How to Install Asphalt Roof Shingles

Roofing is the most critical line of defense your home has against the elements. Installing asphalt shingles, while physically demanding, comes down to precise alignment and proper fastener placement. When done well, your roof will shed water efficiently for decades, protecting the structural integrity of your rafters and interior spaces. Success in roofing relies on rhythm and consistency. You are essentially creating a layered puzzle that forces water to flow downhill over overlapping barriers. Focus on getting your first course perfectly straight, as every subsequent row will follow the lead of the one below it. Keep your workspace clean, your boots grippy, and your movements deliberate.

1. Inspect and Secure the Deck. Ensure the plywood or OSB deck is clean, dry, and secure. Inspect for any rot or damaged sheets and replace them before moving forward.
2. Lay the Moisture Barrier. Roll out synthetic underlayment starting from the bottom of the roof, overlapping each horizontal seam by at least six inches. Staple the material down securely using a cap nailer or staple gun.
3. Seal the Edges First. Nail the metal drip edge along the rakes and eaves, then install a starter shingle strip along the eave. This ensures the first layer of full shingles has a sealed edge against the wind.
4. Set the Foundation Row. Align your first row of shingles with the bottom edge of the starter strip. Use four to six nails per shingle, positioned just above the adhesive strip, making sure the nails go through the starter layer as well.
5. Break the Seam Pattern. Offset the seams of each subsequent row by the manufacturer's recommended distance. This prevents water from penetrating through vertical gaps between shingles.
6. Crown the Peak. Once you reach the peak, install ridge cap shingles over the intersection of the two roof planes. Use longer nails to penetrate through both the top shingles and the roof deck.