How To Lay Shingles On A Roof

Use your chalk and tape measure to mark about 12 inches up on the roof for the first set of shingles.

How to lay shingles on a roof. To lay out the design for the shingles begin at the bottom of the roof and place a tape measure inch from the edge of the roof to ensure the shingles overhang the drip edge. Every 5 inches make a new mark until you get to the rop of the roof. Repeat this on both sides of the roof. Known in the trade as vertical racking or staggering this how to lay shingles method enables the roofer to install a single column of shingles all the way to the peak without the wasted back and forth motion necessary to fill several rows of stair steps.

Once you ve done that cut your shingles to size if they re not already. Use the chalk line to snap a straight line vertically every 6 inches. Do this on both sides of the roof. Next lay the first full row of shingles so they re directly covering the starter row.

Then begin nailing the shingles to the roof working in rows and starting at the edge of the roof. Mark 12 inches up on the roof for the first course of shingles then mark every 5 inches all the way up the roof to set your reveal. To install asphalt shingles start by installing underlayment and new flashing on the roof.