How to Install Roof Shingles in the Correct Way
Even for those with little or no construction experience, it can seem intimidating to install shingles. It is possible for anyone to re-shingle a roof with some careful planning and proper preparation.
You can purchase self-adhesive underlayment at many home improvement shops or roofing supply firms. To determine how much product to use, follow the instructions on the packaging.
Layout the Felt paper
Felt paper, also known as underlayment, is a material that protects the sheathing from stains caused by molds, mildews and wood resins. It helps to make sure that the roof is completely waterproof after the shingles installation. To protect the shingle systems, it's important to correctly lay out the felt.
You should start at the drip line and then work up. Each course of shingles should be overlapping by about 4 inches. This will prevent moisture from seeping under the tiles and damaging the wooden roof structure.
Snap a chalk line onto the deck for each course before you apply the felt. Roll each section to ensure it's smooth and free of bubbles. Then align it along the chalk line. Nail or staple the felt in place with galvanized nails. Do not forget to extend the full width of felt up adjacent walls and over ridges.
Cut the Shingles
To begin with, cut the shingles according to their size. Depending on the type and size of shingles you're installing, this can be done with either a utility saw or tin-snips or even a knife. Make sure you have enough shingles because it is easy for them to get cut.
Installing flashing around pipes, ventilations or any other protrusions is a smart idea before installing shingles. This will prevent any water from getting into your house behind the shingles.
Start by laying out the first row at the lower edge of your roofline. To nail the shingles together, line up the first one against the next and use roofing nails to secure them. Continue to do this across the roof, overlapping each row of shingles about 1 inch. This will allow you to achieve a straight edge on your roof, known as gutter edge or the rake.
Then, nail the shingles in place.
As a standard, the roofing nails are used for pneumatic nailing because the hand-nailing causes inconsistency on the structure as well vibration. Moreover, it's difficult to ensure that nails are driven at the correct level and can result in interior leaks. It is important that nailers follow local building codes and shingle manufacturer guidelines for how many nails are needed per shingle.
The most common error when installing shingles involves high nailing, which occurs when the nails are installed above the "nail zone" of the shingle. This exposes your nail head to weather and can cause rust.
Nailing them into place is the best way to bend the single tabs. The next ridge shingle will cover the nails about 1 inch both horizontally & vertically.
Installing the First Row Shingles
If you take the time to lay the tiles out and install them correctly, it will mean the difference between having a roof with a leak and one without. Each roofer will have a slightly different style, but the fundamentals are the same.
Start with a starter row of shingles at the bottom edge of your roofline. Mark your starting point using a chalk line, then nail every shingle along that first row.
Owens Corning suggests placing five nails per starter strip. Hammer a shingle nail at a distance of 2 inches on each end and about an inch above the cutout.
Work your way to the ridge after the first row. While you work, follow the manufacturer's nailing pattern or location recommendations for the type shingles you use. Many manufacturers will provide a diagram to show you how they recommend installing the shingles. Make sure you've purchased enough shingles to cover your entire roof.
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Even for those with little or no construction experience, it can seem intimidating to install shingles. It is possible for anyone to re-shingle a roof with some careful planning and proper preparation. You can purchase self-adhesive underlayment at many home improvement shops or roofing supply firms. To determine how much product to use, follow the…