Architectural Shingle Installation

Architectural shingles are found on all types of roofs.

Asphalt shingles are found on all types of homes and buildings. They are most often found on roofs with slopes. Architectural shingles are a type of dimensional shingle that is available in many different styles and colors. They are installed on roofs just like any other type of shingle. No matter what type or style you choose, all shingles follow a similar installation process.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Drip edge
• Hammer
• Roofing nails
• Tin snips
• Roofing felt
• Starter shingles

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the roof and multiply the two together to get the total square footage. This will determine how many bundles of shingles will be needed for installation. Three bundles of shingles will cover 100 square feet.

2. Install drip edge along the edge of the roof at the eave beginning in any corner. Hammer it in place with roofing nails spaced out every 8 inches. Drip edge comes in 10-foot sections. Overlap the pieces of drip edge by 2 inches. Install it around the entire eave of the roof and cut it to size with tin snips, if necessary.

3. Roll out felt underlayment beginning at the bottom corner of the roof and hammer it in place with roofing nails spaced out every 12 inches. Continue rolling it out until you reach the end of the roof. Cut off the felt with a utility knife and overlap the second layer by 4 inches. Install the felt until it completely covers the roof.

4. Position the first starter shingle at any bottom corner of the roof. Hang the shingle over the eave by 1/2 inch and hammer it in place with four equally spaced roofing nails. Butt the second starter shingle up to the first and continue installing the starter shingles down the entire eave of the roof in the same manner.

5. Set the first row of shingles directly over the starter strip with an overhang of 1/8 inch. Hammer in nails 1/2 inch below the tar strip. Spread out four nails on each shingle in the first row. Cut off 6 inches from the first shingle of the second row so they do not look the same all the way up the roof. Install the second row just like the first. Line the second row above the first. Overlap the second row so the shingle in the first row has 5 inches of exposure.

6. Cut 12 inches off the third row and install it in the same manner. Cut 18 inches off the fourth row and install it just like the previous row. Install a full shingle beginning with the fifth row and follow the same pattern until the roof is complete.

References

• CertainTeed: What Are Architectural Roofing Shingles?
• Home Addition Plus: Asphalt Roof Shingle Installation