Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material used for residential construction in North America. Roofing and reroofing with asphalt shingles are normally done by specialty roofing contractors, but a homeowner with good skills and who is committed to working safely above the ground can tackle this job. In addition to learning basic roofing skills, you should follow these tips offered by manufacturers and industry pros.
Work Left to Right, Bottom to Top
Have a glance at any professional roofing crew in action, and you'll notice the same pattern is always used. Begin at the bottom left corner of a roof surface and work toward the right and upward from the eave line to the peak. Where several workers are installing shingles, one usually begins by installing shingles along the eave overhang, while others begin filling in the field, working from bottom to top.
Carefully Flash the Valleys and Seams
Almost 75% of roof leaks occur in valleys where two roof planes meet, or at chimneys or other roof penetrations, so be sure to install roof flashing in these areas prior to the start of the installation. Flashed open valleys may be more durable and water-resistant than blind alleys, in which the shingles overlap from one plane to the other and cover the valley. For asphalt shingles, aluminum flashings are recommended. The metal should be at least 0.019 inches thick.
If working on a roof where someone has already installed flashing, make sure it is in good condition and not leaking. When re-roofing, most pros choose to install new flashings rather than relying on the existing flashings.
Work Left to Right, Bottom to Top
Have a glance at any professional roofing crew in action, and you'll notice the same pattern is always used. Begin at the bottom left corner of a roof surface and work toward the right and upward from the eave line to the peak. Where several workers are installing shingles, one usually begins by installing shingles along the eave overhang, while others begin filling in the field, working from bottom to top.
Carefully Flash the Valleys and Seams
Almost 75% of roof leaks occur in valleys where two roof planes meet, or at chimneys or other roof penetrations, so be sure to install roof flashing in these areas prior to the start of the installation. Flashed open valleys may be more durable and water-resistant than blind alleys, in which the shingles overlap from one plane to the other and cover the valley. For asphalt shingles, aluminum flashings are recommended. The metal should be at least 0.019 inches thick.
If working on a roof where someone has already installed flashing, make sure it is in good condition and not leaking. When re-roofing, most pros choose to install new flashings rather than relying on the existing flashings.
Complete One Shingle Bundle Before Moving to the Next
Use up all shingles from the same bundle before using the next bundle. Colors may vary slightly between bundles, and by using up the bundles one at a time, you will avoid having different colors on the roof within the same area. If possible, make sure all your bundles are from the same manufacturing "lot," which will minimize color variations.
Check the Deck
A good roofing installation depends on a solid, firm deck of plywood sheathing or OSB (oriented strand board). Make sure the sheathing is in good shape, and if installing new sheet material, make sure it is approved for roof-decking use. If using plywood, make sure it is labeled CDX, meaning that it is construction grade plywood intended for exterior use. If using OSB, make sure it carries approval from the APA - The Engineered Wood Association.
Use Full Tabs at Valleys or Rake Edges
Where possible, install three-tab shingles so that the tabs falling over metal valleys or rake edges at the side of the house are at least four inches wide. For better results, try to use full-size shingles going into a closed valley (one without metal flashing) as this can eliminate nailing too close to the centerline.
Read More Here: Pro Tips for Installing Asphalt Roofing Shingles
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