How To Install Asphalt Shingles
No matter the roofing material, your roof is a significant investment that keeps you and your loved ones protected from elements such as storms, sun, mildew, mold, and heavy rainfalls. Asphalt roofs are one of the most susceptible roofs to damage. Between leaks and fading colors, eliminating these issues with a new installation can be transformative. Luckily, an asphalt roof remains one of the easiest roofing types to install yourself. You can save a lot on labor and materials by learning how to install asphalt shingles. Keep reading to learn about signs indicating you need a new asphalt roof, steps to take when installing asphalt shingles, what to do after the installation, and when you should contact the professionals.
Indicators You Need an Asphalt Roof Replacement or Installation
Before you learn how to install asphalt shingles, you should determine if you need a roof installation or repairs. Several factors contribute to your roof’s decreased longevity and replacement needs, including:
Your roof’s age: After many years of storm damage and wear and tear, your roof no longer effectively protects your home. You should think about getting a replacement if your roof is around 20 years old.
Storm damage: Storms cause tree branches and other debris to land on your roof, potentially damaging asphalt tiles. Hail ranks as a leading cause of asphalt shingle damage. If your roof has storm damage, a roof replacement is the best option to fix this issue.
Premature roof failures: Sometimes, your roof system fails before it reaches old age. Common causes include incorrect roof installations and poor ventilation, leading to increased moisture in your attic and roof tiles. If you notice missing shingles, look into scheduling an installation.
Steps To Install Asphalt Roof Shingles
Before installing shingles, you’ll need to measure your roof to calculate how many shingles you need. Calculate the length and width to determine surface area, then repeat for all sections and add the final number of square feet. Divide that number by 100 to determine how many squares your roof contains. It’s best to get more shingles than necessary to avoid running out before completion. After purchasing the correct asphalt shingles and putting on the required protective gear to prevent injury during your DIY shingle installation, you’re ready to begin.
Install Underlayment
If you plan to start from scratch, you’ll first need to install a new underlayment, a moisture barrier, and a drip edge. Staple or nail the barrier down, then apply the drip edge while overlapping it to ensure no leaks at the seams. Install the underlayment in rows overlapping the previous row to prevent leaks. After this, you’ll also need to apply asphalt roofing felt along the ridge and overlap it with the underlayment to protect the top half of the roof. Using a drip edge along each side of the ridge prevents moisture from seeping under the shingles and inflicting further water damage.
Install Flashings
If your roof has valleys, the next step in how to install asphalt shingles involves protecting them. You’ll need to install metal flashings where these areas meet to prevent leaks. Nail around their outside edges to fasten them.
Install the Shingles
Next, install the shingles overlapping each. Begin with a layer at the bottom and work up the roof from left to right. Use up to six roofing nails per shingle and secure them with a nail gun below the nailing line. Don’t forget to install shingles along the sides of your roof and overlap them as you move up. Use all shingles from the same bundle to maintain a steady color across the entire surface. Next, install ridge capping shingles at the top ridge, each ridge cap with one nail per side to secure it successfully.
After the Roofing Installation
Homeowners new to DIY roofing projects and just learning how to install asphalt shingles will want to keep a close eye on their roofs after completing the installation process. Despite your best efforts to install shingles precisely, leaks and other issues can still occur. Regularly check your work for:
Flapping or loose roof tiles
Roof leaks
By monitoring your roof’s conditions regularly after the shingle installation, you’ll spot problem areas and repair them before they result in major roof damage.
When To Hire Professional Roofing Contractors
Installing an asphalt roof without professional guidance is no easy task. If you notice installation or ventilation problems after you shingle a roof yourself, or if you don’t want to perform a DIY job, contact professional roofing contractors at C.H.I. Roofing. We have significant expertise and the necessary license and bonds to carry out roofing jobs safely and successfully. Work with C.H.I. Roofing to get a detailed, thorough asphalt shingle roof installation that lasts for years. If you’re still curious about how to install asphalt shingles, speak to our experts in Cincinnati, OH. Contact our skilled team of roofing technicians when you call 513-731-7663.