How Professional Roofers Install Asphalt Roofs Correctly

Installing an asphalt shingle roof requiresskill and experience. Otherwise, the result might not withstand the weather andlast a long time. Below are some of the techniques professional roofers use toget asphalt shingle installation right.

They Use Proper Tools

A professional roofing contractor is morelikely to have the proper tools than a DIY installer is. Shingle installationrequires various tools and equipment, such as:

• Nail guns
• Chalk lines
• Tape measures
• Utility knives
• Trowels

The right tool for each job results in lesswastage and clean installation results.

They Prepare the DeckProperly

Roofing contractors prepare the deck beforebeginning shingle installation. Deck preparation is necessary for both new andreplacement roofs. The preparation ensures that:

• The deck is adequatelystrong
• The deck is clean
• The deck is as flat asit can be

Proper deck preparation allows the shingles tolie flash on the roof. Otherwise, the shingles might not be aestheticallypleasing. Shingles that don't lie flush on the roof are also susceptible todamage, such as water damage.

They Ensure the FirstShingle Layer Is Square

Professional roofing contractors understandthe significance of the first shingle layer. The first layer sets the tone forthe rest of the layers. Getting the first layer crooked means that the rest ofthe layers will be crooked too. Roofing contractors use different methods toget the first layer square. For example, some roofers use chalk lines to alignall the shingle layers properly.

They Work From theBottom Up

Professional roofers install shingles from thebottom and work their way up the roof. This installation direction is not bychance. Working from the bottom means that each shingle covers the previousshingle's top. The arrangement protects the roof from water damage since waterflows down the roof due to the force of gravity and cannot back up under theshingles.

They Work Bundle byBundle

Roofing manufacturers package shingles inbundles for each of transportation and handling. You might see slight colorvariations between shingles from different bundles. Having shingles fromdifferent bundles in the same area of the roof can produce an unattractive mixof colors.

Professional roofers understand this andinstall shingles bundle by bundle. That is, your roofer will finish shinglesfrom one bundle before moving to the next. That way, you will have even colorson each section of the roof.

They Practice ProperNailing

Nailing is one of the most critical parts ofshingle installation. Proper nailing:

• Does not damageshingles and cause wastage
• Holds the shinglesfirmly on the roof to prevent wind damage
• Ensures the shingleslie flush on the roof and avoid water penetration
• Does not weaken theshingles and increase their susceptibility to physical damage

Below are the things roofers use to nailshingles properly:

• They choose the rightnails as per their experience and manufacturer specifications.
• They use a minimum offour nails per shingle.
• They use more than fournails on shingles in high-risk areas, such as windy areas.
• They drive in thenails at the right depth. Too much can damage the shingles, and too littleleave the shingles weak.
• They don't nailthrough the sealant strip, as that would leave the shingles susceptible towater penetration.
• They drive the nailsstraight down.
• They nail the shinglesat the right nailing line.

Proper nailing of shingles is a matter of bothskills and experience.

JCB Roofing has been active in the roofingindustry since 1998. We pride ourselves in high-quality roofing work — be itinstallation, repair, or maintenance. Contact us for a quote on any roofing service youneed and enjoy our Master Elite Roofers professional services.