A Helpful Guide On How To Shingle A Roof
Learn the basics of installing an asphalt shingle roof, courtesy of IKO.
When its time to replace your roof, the amount of information available can be overwhelming. Lots of websites and videos go into great detail on how to shingle a roof. This article from the experts at IKO Roofing will help you make sense of it all by highlighting the basic steps and outlining the fundamental purpose for each roofing system component. This article is not a substitute for proper live training and IKO recommends that only properly trained professional roofing contractors engage in the shingling of roofs.
The next time you read the package instructions or watch a how-to video on YouTube, youll have a much better understanding of why roof shingles are installed the way they are.
Here are the basic steps to shingle a roof.
1. Step one in any roofing project is always safety first. Working at heights on a roof presents fall hazard risks and other safety concerns. IKO recommends that roofing work be done by qualified professionals who know the best way to shingle a roof and have been fully trained in all aspects of roof construction safety. Further, its important to review local applicable building codes and ensure the roof conforms to all requirements.
Drip edge is installed under the ice and water at the eaves and on top of the ice and water and underlayment on the rakes.
StormShield Ice and water protector.Flashing is placed around plumbing stacks and vents to help prevent leaks.
Install The Roof Underlayment
After installing the flashing:
- Prepare the roof for shingles.
- Install a drip edge, an ice and water barrier, and an underlayment to achieve this.
- Peel and stick sub floor First, staple or nail the ice and water underlayment along the roof line, folding it down and over the face edge of the roof by an inch or two.
After installing the ice and water barrier along the roofs lower edge, nail the drip edges upper face to the ice barrier, overlapping the drip edge at the seams to create a continuous protective surface. Install the drip edge and ice and water barrier at the bottom before putting the underlayment.
To install the underlayment, spread it out over the drip edge and secure it with cap nails distributed evenly across the roof. Bring the cap nails 4 inches apart down the underlayments lower edge, but avoid nailing further into the drip edge on the first pass.
Install the underlayment in rows, overlapping each row by at least 6 inches, until the roof is completely covered on each side, just below the ridge. Install a ridge of felt paper that splits in the middle and comes down to cover and overlap the underlayment on each side. Finish with a drip edge along the roof line sides over your underlayment. Now its time to put the shingles.
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How To Install Asphalt Shingles On A Roof
Installing Asphalt shingles may be a time-consuming and complicated operation. Asphalt shingles typically need to be cut to the proper size before they can be placed. This method necessitates the participation of a large number of people and the expenditure of substantial time.
Installing asphalt shingles on a roof is a fun activity that may go wrong. So, take safety precautions, remove old shingles, measure the required size of shingles, and install roof flashing and underlayment. Ensure to follow the fundamental instructions such as pipe and vent safety. If youre not satisfied doing it yourself, you may hire an expert.
A little bit of experience is required for installing asphalt shingles on your homes roof properly. Even if you have previous expertise with asphalt shingles installation, it might not be easy to do on your own. In addition, you must ensure that you are employing the proper instruments for the job.
Here are a few tips for how to install asphalt shingles on a roof.
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How To Roof A Ridge
Ridges are much easier to cover than valleys. You will need either a 3-tab shingle or special ridge shingles. In the example, 3 tab shingles were used simply because they were already on the job from another roofing job, but normally ridge shingles would be preferable.
If 3 tab shingles are to be used, each one is cut into thirds, giving “shingles” that are about a foot wide and normal height the same basic size as a ridge shingle.
To install ridge shingles, start either at the bottom of the ridge if it is actually a hip or at the end opposite where the prevailing winds come from if it is actually the top ridge of the roof.
Bend the narrow shingle over the ridge so that each side is equal and nail the ridge shingle into place with a single nail on each side of the ridge. Place the next shingle in the same manner that normal shingles were placed, once more bending it over the ridge and nail it into place. Continue to the far end of the ridge. The last ridge shingle will need to be cut to the proper length just make sure that 100% of the visible shingle is from the bottom half. Don’t leave any part that would normally be hidden exposed.
Congratulations! You have a brand new roof that you did yourself and saved several hundred dollars that can be put into something else. Maybe a new hardwood floor and get rid of that worn carpet. How about a fancy chandelier in the dining room? With the new roof completed, what else are you ready to tackle?
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Proper Nailing Techniques For Optimal Performance Of Asphalt Shingles
Roofing shingles have specific guidelines for how they should be fastened to your roof. They relate primarily to the quantity, location, and driving method of the roofing nails.
