Roof Preparation Before Installing Roof Shingles

Installing roof shingles can be an arduous task and should not be attempted if you don’t know what you are doing. It is vital to ensure that you complete adequate roof preparation before installing roof shingles otherwise you are risking the integrity of your new roof. A poorly prepared roof can quickly lead to holes and cracks that will in turn to lead to a leaking roof. Obviously the first part of your roof preparation before installing roof shingles is to rip off the hold or damaged shingles that you are replacing. While it is possible to leave these on if they are showing any signs of damage or wear you should replace them whenever possible.

Secure the roof boards.

If you are using the same roof boards without replacing them you really should check each and every one to make sure none of them need replacing. Make sure they are all securely fastened down to prevent any damage to the lining or to the shingles. You also need to make sure there is no debris lying around because this too can cause damage to your new roof. Make sure no nails or other objects are protruding out of the roof.

Installing the drip edge.

Install the drip edge around the eave ends of the roof. Be sure to use galvanized nails so that they don’t rust in the rain. When adding the drip edge to the top of the roof install in the same way but this must drape over the rest of the drip edge to be effective. If you need to make any joints because the length of drip edge is not long enough to fit down the whole length of the eave then simple overlap the two pieces and bend the aluminum into place.

Ice and water shield.

You should consider putting down a layer of ice and water shield. Some states require that you use this and have set distances that the shield must be from the wall. It is very good stuff and incredibly adhesive so place it down where you want it to go before removing the backing paper. Once it’s stuck there is no way of removing it. Ice and water shield will cost you a fair amount at around $50 per square foot but the job it does is invaluable and a vital step when you are finishing your roof preparation before installing roof shingles. Cover any large knot holes with aluminum flashing or a similar material and hammer these down (you may want to use a hammer tacker or nail gun to make this step a little quicker and easier).

Adding the layer of felt.

Overlap your felt by a few inches and completely cover one side of the roof. To install a roof vent at this point you should cut a small part of the roof on either side of the peak virtually the whole length of the roof. Now cover the remaining side of the roof with felt and also cover over the roof vent hole you have created. This will be cut later. You have now finished the roof preparation before installing roof shingles and are ready to shingle your roof.

For information about building codes and standards in the Common Wealth of Virginia, please visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/construction/codes_standards.htm