How to Lay Shingles Against an Eave
Shingles are commonly used as roofing material because they are strong, durable, affordable and easy to install. They come in a variety of styles and colors, such as architectural, and are designed to last 20 years or more. Whether it is new roof shingle installation or reapplying shingles that have been damaged by strong weather, laying shingles is a job you can do with proper instructions. The work begins at the horizontal lower edge of the roof called the eaves. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shingles
- Starter shingles
- Hammer
- Chalk line
- Ladder
- Work gloves
- Roofing nails
- #15 Felt roofing
- Heavy duty staple gun
- Staples
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Get all necessary tools and supplies. Have everything you need on hand before you begin working so you won't have to stop the job because of missing supplies. Make sure you have enough shingles. The entire roof will be covered in regular shingles which are sold in a square. A square covers 100 square feet of roof space. However, before laying the first regular shingle you will need to put down starter shingles. These can be purchased when you get regular shingles or you can make them by simply cutting off the bottom part of the regular shingle.
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Check the area for damage. You are starting at the eaves so begin there to check the roof's wooden structure for damage. You will need to repair it before applying shingles. You will also need to put down some roofing felt between the structure and your shingles. Just roll out one layer of felt at the eaves which stretches across the entire roof. Staple in place.
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Apply the starter shingles. Take your chalk line to the center of your roof and snap a line. This will be your starting point. Take one starter shingle to the eaves and lay it next to the chalk line. Let this starter shingle hang over the eaves by 5/8 inch. Complete one row of starter shingles which extends from one end of the roof to the other end.
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Lay shingles against the eaves. Put down another chalk line at the roof's center. Go to the eaves and place one shingle at the chalk line. It will go on top of the starter shingle but it will not hang over the eaves. Hammer 4 nails into the shingle, going directly across the center. Place another shingle next to the first one and install the same way. Continue installing shingles against the eaves, working your outward toward the roof's edges.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear rubber soled shoes. Don't lay shingles when it's cold or wet.
Don't touch power lines or antennas and don't allow a metal ladder to touch them.
