Shingle work is hard and backbreaking labor. However, it’s not a complicated process and can be easily done with a little knowledge and advice. I’ll explain the ins and outs of the trade and give you some insider tips when roofing or re-roofing with dimensional asphalt shingles.
In this article, I’m not going to explain materials or tools you will need to roof a home. There are other articles I have written that cover this topic. This is an article is about the actual techniques and tricks needed to complete a successful dry in of a roof from begging to end, with dimensional asphalt shingles.
Begin by attaching a starter row. First, a two-inch band of tar should be spread around the bottom edge of the roof. Next, Cut several shingles in half long ways, just below the tar dots. Place the tar dots at the bottom edge of the roof over the tar and nail it with six roofing nails. You can also buy starter shingles to save time.
Once the starter strips are nailed down, you can begin placing shingles down. Lay the first row down starting with a whole shingle and ending with a cut off piece at the end. The next row needs to begin with a half shingle. This way the seam between shingles is staggered. Cut off any excess with a hook blade utility knife. Align the chalk line printed on the first row of shingles with the bottom of the shingle that starts the new row and attach it with a nail gun. Continue attaching shingles along the factory chalk line and butt the shingles side by side.
After a few rows, you’ll need to snap a chalk line yourself. Measure up the roof from the drip edge to the factory chalk line on the last row of shingles you laid down. Make a mark on the other side of the roof so both sides have the same distance up the roof. Snap a chalk line between these to points and continue nailing along this new line. Repeat this step every third row or so to keep the shingles evenly spaced on the roof.
Work your way up to the peak of the roof. As you come to vents or pipes, simply cut around the opening. First tar the vent and then as you lay each shingle down put tar underneath the shingle. Don’t nail any nails into or around the vent covering. Do the same for any flashing you come to and don’t penetrate it with nails.
The last step is covering the ridges with cap. Attach the first cap to the bottom of the ridge and center the cap. Tack another cap at the top of the ridge. Snap a line from one cap to the next. Use this line to keep your caps straight as you fasten them to the ridge. Nail down the caps from the top to bottom of the ridge. Don’t nail the last cap, simply tar the cap and put in place.
