Roofing Information
Before beginning to apply shingles, check that all chimneys are completed and all vent pipes, soil stacks and ventilators are in place. Also make provisions for the additional flashings that will be required as the shingles are applied such as those around chimneys and stacks and at vertical wall abutments. If a roof surface is broken by a dormer or valley, start applying the shingles from a rake and work toward the break. If the surface is unbroken, start at the rake that is most visible. If both rakes are equally visible, start at the center and work both ways. On hip roofs, start at the center and work both ways. No matter where the application begins, apply the shingles across and diagonally up the roof. This will ensure that each shingle is nailed properly. Straight-up application or "racking" may result in less than the recommended number of nails being used because of the manner in which the shingles have to be applied. "Racking" requires that part of the shingles in some courses be placed under those already applied in the course above. Because part of the shingle is hidden, it may be overlooked when the shingle is nailed. With a diagonal application up the roof, each shingle is completely visible until covered by the course above. Starter Strip If self-sealing shingles are used for the starter strip, remove the tab portion of each shingle and position the remaining strip with the factory-applied adhesive up along the eaves. Trim at least 3 inches from the end of the first shingle in the starter strip. This will ensure that the cutouts of the first course of shingles are not placed over the starter strip joints. Nail starter strips parallel to the eaves along a line 3 to 4 inches above the eaves. Position the nails so that they will not be exposed under the cutouts in the first course. See Figure A. If shingles without a self-sealing adhesive are used for the starter strip, remove the tab portion of each shingle and position the remaining strip above the eaves. Complete the procedure by following the instructions above. If roll roofing is used for the starter strip, nail along a line 3 to 4 inches above the eaves. Space the nails 12 inches apart. If more than one piece of roll roofing must be used, lap the end joint 2 inches and cement it. First & Succeeding Courses
The first course starts with a full shingle while succeeding courses start with portions removed according to the style of shingle being applied and the pattern designed. Do not discard the pieces cut from the first shingle in each course. If full tabs, they may be useful for finishing the opposite end of the course and for hip and ridge shingles. To obtain the correct exposure for square-tab strip shingles, align the butts with the top of the cutouts in the course below. Install no-cutout shingles and those with variable butt lines according to the manufacturer's directions to obtain correct exposure. Fastening
If a fastener does not penetrate the deck properly, remove the fastener and repair the hole in the shingle with asphalt plastic cement or replace the entire shingle. Then place another fastener nearby. Wind Protection The factory-applied adhesive on self-sealing shingles is activated by heat from the sun, forming a secure bond after only a few days of exposure during the spring, summer and fall. In winter, bonding can take longer depending upon the geographic location, roof slope and direction that the structure faces. Free-tab shingle roofs may be given wind protection by cementing the tabs of each shingle to the course below. Place a spot of asphalt plastic cement the size of a quarter on the underlying shingle, lifting the tab of the overlying shingle just enough to apply the cement. Press the tab into the cement to secure it but do not squeeze the cement out beyond the edge of the tab. Be sure to cement every tab on the roof. Avoid excessive use of cement as this may cause blistering. See Figure B below.
Permits Fees Inspections For gas appliances also see: Re-Roof Inspections - Vents, Caps & Flashings Be a good neighbor -- control blowing trash and pick up debris promptly. Staff Contacts |
