If you want to get a new roof, you may be considering installing architectural shingles. While they may be a bit more expensive than other types of siding, they are also more durable and offer excellent protection against the sun. However, before you rush out and purchase any shingles, there are two things that it is crucial to know: how to measure your roof and how to install them properly. There is no point in purchasing shingles if your roof cannot accommodate them or the installation job isn't done correctly. This post has outlined steps below on both of these topics so that you can confidently install architectural shingles.
Step 1: Measuring the Roof
Before you go shopping, you need to determine how much space your roof needs. You can do this by simply looking at the dimensions of your home and subtracting spaces between beams. You can also measure it with a ruler.
Measure your roof's span (the distance between two points) across the front and second floor or ground levels. Then, measure your average width along the front side. For example, if your house has a front wall of brick with a 12x12 foot porch and 16-inch exterior dormers, and 32-inch interior dormers on either end, that gives you 32 feet (11+6+10).
Also, take measurements of the width on the second floor if you have any roof dormers. You should also measure how long your roof is by measuring its length from top to bottom. Record your measurements down to use them when ordering your shingles.
Step 2: Buying Your Shingles
Once you have the measurements of your home's exterior and in-depth knowledge of the type of architectural shingles you want, it's time to start looking for a supplier that carries them in stock. Ensure that the company provides unlimited assistance from professional installers because this will give you peace of mind knowing that everything will be done correctly.
Several types of architectural shingles are available, and each has different benefits and applications. For instance, the architectural roofing shingles by Technonicol are available in different elegant colors and original patterns.
Most people know architectural shingles are known for their durability and weight-bearing abilities and are ideal for homes with high wind speeds. They come in various styles, such as horizontal cedar shakes ideal for roof protection against UV rays, vertical shakes that add a unique dimension to your home's exterior, or half-hour architectural shingles that complement any house style.
Before you decide to purchase architectural shingles, ask your supplier if they offer free samples so that you can get a feel for the quality of their products before investing in them. Also, once you have purchased your shingles, it's essential to know how to install them properly.
Step 3: How to Install Shingles?
There are several different ways that shingles are installed. The most popular ones include hip and ridge, valley and hip, and the three-tab method. Whichever method you choose, make sure that the shingles are not damaged by mishandling or water before installation. If they are wet and dirty, they won't stick to the roof correctly. That is why it's vital to purchase shingles from a company where you can buy the best quality.
Hip and Ridge Method
This method is used when the pitch of your roof is relatively low, which means there are less than 12 inches per foot. This type of installation involves removing two or three rows of shingles along the eave and replacing them with new ones depending on what style you want.
First, remove your existing row of shingles starting at the gutter line on one side and work your way across to the opposite side of your roof. Make sure you cut them into pieces no more than 12 inches long so that they will fit across your hips and ridges properly. The rest of the job is pretty simple. Just make sure that your new shingles are placed at an angle that matches your roof's slope so that you will still have to clear a space for them between the eave and roofing.
After you have put your new row of shingles in place, replace the two or three rows of old ones so that they fill in gaps created by the removal of the original ones. Finally, place a piece of plastic over each row to keep water out until it dries.
This is a simple yet time-consuming process that requires the skill of an experienced roofer. It is also important to note that you can use this method if your roof has one pitch and the ridge and hip areas are not too wide.
Valley and Hip Method
This is the most common method used for installing new shingles on large roofs. For this type of installation, you need to measure the width of your old shingles so that you can cut them into two or more pieces no longer than 12 inches long so that they will fit into your hip and ridge areas below.
Next, begin at a gutter line on each side where you want to place your new shingles. You will be expected to work your way across the roof's bottom and cap it off with a new row of shingles. Now, it's time to start working on the rest of your roof.
Begin by removing the existing rows of old shingles starting at the gutter line on one side and work your way across to the opposite side. You can consider using a circular saw to cut them into smaller pieces for easier handling. The rest is pretty simple if you have enough space. You have to transfer the row of old shingles onto your new ones by aligning the edges and tucking them underneath the adjacent shingles. Once you have done this, replace your old rows of shingles with new ones.
Three-Tab Method
This method is ideal for roof repairs or replacing old roof tiles worn or damaged. To install this type of shingle, you only need to find a piece of plywood that is the same size as your roof to make the three tabs on top. You will also need screws and nails to attach securely to the roof.
First, measure the width and depth of your roof to know how many pieces you need to buy. Cut out three pieces of plywood that are equal in size and attach them securely together to have a frame for your new shingles. You should also purchase shingles in the same size and screws and nails so you can install them properly.
After gathering your supplies, it's time to start working on the roof. Once the plywood is firmly attached to the roof, place a piece of shingle over it and hold it there with a few nails or screws until both sides are completely covered with fabric. Keep your nails or screws no more than an inch away from each other, as this is where your shingles will fit.
Inspect each shingle to ensure that it's in the center between the plywood tabs and the roof. If you identify any gaps, fill them with a few nails or screws until you can no longer see them. When all of the nails or screws are in place, move on to another shingle of the same size by repeating these steps until all three tabs are completely covered. Once you are finished with this step, replace existing rows of shingles if needed.
Step 4: How to Inspect Shingles?
After you have installed your new shingles, it's essential to inspect them to ensure they fit correctly and have covered all exposed areas. Once you are certain that your new shingles properly cover your roof, it's time to inspect them for any imperfections or damage. Before you do this, however, you should wait for a few hours so that the sealant can dry before conducting an inspection. Remember to hold yourself back from walking on your roof for at least 48 hours for it to dry completely.
When looking for any potential problems, remember to check your shingles carefully to find any gaps between them or anything that might have been missed when they were placed on your roof. If you notice any issues while inspecting, it's recommended that you replace the whole row of shingles. However, if you notice a problem with a single piece of shingle, it's best to inspect and repair it before replacing the entire row.
If you still notice some imperfections after applying new sealant, it's time to make some repairs. It's also OK to begin working on a repair or change to your roof after thoroughly checking your shingles.
