive material. You can find this at home improvement centers and roofing supply companies. The product packaging will tell you how much of the underlayment to use.
The Felt Paper
The felt paper acts as a protective underlayment to prevent mold, mildew, and wood resins staining of the sheathing. This also helps ensure that the roof will be watertight after the shingles have been installed. In order to ensure that the felt system provides the proper protection for the roof shingles, it is essential to lay the felt out correctly.
Starting at the drip edge, work your way upwards. Overlap each course by approximately four inches. This will stop moisture from getting under the shingles to potentially damage the roof structure.
To help you with the application of each WSU course, snap a line in chalk on the deck. Roll each section out and align with the chalk line. Then, staple or nail the felt into place. Make sure you run the felt over any ridges and hips by 6 inches. Line roof valleys in full width felt, extending 6 inches to adjoining walls.
Cut the Shingles
Cut the shingles into size before you start laying them. You can do this with a utility or saw, depending on what type of shingle is being installed. Buy enough shingles as it's easy to cut them wrong.
Install flashing around all pipes, vents, and protrusions before you install the shingles. This will stop water from entering your home behind the shingles.
The first row should be laid at the edge closest to the roof. The first shingle should be positioned against the second shingle and nailed together using roofing nails. Continue the process, overlapping the shingles in each row about one inch. This will help create a roof edge that is straight, also known as rake.
Nail the Shingles into Place
As a rule, roofing nails should be used to attach the shingles because using hand tools can cause inconsistency as well as vibrations on the roof structure and fatigue. Also, it can be difficult to maintain nails at the correct depth. This can lead to leaks in the interior. For the number of nail per shingle, and where they should be placed on the roof deck, nailers must follow the manufacturer's guidelines and local codes.
When installing shingles, high nailing (installing the nail above the "nail zones" of the shingles) is a common mistake. This exposes the head of the nail to the elements, which eventually causes rusting.
To fix ridges in place, nail single tabs over the ridge (or special ridge tiles). The next ridge-shingle should be about one inch wide horizontally and a little bit higher vertically.
Install the First Row Shingles
It is important to take the time necessary to lay and install the roofing tiles in the correct way. This will ensure that your roof does not leak. Every roofer uses a different method, but the basic principles are the same.
Start by installing a row along the lower edge your roofline. Use a chalk mark to indicate the beginning point. Then nail each shingle down in this first course.
Owens Corning suggests placing five nails per starter strip. Hammer one nail approximately 2 inches above and below each cutout, as well as about 2 1/2 inches from either end of the shingle.
After the first row has been laid, continue to work up the ridge. Be sure to use the nailing pattern recommended by your shingle manufacture for the type of roofing shingles that you're using. They will often give you a diagram showing their preferred shingle-installation process. You should also ensure that you have purchased enough shingles for your roof.
Fort Smallwood Road Unit 2, Baltimore, MD
For homeowners without any roofing or construction expertise, installing shingles may seem daunting. With a little planning and the right preparation, almost anyone can reshingle their roof. Apply an underlayment of waterproof self-adhesive material. You can find this at home improvement centers and roofing supply companies. The product packaging will tell you how much of…