How to Shingle a Roof: Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• Always prioritize safety by using harnesses, gloves, and non-slip shoes when shingling a roof to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Proper preparation, including removing old shingles and inspecting the roof decking for damage, is crucial for a successful roof installation.
• Follow the correct installation sequence: drip edge, underlayment, starter shingles, regular shingles, and ridge cap shingles to ensure maximum protection.
• Different roof types (gable, hip, flat) require specific shingling techniques and materials to address their unique characteristics and vulnerabilities.
• Apex Restoration & Roofing is backed by 27 years of experience, has an A+ BBB rating, and offers roof shingling expertise in Colorado.

Getting Started with Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofs are a popular pick for a reason—they’re affordable, durable, and come in a variety of styles to match any home. If you’re planning for a new roof or just curious about how the process works, understanding the steps can be super helpful. 

Keep reading to learn the full process of how to shingle a roof, step by step.

Tools and Materials

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Roofing shingles: Choose the type and color that suits your home.
• Roofing nails: Ensure they are the correct size for your shingles.
• Hammer or nail gun: A nail gun can speed up the process significantly.
• Roofing underlayment: This provides an extra layer of protection against leaks.
• Drip edge: Essential for directing water away from the roof edges.
• Chalk line: Helps ensure straight lines when laying shingles.
• Utility knife: Useful for cutting shingles to size.
• Ladder: Make sure it’s stable and reaches the roof comfortably.

Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today!

Safety Precautions

Working on a roof can be dangerous, so take these precautions seriously:

• Wear a safety harness if your roof is steep or high.
• Use non-slip shoes to prevent falls.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp tools and materials.
• Ensure your ladder is on stable ground and secure it properly.

Preparing for Shingle Installation

Removing Old Shingles

Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay tarps on the ground to catch debris.
2. Use a roofing fork or shovel to lift the shingles and nails.
3. Be careful not to damage the roof decking as you remove the shingles.

Inspecting Roof Decking

With the old shingles out of the way, it’s time to inspect the roof decking. Look for any signs of damage, such as rot or soft spots. These need to be repaired before you can proceed.

If you find any issues, replace the damaged sections of decking. This ensures a solid foundation for your new shingles and prevents future problems.

Installing Drip Edge

Here’s how to install it:

1. Start at one corner of the roof and work your way around.
2. Nail the drip edge in place using roofing nails.
3. Ensure it overhangs the edge of the roof slightly to guide water away.

Laying Underlayment

This layer acts as a secondary barrier against water infiltration:

1. Start at the bottom edge of the roof and work your way up, overlapping each layer by a few inches to ensure complete coverage. 
2. Secure the underlayment with roofing nails or staples, making sure it lays flat without any wrinkles or bubbles. 
3. A smooth underlayment is crucial for the shingles to sit properly.

Installing The Shingles

Applying Starter Shingles

To install starter shingles: 

1. Cut the tabs off a regular shingle to create a straight edge. 
2. Align this edge with the drip edge, 
3. Secure it with nails, leaving a small overhang at the edge of the roof.

Installing Regular Shingles

Once the starter shingles are down, it’s time to lay the regular shingles:

1. Start from the bottom corner of the roof and work your way across, following a straight line. 
2. Use a chalk line to keep your rows straight and evenly spaced.
3. As you lay each shingle, use four to six nails per shingle, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. 
4. Ensure the nails are driven straight and flush with the shingle surface to avoid any potential water seepage. 
5. Continue this process, overlapping each row with the one below it, until you reach the top of the roof.

Sealing Valleys with Leak Barriers

Valleys are areas where two roof planes meet, and they are particularly vulnerable to leaks. To protect these areas, apply a leak barrier before laying shingles. 

Cut the leak barrier to fit the valley, and secure it with nails along the edges. Ensure the barrier is wide enough to cover the entire valley and overlap the adjacent shingles for added protection.

Adding Ridge Cap Shingles

To install ridge cap shingles:

1.  Start at one end of the ridge and work your way to the other end, overlapping each shingle by a few inches. 
2. Secure them with nails, ensuring they are properly aligned and cover the ridge completely. 
3. This final step enhances the roof’s appearance whilst ensuring its durability and longevity.

Final Touches and Cleanup

Nailing Down Any Loose Ends

Use a hammer to secure any loose ends and apply roofing cement to seal exposed nails. This attention to detail can prevent future issues and extend the life of your roof.

Conducting a Thorough Cleanup

Use a magnetic sweeper to pick up any stray nails, and sweep the area to remove any remaining debris. A thorough cleanup ensures safety for everyone around the house and leaves the job site looking pristine.

Shingling Techniques for Different Roof Types

Gable Roof Considerations

Gable roofs are characterized by their triangular shape, which allows for efficient water runoff and provides ample attic space. 

• Start by laying shingles at the eaves. 
• Work your way up to the ridge, ensuring each row overlaps the previous one.
• This overlap is necessary for water resistance and durability.

Hip Roof Adjustments

Hip roofs have slopes on all four sides, converging at the top to form a ridge. Shingling a hip roof requires careful attention to the intersections where the slopes meet because they’re more prone to leaks. 

• Start shingling from the bottom and work your way up each slope, 
• Ensure that the shingles at the intersections are properly aligned and sealed.
• Because of the additional angles, hip roofs typically require more shingles and may take longer to complete. 

Flat Roof Options

For flat roofs, traditional shingles may not be suitable. Instead, consider using materials such as modified bitumen, rubber membranes, or built-up roofing. These materials provide a seamless, watertight barrier that can withstand pooling water. 

• When installing a flat roof, ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the roofing material. 
• Use a roller to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles, and seal the edges with roofing cement to prevent water infiltration. 

The Apex Advantage: Professional Roofing You Can Trust

At Apex Restoration & Roofing, we bring over 27 years of expertise to every project in Englewood and throughout Colorado. Our team of professionals handles everything from proper material selection to flawless installation techniques, ensuring your roof provides maximum protection and longevity. 

Our A+ BBB rating and 5-star Google reviews reflect our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Using only the highest quality materials and proven installation methods to ensure your roof stands the test of time.

Call us today at 303-691-5035 to schedule an inspection or visit our website!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

How long does it typically take to shingle a roof? 

The time needed depends on your roof’s size and complexity, weather conditions, and your experience level. Professional teams can often complete a standard residential roof in 1-3 days, while DIY projects may take significantly longer.

Can I install new shingles over existing ones? 

While possible in some cases, it’s generally not recommended. Adding a second layer adds weight to your roof structure and prevents inspection of the underlying decking for damage.

How do I choose the right shingles for my climate? 

Consider your area’s weather patterns—select impact-resistant shingles for hail-prone regions, algae-resistant options for humid areas, and higher wind ratings for storm-prone locations.

How can I tell if my roof decking is damaged? 

Look for soft spots, visible rot, sagging areas, water stains on attic ceilings, or light coming through the attic. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional.

Why should I choose Apex instead of doing it myself? 

At Apex Restoration & Roofing, our team completes projects efficiently and safely, eliminating the steep learning curve, physical risks, and potential costly mistakes of DIY installation.