How To Shingle A Roof

This is a quick guide on how-to-shingle-a-roof. It also teaches how to install a metal roof.

You will want to consider the elements when buying roofing material. In areas where there is a lot of snow and ice, you probably should have a metal roof. If you don't get a lot of severe weather then you can get by with asphalt shingles.

Shingles are much cheaper than metal. Metal is definately more durable and will last a long time.

To start out, you will need to get a few rolls of tar paper and roll it out starting at the bottom of the roof and working your way across the length of the roof.

roofing felt



Some people call it roofing felt, but I like to call it tar paper.One of the most important parts of learning how-to-shingle-a-roof is keeping the tar paper in place. The tar paper needs to overlap the sheet under it. That's why we start at the bottom and work our way up. Do it that way until you get to the top. Put short galvanized nails in to hold it down. You won't need many unless it's a windy day.

tar paper



The ridge will need a couple of layers because it needs to be strong under the ridge roll. Try not to tear the paper in any area. Remember, that is the last water barrier if the water gets in under the shingles or metal.

Before you start the shingles, you will want to start flashing joints and ridges. Flashing is a thin metal that you can cut with tin snips. It lies under the shingles at joints where there is a higher concentration of water. You can just fold the flashing lengthwise for valleys and then nail it in place.

flashing



Now let's learn how-to-shingle-a-roof. You will want to start at the bottom just like you did with the tar paper and work your way up. Make sure you offset the seams.

roofing nails
shingles


You can use roofing nails and the shingles need to be nailed above the seam. You also may need to snap chalklines to keep the rows straight.

roof shingles



Continue on until the roof is completely covered. When you get to the top, you will need a special set of shingles called a ridge cap. You can make your own but sometimes they leak. It's better to buy asphalt ridge cap that matches the shingles. That's about it for learning how-to-shingle-a-roof.

Now let's move on to metal roofing. The tar paper layout is exactly the same. Metal is available in many different colors and sizes, but it's also available in different thicknesses. You will want to get the same color for the flashing and apply it before the metal sheets go on.

The thickness is called the gauge. The local hardware stores will usually have the thickness that is used in your location to match the climate. Where there is snow and ice, it will be a heavier gauge, but where there is a lot of rain and humidity, a thinner gauge would be just fine.

You will use a special type of metal screw with a rubber gasket under the head. The idea is to sink the screw in just until the gasket starts to squeeze out. That makes a good, tight seal.

metal roof
metal screws


The screws will easily go through the metal with a little pressure from a screw gun or drill. Here is the nailing assignment for metal sheets.

nailing shingles



Once the metal is on, you will need to put on the ridge roll. That's just a cap piece that covers the ridge. You will need to use tar or some other kind of roof sealant on the vent pipes to seal everything up against the rain. That is it for learning how-to-shingle-a-roof and install metal.

Continue reading here: Installing Home Electrical Wiring

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Readers' Questions

  • emanuele
    How to build a shingle lift?
    8 months ago
  • Building a shingle lift can be a complex task, as it involves constructing a mechanical device to transport shingles to elevated heights. However, here is a general outline of the steps you can follow to build a basic shingle lift:
    1. Gather materials and tools:
    2. - Metal tubing or pipes - Plywood or metal sheets for the platform - Electric motor or engine - Pulleys - Rope or chain - Mounting brackets - Bolts and screws - Drill - Saw or cutting equipment - Welding equipment (if working with metal)
    3. Plan and design:
    4. - Determine the desired height and length of the shingle lift, as well as the weight capacity. - Sketch out a design for the structure, taking into account the platform, support frame, and lifting mechanism.
    5. Build the support frame:
    6. - Cut and weld metal tubing or pipes into a sturdy frame structure. - Ensure that the frame is stable and has the necessary support beams to handle the weight of the shingles.
    7. Create the lifting mechanism:
    8. - Attach an electric motor or engine to the frame, ensuring it is secure and aligned properly. - Install pulleys at suitable locations on the frame. - Thread a strong rope or chain through the pulleys, allowing it to move freely. - Create a platform using plywood or metal sheets, ensuring it is large enough to hold shingles and stable enough for workers to stand on.
    9. Mount the lifting mechanism:
    10. - Use mounting brackets to secure the electric motor or engine to the frame. - Attach the pulleys and rope/chain system to the lifting mechanism, ensuring it is properly tensioned and aligned.
    11. Test and adjust:
    12. - Turn on the electric motor or start the engine to activate the lifting mechanism. - Gradually raise and lower the platform to test its functionality and check for any issues. - Make any necessary adjustments, such as tightening bolts or adjusting tension. Please note that building a shingle lift can be dangerous without proper knowledge and experience. It is recommended to consult with professionals or experienced individuals to ensure safety and appropriate construction techniques are followed.
    • Gerolamo
      How to start shingling a roof?
      1 year ago
      1. Measure the roof and determine the number of bundles of shingles needed for the project.
      2. Install drip edge flashing, ice and water shield, eave flashing, and any other important flashing and underlayment, following building code requirements.
      3. Start at the bottom of the roof and work up, nailing the first row of starter shingles along the edge of the roof.
      4. Install the next row of shingles in the same manner, slightly overlapping the starter shingles and securing with nails. Make sure to leave a 1/8” gap between each shingle to allow for expansion and contraction.
      5. Continue working up the roof, applying rows of shingles until the roof is complete.
      6. Finish the job by installing ridge cap shingles at the peak of the roof in the same way and nailing down any loose shingles to secure the roof.
      • quirino
        Can you overlap metal roofing lengthwise?
        1 year ago
      • Yes, metal roofing can be overlapped lengthwise. This is usually done to extend the roof coverage and ensure that water can move off the roof properly. Be sure to use the manufacturer's recommended overlap distance to prevent water and moisture issues.
        • Arnold
          How to shingle a roof peak?
          1 year ago
          1. Place the first course of shingles at the peak and nail them in place.
          2. Measure and mark the position for the second and succeeding courses of shingles, extending 8 to 10 inches past the peak.
          3. Cut off the excess from the first course of shingles, keeping the course straight with a chalk line.
          4. Lay the second course of shingles with six nails per shingle, starting from the left, and overlapping the first course by at least 4 inches.
          5. Fasten the bottom layer of shingles with at least six nails per shingle, overlapping the second course and forming a straight line across the peak to the other side.
          6. Place the succeeding courses of shingles, once again overlapping the previous course by 4 inches, and ensuring they are straight and properly nailed.
          • elio
            How to shingle a porch roof?
            1 year ago
            1. Calculate the size of the porch roof and the amount of shingles needed.
            2. Begin shingling from the bottom of the roof up and from the eaves to the ridge.
            3. Place the first course of shingles with the top edge lined up with the marked edge of the roof.
            4. Lift the second course of shingles and overlap the first course by 3-4 inches.
            5. Install a starter strip along the eaves of the roof.
            6. Install the ridge cap shingles at the peak and secure with nails.
            7. Seal any exposed nail holes with roofing cement.
            8. Apply a heavy layer of roofing cement along the edges of the shingles.