How To Properly Nail Shingles On A Roof

Begin by removing the shingles using a roofing shovel.

How to properly nail shingles on a roof.

When properly located nails should catch the top edge of the shingle under it. Use the recommended number of nails per shingle. Make sure to keep nails out of the tar strip as you work. To ensure optimal performance of your asphalt roofing shingles be sure to follow these general directions for proper nailing.

If you are putting a layer of asphalt shingles over an existing layer of asphalt shingles on to a 3 4 inch deck or a plank deck then you should be using 1 1 2 inch nails. If your decking is less than 3 4 inch then a 1 1 2 inch nail will suffice. Follow the application instructions on the shingle wrapper. Hammer in one nail about 2 inches from each end of each shingle and another nail about 1 inch above each cutout.

Align the shingles properly before nailing to avoid exposing nails in the course below. Place nails in the three tab shingles about 3 4 inch 1 8 centimeters above the cutouts near where the tab meets the upper part of the shingle. Install the recommended number of nails per shingle. Improperly secured shingles can slide out of the nail holes which isn t covered by the manufacturer s warranty.

Bring a trash can up on the roof so you have a place to throw old shingles and flashing. High nailing can reduce the strength of the seal and make blow off more likely. How to properly nail shingles on a roof the preferred order for nailing is 1 3 2 4 but 1 2 3 4 is also acceptable. Nails don t capture the shingle below when they are placed too high.

When the nails are placed in or above the self sealing strip that is called high nailing. Use the correct type size and grade of nail as is specified in the application instruction. There is no easy fix to this problem and the entire roof may need to be replaced. Using your hammer pry up the nails.

The next shingles above should cover the nails by about 1 inch vertically. Use the correct roofing nail material size and grade as specified in the shingle installation instructions. Tools you will need for roofing from amazon bostitch coil nailer https amzn to 2u1v8e2 shingle remover https amzn to 2fzu5wf roof snake https amzn to 2. Use caution so you don t damage any windows or siding in the process.

However make sure that you do not nail into the tar strip. Position the nails according to the shingle specifications. Use corrosion resistant nails.