Proper Installation of shingle roofing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of a home. Shingles serve as a protective barrier against the elements, shielding the building from rain, snow, wind, and UV radiation.
At Roofing Solutions, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to shingle installation, so that you can feel confident knowing the steps involved when hiring a professional roofing contractor.
Here is our step-by-step guide on how to install a shingle roof:
1. Remove Old Roofing: Start by removing all old shingles and underlayment. Inspect the roof deck for damage and make any necessary repairs.
2. Install Drip Edge: Fit a drip edge around the edges of the roof to help water flow off properly, preventing damage to the roof structure.
Apply Underlayment: Roll out and secure a layer of roofing underlayment (felt paper) across the entire roof deck for additional protection against moisture. Start from the bottom edge and work your way up, overlapping each layer by a few inches.
Place Starter Shingles: Install a row of starter shingles along the bottom edge of the roof. These shingles are specially designed to prevent water from seeping into the seams of the first row of standard shingles.
1. Lay the First Row: Begin at the bottom corner of the roof. Place the first shingle so it overhangs the edge slightly and aligns with the edge of the starter shingle. Secure it with roofing nails.
2. Continue Installing Shingles: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for shingle placement, typically using a staggered pattern to ensure proper overlap and coverage. Each shingle should be nailed in place according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually with four to six nails per shingle.
3. Cutting Shingles: You may need to cut shingles to fit around vents, chimneys, or the roof’s edges. Use a utility knife for precise cuts.
1. Install Flashing: Apply metal flashing around roof features such as chimneys, vents, and where two roof slopes meet (valleys), to direct water away from these vulnerable areas.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Install ridge vents or other ventilation systems at the peak of the roof to allow hot air to escape from the attic, preventing moisture buildup and extending the life of the roof.
Ridge Shingles: Complete the installation by adding ridge cap shingles along the roof’s peak for a finished look and additional protection against water penetration.
1. Always start from the bottom and work your way up to ensure proper shingle overlap.
2. Follow local building codes and manufacturer instructions for best results.
3. Consider the weather forecast; avoid roofing on rainy or extremely windy days.
Installing shingle roofing is labor-intensive and requires a solid understanding of roofing techniques. If you’re not experienced in roofing, hiring a professional is recommended to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Working with a professional roofing contractor is crucial to ensure that your shingle roof is installed correctly and affordably.
To speak with a professional roofing contractor about your shingle installation needs, please give us a call at (434) 432-4602 or fill out the form below. We will reach out to you shortly!
Carlisle's Perfection Award is presented to roofing applicator's with roof installation warranty claims that rank in the top 5% of all US and Canada. This shows the awarded applicators are providing exceptional service, and the installed roofs rarely are filed for a claim, ensuring customers they are working with a top-of-the line roofing company.
Carlisle's Perfection Council chooses the most prestigious and highly rated roofing applicators to serve on an advisory board, which provides support roofing installers across the nation. This ensures applicator's are installing the highest quality roofing materials.
The Excellence in Single-Ply (ESP) award is deemed as one of the most prestigious awards in the roofing industry, assuring customers they are working with the most qualified and expert roofers.
The Centurion Applicator award is presented to a roofing company that has achieved 100 'perfect 10' roof installs, meaning that an inspector gave a perfect score of '10' applying new roof systems.