When installing new shingles on your roof, asphalt shingles are the top roofing material for residential projects in the United States. You can hire a professional to install your new asphalt shingles, or you install the shingles yourself. When it comes to installing asphalt, that are some tips you should follow.
Tip #1: Always Check the Decking
Before laying down the shingles, always check the quality of the plywood that makes up the decking. If any of the plywood is weak or showing signs of decay, you will want to replace it. When replacing plywood on your roof, make sure you use plywood that is construction grade plywood made for exterior usage. This type of plywood is labeled "CDX" for easy identification purposes.
Tip #2: Be Sure to Use Strong Flashing on Seams and Valleys
Second, you need to make sure that you reform around seams and valleys in your roof. Seams and valleys are the areas where leaks most often occur in roofs, which is why you want to be extra careful with these areas as you have your roof installed.
All valleys and seams on your roof need to have roof flashing installed before the shingles are put in place. Thick metal flashing will help protect your roof from damage. It is always a good idea to replace the old flashing on your roof when reroofing.
Tip #3: Work in a Pattern
When installing shingles on your roof, you should follow an established pattern. As such, consider working left to right and from top to bottom. That means you should start laying shingles in the upper left corner of your roof, working across left to right, and then moving down and laying another layer of shingles, working towards the bottom of your roof. This work format helps ensure that the shingles are applied in a consistent pattern, providing you with the coverage you need on your roof.
Tip #4: Work Through One Shingle Bundle at a Time
Third, you should work through one shingle bundle at a time. Use up all the shingles in one bundle, working left to right, top to bottom on your roof. Often, even when purchasing the same color and type of shingles, the color can vary between bundles.
By using up all the shingles within a single bundle simultaneously, you will be able to avoid having your roof look like you used different colored shingles on it. Grouping shingles from the same bundle together will give your roof a more cohesive look it.
When replacing your roof, make sure the decking is in good shape. Use strong flashing material to prevent leaks. Work in a pattern when applying the shingles, and work through all the shingles in one bundle. You can apply the shingles yourself or hire a roofing professional to handle the installation process for you. Contact a roof installation company for more information.
Share7 January 2021
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
