Proper Installation of Roof Shingles

Once you have decided that you are going to get roof shingles installed, you must try and gather some information before you actually proceed with it. Installation of roof shingles is not a daunting task but you must do it properly otherwise you may be continuously troubled by water seepage and other related problems.

There are many factors which affect the installation of roof shingles. The shape and pitch of the roof affects the installation procedure and the type of material you are planning to use also influences the installation of roof shingles. Various types of materials need slightly modified way of installation. The degree of difficulty of installing them varies with the material and the style that you choose.

The standard composite shingle is obviously easiest to install. The standard composite shingle has always been considered as long lasting and durable and hence has been the favored type of installation for roof shingles. These are also available in a large variety of styles, shapes, colors and lengths and thus you can create the dream look that you have always wanted for your house.

Installing roof shingles means that the rows and rows of shingles will overlap each other so that your house becomes weatherproof and water proof. Don’t think that you can just buy few roof shingles and start laying them. It is not as simple as it looks.  You have to do the installation of roof shingles in a systematic way otherwise you may end up making a mess of it.

Correct Installation of Roof Shingles

If you start the installation of roof shingles without adequate knowledge thinking that you can do it, let me warn you that by just laying the roof shingles, you will eventually get crooked lines and this will lead to improper, incorrect application.

You must begin at the bottom most, lower course for installation of roof shingles. You should start first by drawing a chalk line which is absolutely straight and at a fixed distance from the roof’s edge. Drawing the line will eliminate any chance of a crooked line. While you are at installation of roof shingles, it is utmost important that you lay the shingles correctly.

Lay the first row of shingles with the straight side facing down and the tabs facing up.  Put down one shingle at a time, aligning it with the chalk line and nailing it in at least three places.  Be sure to place the nails up far enough so that the next row of shingles will cover them, ensuring water tightness and proper and sturdy installation of roof shingles.

When you are done with the initial upside down row, lay a second row right side up and directly on top of the first row.  This “Double Decker” placement in installation of roof shingles reinforces the edge and creates a waterproof barrier on the first row. 

 Each time you complete a row, measure exactly how far up the next row needs to go for proper installation of roof shingles and snap another chalk line.  Lay the next row according to the chalk line, making sure that the joints between shingles are staggered from the ones below.  With careful measurement and placement, installation of roof shingles will usually go quite smoothly.

However if you not very confident of doing it properly then it is best not to take any chances in installation of roof shingles because improper installation of roof shingles can give you loads of trouble and can be very expensive too. In worst cases people have had to remove the entire thing and get it redone all over again. It is a costly mistake to make.

 About the Author:
 We have 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As Long Island roofing contractors and Northern Virginia roofing contractors, we believe, "Quality Doesn't Cost...It Pays! 

 Roof Shingle Installation