QA

How To Install Composite Shingles

What is the best fastener to use for composite shingles?

Nails should be corrosion-resistant, wide-head roofing nails of the proper length. Corrosion-resistant nails can be made of galvanized steel, copper, aluminum or stainless steel. Fasteners should not be over-driven, which will cause them to cut part-way through the shingle and lower its wind resistance.

Do you overlap shingles side by side?

When you reach a peak or hip, shingle all the way up the first side (until the reveal portion of the shingles is within 4 inches of the peak) and cut the 3-tab shingles just below the ridge. Shingle the other side and allow these pieces to overlap the ridge by no more than 4 inches.

Should shingles be nailed or stapled?

Fasteners for asphalt shingles should be roofing nails or staples. The head of a roofing nail or the crown of a staple is what actually holds a shingle in place.

Can I use screws on roof shingles?

You cannot use screws for roofing shingles, only roofing nails are approved fasteners. Screws leave small gaps in the material they are driven into, and this may be enough to allow for a leak.

How far should shingles overhang drip edge?

Asphalt shingles should overhang the exterior edge of the drip edge by ¼ to ¾-inch. Check local building code for drip edge requirements prior to the start of your roofing project.

What underlayment to use for shingles?

What Is Roofing Underlayment? Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing, or roof deck, which is typically either plywood or OSB. It’s installed directly on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind.

How do you start shingles straight on a non square roof?

Start at one edge of the roof and install the first row of cedar or asphalt shingles. The lower edges of the shingles align with the lower edge of the roof. Install cedar shingles with two, 5-penny galvanized box nails. Place each 1 inch from the corresponding edges.

What is the difference between 3 tab and laminate shingles?

3-tab asphalt shingles are made of asphalt, are flat and have a single tab shape and size. Laminate shingles, or “laminated architectural” shingles, are made of a more refined asphalt, have a heavier base mat and multiple material layers.

What is laminated composite shingles?

They are a type of asphalt shingle, but are built with a heavier base mat and multiple material layers of a more refined type of asphalt. The shingle tabs have different shapes and sizes, giving them a more dimensional appearance.

Do you need a starter strip for shingles?

The starter strip is crucial because it adheres to the shingles on the edges of your roof and protects them from the elements. Without starter strip shingles, a gust of wind would have no trouble sneaking under the shingles on the edges of your roof and blowing them up, and perhaps even off, your roof.

Do you need underlay for roof shingles?

No matter what type of asphalt shingle you are using, whether traditional or more robust styles (such as under premium designer, architectural and performance shingles) it is recommended to use a underlayment.

Why is hand nailing shingles better?

Some roofers believe hand-nailing shingles gives them more control over the process. They can use “feel” to determine if the nail is deep enough and in the right location. Since hand-nailing takes a bit more time, they have the chance to correct any mistakes on the spot. On the other hand, labor costs will be higher.

Do staples damage shingles?

Staples damage your shingles. This is way more than just a cosmetic concern. Even the tiniest holes in your shingles are big enough for water to gradually seep in and make its way into the vulnerable parts of your roofing. Tiny holes from repeated stapling will limit the lifespan of your roof considerably.

Can I nail down loose shingles?

Be sure to nail back down any undamaged shingles that had to be loosened to release damaged shingles. Seal each nail head with a bit of roofing cement.

How many nails do you need for shingles?

General Guidelines for Nailing Shingles Install the recommended number of nails per shingle. For Duration® Series shingles, Owens Corning recommends using either a 4- or 6-nail fastening pattern depending on the roof’s slope and building code requirements. In most cases, 4 nails are adequate.

What goes first drip edge or ice and water?

The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier (in the snowbelt) or felt paper (underlayment) over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.

What color should the drip edge be?

The most common colors for drip edge are white and brown. However, some roofing companies can provide color match drip edge. The color is often chosen to match the shingles or the gutters to create a seamless look. The color can also be chosen to match the shutters or trim of the house and act as an accent color.

Does roofing felt go over or under drip edge?

1 Answer. It depends on where the drip edge is. At the side, or gabels, of a roof, the drip edge goes over the roofing felt. At the bottom of the roof, the drip edge goes under the roofing felt.