How Roof Shingles Are Installed

Installing roof shingles in 11 steps.

How roof shingles are installed.

Install shingles from the lower left corner working to the right and also working up the roof slope. The top ridge cap shingles will overlap the hip ridge cap so start with the hips. Depending on the width of the pipe you may need to tear away a segment or two of the rubber boot. Measure the length of a shingle as it lies across 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. Most asphalt shingles are 3 feet 91 4 centimeters in length. This will help determine how the shingles will lay on the roof width. The hip and ridge caps.

Many pros shingle in a vertical line up the roof because it s much faster. You ve nailed in the last field shingle and you can see the finish line from here. How much does it cost to install shingles. Inspect the underlying roof sheathing for damage and make any needed repairs.

Shingles come in several different materials and styles from the classic asphalt 2 shingle to slate 3 metal and wood each material has its own characteristics and price point which can impact the cost of the roof. Once you have installed shingles just past a plumbing vent install the flashing piece so it will lie on top of roofing at its bottom but be covered with roofing at its top. Using the chalk line snap a line between the two marks to get a straight edge. Measure your roof so you can be sure you buy the right amount of shingles.

Start from the top of the roof and remove the old shingles along with the flashing underlayment and vents. 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. Arrange the shingles so the ends and the tab notches do not lie directly above gaps in the shingle below. Install a layer of roofing insulation as recommended by the roofing manufacturer.

As shingles are installed on the adjoining roof area the end of each course of shingles is trimmed cut 2 back of the valley centerline. Install the ridge cap so the prevailing winds blow over the overlap seams not into them. Hammer down any large nails that are exposed by the removal. If your roof s width is not an even multiple of the shingle s length you will have a partial piece on one end of each row.