How to Put on Roll Roofing

Roll roofing, sometimes referred to as rolled roofing, is less expensive than shingled roofing and takes less time to install. Rolled roofing, however, is not as durable as shingled roofing.
Rolled roofing comes in rolls. The roll is a continuous sheet measuring 36 inches wide by up to 90 feet long. Sizes and prices vary by manufacturer and retail outlet.

Things You'll Need

• Underlayment Drip edge Roofing cement Roll roofing Galvanized roofing nails Hammer Caulking gun Utility knife Chalk line

Instructions

1. Cut a strip of underlayment to a manageable size, depending on the length of your roof. This should measure approximately 3 feet in height.

2. Lay the first strip of underlayment along the edge of the roof. Nail every 6 to 8 inches along the bottom edge and sides.

3. Cut a second piece of underlayment and place it above the first piece, letting it overlap the first piece by 2 inches. Nail this in place. Continue this process until you reach the peak. Repeat the process for the other side.

4. Install the drip edge along the edges of the roof and nail down every 8 inches. Drip edge is the metal stripping that prevents water from rotting the soffit.

5. Cut two strips from the roll roofing, each measuring 18 inches in width by the length of your roof. Cut two more strips, each measuring 18 inches in width by the width of your roof.

6. Apply the roofing cement around the edge of the roof. Use a caulking tube to apply the cement. Lay the cut strips of rolled roofing along the edges of the roof so as to cover over the cement. Nail the strips down.

7. Bring the roll of rolled roofing onto the roof. Starting at the bottom, have one person hold the end of the roll at the edge of the roof. Roll out the rolled roofing material to cover the length of the roof horizontally.

8. Stop 1 to 2 feet before the edge and "double back" the roofing material. Do this by raising the roll and unrolling the remaining length to reach the edge while holding the roll.

9. Lay the roll down and cut the rolled out length. Before nailing down, adjust the roofing material to ensure it aligns with the roof edge. Apply roofing cement underneath the edges of the roofing material and fix to the underlayment. Nail down this first piece, nailing along the bottom and sides every 3 inches.

10. Measure 33 inches above the top of the first piece. Mark this with a chalk line. Install the second piece, aligning the top of it with the chalk line. This should give you a 3-inch overlap. Apply cement and nail down.

11. Repeat the process until you reach the peak. Repeat the process along the other side of the roof.

12. Lay a strip on the peak of the roof, centering the piece so no seam runs along the tip of the peak. Glue and nail down this piece along both sides and edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear nonslip shoes when working on a roof.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish