Installing Roof Shingles DIY

Do-it-yourself enthusiasts love roofing-related projects especially installing roof shingles. Indeed, roof shingle installation is the easiest process compared to installing other roofing materials. Any experienced DIY roofer has the ability to install shingles properly. New DIY roofers may need more experience in handling roofing materials and the installation procedure.

DIY roofers have their own installation equipment, which includes special shingle nails, a light hammer, and a scalpel or angular bar to remove old shingles in case they need to perform a shingle roofing replacement procedure.

Roofers with no firsthand experience need to know the different shingle patterns that ensure a seamless pattern across their roofs. If they can surpass all these difficulties in installing roof shingles, then they can save money and perform effectively.

Troubling Shingle Aesthetics

If it’s a new roof replacing old roofing material, then roofers must purchase a bundle with similar color and material for their roof. If it’s a completely new roof about to have a brand new shingle roof, then homeowners must note the entire imagery of the house in consideration to avoid compromising its curb appeal and the overall value of the house ultimately.

Roofs do not just protect a house from the weather and insulate a home. They are the crowning glory of any house. If you install shingle colors or materials unsuitable for the overall aesthetic of the house, then you lose much house value that may be as expensive as professional roofing contractor work.

Insufficient Shingle Bundles

It would be wise to have more shingles than less. The common mistake many DIY roofers commit when installing roof shingles is the lack of material to use in the middle of their work. Given that roofers must accomplish their projects in the shortest time possible, having all the roof shingles needed in proper quantity is vital.

If they lack shingles to install, DIY roofers may need to put off their roofing projects up until the next weekend. Sometimes the project resumes later than two weeks to a month. While budget concerns are understandable, it is essential to have the right shingle amount when undertaking a roofing project.

You can accomplish this by resolving the next difficulty in this list.

Poor Roof Measurements

With an understanding on installing roof shingles with proper patterns, DIY roofers will make accurate roofing measurements. This helps them buy the right shingle amounts and save money in the process. However, to resolve this difficulty, they must know the different shingle patterns that guarantee seamless protection from weather and leaks.

Any experienced DIY roofer knows their measuring tape and marking tools are important when undertaking any project especially roofing. Sharpies work when marking areas of the roof. When marking metal flashing to shingle along chimneys and vents, you can use blades for effective marking.

Other tools DIY roofers may need are duckbill snips for accurate cuts, a metal straight edge that is 5-6 feet, and rivet guns, if possible.

Improper Membrane Installation

Some roofers budget their projects and forget about the shingle underlayment. These underlayment materials made from asphalt, rubber, or non-bitumen synthetic materials ensure the internal roof is safe from any leaks that escape the shingle layers. While shingles will send water downward towards the lower shingles on sloped roofs, some water will escape and head into the underlayment.

Underlayment costs depend on the material you use. Asphalt is durable but tedious to install. Rubber roofing and synthetic membranes cost less but require special equipment to install. Modified bitumen is the go-to solution for most home DIY enthusiasts, but it is prone to moisture and penetration.

Installing Roof Shingles With Wrong Patterns

As mentioned earlier, roofers must perform measurements on their roofs prior to purchasing shingles. They should mark their measurements according to the shingle pattern they are to use.

Improperly installing roof shingles will result to gaps causing leaks and may cause damage to the underlayment. This will lead to a complete shingle roof replacement and extra expenses.

Here are common shingle patterns DIY roofers should follow to avoid gaps and ensure excellent rainwater displacement:

Straight Up: Cut the starter course tab in half. Upon starting the second course on top of the starter course, cut the first tab about one and a half in size. Doing so takes care of any possible gap.

Half Patterns: Start a new course every six inches in each row. Then, for every seventh course, you must realign your shingles with each other. This offers excellent and seamless shingling.

Racking Pattern: By shingling your roof in a vertical pattern after your horizontal course, you create a leak-proof barrier that guarantees zero leaks. While it may void your manufacturer’s warranty and require additional support due to the added weight, it guarantees excellent insulation as well.

Lack of Ridge Shingles

All sloped roofs require a ridge cap. This is often included in shingle bundles. Some DIY roofers forget to roof the ridge thinking the underlayment will take care of any water or snow runoff. However, this is the fastest way underlayment materials deteriorate. With moisture and rainwater staying inside the underlayment, it will cause ponding. When this happens, the lifespan of the material is under great duress of the moisture until it punctures and causes a leak over time.

Make sure to have the right number of ridge caps for all roof ridges and valleys. You’ll need to use longer nails (if using three-shingle tabs) to penetrate double the shingle material and secure the caps.

Installing Roof Shingles: Who To Call for Help

In case installing roof shingles are too difficult, time, or resource consuming, then it is time to call professional roofing contractors to help you with the installation. Homeowners often think contractors provide expensive services. However, they make sure to use only the best roofing materials. With years of experience, they can install your roofing shingles without any gaps and leaks. If in case the roof performs lower than the client’s expectations, roofing contractors provide a decade or more in warranties for their work.