How To Install Roofing Shingles

When it comes time to put a new roof on your house, you will need to know how to installing roofing shingles. Roofing shingles are your homes main protection against the elements. They prevent rain and snow from ruining the roofing underlayment and keep the interior of your home dry.

To install roofing shingles, you will need:

• Staple Gun
• Staples
• Shingles
• Tar Paper (if needed)

1. The Shingles. The first step to installing roofing shingles is to choose the shingles you want to install. There are many types and colors of shingles along with different warranties. You will want to choose the style and color that is right for your home.
2. The Preparation. Before installing roofing shingles you may need to remove the old roofing material. It is acceptable to have place new roofing shingles on old ones as long as there is only a single layer. If there is more than one layer of roofing shingles on your home then they must be removed before placing new shingles down.
3. Tar Paper. If you had the strip the old roofing off, you will have to install new tar paper. Tar paper is the black paper that is laid on top of the plywood. Tar paper is the last defense before water would enter your home. 
4. Laying Shingles. Starting at the lip end of the roof you will want to lay your first shingle. It is recommended by manufacturers that you install shingles with staples. Using nails will void most warranties so read the warranty carefully. Lay shingles side by side, then work your way upward. Overlap the tab end of the shingle you are about to install with the non tabbed end of the shingle below it. Be sure to stagger the seams and tabs of the shingles. Shingles from the sides should overlap on the peaks, then install the peak shingles.