How to install Roofing Shingles
It's a huge project but any DIYer with the proper tools and safety precautions can do it. By using the right techniques, it is easier to correctly install the shingles and avoid problems such as blow offs and leaking.
Following the manufacturer's guidelines for exposure, offsetting (the lateral spacing between shingles) and nailing is important. This will provide the roof with the strength needed to resist damage from wind.
Layout of the Felt Papier
A roll 15 or 30 pound roofing felt acts as a barrier to protect the roof deck from the shingles. The felt also serves as a moisture barrier by preventing water from leaking past the shingles. The felt on your roof is not permanent. It must be replaced no less than every five-years.
Start with the corner. Tack the felt in position and then roll the felt out for about 10 to 15 feet. Use staples or nails that have plastic washer heads. Aim to install fasteners at intervals of 4-8 inches.
As you finish, check that the felt is smooth and flat. A rough surface might trap moisture, which could cause issues later. As you approach the eaves and the metal flashings of the vents or pipes, trim the felt to fit. Continue rolling out new felt rows up to the top, overlaid by three-inch intervals.
Start the course
The starter row should contain the tabs for the adhesive self-sealing strips. If your roof has any protrusions (such as a chimney, skylight, or ridge vent), you should install metal cladding around them. If you already have flashing in place, ensure it is not corroded or curled.
Ascend from the eaves to the roof peak. If needed, stagger rows of shingles according to manufacturer requirements.
Install the last shingle at the end to cover the roof edge. You can center and bend the shingle on the roof ridge before nailing it. This shingle can help to stop water from entering your roof near the peak. Finish off your roof project by installing a ridge-vent if required.
Stagger the Shingles
There are many ways to install roof shingles. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. One of most common methods called stagger or horizontal racking is faster than others.
You can use this method by snapping a line with chalk on the first shingle course. Align it to the previous shingle slit. To use this method, snap a chalk line for the first course of shingles and align it with the previous shingle's slit edge. Keep going in this manner until you have reached the ridge.
When working around a vent (or other obstruction), make sure that the shingles are not riding up the raised portion on the flashing. Also, cover any exposed nails with a few dabs or roofing cement. You can also lay a WSU sheet over the obstruction to provide additional protection against leaks. Always follow the instructions on your roof shingles when installing them to achieve the best possible results. The installation of your roof is critical.
Install the rest of your Shingles
When you've taken all necessary safety measures for working on the roof and removed the old shingles it's finally time to install new roofing. First decide if you are going to use the nail gun or manually attach each shingle. It depends on how well the sheathing is attached to the shingles as well as your comfort level working from a height.
If you decide to use a nailgun, be sure to check the instructions on each shingle's package for how many nails are needed. In high winds, shingles can blow off when you use a small number of nails.
When you get to the ridge in the roof ridge, bend the single tab or special ridge roofing shingles and nail them down. Then install a metal flashing and glue it to the roof with plastic. It's important to prevent water infiltration and ice-dams. The ridge vent can be used with an ice water membrane in order to prevent moisture.
It's a huge project but any DIYer with the proper tools and safety precautions can do it. By using the right techniques, it is easier to correctly install the shingles and avoid problems such as blow offs and leaking. Following the manufacturer's guidelines for exposure, offsetting (the lateral spacing between shingles) and nailing is important.…