Asphalt Shingles
The cost of asphalt shingles can vary greatly depending on the quality of the shingle. The more expensive asphalt shingles are usually more durable, have a longer lifespan, and withstand high winds. Asphalt shingles are generally sold in bundles of 50 at home improvement stores. If you are buying them for installation on your roof, then you'll probably want to go beyond the minimum amount just in case anything happens to some of them before you're finished.
How to Install Asphalt Shingles
The first layer is the underlayment, which is also referred to as decking or sheathing. This layer is made from either asphalt paper or rubber membrane and is typically 1/4" to 3/16" thick. In addition to protecting from moisture infiltration, the underlayment prevents water from collecting within the shingles.
It should be placed directly on the roof deck and fastened with screws and preferably wooden pegs. Use a weather-resistant adhesive when nailing this down, such as silicone caulk or tar paper.
The first layer is called the basecoat, usually made in granules or loose shingles and can be either white or colored. The color of the granules will determine the color of the roof. The basecoat should be applied with a roller and left to dry for approximately four hours, but it's best to allow the base coat to cure for at least one week before applying shingles.
The second layer is called the shingles, but there are two different types of shingles used. It is a roof covering made of laminated asphalt that can be laid either over clay or asphalt underlayment. The kind of base the laminated shingles are made from determines their color and durability.
Laminated shingles are made in either 2.5" or 3.5" widths and in lengths that range from 9' to 20'. The 2.5" shingles are used in areas with low winds, while the 3.5" shingles are used when the wind is more substantial.
They can easily be installed using an application bar, which ensures that you do not have any gaps between the shingles. You should start with the starter course when installing any shingle and just lay the first row down over the underlayment. The starter course is usually cut in a zigzag pattern and should be at least 3" wide.
The next row can go on top of the starting course and overlap half of each shingle in the previous row. Since water often pools up between shingles and causes leaks. Leaving an overlap will help to prevent that from happening.
Roof Pickles: Types of Installation
1. The cedar shingles should not end.
2. One to one V-shaped roof pickle.
3. Long straight roof pickle
4. Long straight roof pickle with cloverleaf installation.
5. Small round roof pickle
6. For concrete tile roofs, use the peel and stick "Squeeze-On" shingles made of flattened aluminum or corrugated plastic sheets that are folded into the shape to adhere to the roof.
For asphalt shingles, the cloverleaf installation is the favored type of installation. With this type of installation, each shingle overlaps about 3/4" of the previous shingle and should be staggered so that no two leaves are facing up simultaneously.
The cloverleaf installation provides good attic ventilation and cooling because it allows up to 1/3 or more of the surface area to be uncovered by other shingles. It doesn't matter too much how long shingles are because they dry quickly and often crack or fall off during the summer.
A V-shaped roof pickle is used when you want to cover up any end of the shingle with wood trim. It will allow you to upgrade your home without having to tear out the fence below.
A straight pickle is best used when installing shingles on new construction or installing cedar shakes onto an existing frame house.