How Roof Shingles Are Installed

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.

How roof shingles are installed.

With one or two helpers you ll be able to shingle a 1 500 square foot roof in about two days. Install shingles from the lower left corner working to the right and also working up the roof slope. Pull the drip edge down about a half inch from that line to create a gap between the drip edge and the fascia board. Overlap each metal piece by at least 150 mm 6 and use asphalt plastic cement under each section of overlap.

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. Install new flashing metal. If you live in an area with inclement weather you should consider using a special ice and water protector. Arrange the shingles so the ends and the tab notches do not lie directly above gaps in the shingle below.

You can install shingles by hand using a roofing hatchet but the work will go more slowly. Using the chalk line snap a line between the two marks to get a straight edge. Using your staple gun secure the felt to the roof. Start by laying asphalt felt or other underlayment over the roof.

Before you begin make sure you re comfortable measuring laying out a job driving nails and cutting with a knife. Many pros shingle in a vertical line up the roof because it s much faster.