Staggering Roof Shingles

Measure the length of a shingle as it lies across the roof.

Staggering roof shingles. Before you install your first shingle use your utility knife to cut 6 inches off of the side then lay it on your roof allowing the architectural shingles to hang between 1 2 to 2 inches over the edge. This will help determine how the shingles will lay on the roof width. If your roof s width is not an even multiple of the shingle s length you will have a partial piece on one end of each row. Known in the trade as vertical racking or staggering this how to lay shingles method enables the roofer to install a single column of shingles all the way to the peak without the wasted back and forth motion necessary to fill several rows of stair steps.

It s critical to follow the manufacturer s instructions for the specific roof shingle because not all shingles have the same exposure the part of the shingle that s visible once installed offset the lateral distance between joints in successive courses sometimes called stagger or edge to edge spacing and or nail placement. Many pros shingle in a vertical line up the roof because it s much faster. Shingle the other side and allow these pieces to overlap the ridge by no more than 4 inches. Laminate shingles should preferably not be bent over the roof ridge or hips.

There is a small cut at the top of each shingle marking the cut line for the half tabs and you split the shingle at the tab marker for the full tab cuts. The piece you cut off can be used on the other end after trimming to length to finish the course rather than using a full shingle. You may carefully lay 3 tab shingle bundles over the roof ridges or hips so long as you don t lay too many bundles in the same spot. Place a whole shingle next to this one making sure to nail each shingle to the roof before placing the next.

Ideal for whole house or accent applications double 7 staggered perfection shingles create a warm friendly look that is at the same time ruggedly beautiful. Most asphalt shingles are 3 feet 91 4 centimeters in length.