ROOFING AND GUTTERS - INSTALLATION PROCESS

After the shingles have been torn off, there are several steps taken to "dry-in" a roof. New drip-edge is installed, new flashing is installed around roof penetrations, and 30 lb. roofing felt (also known as tar paper) is installed to prevent leaks while the shingles are installed.

(1) After the roof surface has been completely cleaned of debris and all loose boards have been fastened down, we install the drip along the eave. We nail the drip edge with 1-1/4" galvanized roofing nails.

(2) Next, the ice and water shield is installed(in colder climate areas). This 3-foot-wide strip is extremely sticky... once applied you can forget about peeling it off.

(3) We roll out the tar paper and secure it with staples. The hammer tacker is by far the fastest tool for this purpose, although an electric staple gun also works well.

(4) Each pipe is flashed with a new rubber boot to make sure no leakage occur around drain or ventilation pipes.

(5) The first thing we install is the starter strip, which is just a backing for the first visible row of shingles (it prevents water from getting through to the roof at the gaps between shingles, and at the notches between tabs).

(6) We begin by installing shingles from the lower corner, working to the right and also working uphill.

Note how the first full shingle overhangs the edge by about 1/8". This makes the water drip away from the fascia (the vertical board at the edge of the roof) and helps reduce deterioration of the fascia.

Notice the pattern of shingles as they are applied. This method of starting at a corner and working outwards and upwards can be a good way for two people to apply shingles and not be in each other's way. One person works horizontally and the other works up the diagonal.

(7) A plastic-and-rubber flange is used to seal around penetrations such as plumbing vents. The lower edge of the flange lies above the shingles, and the upper edge is underneath the shingles. The shingles are cut to fit around the flange's dome.

The finished roof. The architectural-grade shingles have a pleasing textured appearance created by the raised layers.