How to Put Roofing Shingles on the Right Way
Installing shingles can seem like an intimidating project for homeowners with no roofing or construction experience. Fortunately, with proper prep work and some careful planning, most anyone can re-shingle their roof.
First, apply a layer of self-adhesive waterproof underlayment, available at most home improvement centers or from roofing supply companies. Follow the product package recommendations for how much to use.
Lay Out the Felt Paper
Felt paper is an underlayment that prevents mold, mildew and wood resins from staining the sheathing. It also helps to ensure the roof is watertight when the shingles are installed. It is important to lay out the felt correctly in order for it to provide proper protection for the shingle system.
Begin at the drip edge and work your way up, overlapping each course by about four inches. This will prevent any moisture from seeping up under the shingles, potentially damaging the wooden roof structure.
Before applying each course of WSU, snap a chalk line on the deck to guide you as you lay out the felt. Roll out each section, ensuring it's free from creases or bubbles, and align it with the chalk line. Tack the felt down with galvanized nails or staples. Be sure to run felt 6 inches over any ridges or hips and line roof valleys with a full width of felt, extending it 6 inches up adjoining walls.
Cut the Shingles
Before you begin laying the shingles, you must first cut them to size. This can be done by using a utility knife or with a saw or tin snips depending on the type of shingle you are installing. Be sure to buy enough shingles for the project as it is easy to mess up when cutting.
It is a good idea to install flashing around any pipes, vents or other protrusions on the roof before installing the shingles. This will keep water from getting behind the shingles and into your house.
Begin laying the first row of shingles starting at the lowest edge of the roofline. Line the first shingle up against the next one and nail them together with roofing nails. Continue the process across the roof overlapping each row of shingles by about an inch. This will help to create a straight roof line known as the rake or gutter edge of the roof.
Nail the Shingles in Place
As a general rule, nailing the shingles to the roof should be done using pneumatic tools such as roofing nails because hand nailing leads to inconsistency, vibration on the structure and human fatigue. Also, it is difficult to keep nails consistently driven to the correct depth and therefore can lead to interior leaks. Nailers should follow shingle manufacturer guidelines and local building codes for the number of nails per shingle and how they are placed on the roof deck.
One of the most common errors made when installing shingles is called high nailing which happens when the nail is installed above the shingle's "nail zone". This exposes the nail head to the elements and eventually leads to rust and leaks into the home.
At ridges, bend single tabs (or special ridge shingles) over the ridge and nail them in place. The next ridge shingle should cover the nails by about an inch horizontally and vertically.
Install the First Row of Shingles
Taking the time to lay out and install roofing tiles the right way will make the difference between a leaky roof and a watertight one. While every roofer has a slightly different approach, the basics are similar across the board.
Start with a row of starter shingles along the lower edge of your roofline. Use a chalk line to mark the edge of your starting point, then nail down each shingle in that first course (row).
Owens Corning suggests placing five nails per starter strip. Hammer a nail about 2 inches from each end of the shingle, and an inch above each cutout.
Once the first row is laid, work your way up to the ridge. As you work, be sure to follow your shingle manufacturer's recommended nailing pattern and nailing location for the type of shingles you are using. They'll often provide you with a diagram for their preferred shingle installation process. You'll also want to ensure you have enough shingles purchased to complete your roof.
Installing shingles can seem like an intimidating project for homeowners with no roofing or construction experience. Fortunately, with proper prep work and some careful planning, most anyone can re-shingle their roof. First, apply a layer of self-adhesive waterproof underlayment, available at most home improvement centers or from roofing supply companies. Follow the product package recommendations…