QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Composition Shingles

How do you install composite shingles?

What is a common installation problem with asphalt composition shingles?

Common asphalt shingle failure factors include improper storage and handling of the asphalt shingles before installation, improper nailing, improper flashing (which pertains to any roofing material), and defective asphalt shingle product material leading to thermal splitting, cracking, blistering, staining, and in some.

How do you install shingles on a roof?

Is composition roof same as shingles?

A composition roof is another roofing industry term for asphalt shingles. It’s also what insurance companies call asphalt shingles on claims for roof damage. These materials consist of fiberglass, tar, and granules put on a fiberglass mat to make a shingle.

How do you start shingles straight on a non square roof?

Start at one edge of the roof and install the first row of cedar or asphalt shingles. The lower edges of the shingles align with the lower edge of the roof. Install cedar shingles with two, 5-penny galvanized box nails. Place each 1 inch from the corresponding edges.

Why is the gravel coming off my shingles?

Aging Roof Losing Granules Old shingles commonly lose shingle granules, and this type of granule loss is completely normal. There is nothing to be alarmed at if your shingles are shedding a few granules throughout the years. Some granules will get knocked out of place or break free from the shingles on occasion.

When should I remove moss from my roof?

If your roof has sprouted a moss infection, you can remove it before it becomes serious enough to impact the performance of your roof. Moss is tough and typically you will not be able to remove it by hand. However, you can use a chemical solution to loosen the moss without damaging the shingles.

What is the purpose of grit on shingles?

Why Do Roof Shingles Have Granules? Mineral granules were added to the design of shingles because they help protect your roof from excessive sun exposure, which can eventually lead to damage and hasten the need for a roof replacement.

What underlayment to use for shingles?

What Is Roofing Underlayment? Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing, or roof deck, which is typically either plywood or OSB. It’s installed directly on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind.

How many nails do you need for shingles?

General Guidelines for Nailing Shingles Install the recommended number of nails per shingle. For Duration® Series shingles, Owens Corning recommends using either a 4- or 6-nail fastening pattern depending on the roof’s slope and building code requirements. In most cases, 4 nails are adequate.

Is composition roofing good?

Composition roofs are great if you want to ‘go green’ and help the environment. Most composite roof materials are made with paper backing and manufactured using recycled materials. This makes them environmentally-friendly. Composite shingles are incredibly durable.

How long do composition shingles last?

Compared to asphalt roofing, composite shingles are made to stand the test of time. This type of roofing typically lasts 20 years. However, with the right materials and proper maintenance, composite shingles can last up to 50 years and beyond.

Are composition shingles fire resistant?

The fire rating of a roof covering is either Class A, Class B, Class C, or unrated. Class A is the most fire-resistant and should be the choice of anyone living in wildfire-prone areas. Common Class A roof coverings include asphalt fiberglass composition shingles and concrete or clay tiles.

How many inches do you stagger shingles?

As reported in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction: For ease of installation some roofers install shingles straight up the roof, staggering shingles 6 inches or 18 inches back and forth (Figure 2-9).

How much should shingles overlap?

Overlap each row at least 3 to 4 inches. If you live in an area with inclement weather, you should consider using a special leak barrier protector. Then, install new flashing (metal flashing is often called “drip edge” along the bottom of the roof near your gutters) and starter shingles at the edges.

Do shingles need to be staggered?

Call it whatever you want, you should be looking at roof shingle stagger. Stagger is important because, if the spacing is less than 4 inches, water can travel from joint to joint under the shingles and create a leak in the roof.

What causes blisters in composition shingles?

Blisters appear when there is trapped moisture or air beneath the layers of roofing or within the shingles themselves. As the temperature outdoors continues to rise, the pressure in these patches forces the air or moisture to expand.

Why are my roof shingles shiny?

If your shingle roof has a shine to it when hit by direct sunlight, it is likely the fiberglass backing is showing on the shingles. When the fiberglass backing begins to shine, it means a shingle is reaching the end of its life.

Why do shingles loose granules?

Granule loss which is uniform across the roof is usually a result of normal weathering. Over time, the bond between the granules and asphalt deteriorates, and granules will be loosened and carried away by runoff. Prolonged exposure to hail can also loosen granules.