Proper installation is essential for optimum shingle performance and for compliance with the International Building Code. Learn where and how to nail shingles to ensure performance and holding power.
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Installing The Asphalt Shingles
Begin by nailing down a row of initial shingles along with the asphalt shingles lower border of the roofline. Lay a set of starting shingles along the roofs sides, ensuring they overhang the starter shingles put at the bottom.
Install four to five or six nails through each shingle below the tar border but above the dripping edge of the first row of shingles. Do this on both sides of the roof, then add ridge cap shingles on top. Begin on the left side of the ridge and work your way right.
Place the second cap shingle over the first and nail it in the same way on the left. Follow this to the roofs edge. Seal the last cap shingle nail with roofing tar to keep water out.
Specialty Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Specialty shingles can come in bolder colors and styles thatmimic other roofing materials, such as tile or wood shake, and offer thepracticality and affordability of asphalt shingles with a slightly differentlook.
For example, Owens Corning® Roofing offers:
TruDefinition® Duration® architectural shingles in Terra Cotta have the deep clay color of tile with none of the hassles regarding extra weight distribution.
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When learning how to install a metal roof, understanding safety is the most important step. Always be sure to prioritize safety when working above ground. Gloves and safety goggles should be part of your roofing supplies and worn at all times to prevent injury, especially when using tools such as saws or power drills while cutting metal roofing.
- Be sure there are no electrical wires or low branches hanging over the roof.
- Secure your ladder at the base and at the point of roof contact. Test the ladder to be certain it will not shift under your weight.
- Use proper fall protection equipment and be certain the system is anchored to your roof studs correctly.
- Wear appropriate safety shoes when engaging in roof work.
While this overview can give you a good idea of how to install a metal roof, the metal roofing installation process can be very complex and hazardous. A project of this scope is often best assigned to a professional installer. If you decide to hire professionals for your metal roofing installation, thoroughly research and select a team that has experience in roof repair, the roofing system you want and that is insured and licensed as required by your state.
In addition to material choices, metal roofing is also available in three design styles: through-fastened panels , modular panels and standing-seam panels.
While the term tin roof is commonly used to describe some of the oldest roofs still around today, they werent actually made of tin.
How To Install Metal Panels
Metal panels are a bit trickier to install on your own. Youll need help maneuvering the metal into place and making sure the seams between panels are secure.
Cut the metal to the right length before pulling it up on the roof. Then, add a layer of sealant tape along the seam where the next panel will slide into place. Repeat the process for each panel you add.
Then, secure the panels with metal roof fasteners. Take care not to overtighten the fasteners as this will damage the metal and increase your risk of leaks and damage.
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How To Apply Asphalt Shingles As Siding
In summary: How do you apply shingles to a nearly vertical deck/wall?
First, thanks for previous help here. Last project came out great – thanks in large part to this board. The seniour members of the board certainly did show me that my limited experience of 10 to 20 roofs is less than theirs.
Second, just bought a new house. Well, 39 years old, actually. Has what we call here in Northern Virginia a Dutch Colonial model. You might call it a Gambrel roof. Meaning that it has shingles both on the top of the house in a 5/12 section near the ridge, and also shingles against a nearly vertical wall, pitch in excess of 100/12.
To my good fortune, the shingles are not bent over the transition. Instead, the upper deck ends with drip edge at its base, and the lower deck has a 1×6 board, you could call a fascia board, at the top if its run.
Here is my question: How do you apply shingles to a nearly vertical deck/wall? Is the starter course typical? Are six nails required, as GAF advises? How do I terminate the run at the top of the wall, under the edge of the 1×6? Do I need ice and water shield or other flashing of some sort near the top?
Your sharing the benefit of your long experience is appreciated.
thanks,
It was a strange thing to shingle a wall lol, but very interesting.
Oh, your top. Can you remove that 2×6 fascia piece, shingle all the way up, and then replace that 2×6?
Yes, the folks at GAF said to pull the 1×6 trim at the top and replace it, too.
Final: Double Check Your Work
After you complete the installation you should keep a close eye on your home over the next few months. Look for signs of roof leakage in the roof, and look for any sections of the roof that seem to be flapping or blowing up more than they should be. A single mistake can leave a section of shingles ripping off and allow water right into your home. As long as you keep a close eye on your house you should be able to spot possible mistakes and problems before they become major issues on your home.
