How to Shingle a Roof Safely and Efficiently

Protect yourself and your home at the same time

The upper floor of a house and its shingled roof
Photo: Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost / Moment / Getty Images
The upper floor of a house and its shingled roof
Photo: Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost / Moment / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Challenging
COMPLETION TIME
17 hours
COST
$1,000+
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Ropes
  • Harnesses
  • Extension ladder
  • Tape measure
  • Shingle stripper shovel
SUPPLIES
  • Staples
  • Drip edge
  • Various flashing material
  • Underlayment
  • Shingles

Installing shingles on a roof isn't a job for most homeowners. The vast majority hire professional roofers for roof replacements. However, understanding how to shingle a roof can help you during the estimating and accepting bid portions of the project. Here are the basic steps for how to shingle a roof so you can know what's going on up there. If you have some experience working on roofs, you can consider doing it as a DIY project.  

Prepping to Shingle a Roof

The first thing to know about working on a roof is that it’s dangerous. While being on your roof for any reason carries the risk of falling off, performing a complex task such as installing shingles while on your roof divides your attention between accuracy and safety and increases the danger. 

We highly recommend hiring a professional roofer for this project. However, if you choose to take on the job, please exercise extreme caution during all steps.

Staying Safe

Here are the best methods, in no particular order, of staying safe during a DIY roofing project.

  • Know, understand, and follow all ladder safety guidelines.

  • Know, understand, and follow all compressor and nail gun safety guidelines.

  • Be highly aware of electrical hazards, including power lines and connections on your roof.

  • Work in mild temperatures with no precipitation and stay hydrated. Take breaks often.

  • Wear properly fitted and secured fall protection harnesses and ropes.

  • Be sure to secure and maintain fall protection ropes at all times.

  • Stop immediately if a task feels unsafe, and reconsider your plan before proceeding.

  1. Measure the Roof

    A professional measuring a roof
    Photo: Michael O'Keene / Adobe Stock

    While different shingle types require slightly varying installation methods, estimating roofing materials is relatively straightforward. Measure each roof section in square feet and add all the areas together to obtain the total square feet. The result represents how much shingle and underlayment material your project requires. Shingles are available in packages that cover approximately 33.3 square feet. Your supplier will likely ask for the number of squares your roof covers. A square is simply the total square feet divided by 100.

    You'll also need linear-feet measurements for the ridge shingles that cover the roof's apex, starter shingles for the first row of material, and the drip edge that encircles the roof's perimeter. If necessary, add step and chimney flashing needs and flashing or boots for roof penetrations like intersecting walls, plumbing penetrations, or air vents.

  2. Make a Plan

    Organizing your roofing project in detail will save time and frustration later in the process.

    • Make a plan to locate the dumpster near the site but not directly under the roof. 

    • Roofing materials are heavy and can be awkward to handle. Plan on having at least one other person on site and working with you to help carry and install materials. The extra person can also hold ladders and assist with tool organization.

    • Ensure you have enough air compressor hose to reach all roof areas.

    • Move patio furniture and other items from around the home. 

    • Place several tarps below the work area to catch demolition debris and waste materials.

    • Clear a convenient outdoor location to place new materials.

  3. Order Materials and Supplies

    shingle bundles stacked on roof
    Photo: colorburst100 / Adobe Stock

    Use your measurements and plan to order the materials and supplies listed above. Add about 10% to 20% extra roofing materials to your order. Explain the precise drop-off locations to the dumpster provider and materials delivery supplier.

  4. Obtain Permits

    Most municipalities require you or your roofing company to obtain a building permit for roof replacements. Additionally, many locations require a special permit to place a dumpster in the street if that's your only option. Apply for and obtain the necessary permits for your project well before starting work.

  5. Remove the Old Shingles From the Roof

    man removing old shingles from roof
    Photo: BanksPhotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Part of knowing how to install shingles is becoming familiar with the building codes related to roofing. Depending on the building code in your location, you may be able to leave one layer of shingles under a new one. However, in most cases, removing the existing shingles is best when replacing your roof.

