How Do I Install Shingles?

How do I install shingles? Very carefully!!!

Ok, now that we have the humor out of the way we can address this subject seriously. Before you start installing shingles, do two things: Have all the tools and supplies ready; Be careful (no joke).

A good shingle roof starts with the proper deck in place. This should be clean, fresh planks or plywood that is even and firmly in place. Once this is in place, you must put a starter strip on. This means trimming off the tab sections of shingles and putting down the solid backing piece. You may also be able to buy pre-trimmed starter pieces.

Then you put your first row of shingles over this starter strip. The notches will be over the starter strip. While you can choose for yourself, we have found it best to start at the left, lower corner and work to the right. If this is your first shingle job make sure the tabs of the shingles in the second and succeeding rows are not directly above the notches/gaps in the shingle below. Think alternate!!

Another trick/tip: The first full shingle should stick out over the edge of the roof about an eighth of an inch so water will not drip behind the fascia. Put the nails through the shingles just below the strip of tar so that the next row covers the nail heads.

If you must place shingles around a vent pipe, chimney piece etc. use a rubber sealing flange and cut the hole very carefully. Use tar to help seal the opening. Use slightly longer nails when placing the ridge cap.