How to Install Roofing Shingles Correctly
If you have never done any construction or roofing before, it may be difficult for you to understand how to install shingles. Fortunately, with careful planning and good preparation, nearly anyone can reshingle the roof.
Roofing supply companies or home improvement centres sell self-adhesive waterproof sublayment. For the recommended amount, refer to the product package.
Lay out the felt paper
Feltpaper is a underlayment which prevents mold, wood resins and mildew from staining your sheathing. It also helps in ensuring that the roof remains watertight once the shingles are installed. To ensure the best protection for your shingle roof, you must lay out your felt properly.
Start at drip edge. Work your way up. Overlap every course by around four inches. This will help prevent moisture seeping through the shingles into the roof structure.
Before you begin, draw a chalkline to help guide you. Roll out each section and align them with the line. Use staples or galvanized nails to attach the felt. Run felt 6" over any ridges.
Cut the Shingles
It is important to cut your shingles before laying them. The type of shingle that you are installing will determine whether or not you use a utility shaver, saw or tinsnips. You should buy enough shingles, as it can be easy to make mistakes when cutting.
It's a good idea for you to install flashing before installing the shingles around any pipes or vents. It will prevent water getting behind the roof shingles and into the house.
Begin by placing the first row starting from the lowest edge. As you align the first shingle against the following one, use roofing nails and secure the two together. Continue the procedure across the roof by overlapping every row of shingles with about an inch. This will assist in creating a straight roof edge known as the gutter edge.
Nail Shingles to Place
As a general guideline, roofing nails or pneumatic tools should be used when nailing shingles onto the roof. Hand nailing can lead to inconsistent results, vibrations of the structure and fatigue. Additionally, it is hard to get nails driven consistently to the proper depth. This could lead to interior leaks. To determine the number and placement of nails on the roof deck and the shingle manufacturer's recommendations, nailers should refer to local building codes.
It is common to install nails above a shingle's "nail-zone". This is known as high nailing. This exposes nail heads to the environment, leading to rust and leaks in the home.
Then, at ridges bend single tabs and/or special ridge-shingles over the ridge. Nail them in place. The next piece of ridge shingle needs to cover the nail by an inch or so horizontally and/or vertically.
Install the First Row Shingles
By taking the proper time to lay out the tiles and install them, you can make the difference in a roof being watertight or leaking. The basics of roofing are the exact same for all roofers, even though their methods may differ.
Start with the first row of starter shingles. This should be along the lower roof edge. Mark the edge of your roofline with a line in chalk, and then nail down every shingle.
Owens Corning suggests placing five nails per starter strip. Hammer in a nail two inches from the end each of the shingle. Also, place a single nail an inch over each cutout.
Once you have laid the first row, proceed to the ridge. You should follow the nailing pattern and location recommended by the shingle manufacturer for each type of shingles. The manufacturer will usually provide a detailed diagram on how to install shingles. Be sure to purchase enough shingles so that your roof is completed.
Roofing companies in Baltimore
If you have never done any construction or roofing before, it may be difficult for you to understand how to install shingles. Fortunately, with careful planning and good preparation, nearly anyone can reshingle the roof. Roofing supply companies or home improvement centres sell self-adhesive waterproof sublayment. For the recommended amount, refer to the product package.…