    • Use a shingle stripper shovel tool to remove the majority of existing shingles and underlayment, starting at the ridge and prying them off as you work toward the eaves. Take extra care not to step on loose materials. Use a claw hammer to remove any nails left behind.

    • Remove the drip edge flashing around the perimeter, as it will experience damage in the shingle removal process. Also, remove any flashing that suffers damage during the step. In many cases, it's advisable to simply replace all the roof flashing every time you replace your roof shingles.

  6. Install the Flashing

    Install the drip edge flashing by cutting it to the appropriate length with tin snips and securing it with manually-driven roofing nails through its top flange and into the roof deck. Allow a ½-inch space between the lower drip edge flange and the existing fascia.

    Install other roof flashings as appropriate for your roof, including penetration boots, chimney and skylight flashing, kick-outs, and valley protection flashing. Install step flashing as necessary, depending on your roof's specific needs.

  7. Install a Deck Protector

    man installing roof deck protector
    Photo: alexandrumagurean / iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Roof deck protection needs vary by climate, location, and the building code in your area. Roof deck protection is available in self-adhesive rolls that protect against ice and water intrusion near the eaves, synthetic underlayments, and roofing felt. Install the necessary underlayments using a tacker hammer stapler according to the manufacturer's instructions starting at the bottom and working your way up the roof.

  8. Install the Starting Shingles

    Install the shingle starter strips at the roof's lowest edge using coil nails and an appropriate nail gun. Extend the edge of the strips 1/2 inch past the drip edges. Continue along all the eaves to meet the building code and up each rake if you wish to provide additional weather protection.

  9. Install the Shingles on the Roof

    man nailing shingles to roof
    Photo: Bill Oxford / iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Snap a chalk line representing the top edge of the first row of shingles across the roof. Consult the manufacturer's nailing pattern requirements and your local building code for the correct number of nails per shingle in your location. Lay the first shingle in place on the chalk line and use your roofing nailer to secure it to the roof deck.

    • Install the next and subsequent shingles directly next to the first one before installing them all the way across the roof.

    • Snap another chalk line representing the top edge of the next row of shingles. 

    • Install the second and remaining courses, staggering the shingle edges by six inches from one row to the next. 

    • Continue to the roof's ridge. Overlap the roof apex with the top of the last row of shingles. Cut away material to accommodate the ridge vent if your home has that feature.

  10. Install the Remaining Ridge Shingles

    Center and bend ridge shingles over the top of each roof ridge. Nail them in place approximately one inch from the edge, depending on the shingle manufacturer's requirements, until you reach the end of the ridge. Cover any exposed roofing nails in the cap shingles with spots of roofing cement.

DIY vs. Hiring A Roofer

Putting a new roof on a home is a challenging project that requires a high level of safety awareness and action, along with a solid knowledge of roofing materials and how to install them.

Most homeowners choose to hire a local roofing professional to perform the work. Hiring a professional keeps you safe, frees up a lot of your time, and ensures correct installation. Securing a reputable roofer also means you'll have a labor warranty for the work should something go wrong. 

DIY vs. Cost to Hire a Pro

Professional roof installation costs around $5,000 and $12,000 on average—Your roofing replacement estimate will include a labor charge that could reach 70% of the project cost. That's a significant amount.

However, the cost also includes all of the project's tools, safety equipment, and disposal costs—meaning the money you save by doing it yourself will likely be far less than you may expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roofing is hard work. The job takes a lot of know-how to understand all that goes into estimating materials, gathering the tools and equipment, deciphering the building code, and sweating your way through the heavy lifting and monotonous installation steps. However, if you're committed to staying safe and have some time to invest, the project is doable for skilled DIYers.

There are two absolutes to keep in mind to ensure proper shingle installation. The first is that the shingles' job is to keep water out of your home. To that end, proper installation means you must orient every piece of the roofing materials to follow gravity and shed water towards the roof's edges.

Second, your roof must stand up to the elements in your location. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and the local building code for nailing patterns and frequency so all of your hard work stays put through varying weather conditions.

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