How do you lay architectural shingles?
Short answer. Start with drip edge, underlayment and a starter strip, then lay architectural shingles in straight courses from the eave up, offsetting each course by the amount the manufacturer specifies so joints never line up. Nail every shingle in the marked nailing strip with four to six nails and keep the exposure even with chalk lines.
The sequence
- Deck prep: replace soft sheets and pull old nails.
- Eave drip edge, leak barrier and underlayment, then rake drip edge over the underlayment.
- Starter strip along the eaves, and on the rakes if the manufacturer calls for it, with its sealant near the edge so the first course bonds down.
- First course: full shingles laid flush with the starter, overhanging the drip edge by the amount on the wrapper.
- Following courses: offset each course by at least the manufacturer's minimum, and vary the offsets so the pattern looks random rather than stair stepped.
- Chalk lines every few courses to keep rows straight and exposure consistent.
- Flashing as you go: a step flashing piece with each course along sidewalls, pipe boots and vents installed in sequence.
- Valleys, usually closed-cut or open metal, per the manufacturer.
- Ridge vent and matching hip and ridge caps to finish.
Details that separate good from bad
- Blend bundles by pulling from several at once, since color varies slightly between them.
- Check the racking rules. Some manufacturers restrict running shingles straight up the roof because it can create visible patterns and weak joints.
- Nail placement must hit the common bond area, not above it.
- Mind the heat. On a Georgia summer afternoon shingles soften and scuff underfoot, so crews start early.
Most jurisdictions in Georgia require a permit for reroofing. See what to expect on replacement day and roof flashing explained.