How to Nail Asphalt Shingles
Shingling a roof is one of most physically demanding and potentially dangerous maintenance projects a homeowner can undertake. Carrying bundles of shingles up a ladder is strenuous work. Add in exposure to the elements and the possibility of falling, and you have powerful motivation to make the results last as long as possible. Asphalt shingles are surprisingly easy to damage before they are attached to your roof. Proper nail placement and nailing technique will reduce the amount of damage during installation and insure that the shingles stay where they belong. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place a shingle in position on the roof.
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Drive the first nail into the shingle 5 5/8 inches from the bottom edge and one inch from the left edge. Do not sink the head of the nail into the shingle. A properly driven roofing nail will sit flush with the top of the shingle.
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Drive the second nail into the shingle 5 5/8 inches from the bottom edge and one inch from the right edge.
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Drive one nail directly over each of the tab slots, 5 5/8 inches from the bottom edge.
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Tips & Warnings
These nail placement directions are for standard three-tab shingles. For nonstandard shingles, read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Sinking the head of the roofing nail into a shingle will damage it and shorten the useful life of the shingle.
Likewise, a roofing nail that has been left with the head sitting above the surface of the shingle will damage the shingle directly above it in the subsequent row.
Roofing is dangerous work. Move slowly and with caution when walking on bare tarpaper or shingles. Wear appropriate protective gear, work clothing and shoes. Inspect all ladders and equipment for damage prior to use.
References
- Photo Credit red shingle roof image by Svetlana Tikhonova from Fotolia.com
