How to Install Roof Shingles – Three Valley Tips

Roof Shingles - Sep 07,2012 - No Comment

If you’re serious about learning how to install roof shingles, you’ve come to the right place. But first let me tell you about a job I was on many years ago in Cape Coral, Florida…

It was a brand new house with a shingle roof. It also had a complicated roof design and six valleys. The builder went a little too far cost-cutting and hired a couple of day-laborers to shingle the house. He had paid them just $10 per square for 30 squares, a total of $300. All was fine and dandy until the first rain… when all six valleys leaked!

Of course the day laborers were long gone by then, which is just as well according to Einstein. He said that some problems can’t be solved with the same mentality which created them in the first place! This was one of those problems.

That’s when the builder called the small, but reputable roofing company I worked for.

The valley errors were all pretty obvious… and typical of the ones that rookies and poorly-trained roofers make. I will say this for them… they were consistent. All six valleys had exactly the same problems. And all six had to be completely re-laid, costing the builder more much more than he paid for the entire roof.

One of your biggest challenges when roofing your own home is the valleys. After repairing hundreds of them over the years, I see the same mistakes over and over. Here are the three most common problems… and how to avoid them!

How to Install Roof Shingles – Valley Tip #1

Valleys fill up with water during a big shower and some water ends up under the shingles. If the shingle nails are too close to the center of the valley, you can get a leak. That nail pattern you see on the shingle wrappers doesn’t apply to the valleys. Keep your nails at least 12″ away from the center of the valley.

How to Install Roof Shingles – Valley Tip #2

Shingle seams can also leak when they fall right in the valley. Keep the seams at least 12″ away from the center of the valley by adjusting the length of the adjacent shingles on both sides.

How to Install Roof Shingles – Valley Tip #3

When cutting the top layer of shingles in a “half-weave” valley, many roofers cut into the bottom layer. Over the years, those cuts can open up, causing leaks. Make the cut carefully with some old tin snips, or use a hook blade and a scrap shingle to protect the bottom layer.

Of course there’s a lot more involved in learning how to install roof shingles. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of “Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!”

By John C. Bishop

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How To Install Roofing Shingles and Tiles

Roof Shingles - Aug 07,2012 - No Comment

Field Shingles and Field Tiles

Shingles, or “field” Shingles are the main component of your Roof System. It’s the part you see first when looking from the street. And it’s the part which primarily keeps the weather out of your home. Many differing types of shingles are available to choose from, ranging between the traditional Asphalt, Wood Shake and Slate/Tile, to the relatively newer Metal, Rubber and environmentally friendly Plastic Types. Manufacturers are even experimenting with new Green Roof Systems which do not have shingles at all but are instead composed of real dirt and vegetation!

Dry climates generally reduce the effectiveness of Wood Shingles in Calgary and Concrete Tiles are relatively expensive and require a very specific “taste” of design appeal. Rubber and Plastic tiles are relatively newer in the market and still gaining market share. It’s true also that many home owners are resistant to installing metal on their roof, although metal roof systems are quite true to their promise of reliability and curb appeal. This leaves Asphalt shingles as the most popular tile and shingle option for Roofing Systems, with asphalt being the most popular due to its lower cost and long reliable track record.

Asphalt and Metal Shingles have recently adapted in design to match the luxurious ‘layered’ look that Wood Shingles used to offer. Recent advances in technology have allowed more and more Asphalt and Metal shingle designs. Field shingles are installed overtop the Starter Shingles we just discussed. They take the brunt of the weather and are the ‘meat and potatoes’ a Roof System.

Without good Field Shingles, your roof doesn’t stand a chance. Of course, all components of a Roof System are vitally important, however it’s the Field Shingles which are the most visual, the most costly and receive the most attention on your Roof.

For more about roofing shingles, be sure to check out this full report.

By Eric Gilbert

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Gilbert

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Replace Roof Shingles With Minimum Delay

Roof Shingles - Jun 21,2012 - No Comment

To replace roof shingles as soon as possible a homeowner needs to be alert and committed to their responsibilities. If the damaged shingles are not replaced as soon as you notice them then you might end up replacing the entire roof, the cost of which will be several thousand dollars more. Maintenance is the key here.

Homeowners needs to makes annual inspections and also at other times like after a rainstorm, hurricane or blizzard. If you notice anything amiss like shingles missing, any sign of damage like broken shingles, cracked shingles, curled and warped shingles, then as a homeowner you should take immediate steps to mend them. Water can seep through even the slightest cracks in the roof.

Water seepage can ruin your interiors, your decking, the plywood sheets, paint job, insulation and much more. The damage can be expensive and extensive if neglected or ignored for long. It is important to replace roof shingles that are damaged in a timely manner.

