How To Install Roof Shingles

There are times when roof shingles of some houses get damaged. When this happens, homeowners can just replace the damaged ones and not necessarily the entire roofing.

Roofing shingles are commonly made from asphalt and are available in squares. They are cheaper compared to metal and wood. You can determine how many you will need by measuring the length and width of each section of the roof and then multiplying the length and width. Asphalt shingles can be installed over the existing roof even if there are already two layers underneath. You just have to nail them well in place and use feathering strips for a clean look. Experts, however, recommend removing entirely the old roofing if there are already three layers in existence.

Once the old roofing materials have been removed, it’s time you check the main structure of the roof to ensure that it’s still durable and no nails are protruding. Repair damages if needed.

Before you start installing the roof shingles, the felt also known as the tar paper needs to be laid down first over plywood sheathing. This paper can be installed using galvanized screws and has to overlap the edge of the first one by at least two inches. It’s ideal to start at the bottom part of the roof going up to the topmost part.

After the felt, the shingles can then be installed. Start by marking the center of the rood with a chalk line. Then you continue by installing a starter strip along the roof’s bottom portion. The purpose of this strip is to prevent water from getting through to the roof especially at the gaps in between shingles.

Once the starter strip is already is in its right place, you can now start installing the first shingle right on top of the strip and nail it securely. An overhang of about 1/8 inch is ideal to keep water away from the fascia and help prevent deterioration. The fascia is the vertical board at the edge of the roof.

Continue with the other shingles following the same steps. Note that roof shingles have to be offset to prevent leaks at the valleys. Making chalk lines is important to guide you in your work and to ensure that you’re installing the shingles in a straight manner horizontally and vertically. If there’s a plumbing vent or chimney vent on the roof, make sure you seal the area around the penetrations using plastic-and-rubber flange. Cut the shingles to fit around the vent and use tar as sealant for the shingles.

As you reach the top of the roof, the shingles should be lapped and trimmed not reaching the ridge vent hole. To cover the vent, use the ridge cap shingles and attached them using two nails for each of the shingle.

For professionals, the installation process can take about half a day but for a do it yourself roof shingle installation project, this may take the entire day. Keep in mind that this is not an easy task to do for any homeowner as it requires patience and a good physical condition because a lot of back and knee bending is involved here.