Roofing is difficult and can be a very dangerous task. When it’s time to replace your roof, the amount of information accessible can be overwhelming. There are numerous factors to consider and we recommend hiring a professional but, if you want to shingle your roof yourself, this article will provide you with tips and tactics that will assist you with your roofing project.
What Is a Roof Shingle?
Roof shingles are separate overlapping pieces that make up a roof covering. These are usually flat, rectangular structures that are put in rows from the roof’s bottom edge up, with each consecutive row overlapping the ones below.
Shingles are held by the roof rafters and are made of various materials such as:
● Wood
● Slate
● Flagstone
● Metal
● Plastic
● Fiber Cement
● Asphalt shingles
Shingles are weather-resistant, versatile, and are commonly used in Utah. They are perfect for areas that have frequent harsh and snowy weather.
Shingling a Roof
Here are a few pointers that will aid you with your roofing process:
- Safety First
Working on a roof, especially on a considerably high roof, poses a risk of falling as well as other safety concerns. The most common cause of accidents is falling, and a fall from a twenty-foot roof will likely result in serious injuries and even sometimes death.
Basic safety precautions that can help a lot are:
● Wearing all safety gear available; gloves, helmet or hard hats, and boots.
● If at all possible, work with a partner.
● Never walk backward while on the roof.
● Before climbing up and down ladders, double-check that they are properly placed.
● Never climb a ladder with tools or supplies in your arms.
● Always walk carefully since it is common for a roof to have a rotten piece or a poorly fastened area.
- Deck Preparation
Before you start, clean your roof deck first and make sure it is smooth and dry. Also, make sure that your roof deck doesn’t have any holes or gaps. A clean and smooth deck surface will aid in the level appearance of the newly shingled roof when completed.
- Work Your Way up From the Ground Up
In terms of roofing components, don’t only start from the bottom area of the roof deck but also start with the bottom layer. The asphalt roof shingles are the visible component of the roof and the first line of defense against bad weather, but what’s beneath them also matters.
- Prepare To Shingle The Roof
Surface tension can be reduced by overhanging shingles by about a half-inch over the drip edge.
● Start by making a pencil line at the top of each end of the aluminum drip edge flush with the edge of the roof.
● To create a gap between the drip edge and the fascia board, pull the drip edge down about a half-inch from that line.
● With a hammer, secure the drip edge in place with 1and 1/4-inch roofing nails.
● Cut the shingle about two-thirds of the way down the length, with the cut edge to the left.
- Start Installing Your Roof Shingling
With your shingles prepared and your drip edge ready, you can now start installing shingling on your roof.
● As a starter, nail just the top half of the shingle to the deck across the bottom edge, aligning this starter with the edge of the drip edge.
● After the starters are placed, extend the shingle about 14 inches past the drip edge, align it squarely with the roof’s bottom, and nail it down with four nails distributed pretty evenly across the shingle.
● Layout the 30-pound asphalt roofing felt paper and secure it with 1 and 1/4-inch roofing nails.
- Design Layout Of The Shingles
To layout, the shingle design, start at the bottom of the roof and measure half an inch from the roof’s edge to ensure the shingles overhang the drip edge.
Consider Hiring A Professional
Roof shingling on your own can be a difficult and perhaps risky task. Even though it is possible to do it yourself, it is always recommended to hire professionals. Professional roof contractors have the expertise and the right equipment to correctly perform roof shingling. They can guarantee your safety and also save you time and energy.
Hire Elite Services and Roofing
Elite Services & Roofing is a top-ranked roofing company that specializes in roof shingling and other roofing services. With many years of experience in the industry, our expert and professional team have the necessary knowledge and tools to conduct the proper and correct shingling of your roof. It will not only have the functionality it requires, but it will also be well-designed and pleasant to the eye. With a roof installed by Elite Services and Roofing, your home will be protected from harsh weather while also looking beautiful. Save yourself time and energy by hiring Elite Services & Roofing for premium quality residential quality roofing services at a very reasonable price.
