How to Hang Up a Shingle

Save money by hanging shingles yourself.

Shingles cover the exterior walls of a house or the roof to protect the structure from heat, cold, wind and rain or snow. Homeowners have a variety of shingles to choose from, including asphalt, slate or wood shingles. Typically, roofing professionals install slate and asphalt on the roof of the house, while wood shingles can cover either the sides or the roof. Installing your own roof or siding always begins with hanging the first shingle.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder or scaffolding
• Galvanized nails
• Hammer
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Instructions

Asphalt Shingle

1. Set up a ladder or scaffolding to reach the roof.

2. Place the first asphalt shingle on the lower corner of the roof. Allow the shingle to overhang the edge of the roof by 2 inches. Position the shingle so the tabs face the roof's peak.

3. Drive galvanized nails through the shingle's tabs to secure the shingle to the roofing deck.

Slate Shingle

1. Set up a scaffold or lean a ladder against the house to access the roof.

2. Position the first slate shingle on the lower corner of the roof. Let the slate shingle overhang the roof's edge by 1 to 2 inches. Face the edge of the slate shingle with the predrilled holes up toward the roof's peak.

3. Place a galvanized nail into the hole on the edge of the slate shingle. Drive the nail into the roofing deck with a hammer. Drive nails into each predrilled hole to secure the slate shingle to the roofing deck.

Wood Shingles

1. Climb a ladder or scaffold to access the roof, if you are hanging a shingle on the roof.

2. Put the first wood shingle on the lower corner of the roofing deck with the edge of the shingle hanging over the roof by 1 to 2 inches. If you are hanging a wood siding shingle, begin at the corner of the house and place the shingle so it hangs down over the foundation by 1 to 2 inches.

3. Drive galvanized nails through the top edge of the shingle into the roofing deck or side of the house.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses and gloves when installing shingles.

• Avoid installing asphalt shingles during cold weather as the cold makes the shingles brittle.

• Do not hang shingles while it is raining or snowing, or if the roof is wet.

References

• "Reader's Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual"; Family Handyman Magazine Editors; 2005
• "Roofs and Siding"; Time Life Editors; 1979