How to Install Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles have a three-dimensional look and a forty year warranty. They are made from asphalt and mineral granules so they last longer than other shingle types. Architectural shingles are convenient and easy to install. Follow a few basic steps and you'll soon be admiring your own architectural shingled roof.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Architectural shingles
• Nails
• Nail gun
• Hammer
• Heavy scissors

1. Install the starter strip at the roof edge. This is a visible backing for the first row of shingles. The starter strip prevents water from leaking into the roof from the gaps between shingles and the notches between tabs.

2. Buy the starter strips pre-cut. This will save money. Architectural shingles tend to cost more than other shingles, so anywhere you can save money is a good idea.

3. Lay down your first shingles starting at the lower left corner. You will continue installing the shingles to your right and upward.

4. The architectural shingles are nailed down using small roofing nails. The size of the nail is determined by the thickness of the roofing material. Nail the shingles just below the tar strip.

5. Mis-match the gaps by cutting different amounts of material from each piece of shingle before it is laid. For example; the first row should be left alone, the second row would be cut 6 inches, the third row 12 inches and on in 6-inch increments. This staggers the architectural shingles as they are installed so the gaps from each shingle to do overlap each other.

6. Install your first architectural shingle 1/8 inch over the edge of the roof to force any water away from the fascia. It will also help prevent any fascia deterioration.

Tips & Warnings

• Hand nailing your architectural roofing shingles might take as much as three times longer than using a nail gun, but the quality and precision of hand nailing is by far better than any nailing done with a gun.
• Installing architectural shingles going up and out at the same time allows two people to work together without getting into each others way.
• Make sure the shingles are arranged so the ends and the tab notches are not directly above the gaps in the shingles below. If the gaps lined up, water will get into the roof sheathing and possibly seep through the nail holes.
• When you are installing a new roof over an existing roof your roofing nail will need to be longer. It must go through all layers of roof material, and the roofing felt, into the plywood underneath. In a high wind area the roofing material will blow off if the nails are not long enough.