Home Owner Tips

How to Install Asphalt Shingles Correctly

Safeguarding your home against the elements starts from the top! Dive into this comprehensive guide on asphalt shingle installation. From understanding the basics to mastering the installation steps, we lean on The Roof Doctor's six decades of expertise to guide you through a successful and durable roofing journey.

Weatherproofing Your Home: How to Install Asphalt Shingles Correctly

Weatherproofing your home is essential to ensure its longevity and safety. One of the most popular and effective ways to achieve this is by installing asphalt shingles. Not only do they provide a robust barrier against the elements, but they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. In this guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of asphalt shingles, offering insights from the experts at The Roof Doctor, a trusted name with over 60 years of experience in the roofing industry.

What are Asphalt Shingles?

Before we talk about how to apply them to your roof, let’s take a quick look at asphalt shingles themselves. Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing material known for their durability and cost-effectiveness. They are made from a base of either organic felt or fiberglass, saturated with asphalt, and then coated with mineral granules.

Different Types of Asphalt Shingles

Strip Shingles: Often referred to as three-tab shingles, they are the most basic and economical choice.
Laminate Shingles: Also known as dimensional shingles, they are multi-layered, offering a richer, more sophisticated appearance.
Premium Shingles: These are high-quality shingles known for their unique designs and higher durability.

Preparation Before Installation

Assessing the Roof Structure

Before you start the installation process, it’s crucial to inspect the roof deck for any damages. A solid foundation ensures the longevity of your shingles.

Materials and Tools Needed

Materials:

Asphalt Shingles: Choose from strip shingles, laminate shingles, or premium shingles based on your preference and budget.
Underlayment: A protective barrier that goes under the shingles, usually made of felt or synthetic materials.
Starter Shingles: These are the first row of shingles installed at the eaves, ensuring proper water runoff.
Roofing Nails: Specific nails designed for roofing, usually galvanized to prevent rusting.
Drip Edge: Metal flashing that ensures water drips away from the fascia and into the gutters.
Ice and Water Shield: A type of underlayment used to prevent ice dams in colder climates.
Roofing Felt: Typically used as an underlayment to provide an extra layer of protection beneath the asphalt shingles.
Hip and Ridge Shingles: These are specialized shingles used to cover the hip and ridge areas of a roof.
Flashing: Thin pieces of metal used to prevent water seepage at joints or intersections, like chimneys or vent pipes.
Roofing Adhesive: A type of glue used to secure shingles, especially at the edges or in areas prone to wind uplift.

Tools:

Roofing Hammer
Utility Knife
Chalk Line
Tape Measure
Roofing Shovel or Pry Bar
Ladder
Safety Harness
Staple Gun or Hammer Tacker
Tin Snips
Roofing Caulk Gun
Soft Bristled Broom

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Asphalt Shingles

1. Remove Old Roofing (if applicable)

Using a roofing shovel or pry bar, carefully remove old shingles, underlayment, and any nails or staples.
Inspect the roof deck for any signs of damage or rot. Repair or replace any damaged sections.

2. Install Drip Edge

Begin at the bottom edge of the roof.
Nail the drip edge in place using roofing nails, ensuring it hangs slightly off the edge.

3. Lay the Underlayment

Start at the bottom of the roof, rolling out the underlayment horizontally across the roof’s width.
Secure it using a staple gun or hammer tacker.
Overlap subsequent rows by at least 2 inches to ensure no gaps.

4. Apply Ice and Water Shield (in colder climates)

Lay this barrier at the bottom edge of the roof to prevent ice dams.
It should also be applied around roof penetrations like chimneys or vent pipes to prevent leaks.

5. Install Starter Shingles

Place the starter shingles at the bottom edge of the roof.
Ensure they hang off the edge slightly (about 1/4 to 3/8 inch).
Nail them in place, ensuring nails are positioned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

6. Begin Shingle Installation

Starting at the bottom corner, lay your first shingle.
Use chalk lines to ensure they’re aligned correctly.
Nail the shingle in place, typically using four nails per shingle (or as per manufacturer’s guidelines).

7. Continue Laying Shingles

Place the next shingle beside the first, ensuring they’re tightly butted together.
Continue this process, ensuring each row is straight and aligned.
When starting a new row, offset it by half a shingle’s width to ensure the joints don’t align, creating a brick wall pattern.

8. Install Flashing

Wherever there’s a roof penetration, like vents or chimneys, flashing needs to be installed.
Slide the flashing under the shingle above while laying it over the shingle below. This ensures water runs over the flashing and not under the shingles.
Secure the flashing with roofing nails and seal with roofing adhesive.

9. Hip and Ridge Shingles

Once the main roof area is covered, you’ll need to cap the peak (ridge) and any corners (hips).
Starting at the bottom of the ridge, work your way to the top, overlapping each shingle.
Ensure nails are placed beneath the overlap area to hide them.

10. Final Inspection and Cleanup

Once all shingles are installed, inspect your work to ensure everything is aligned and secured.
Clean up any debris, using a soft-bristled broom to sweep the roof.
Dispose of old shingles and nails responsibly.

11. Ventilation

Ensure your roof has proper ventilation. Install ridge vents or other ventilation systems if needed.
Proper ventilation prevents heat and moisture buildup, prolonging the life of your shingles and roof deck.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure a successful and durable asphalt shingle installation. Remember, while DIY is possible, if you’re unsure about any steps or need professional expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts like The Roof Doctor for service.

Post-Installation Tips

Inspecting the Installation

Once installed, sweep the roof to remove any debris. Ensure there’s proper water runoff and that there are no gaps or misalignments.

Maintenance and Care

Regular inspections can help identify potential issues. Look out for signs of wear or damage, especially after severe weather conditions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Improper Nailing

Over or under nailing can affect the shingle’s performance. Ensure nails are placed correctly, penetrating both the shingle and the underlayment.

Ignoring Ventilation

Proper roof ventilation ensures the longevity of your shingles. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, affecting the shingles’ performance.

Summary/Final Thoughts

Installing asphalt shingles correctly is crucial for the longevity and safety of your home. With the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure a watertight and aesthetically pleasing roof.