Shingles are a great choice for covering roofs or extensions. Their sleek nature and durable design provide an extra layer of protection whilst making your home look aesthetically pleasing.

Better yet, they are the perfect choice for a DIY project due to their simple installation and easy maintenance. Today at Beesley and Fildes, we will run through the installation process for roof shingles.

Browse our wide range of roofing materials to get started on your home renovation.

Safety First

When working on roof construction, it’s essential that you use safety equipment and take caution following instructions.

Avoid working in harsh weather conditions and stay aware of the roof's edge, power lines, and other hazards. It’s best to work alongside other workers for added safety and assistance.

Ensure that you use the following PPE:

Safety harness
Gloves
Non-slip shoes
Safety goggles
Hard hat

Necessary Tools and Materials

Once you have got into the correct gear, it’s time to gather your building tools and materials:

Tools

Hammer or nail gun
Pry bar
Utility knife
Chalk line
Tape measure
Level
Ladder
Caulking gun
Roofing trowel

Materials

Shingles
Roofing nails
Underlayment
Flashing
Roofing cement
Drip edge
Ridge vent
Sealant

How to Prepare the Roof for Shingles

1. Roof Inspection

Using a ladder, climb up and thoroughly inspect the roof for signs of damage or structural issues. This includes cracked tiles, rotting wood, or rusted metal.

Ensure that the roof is structurally sound to support new shingles, noting any areas to repair.

2. Clear the Roof

Remove any debris, leaves, or branches from the surface of the roof.

If you’re replacing old shingles, carefully remove them using a pry bar and a shovel. Then, inspect the gutters and downspouts, ensuring they’re clean before continuing.

3. Repair and Reinforce

Address any repairs identified during the inspection, such as fixing broken rafters or trusses.

Then, replace any rotten or damaged sheathing to provide a steady surface for the shingles.

Ensure that the flashing around chimneys, vents, and roof valleys is in good condition. If not, replace it before continuing.

4. Install Drip Edges

Drip edges are essential as they help to keep water away from the roof, protecting the wood. For this, fit drip edges along the eaves and rakes of the roof.

Secure them with roofing nails, ensuring they overlap at the corners for seamless water flow.

5. Lay Underlayment

Starting from the bottom edge of the roof, roll out the roofing underlayment horizontally.

You can choose between asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic or rubberised asphalt underlayment for the base.

Make sure to overlap each layer by a few inches, securing the underlayment with cap nails or staples. This should help to achieve a flat and smooth surface.

How to Install the Shingles

6. Start the First Row

Begin at the lower corner of the roof and start by laying the first course of shingles. Make sure that they hang over the edge of the roof, about ½ or ¾ of a inch (1.27 to 1.91cm).

Secure the shingles in place with four to six roofing nails. Use more for areas with frequent strong wind.

7. Apply the Starter Strip

Place the starter strip along the eaves, ensuring it overhangs. This is vital for providing a clean and sleek look for your roof. It also prevents water filtration, protecting the integrity of the roof.

Secure the starter strip in place with roofing nails.

8. Layer the Shingles

After this, lay the first full shingle on top of the starter strip. Follow the manufacturer guidelines for specific instructions for overlapping the shingles.

As a general consensus, align the top of each shingle with the adhesive strip attached to the shingle below it.

9. Stagger the Shingles

Stagger the seams between shingles by using a half shingle for the second row. This helps to prevent water penetration.

Continue this pattern till the roof is covered, ensuring each row is staggered from the one before it.

10. Work Around Obstacles

Carefully measure and cut the shingles to fit around vents, skylights, and chimneys for a secure fit.

Apply roofing cement and flashing around these areas for additional waterproofing. Follow this for each area:

Vents: Slide the upper half of the flashing under the shingles and the lower half over the shingles. Then, secure it in place with roofing nails and seal the edges with roofing cement.
Chimneys: Install step flashing along the sides of the chimney, layering each piece. Use saddle flashing or a cricket to divert water.
Skylights: Place the top edge of the flashing under the shingles and the lower edge over the shingles. Then, use roofing sealant around the perimeter of the skylight for added protection.

11. Install Ridge Caps

Measure the length of the roof's ridge with a tape measure to determine the amount of ridge cap shingles needed.

Then, cut ridge cap shingles from regular shingles or use pre-cut caps. Start at the lower end of the ridge, overlapping each piece. Ensure the lower edge is flush with the edge of the ridge and the thick end is pointing towards the centre of the ridge.

Secure each piece with nails on both sides.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Once you have finished the process, inspect the roof for any gaps or exposed nail heads.

For protection against water and rust, add a sealant to the shingles. If you desire, touch up the paint on the vents or flashing to match the shingles or the home's exterior.