Installing a shingle roof is a project that a homeowner can complete on his or her own, but it is not an easy project. It is something that you have to take the time to understand and evaluate before doing. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is much better to leave the task up to a professional instead of attempting the project and making a mistake. You should now have learned enough information to thoroughly know how to install roof shingles. However, feel free to get quotes from local roofing contractors above if you want to find out about roof installation costs in your area.
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Joint And Valley Flashing
If water penetrates the shingle layer of the roof, you’ll need to add flashing to the points where water could potentially leak into your home. If your roof has open valleys, you can line them with corrosion-resistant metal at this time. Closed valleys can be addressed during the shingle application process.
When you’re installing metal flashing, remember that each piece should overlap the one below it by roughly 3 inches. Using asphaltic plastic cement, secure the flashing in place and nail it.
Roof Shingle Installation Hints:
- If using asphalt or fiberglass shingles, postpone shingle installation as long as possible. This will provide time for roof sheathing to adjust to humidity and moisture conditions.
- For best appearance, use heavier weight shingles, or laminated or textured shingles. This will mask surface imperfections and reduce the risk of shingle ridging.
This how-to article is part of the Builder Tips series of publications from APA – The Engineered Wood Association. View more helpful strategies, here.
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Home Roof Replacement Is Not A Project For Beginner Diyers
As you can tell from this brief guide, roofing a house is not a project for those unfamiliar with home construction. Even if you do have the knowledge and are handy with tools, you might find that roofing a house on your own is a bit overwhelming.
AmeriPro is a family-owned roofing business that has offices all over the country. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and will complete your home roofing installation project when promised. Schedule your free roof inspection today!
How To Shingle A Roof With Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles add texture and a three-dimensional appearance to a roof. Their benefits, however, are not just aesthetic. They also prevent water seepage better than regular shingles and come with a 40-year warranty. They are more expensive than regular asphalt shingles, so take extra care when installing them to avoid waste and misapplication. Using a professional roofer will guarantee a quality job, but a skilled do-it-yourselfer with the right tools can complete the job at a fraction of the cost.
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Measure your roof to determine the number of shingle bundles and felt rolls, also known as underlayment, needed to cover the roof. Roofers break roofs into squares when measuring for shingles. A square is a 10-foot by 10-foot area, and three bundles of shingles are needed to cover a square. Remove any existing shingles, underlayment and flashing by scraping with a shovel or shingle ripper. Hammer any nails into the decking. Cleaning the roof is unnecessary if you are working with new construction.
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Lay the edge of a roll of felt on the decking along the roof’s lower edge. Roll the felt horizontally across the roof, and cut it with the utility knife at any obstruction, such as at a gable, dormer or valley. Continue laying the felt on the other side of the obstruction. Overlap slightly each successive row of felt until the roof is covered.
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References
- “Roofing With Asphalt Shingles” Mike Guertin 2006
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Make Sure The Roof Structure Is Sound Before You Start
But first things first, if you are building a shed from scratch make sure the shed frame is square and level before you begin your roof construction. Once all beams are in place, cover with 12 mm exterior-grade plywood sheathing. Make sure you buy exterior-grade plywood because it is moisture resistant and less likely to warp when exposed to outdoor conditions.
The plywood sheathing should be laid with the grain of the plywood perpendicular to the roof rafters. Laying the sheathing this way ensures that you create a sound structure.
Use a chalk-line to mark each plywood sheet, snapping the line to clearly mark where the rafter beam is located. Then, in accordance with local guidelines, nail the sheathing to the rafter beam using 2″ galvanized nails. Some local guidelines may suggest nailing the sheathing to the rafter beams every 4″ or 6″, the requirements vary based on local weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornados, and snow loads.
Fasten Roof Sheathing Panels Properly
Fasten panels with a minimum of 8d Common nails spaced a maximum of 6 inches on center at supported panel ends and edges. At intermediate supports, fasten panels 12 inches on center. In high-wind areas, more fasteners may be required. Fasteners should be 3/8 inch from panel ends and 3/8 inch from panel edges .
For pitched roofs, wear skid-resistant shoes.
On panels with a screened surface or skid-resistant coating, install panels with the non-skid surface up.
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How To Install Wood Shakes And Shingles
Before you can install wood shingles on your roof, you need to create the vent structure or sheathing. This keeps them from warping in the dampness and heat.
Once the structure is in place, plan the layout of the shingles and nail them into the sheathing. Take care to measure the shingles placement throughout the job to make sure youre on the right track.
