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Instructions for Installing Selvage Edge Roll Roofing

Alexander Callos

Selvage edge roll roofing is a type of asphalt roll roofing that is commonly installed on flat roofs or those with a small slope. It is a mineral surface roll that is 36 inches in length and covers 108 square feet per roll. This type of roofing is used in both commercial and residential applications and is installed in the exact same manner as any other type of roll roofing. With the proper instruction and a few materials, it can be installed quickly.

  1. Measure the area of the house or building to get the total square footage of the roof. Run a tape measure along the base of the house and record the measurements of both the width and height to get the total square footage to determine how many rolls of roofing will be needed.

  2. Roll out the No. 15 felt underlayment to act as a moisture barrier between the roofing and the sheathing underneath. Hammer the felt into place with roofing nails around the perimeter. Work in three-foot sections, installing the felt and insert nails every 12 inches along the entire piece. Continue until the felt paper has completely covered the entire area of the roof.

  3. Unroll the first roll of roofing and cut the entire roll directly in half with a utility knife so the roll is two 18-inch strips. Score the entire roll with a utility knife and continue down the entire piece until it has been cut in two.

  4. Pour roofing cement beginning in a corner of the roof and spread it out across the entire first row with a roofing roller. Lay down the first 18-inch strip and push it down to adhere it to the cement. Cut the roofing off with a utility knife when the end of the roof is reached. Insert roofing nails beginning 3/4 of an inch away from the edge and adding a nail every three inches directly in the middle of the horizontal piece.

  5. Spread cement over the felt just above the first row and lay down the second piece of roofing. Install it in the exact same manner, making sure to cut it when the end is reached. Continue the same way until the entire flat roof has been covered with the roll roofing.