How Are External Wall Shingles Installed?

Cedar shingles were once used for siding before the Revolution and are still easy to install today. The process of building exterior walls is relatively short with the right tools and knowledge. This guide begins with framing exterior walls and continues with installing them on a drainage mat or a dimpled plastic sheet. Cedar shingle siding is beautiful, durable, and probably not as difficult to install as you think.

In New England, sidewall shingles are often installed so that the first few courses flare out. Builder Joe E. Filanowski Jr. details the process of installing flared shingles, from using backers to setting them. Factory-stained white cedar individual shingles can only be installed to exterior wall surfaces.

AZEK Shingle Siding should be installed using the same good building principles used to install traditional siding products and in accordance with local building codes and the AZEK Shingle Siding installation guidelines. To properly install asphalt roofing shingles, follow these steps:

1. Prep the walls by applying self-stick flashing to outside corners, applying trim, and installing wood trim around windows. Lay out courses horizontally with a staple gun, starting at the base of the wall.

2. Before installing new shingles, remove existing shingles, nails, and underlayment using a roofing shovel.

3. Install roof shingles by removing existing shingles, clearing the roof of debris, inspecting the roof deck, and installing the new step-flashing. In this case, wood shingles should be inserted behind the exterior wall covering.

Do shingles need to be glued down?

The use of adhesives with asphalt shingles serves to prevent wind-driven debris from catching the loose edge of the shingle, which is applied during the manufacturing process and cures in the sun after installation on a roof. This process is illustrated in the accompanying diagrams.

How should architectural shingles be installed?

This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step guide on installing architectural roof shingles. It covers the entire roof surface, from the bottom to the top, and includes the installation of the underlayment, shingles, trim, ridge caps, inspection, cleaning, and safety measures. The guide is designed for both experienced DIY enthusiasts and beginners, offering expert tips, practical advice, and professional results.

It covers how to prepare for the installation, 8 essential steps for a true DIY approach, and the benefits of architectural shingles. The guide is designed to help homeowners achieve professional results.

How are asphalt shingles attached?

To install shingles, start by nailing the “cut off shingle” into place, ensuring they are not in the tar strip. Hammer in nails from each end of each shingle and another nail above each cutout, keeping them out of the tar strip. The next shingles should cover the nails by 1 inch vertically and horizontally by up to 1/2 of a tab of the shingle(s) above. Repeat this pattern, alternating shingles across the roof, working towards the right side, using a chalk line to maintain straightness. Use 4 nails per shingle and 6 nails on windward sides for wind resistance nailing.

What do I need to put under shingles?

In the context of residential applications, the use of underlayment materials, such as felt or tar paper, is a common practice. In some instances, an additional layer of ice and water shield is employed to safeguard the roof from the accumulation of water and subsequent damage.

Are roof shingles nailed or glued?

The International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) mandate the use of roofing nails to fasten asphalt shingles. Proper nailing is crucial for good performance and should be followed by the shingle manufacturer’s instructions and other relevant codes. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) supports these requirements and provides additional installation recommendations.

Nails must have a minimum nominal shank diameter of 12 gauge and a minimum head diameter of 3/8″ (0. 375″) (9. 5 mm). They must be corrosion-resistant galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper roofing nails. Aluminum nails do not require additional coatings for corrosion resistance.

Nails should be long enough to penetrate at least ¾” (19 mm) into the roof deck, or 1/8″ (3 mm) if the deck sheathing is less than ¾” (19 mm) thick. If visible nail points are aesthetically objectionable, consult the roofing material manufacturer and building code requirements for approved alternatives.

Nails should be driven by hand or with a properly adjusted pneumatic nailing tool. Improperly located or driven nails can lead to sealing failures, blow-offs, raised tabs, distortions, and blow-offs of shingles. Follow the specific installation instructions of the shingle manufacturer to ensure compliance with building codes.

What is the difference between architectural shingles and regular shingles?

Architectural shingles are a type of roofing material made of multiple layers of material, including asphalt and granules, which are more durable and refined than standard asphalt shingles. They are wind and fire-resistant, with some capable of withstanding up to 120 mph. Architectural shingles can be customized to your preferences and have a unique dimensional and textured appearance that mimics more expensive materials like wood or slate. However, they can be up to 50 heavier than 3-tab shingles, which may pose a problem for some roofs. Additionally, they are more expensive than 3-tab shingles.

What is the difference between asphalt shingles and shingles?

The choice between asphalt and composite shingles depends on your home’s needs. Asphalt shingles are less costly and offer better weather resistance, but composite shingles are better suited for extreme climates. Both options enhance curb appeal and offer more color and style options. Asphalt shingles may be the right choice for cost-conscious homeowners, but composite shingles provide decades of excellent weather protection and require minimal maintenance.

The best shingle choice depends on your specific needs, including your budget, climate, desired life span of the roofing, and aesthetic preferences. In conclusion, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Do roof shingles need underlay?

Roof shingles and tiles are used to cover pitched roofs, but shingles are cheaper and have a lower life expectancy. However, recent advancements in technology have made them durable, lasting 20-25 years. Roof shingles are available in various materials like bitumen, wood, plastic, or metal and are suitable for most homes, sheds, and outdoor buildings. Before installing shingles, it is important to survey your existing roof structure to determine if it requires maintenance or strengthening. It is also essential to note the roof construction, such as a decked roof fixed to rafters or supported on a trussed structure.

Do roofers use nails or screws?

Nails are a popular choice for roofing, siding, and sheathing projects due to their lower price point and the need for fasteners. However, there are better times to use nails vs. screws. For a long time, nails were chosen over screws due to their quicker fastening in place. Advancements in tool technology, such as electric and pneumatic screwdrivers, led to an increase in the popularity of screws. The cordless drill/driver, the most popular portable power tool ever invented, also played a significant role in the popularity of nail-driving screws. Both nails and screws have their purposes, but there are better times to use them for different applications and opportunities.