Installing Roof Shingles – Avoiding Mistakes Commonly Made

Roof Shingles - Jun 07,2012 - No Comment

A homeowner is not usually trained for the job of installing roof shingles. Though not a complex task it can be daunting and nerve-wracking. As everyone knows the cost of installation is a major part of roofing cost, homeowners feel justified in taking up this onerous task to save money. In actual practice roofing is not that difficult if you know some basics like hammering, nailing and keeping safety as a top priority.

Homeowners are generally first-time roofers. There are some mistakes that most first time roofers and even experienced roofers make. The first of them is forgetting to lay the starter strip. A starter strip is the first line of shingles that are laid overhanging the eaves of the roof. These are 3-tab shingles with the tabs cut off.

Second, the most commonly made mistake is not keeping to a straight line when installing roof shingles. You will see many examples of such roofs where the roofs have a wavy appearance.

To read more about the common mistakes while installing roof shingles, check out this report.

Replacing Roof Shingles – When It’s Time To Go For A New Roof

Roof Repair - Apr 07,2012 - No Comment

Replacing roof shingles becomes a must if your roof is 20 years or older. 20 year shingles were the norm for a long time and most homes were installed with those shingles. Today you get longer lasting shingles and other roofing options like metal and slate which guarantee 50 years or more for their roof.

Today, the standard in asphalt roofing shingles is 30 years. Most homeowners have to deal with the problem of replacing roof shingles at some point in their lives. Unless you bought a home whose roof was recently replaced or it comes with metal or slate roofing which several decades, it becomes imperative at some point to go for roof replacement.

Sometimes, homeowners are faced with task of replacing roof shingles even though the roof was recently installed. Due to a variety of reasons the roof gets damaged and needs to be replaced. This is a very expensive and time-intensive effort which can’t be put off for long.

Let’s explore the causes for roof damage. In the northern parts of the country it is snowstorms and blizzards, strong icy winds, which rip the roofs away. In the south it’s ice storms and hail. The falling debris can damage the shingles, also this clogs the gutters and rips the shingles off their edges of the roofs. Gutters needs to be kept clean to prevent such problems. This can part of your yearly or half-yearly maintenance of your roof. Remove an soil, leaves, branches and other debris from the roof.

If you find any loose shingles, nail them back. Removed curled, damaged or broken shingles and replace them immediately. Loose vents and shingles act as the catalyst for bigger damage, because they provide sort of leverage for the wind to tug and remove other shingles in the line or surroundings. These leaves part of the roof exposed and letting water, snow or ice a free passage to the deck and the house beneath it. Such small problems need to be fixed immediately because the water damage can ruin your paint job, electrical work, cause the wood to rot and decay and lot more problems than you bargained for. Mold ad fungus can take root and find their way into the house. It is important to make proper inspection of the roofs after rainstorms and windy days. If you see any shingles or metal pieces from your roof on the ground then you know some damage has happened and needs to be looked into. Do this only after the water has completely dried up and there is no danger of you slipping and falling during the inspection.

Replacing roof shingles can be done in two ways. Either you can rip up the old shingles completely, dispose them off and replace with brand new shingles – either 30-year or 40-year shingles depending on your budget or go for second layer of shingles over the old layer. The first option is more expensive as the removal and disposal of old shingles cost money which your contractor will add to your roofing cost. In the second method the roof is prepared, old worn-out, warped, curled and misshapen shingles are removed and surface is made as even as possible. Only, then is the second layer of shingles is installed. This saves money as you don’t have to pay for removing and hauling away of the old debris.

The first methods gives better results and the second method is gaining popularity too. But, if the surface is not prepared according to the guidelines then there is the danger of the shingles failing before their promised life-span.

Replace Roof Shingles – Maintenance Is Key To Long-Life Of Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Mar 21,2012 - No Comment

Every responsible homeowner will replace roof shingles that are damaged as soon as they notice them rather than neglect it and end up replacing them entirely which is a nightmare that is best avoided. A careful maintenance schedule that makes sure the roof is in top condition should be right at the top of list of things to do on a homeowners maintenance schedule. Annual or twice yearly inspections and maintenance is a must.

Apart, from this whenever there are strong winds, heavy rains, storms, blizzards or hurricanes you will have to make sure your roof has not been damaged in any way. If you find any signs of damage then fixing it immediately avoids water seeping through the exposed areas and finding their way into the house. Water damage can be very expensive for your home. The water rot the wood sheeting and ruin the paint job in the interiors if neglected for long. Replace roof shingles that are damaged and fix any potential problems and you can sleep at night peacefully. Neglecting this simple tasks can literally hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your roofing bill.

It is time to replace roof shingles if your roof is 20 years or older. If you find roof shingles that are badly damaged, worn, curled, cracked or broken then replace them. Assess the damage to see if it needs partial repairs or a complete overhaul of the whole roof. If it’s simple matter of replacing a few worn out shingles or nailing back shingles that have come loose in wind or lifted up due to improper nailing then you can do it yourself.

