How to Install Roll Roofing

Roll roofing is ideal for flat roofs such as sheds and other places where the roof is hidden. This is also a cheaper alternative and is easier to work with compared to the shingles although both are made of the same material --- asphalt coated fiberglass or flet. When installed properly, roll roofing can provide shelter from five to 12 years.

But while many people prefer to use this material for their roofs, there are some disadvantages to it as well. Firstly, it provides only a single layer of covering while the shingles have three layers and it can easily crack in very cold weather such as if temperatures reach below 45 degrees. It is recommended that when installing this material in an area with cold climate, you need to keep the roll roofs warm first.

Installing roll roofing can take only about one day. While this task is best left to a professional or experienced carpenter, homeowners who are hands on can do the work as well. Having an assistant will be of great help to completing the work at a faster pace.

Although this type of material can be installed either horizontally or vertically, experts recommend the vertical installation technique especially for roofs with steep slopes. Ensure that the roofing is flat, smooth and not curled at the edges before you install it. If puckered or curled, you will have to straighten it. For purposes of drying, you can even cut them in lengths of 12 to 18 feet and stack them so they will dry and flatten.

For horizontal installation, use a chalk line approximately 35 ½ inches from the eave to serve as your guide. Begin by installing a starter strip about 17 inches wide. There should be an overhang of one-half inch at the eaves and rakes.

Then secure the seam using cement and nail all the seams and edges of the roll roofing every three inches. If possible, use only galvanized roofing nails and make sure that the sheet is straight while you’re nailing.

When installing roll roofing, the seams need to overlap to prevent leaks. For the vertical joints, the overlap should be at least 6 inches while the horizontal joints should have at least 3 inches of overlap.

Once you’re done with the first sheet, continue with the second still using the chalk line as your guide to keep a straight line. Use a chalk line about two inches down from the top of the first sheet and spread lap cement above the line. The purpose of the lap cement here is to seal the nails and to prevent leaks later on.

As you go, cut the sheet where necessary and follow the same steps as you move up the slope. Once you’re done putting the roll roofing on both sides, don’t forget to cover the ridges and the hips. You can do this by cutting a 12-inch wide roll roofing and snapping chalk lines down from the ridge on both sides. After this, apply lap cement and nail the ridge sheet.