Considering doing my own shingle roof, thoughts?
#1
12-22-15, 08:25 PM
Considering doing my own shingle roof, thoughts?
I've got a pretty old shingle roof that's showing it's age. My roof is in 3 different rectangle runs, so I would think pretty straightforward. only one small section has a ridge cap. I am completely comfortable with tearing the old out, replacing decking, putting tar paper back, etc. I'm curious how difficult the actual install of the shingles will be? Any advice on keeping the runs straight? Or could I cut my cost by stripping down the roof and then letting a roofer install?
#2
12-22-15, 08:46 PM
Group Moderator
Laying the new shingles is practically the easiest part. If we had a couple pictures of your roof, we could probably advise you of what details to pay attention to. Snapping chalk lines on the felt paper is the best way to make a correction row. Laminated architectural shingles are the most forgiving to lay. No tabs to keep aligned and better coverage/less leak potential.... less chance to blow up in high wind.
Hard part is not tearing off more than you can cover up before the next rain. ;-)
Hard part is not tearing off more than you can cover up before the next rain. ;-)
#3
12-23-15, 04:40 AM
Putting them on is definitely the simplest (and most satisfying) part. Physically demanding though - you're either bending over for hours or sitting on a hot roof. I thought the chalk lines was the biggest pain to get right and the only part that really required two people. I wish someone would make a laser tool for that!
Regarding rain, get some huge tarps from Harbor Freight, install some 1x strips at one end, roll them up, and attach them on the far side of the ridge from the one you're working on, ready to roll over the ridge and down if needed. A couple of tips - don't let the delivery guys lay the bundles over the ridge. That can distort them and break adhesives. Don't walk on installed shingles in hot sun. And install a scaffold for laying the first few courses. Oh, and read instructions.
Regarding rain, get some huge tarps from Harbor Freight, install some 1x strips at one end, roll them up, and attach them on the far side of the ridge from the one you're working on, ready to roll over the ridge and down if needed. A couple of tips - don't let the delivery guys lay the bundles over the ridge. That can distort them and break adhesives. Don't walk on installed shingles in hot sun. And install a scaffold for laying the first few courses. Oh, and read instructions.
#4
12-23-15, 05:21 AM
Hi Bama,
what is the slope of your roof and how high up will you be, one or two story?
If too steep for you to work comfortably you will need roof jacks. Planning is the key, especially if this will be a one man project.
You will also want more tarps to protect everything below when you strip the roof.
Mother nature rarely give us the time we need so be prepared.
Bud
what is the slope of your roof and how high up will you be, one or two story?
If too steep for you to work comfortably you will need roof jacks. Planning is the key, especially if this will be a one man project.
You will also want more tarps to protect everything below when you strip the roof.
Mother nature rarely give us the time we need so be prepared.
Bud
#5
12-23-15, 05:24 AM
Member
Only takes one person to snap a line, just tap in a roofing nail to hold the other end.
Just can not imagine using staging for just a shed roof.
As old as I am after the first few bundles up the ladder I cut the bag open on the ground and carry 1/2 A bundle at a time.
Make sure and add a drip edge if there is none now, and allow an over hangover on the outside edges with the shingles.
I find it easier to cut the last shingles in a run as I'm installing them instead of leaving them flopped over and having to go back and cut the whole gable end.
When you come to the last shingle, spin it around, make a mark where it needs to be cut, make the cut.
I use a cheap pair of tin snips to make the cuts when cutting architectual shingles.
Just can not imagine using staging for just a shed roof.
As old as I am after the first few bundles up the ladder I cut the bag open on the ground and carry 1/2 A bundle at a time.
Make sure and add a drip edge if there is none now, and allow an over hangover on the outside edges with the shingles.
I find it easier to cut the last shingles in a run as I'm installing them instead of leaving them flopped over and having to go back and cut the whole gable end.
When you come to the last shingle, spin it around, make a mark where it needs to be cut, make the cut.
I use a cheap pair of tin snips to make the cuts when cutting architectual shingles.
#6
12-23-15, 06:18 AM
Snapping line alone using nails means walking back and forth across the roof and several other extra steps. Not impossible but tedious.
What shed roof? Don't see that anywhere. Without a scaffold you're either putting a ladder against the gutter, using a ladder standoff that lays on the roof right where you're installing the shingles, or working upside down which makes it hard to get an even overhang and is dangerous on an edge. Scaffold also facilitates installing the bottom drip edge. Also much easier if you're carrying the bundles yourself to lift them onto the scaffold from the ground, then put them on the roof from the scaffold, than to carry them up a ladder. I mean a rolling scaffold so you work 6-10' at a time, not full "staging". I'm assuming one story accesa to lower roof.
What shed roof? Don't see that anywhere. Without a scaffold you're either putting a ladder against the gutter, using a ladder standoff that lays on the roof right where you're installing the shingles, or working upside down which makes it hard to get an even overhang and is dangerous on an edge. Scaffold also facilitates installing the bottom drip edge. Also much easier if you're carrying the bundles yourself to lift them onto the scaffold from the ground, then put them on the roof from the scaffold, than to carry them up a ladder. I mean a rolling scaffold so you work 6-10' at a time, not full "staging". I'm assuming one story accesa to lower roof.
