How To Start Installing Roof Shingles

Install a layer of roofing insulation as recommended by the roofing manufacturer.

How to start installing roof shingles.

Measure your roof so you can be sure you buy the right amount of shingles. Many pros shingle in a vertical line up the roof because it s much faster. To install asphalt shingles start by installing underlayment and new flashing on the roof. See below for a shopping list tools and steps subscr.

Using the chalk line snap a line between the two marks to get a straight edge. However most people prefer the cutout lines to be aligned so they make straight vertical lines. Installing roof shingles in 11 steps. Once everything that goes beneath the shingles has been properly prepared and installed it s finally time to learn how to shingle a roof.

Snap a couple of guide lines just a little inside the perimeter of the ridge so the lines get covered up when you re done. Inspect the underlying roof sheathing for damage and make any needed repairs. Once you ve done that cut your shingles to size if they re not already. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva reveals the best ways to secure shingles to a roof.

Architectural shingles are another option and are installed the same way as 3 tab shingles but give your roof more of a 3 d effect due to their varied shapes. Start from the top of the roof and remove the old shingles along with the flashing underlayment and vents. Once all your shingles are installed you ll need to cover cap the ridge and hip ridges if you have a hip roof. Some roofers install shingles so the cutout lines describe a slight angle as you look from the bottom to the top of the roof.

Known in the trade as vertical racking or staggering this how to lay shingles method enables the roofer to install a single column of shingles all the way to the peak without the wasted back and forth motion necessary to fill several rows of stair steps. Regardless of the asphalt shingle type or style you ve chosen the process is basically the same as mentioned earlier you start at the bottom and overlap as you work your way across and up the roof. To start installing shingles line up aluminum drip edge flush with the edge of the roof and make a pencil line at the top on each end of the house. The top ridge cap shingles will overlap the hip ridge cap so start with the hips.

Hammer down any large nails that are exposed by the removal.