How to Overlay Shingles
Overlaying shingles is allowed by most municipalities for roof repairs. Generally, you can overlay one layer of shingles (so that the roof has two layers). Overlaying is a quicker, easier way to fix minor roof problems. Since tear-off is probably the most labor-intensive part of a roofing job, you get to avoid that step. Also, you don't have to dispose of old shingles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Roofing nail gun
- Roofing nails
- Air compressor
- Razor knife
- Ladder
Instructions
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1
Remove the cap shingles at the roof peak by prying them up with a hammer. This is the one area where it is best not to lay new shingles over old.
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2
Place the first shingle at one edge of the roof, at the bottom edge of the roof, over the existing shingle. Make sure that the new shingle's edge does not lay in the same spot as the existing shingle. An overlap will help ensure that there are no leaks between the seams of the shingles. If necessary, the new shingle can hang over the side of the roof and be cut later.
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3
Secure the shingle with roofing nails. Each shingle should have four nails spaced evenly across the shingle, approximately 3/4 inch above the tab cutouts.
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4
Repeat the process along the bottom edge of the roof, placing each successive shingle against the edge of the previous shingle laid.
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5
Lay the next course of shingles so that the bottom of the shingle just touches the top of the cutout of the shingle beneath it. This course must be placed so that the edges of the shingles are not in line with the edges of the course of shingles below. A good process is to move the shingle 1/3 to the right of the course below it and continue that method for each new course.
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6
Cut several shingles into thirds with the razor knife, cutting from the cutout through to the top of the shingle. Use these to cap the roof peak after the roof faces have been shingled to the top.
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7
Cut any shingles that hang over the edge of the roof with the razor knife so that the shingles are flush to the edge.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use roof jacks as you progress up the roof face and can no longer work from a ladder.
If the existing shingles are curled, the new shingles may not lay properly. This will require a tear-off rather than an overlay.