If your roof is a shallow or medium pitch roof on which you can walk comfortably without the danger of you slipping and falling, then replace roof shingles that you think are potential problem makers. There are 3 most common problems usually a homeowner will face during this inspections and which are easily fixed without involving a roofing contractor. Make sure it is warm and dry afternoon when the shingles are supple and easy to install. Don’t do this in the early mornings when there is dew or when the roof is wet and slippery.

Missing Shingles

If you find any shingle or part of shingle missing then replace the whole shingle. If you have left-over shingles from your last job then the use them else you can buy a bundle from the roofing supplies store. Get a close match if you can’t find the same shingle type as your roof. Tools you will need include hammer, pry bar, knife to cut the shingles to required size, roofing nails. Every shingles needs 4 nails. When the course above is installed the nails from that course also pass through the top edge of these shingles.

Use the pry bar to remove the first row of nails by sliding the pry bar under the shingle that is above the damaged shingle. Gently lift and free from the sealer strip. You will see the nails keeping the damaged shingle in place. Pry upwards, once the nail comes up about quarter inch press the shingle down and remove the nail. Do this with remaining 3 nails. Now, put the bar under the shingle directly above damaged one and remove second row of nails. Once all 8 nails are out, you can pull out the damaged shingle. Now, replace roof shingles in place of old, damaged ones.

Sometimes, you can’t removed nails as the shingle is brittle and cracked. Cut v-notches on the replacement shingle to fit under the nails and nail it place at 4 other places.

Curled Shingles

Due to age or constant exposure to elements the shingles curl at the corners. If you notice it, then glue it down. A caulking gun sprays a little glue under the shingle and press it down. Weigh it down for 24 hours. There is no need to replace roof shingles here.

Cracked Shingles

A cracked and torn shingle doesn’t mean you have to replace roof shingles. Apply a thick bead of roofing sealant under both sides of cracked shingles. Press the shingle down. Now, apply another bead of sealant on top and spread it around with your putty knife. Just sprinkle some colored granules found in the gutter and no one will know that you have fixed it.

Installing Roof Shingles – Pitfalls To Avoid And Tips For Effective Roofing

Roof Shingles - Mar 07,2012 - No Comment

As a homeowner the task of installing roof shingles is a daunting one unless you are a professional roofing contractor or have lot of do-it-yourself experience. But, considering that the maximum expense incurred in a roofing project is cost of labor most homeowners are tempted to take up this project as a challenge. Roofing is not all that difficult if you know the basics like hammering, nailing, measuring, keeping straight lines and most important keeping safety rules in mind.

Most homeowners are first time roofers. And as beginners they tend to make mistakes when installing roof shingles. In our experience it has been found that amateurs roofers commit the following ten most common mistakes. They leave out the starter strip. The starter strip is first line of shingles which do not have tabs. Second mistake they commit is not following a straight line when installing the shingles. This will create a wavy appearance and immediately shows up as a work done by amateur.

Third mistake that most people doing roofs for the first time is not allowing for a overhand of shingles at the eaves. The overhang helps the water/snow to fall to the ground rather than drip on the walls of the home. Shingles have to be nailed properly and firmly. Many roofers tend to do this wrong and this causes the shingles to come away soon after laying or damages the shingles becoming the source of leak soon after. When installing roof shingles anew it is important to replace flashing around chimneys and other vents, skylights and windows. This makes the roof secure around these openings in the roof without any danger of water seepage or leaks.

A big mistake is to use tar to seal any gaps in the roof. Tar is a big no-no. When it is hot the tar melts and oozes into the surrounding shingles damaging them. Bigger mess is when the tar melts and flows over the sidings and walls of the house. To fix this mess you will be paying a lot more than what you spend on a professional roofer. Installing roof shingles can be a tough job for first-timer but does not excuse any tardy work as this will haunt you for years to come. Another big mistake is not maintaining straight lines at the hip and ridges. A roof is the first thing that most people will notice about a home. A badly done job can reduce the value of your home by several thousand dollars.

When installing roof shingles for every shingle use 4 nails. The shingles should overlap. At every point on the roof, wherever there are joints and even where there are none, shingles have to overlap. At the eaves, near the edges, near the hips, valleys, all the vents, flashing, gutters and hips. The shingles have to be laid so no adjacent rows have the shingles lined up. This is to prevent wind-shear or the zipper effect when a whole columns of shingles are blown away in a strong wind. If you think you can do with 3 nails for every shingle then you are in big trouble. The extra nail takes only a few seconds more and will save your roof from a catastrophic failure later on.

Where the manufacturing guidelines mention that you will need ice and water shield make sure you use it. The felt on the deck protects it from potential damage. Particularly on low pitched roofs where the drainage or evacuation of water and snow is slower ice and water shield is a must. If you avoid the above mistakes when installing roof shingles you will do good job of which you can be proud. also, you will get years of trouble free service from your newly installed roof.