Asphalt roofing shingles are very durable, and with proper installation, will keep your home protected from water leaks. Installing asphalt shingles may seem to be a difficult task. It does require several steps, but anyone who can follow directions well will be able to complete this job. Here’s how to install asphalt shingles.
Gather Materials
1. Get all materials and tools ready and put them in a utility box so it will be easy to bring them with you when you climb up the roof. Obviously, you will need asphalt shingles, a hammer, and galvanized roofing nails.
Aside from these, you will also need the following: drip edge and underlay (waterproof and self-adhesive), felt roofing underlay (#15), stapler, staples, chalk line, and self-sealing adhesive strip. Also, put on protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles.
Installing Waterproof Protection
2. Install the drip edges along the eaves.
3. Place the waterproof, self-adhesive underlay down over the entire roof to create a barrier that will ensure water will not leak into the home.
4. Next, lay down the felt underlay. There should be a 3-inch overlap between sections so the roof stays completely covered even when some materials become displaced. Install one underlay on top of each other, making sure to put the higher layer on top.
5. At the sides of the roof, put in the rake drip edges. Fasten the felt underlay under the drip edges by stapling it.
Installing Asphalt Shingles
6. Take the chalk line and, from the roof’s top center, snap it towards the edge to create a guide for installing the shingles properly.
7. Use self-sealing adhesive to install the shingles’ starter strip along the edge of the roof. Allow 3/8 of an inch of this strip to extend over the eave so the water will drip instead of seeping in.
8. Nail down the shingles on the first course, using about 4-6 nails for each shingle depending on how windy your area is.
9. Once you’ve laid down the course, make horizontal chalk lines to align the shingles as you install them across your roof and down to the eaves. Let the bottom edges overlay the shingles below it by 5 inches.
Final Steps
10. Don’t forget to clean the area you worked on. Make sure to remove any loose objects to prevent accidents.
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Tags: Installing Asphalt Shingles
