Measure your roof so you can be sure you buy the right amount of shingles. With the proper equipment and know-how, you will be able to complete your shingling jobs without wasting money or time. In some cases, racking may void the manufacturer's warranty on the expected leak-proofing quality and useful life of some brands of shingles. ", Step 2: Adding More Shingle Courses Apply one layer of underlayment over the metal drip at the eaves. Every 5 inches, make a new mark until you get to the rop of the roof. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Remove the metal flashing. Lastly, now you’re ready to install your roof shingles. Lastly, multiply this number by 3 and you will know how many packs you need to buy. SUCCEEDING COURSES:As you go up the rake, repeat the same pattern used to start the first six courses (Figure 10 -10 – see B). Almost 75 percent of roof leaks occur in valleys where two roof planes meet, or at chimneys or other roof penetrations, so be sure to install roof flashing in these areas prior to the start of the installation. Always install flashing around a chimney and other valleys where two roof planes meet as these areas are more prone to leaks if not protected. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: Snap a vertical chalk line from the inside edge of the first shingle on the second row to the top of the roof, and from the inside edge of the first shingle to the top of the roof. This article was co-authored by David Bitan. Lay the joist from one wall plate to the other and use a spirit level on it. Any talk of the plastic strip deteriorating or melting away in summer heat is pure fairy tale. Measure the width and length of each section of your roof. You want to wait till temperatures are averaging 55 degrees before installing shingles. Adequate planning, adherence to safety measures, and the use of the right tools will help you achieve a successful outcome. Weave and cut the valley on the highest side of the roof. Laminated shingles let you start in the valley and work outward, which can be … If you live in an area with inclement weather, you should consider using a special ice and water protector. This curling may lead to water getting under shingles, leaking at the places where racked columns meet. ". ", "I learned the concept of racking, both the good and the bad aspects of it. Use caution so you don't damage any windows or siding in the process. Prep and Clean the Roof Begin with starter shingles. Start laying them down in rows so that you don’t make it look odd with weird patterns. David Bitan. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Set the air compressor and gun depth setting lower. ", Step 3: Start at the eave area just over the ice-and-water shield, with three inches of overlap (about 3”) and work your way up. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. When installing the paper, you will overlap the felt paper per local building code (Usually 2”- … Working at heights on a roof presents fall … Size your shingles appropriately. I have a 2 ft overhang that meets a wall. How-to install a new asphalt shingle roof in one weekend. If you hit a stack, vent, or chimney, interlace the shingles with the flashing to allow water to run down the roof. Nailing here will cause the next shingle to cover the nail heads and allow the next and subsequent rows of nails in shingles to always penetrate and hold the top edge of the lower row (this allows 8 nails to hold each shingle). If you live in an area with inclement weather, you should consider using a special ice and water … Depending on how you're going to organize your rows and courses, some roofers like to cut five variable sizes of shingles when using the basic three-tab variety. This is by far, the very best. This type of shingles are quite expensive. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Tip: Be careful to drive nails straight rather than angled. Install starter shingles. These are just some of the best tips to install vinyl siding. Lay the rest of the row with full shingles. Use only enough fasteners to hold it in place. Each material has its own characteristics and price point, which can impact the cost of the roof. Repair Broken Shingles. These pieces act as a weather-proofing and protective barrier between your house and the elements, helping keep water and cold temperatures out. Laying shingles is both faster and easier if you work with one or more partners. Racking shingles sometimes also may create a condition called "pattern curling," where the shingles curl and blow in the wind, at the places where the racked columns join, because of lifting the end of a shingle to place the next shingle and lifting the end high enough to nail the next shingle underneath each of the overlapping shingles. Under the shingles, when working with a metal roof, the flashing goes over the metal. The new generation of asphalt shingles are a vast improvement. Sweep the roof clean, removing any nails and debris left behind. With over 60 years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches. Install a continuous starter strip or full-sized shingles, which are simply turned … With over 60 years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches. If I'm re-roofing shingles over old shingles, should the starter course line up with the drip edge? Refer to the illustration of how to continue laying the shingles. Does my first row of starter shingles extend over the edge to cover the drip edge? They are used on more colonial Spanish-type homes. Need Help? Trim the first shingle of every row so it is 6 inches shorter than the first shingle of the previous row. Begin by removing the shingles using a roofing shovel. Doing it properly will keep you without problems for 20 or 40 years. Flashed