How to Begin Your First Row of Shingles on Roofing

How to Begin Your First Row of Shingles on Roofing
Written By
Carrie Perles
Carrie Perles
Published: Jan 11, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Apply roofing cement to the area above the eaves with the broom-handled brush.

Step 2

Press the starter strip down so that it adheres to the roofing cement. The starter strip should run the length of the roof.

Step 3

Hammer two rows of galvanized roofing nails across the starter strip to hold it in place. Each nail should be about a foot from the next nail in the row.

Step 4

Measure the height of the shingle with a tape measure, and put a mark at the corresponding height on both edges of the roof. Then snap a chalk line to create a guide that will keep your first row of shingles aligned well. To do this, pull out the string of the chalk line, and hold it tight at each mark. Then lift the center of the string and let it snap back into position. This will leave a horizontal chalk line at the upper section of the row of shingles.

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Step 5

Cut several inches off the end of the first shingle with shears so that the shingle joints do not line up with the joints on the starter strip.

Step 6

Use the chalk line to position the first shingle at the bottom corner of the roof, making sure that it overhangs slightly, if desired. Keep the cut portion of the shingle to finish off the first row, if needed.

Step 7

Use the number and positioning of nails listed in the shingle bundle to hammer in the shingle.

Step 8

Repeat with the rest of the shingles in the row, using the cut piece of shingle at the end of the row if necessary.

References

Resources

Tips

If you do not have a starter strip, you can cut the tabs off the shingles and install them upside down at the base of the roof instead. Either of these techniques should provide a watertight application.

Warnings

Do not install shingles on a rainy or windy day.

Do not install shingles yourself on a roof with a steep slope, unless you are experienced in doing so.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Carrie Perles

Keren (Carrie) Perles is a freelance writer with professional experience in publishing since 2004. Perles has written, edited and developed curriculum for educational publishers. She writes online articles about various topics, mostly…

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