Asphalt Roof Shingle Installation

Prior to asphalt roof shingle installation the roof sheathing should be inspected for any damage. If there are damaged or rotting roof sheathing pieces they should be replaced before installing the new asphalt roofing shingles.

Drip edge should then be installed on the roof followed by one or two courses of Ice and Water shield. The Ice and Water shield should be installed along the roof eaves, near any adjacent walls to the roof, and in roof valleys.

Next install roof felt paper over the entire roof surface. Staple the roof paper down to the roof sheathing.

To ensure a proper asphalt roof shingle installation, use a chalk line to establish straight and true lines up the length of the roof line. To determine the frequency of chalk lines measure the exposed reveal on the shingles. Typically shingle reveal is about 5 inches. Consequently, every 5 inches establish a chalk line. Then install metal flashing around chimneys and any wall edges that abut the roof line. With a basic roof consisting simply of two planes, such as is the case in a ranch or colonial home, asphalt roof shingle installation begins with applying a row of starter shingles near the roof eaves.

Starter shingles are necessary for preventing water from working its way through to the roof sheathing between the gaps and notches in the first row of shingles. You can either use pre-fab’d starter asphalt roof shingles or you can create your own by simply cutting away the tabs on standard 3-tab shingles. Position the outside edge of the starter strip shingles ¼ to ¾ inch beyond the roof eave and drip edge, to prevent fascia board rot.

Once the row of starter shingles have been installed, you can begin the main asphalt roof shingle installation task. Start installing roof shingles at the lower corner on one side of a roof plane. For example, start on the far lower left of the roof plane. Install singles in a stair like pattern working your way to the right and up. Make sure when installing the shingles that the course just above the lower course are placed so that the shingle ends and the tab notches do not line up with the lower course row of shingles. Otherwise you’ll end up with a leaky roof.

Also, when installing the first row of shingles make sure the edge of them hang approximately 1/8” over the starter shingle row and roof edge. By doing this you can prevent water from running off the roof and down the fascia board. Regular dripping of water on the fascia board can cause it to rot in short order.

To deal with the mis-matching of gaps between shingle courses, trim 6 inches off the course just above the lower course. This will ensure that the tab notches and shingle edges between the two courses of shingles do not line up. Repeat trimming as necessary on subsequent rows, in 6 inch increments, as you work your way up the roof line. When nailing down asphalt roof shingles apply the nails approximately ½ inch below the tar strip. Use 4-6 nails per shingle and make sure to use hot dipped galvanized roofing nails 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches in length. Cut shingles as necessary around any plastic or rubber flanges associated with vent pipes. Near the peak of the roof, the final course of asphalt roof shingles should be trimmed so that the ridge vent hole is fully exposed.

Plastic roof ridge vent should then be installed over the length of the ridge vent using long roofing nails.

Finally, nail ridge cap asphalt roof shingles down over the ridge vent. Make sure the ridge cap shingles overlap each other with the same reveal as the main asphalt roof shingles. Also, on the first ridge cap shingle tack it down with a few dabs of roofing tar.

Final Note: Asphalt roof shingle installation is extremely heavy and dangerous work. Make sure to use sturdy ladders, and roof jacks on higher pitched roofs. Also, have one or two helpers to aid in hauling shingles up on the roof and installing the roof shingles. In addition, always wear a good pair of rubber-soled shoes for solid traction when working on the roof. Finally never install asphalt roof shingles on a wet or cold roof.