open valleys may be more durable and water resistant than blind alleys, in which the shingles overlap from one plane to the other and cover the valley. ". Laying shingles can be hard and hot work, but the reward of an attractive, watertight roof can be worth it. Nail the drip edge in place using your hammer and roofing nails. After completing a column, the roofer can go back down to the eave edge of the roof and start laying the next column of shingles. When installing shingles, start by laying a narrow row of shingles at the bottom of the roof along the edge. The sections of my roof that I have redone (removing the protector strip) are all still in great shape and DON'T lift during high winds. The drip edge is installed to create a straight roof line. % of people told us that this article helped them. Continue laying down shingles … Frustrated with stomach issues, but don't know what's wrong? The first type of shingle roofs we will take a look at in this guide is the tile shingles. Should the plastic be removed on the shingles? Align the lower edge … Then, your first shingle goes on the side you are going to cut. Continue to chalk additional guidelines based on the width of the shingle through at least four courses (rows) across the roof. The first course is a full shingle, the second course is when you should start cutting. If possible, have a partner work with you when laying shingles. These are laminate asphalt shingles made from a fibreglass mat, thicker and very wind-resistant. How do you start the first six rows of shingles when the edge in not square but a hip angle? To lay out the design for the shingles, begin at the bottom of the roof and place a tape measure ½ inch from the edge of the roof to ensure the shingles overhang the drip edge. The course explains how to install the shingles… For most DIY roofers, the five-inch offset is the most desirable pattern. The next one goes on the low side; you want to lay the shingles from the bottom to the top of the valley. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The meta… Used the first technique of cutting half a tab, then a whole, etc. For asphalt shingles, aluminum flashings are recommended. how white cedar shingles make a great wall siding; the best ways to cut and fasten cedar sidewall shingles; one way to make a vertical drainage pathway that extends shingle life; how a saggy old shed is refurbished using cedar shingle siding Consider other items such as safety glasses, a vest and work boots when you are gathering your roofing supplies. Alternatively, you can use a starting row of full-sized shingles by turning them with the tabs pointing upward. ft. Now it's time to install the underlayment and flashing. Repeat this on both sides of the roof. Bring a trash can up on the roof so you have a place to throw old shingles and flashing. How to Install Roof Shingles | Ask This Old House - YouTube But have you seen a video class on how to install a shingle roof. In addition to enhancing the appearance of all types of roof, they are easier to install and much more durable. Beginner’s Guide to Types of Shingle Roofs in Michigan. Mark 12 inches up on the roof for the first course of shingles, then mark every 5 inches all the way up the roof to set your reveal. Keeping a solid roofing layer of shingles is an important way to avoid water damage and leaks. For example: Hammer one nail about 2 inches from each end of a shingle. Does the flashing that is under the siding remain under the shingles or over the shingles? ", "It taught me how to do shingles. The course explains how to install the drip edge metal. Multiply the width and length measurements together to determine the area. Items like a hard hat, work gloves and a tool belt can help keep you safe while you're up on the roof. Underlayments help prevent leaks from getting through to the wood underneath, so you should install it just in case. Drive four nails into each shingle. Shingles should be interlaced with this flashing, which is usually cemented and nailed-down under upper shingles, but over the shingles on the sides. In many ways, shingles are a bit of a mystery material. Approved. Especially how there were different ways of how to do it, not just one. Stack pipes, vents and chimneys are surrounded with metal flashing laid over tar. Install Your Roof Shingles For the kind of shingles you purchase there may be a special starter row of shingles or a roll of strip material that you cut to the length of your roof. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-install-roof-shingles, http://www.remodeling.hw.net/business/shingle-offset, http://www.familyhandyman.com/roof/how-to-install-shingles/view-all, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. For more tips about how to lay shingles from our General Contractor reviewer, including how to use an alternating pattern, keep reading! unlocking this expert answer. Install the underlayment, metal drip edges and any eaves flashing required by code. These chalk lines will serve as a guide for subsequent even-numbered rows of shingles, and odd-numbered rows, respectively. Shingles protect sloping rooftops from the effects of rain, snow and hail while providing an attractive crown for the house. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. It shields you, your family and your possessions from the elements. The shingles are suitable for cold and warm climates. It offers the most protection per shingle, making it much less likely that runoff will cut through the in-betweens, hiding shingle irregularities, and getting the most bang for your buck. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. You can run another course or row of shingles folded across the ridge to equally cover both sides of the roof slopes so no nails are exposed. It's a common practice among contractors. 