Tips for installing laminated architectural shingles on your roof.

A trend among homeowners is to install fiberglass asphalt shingle roofing. Although many homeowners have advanced do-it-yourself (DIY) skills, the majority do not have the ability to properly install a roof. Most people need to hire roofing professionals to do the jobs for them. Still, it can be useful to know what goes into building a roof and installing shingles prior to hiring someone.

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Working with fiberglass asphalt shingles is similar to working with other shingle types. These shingles are composed of fiberglass and asphalt and are designed specifically for long life and durability. When choosing the asphalt shingles for your roof, be sure to consider choosing ones that offer a 25-year or longer warranty. Many brands, including Owens Corning and Malarky, offer a standard warranty that is at least this long, depending on the shingles chosen.

Laminated architectural shingles

Keep in mind that a professional roofer will be able to tell you the major differences between brands and make a recommendation from the top-selling choices, including IKO and GAF. A roofer will also know which brands offer the most eco-friendly or green options, like CertainTeed, for example.

The process of installing the new roof will begin with the tearing away of old roofing materials. The roofer will want a clean surface to work with. Any holes in the roof will be patched and any warped decking or boards will need to be replaced with new lumber. A level will be used to ensure that the roof is not sagging in any areas.

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A drip edge will be installed around the edging of the roof. Next, an ice and water shield and an underlayment will be installed. This will help protect the roof decking from moisture and provide a secure surface for the installation of the shingles. After that, vents will be installed to allow hot air from the attic to escape, which prevents heat from building up and damaging the roof. Holes are cut into the sheathing on the rooftop and covered with underlayment, and a utility knife is used to cut the underlayment to reveal the vent openings.

When the shingles are installed, the roofer generally works from one lower corner of the roof and goes upward, completing each row before moving on to the next. Most roofers use a pneumatic nail gun to fasten the shingles to the rooftop. Finally, the vents are installed over the holes that were left for them. There are specific roofing shingles designed for to be installed over the top of the vents and fastened using roofing nails.

Most homeowners don't have the necessary skills or the time to install their own roofs or do roofing repairs and upgrades. As you can see, the process required to install fiberglass asphalt shingle roofing is complex. Entrusting the job to a certified professional is usually the best move. QualitySmith can help you locate competent roofers in your area who can provide you with a roofing estimate and discuss roofing cost considerations with you.