How to Properly Install a Starter Strip for Gerard Roof Shingles
Gerard roof shingles combine the benefits of a metal roof, the look of asphalt shingles and the strength of a stone coating. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles that use the same material for a starter strip, Gerard shingles use a metal starter strip to stop water from backing up under the roof and damaging the plywood supporting the roof. Correct installation of the starter strip is critical to the performance and longevity of the roof after installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Combination square
- Extension ladder
- Utility knife
- Chalk line
- 1 1/4-inch roofing nails
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Set a piece of starter strip on a firm surface with the large flat side sitting flat and the shorter edge facing the ground.
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2
Pull a tape measure along a piece of Gerard starter strip. Place a pencil mark 2 inches in from one end of the strip. Place one pencil mark every 16 inches until you reach the opposite end of the strip. Set a combination square to 2 inches. Pull the square along the rounded edge of the flat face of the strip and place a perpendicular line at each 16-inch mark to create a crosshair at each location.
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3
Set an extension ladder against the house. Ensure the ladder extends 3 feet past the roof eave and does not wobble.
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4
Climb the ladder. Cut all material that extends past the edge of the roof -- existing shingles or felt paper -- with the sharp blade of a utility knife.
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5
Measure the distance from the rounded edge on the flat marked face of the starter strip to the inside of the shorter vertical leg sitting at a 90-degree angle to the flat face. Place multiple marks on the surface of the roof, using the edge of the roof by the eave to hook the tape measure. Snap a chalk line between the marks.
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6
Align the rounded edge of the starter strip with the chalk line. Align the point of a 1 1/4-inch roofing nail with the crosshair pencil marks. Drive the nail through the starter strip with a hammer. Move along the starter strip, placing one nail at each pencil mark. Ensure the rounded edge of the strip remains aligned with the chalk line.
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7
Move along the roof, installing the starter strip as described above while overlapping the ends of the starter strips 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not work on a roof in high winds or rain.
Wear safety glasses, fall protection and ear plugs when installing a starter strip for Gerard roofing shingles.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