14 July 2020. Last Updated: August 20, 2020 When shingling a roof with three tab shingles, it’s easiest to shingle the roof planes first, working toward the valley. Using your staple gun, secure the felt to the roof. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions included with your shingles. Use your gauge on the nail gun to stagger them up the valley, and then snap a chalk line about four fingers wide from the center of the valley. For more tips about how to lay shingles from our General Contractor reviewer, including how to use an alternating pattern, keep reading! If a shingle is torn or cracked, glue the broken piece back in place using … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 623,338 times. Install New Flashing Start by laying asphalt, felt or other underlayment, over the roof. ", "I never knew to cut off the first row before laying it in place. Cut your last shingle on each row to size, repeating all the way to the ridge. Both step shingling and racking will yield a watertight roof. It's important to make sure you are working on a straight course and pre-planned layout. Keep in mind that safety should always be your first priority when it comes to doing any construction work on a roof. Use your chalk and tape measure to mark about 12 inches up on the roof for the first set of shingles. They come Packaged in paper or plastic wrap. Place the glue strip along the rake edge and drip edge. ", Step 4: Yes. The average homeowner installing architectural asphalt shingles on a 1,500-square-foot roof will pay between $6,000 and $14,00… Go to H.Depot/ Lowes/ Any Hardware that sells Shingles. Also, should I cut off the 1/4" overhang on the original shingles? © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Apply the first shingle over the starter strip at the chalk line. Follow the guideline you created to keep the shingles straight. Place a whole shingle next to it. Roofing Contractor & Maintenance Professional. Are the ridge shingles meant to lay over or under the next row of shingles? Safety first at all times. 1.5 tabs off of your third course shingles, For your fifth course, cut off half of the final tab. Before you begin, be sure to stock up on safety gear. This creates a space that allows water to get in. How to install shingles on a roof Step By Step .This is a roofing demonstration of how to install shingles on one side of your roof DIY . If you don't have a starter strip, refer to the figure to see how you can make you own from the shingles. Find a friend or two who knows how to install vinyl siding. This article has been viewed 623,338 times. For stacks and vents, have the bottom 2 or 3 rows that meet the flashing go under it, while the upper rows go over the flashing. When you reach the peak, either bring the ridge edges together with a ridge-capping layer or cut regular shingles into 3 tabbed, equal pieces and bend them so they fit on the roof peak. By using our site, you agree to our. "I've looked at various articles on how to apply shingles. This guide will teach you how to shingle a roof safely in just a few steps. Cut the last ridge shingle to the length you need, but be sure that no part of the roof is exposed. The short overlap of the four inch offset is somewhat easier, allowing you to use cutouts to overlap every two courses, making less work for you. Roof shingling is an easy job to do yourself, especially if you use a few shortcuts that don't compromise the quality of your work. You really did a good job on this. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. You can keep any flashing that is in good shape, but we recommend replacing it all with new flashing. This article was co-authored by David Bitan. Install the starter strip, which is just a backing for the first visible row of shingles. Flip 1 bundle over and most have directions and pic.s on back. Once you've reached the ridge, bend the shingle over the ridge so that each side is equal and nail it into place with a single nail on each side. Support wikiHow by While there are many different styles and ways to clad a roof, shingles1 are by far the most popular. Continue working horizontally up the roof until you reach the peaks. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Install full shingles flush against the six applied courses (Figure 10-10 – see A). David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. It depends on the type and the exposer of shingle, it's usually written on the bundle. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. A half tab off for your first course shingles, A full tab for your second course shingles. Be mindful of the proper nailing technique so that your nails always hold the top edge of the course beneath it. To nail a shingle to the roof, just hammer a nail into the corners of each shingle. It stops water … You won’t void your warranty by going with the racking method, but with some manufacturers, you’d have trouble collecting a settlement on two specific problems: “pattern-curling” and “shadowing” (color … Each shingle should be held by four nails. Shingles come in several different materials and styles from the classic asphalt2 shingle to slate3, metal, and wood. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. What are the measurements on the chalk line marks? Put Safety First Conclusion. Facts About Asphalt Roofing Shingles. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Thanks! It generally takes three packs of shingles to cover 100 square feet (9.29 square meters). Tip: It usually takes three batches of asphalt shingles to cover 100 sq. This is so water will run down the roof but not under the interlacing. Basically, you'll cut off one-half tab-width of the first tab to start the first course, changing the necessary area to fill with each row, shifting the "slots." Make sure you keep this first row straight, using the ice and water shield as a guide. This starter strip should line up with your drip edge. Unfortunately, because of this, the pattern is less desirable for extremely cold climates or very wet places. Divide that number by 100 to get the correct number of squares. Starting at the bottom of the roof, map out a guideline with chalk. This is with a 15-year-old roof and 110F summer temps. This article has been viewed 623,338 times. Avoid walking over or cutting the felt and shingles during the middle of the day on hot days, as the heat can partially melt the felt-paper and the underside of asphalt shingles, making them gooey and easier to damage by stretching, mashing and ripping. Next, lay the first full row of shingles so they're directly covering the starter row. Small business startups and want to be roofers need this course. Finish the courses with full shingles, working from the eaves up Install a Starter Strip. The course explains how to install the underlayment. If a nail hits a crack or hole in wood deck, it can and will work up over time, through the shingle above, and then appear sticking up through a 1/4 inch (approx 6.5mm) hole, in the roofing causing a leak. Start by overlapping a starter from both sides of the valley at the bottom. Lay them firmly together. Do I remove the plastic protector on the tar strips? Do I need to underlay before installing shingles? What should I do if I have a two inch gap between my shingles and the crest? It worked great, "Extremely helpful. Continue laying your shingles horizontally up the roof. The first thing you need to do when figuring out how to put shingles on a roof is to determine which type of roofing shingles you need. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Step one in any roofing project is always safety first. Renewing your roof cannot only help with energy efficiency but it can provide a sense of safety for your family and improve your home's curb appeal. What is the lowest air temperature for roof shingles? Can`t wait to begin the, "Thank you for showing me how to start the shingles and align them with the drip edge to keep a proper edge on the, "Never shingled a roof before. Roofing Contractor & Maintenance Professional. Use the chalk line to snap a straight line vertically every 6 inches. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Six nails are preferred for areas that experience wind. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as you may need to adjust the application according to the slope of your roof. You may need to make some adjustments before you begin the roof. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Lay One Starter Shingle If you don't feel comfortable working on the sloped roof yourself, hire someone else to do it. References Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you know how to clean the roof shingles, you can get rid of those streaks or discolorations that can … David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your professional roofing contractor. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Learning how to install roof shingles is a relatively easy process and one that can save you time and money in the long run. Do the same with the next shingle, continuing this step until you get to the far edge of the ridge. ", Step 5: Run the row of starter shingles 1/2 in. Types of Shingle Roofs in Michigan – Tile Shingles. As you continue, follow the pattern of lining a full shingle up against the next and nailing it into place. Do this on both sides of the roof. Is this just sloppy work or will this cause leaks? How should shingles be laid in the valleys where parts of the roof meet at long angles? Nail starters with the tar strip on the chalk line (with the tar strip facing up) and then stair step the shingles and cut as you go. Then secure another nail an inch above each cutout. Should I leave a little space on the side of each shingle for expansion? past the … But each helps protect your home and complete its curb appeal for years. I used three-tab shingles for two of the methods and laminated shingles for the other two. Make sure you measure the roof’s span, which is the measurement from the exterior of one wall plate to the exterior of the opposite wall plate. An asphalt shingle roof is a valuable part of your home. But many homeowners don’t know much about shingles, and, in fact, very few homeowners ever touch or handle an asphalt shingle. Step 6 Step 6 Work Your Way up the Roof. Lay the next row of shingles, directly on top of the first row, making the row two tiles thick. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Install new flashing (metal flashing is often called "drip edge" along the bottom of the roof near your gutters). If the nail gun is firing too deeply, almost mashing through the shingles, then the nails will soon pull through and come loose. I have had numerous shingles blow off my house that still had the darn plastic strip on! If it isn't there, contact the retailer or even the manufacturer for the precise details. My roofer overlapped the ends of some laminated shingles. Absolutely not. All Rights Reserved. Now that you've conquered the underlayment and drip edge and plotted your course, it's time to truly learn how to install roof shingles. Tip: When laying shingles, work from the bottom to the top of the roof. Cleaning roof shingles can restore your home’s curb appeal. When laying the shingles for the top row, cut 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) from the first shingle in the left corner of the roof using the utility knife. 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