Discover the secrets to mastering the art of installing roll roofing, a cost-effective and durable solution for protecting your home. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or embarking on your first roofing project, this comprehensive guide will empower you with essential knowledge, ensuring a successful outcome.
Before embarking on your roofing adventure, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials, including roll roofing, roofing nails, a chalk line, a utility knife, and a roofing cement. Once equipped, start by preparing the roof surface. This involves removing any loose or damaged shingles, cleaning the surface thoroughly, and applying a layer of roofing felt for added protection. As you prepare the surface, envision the end result, a roof that will shield your home from the elements for years to come.
With the surface primed, it’s time to unroll the roofing material, aligning it carefully with the roof’s edge. Secure the roofing firmly in place using roofing nails, ensuring they penetrate the sheathing beneath. As you progress, overlap the rolls by a few inches, creating a staggered pattern that enhances durability. Finally, apply roofing cement along the seams and around any penetrations, ensuring a watertight seal. With each step, take pride in the knowledge that you’re safeguarding your home and creating a durable, protective barrier.
Preparing the Roof Surface
Before installing roll roofing, it is essential to ensure that the roof surface is adequately prepared. This involves removing any existing roofing materials, repairing any damaged sheathing, and installing a layer of underlayment to provide a smooth and waterproof base for the new roofing.
Removing Existing Roofing Materials
If there is already roofing material on the roof, it must be removed before installing roll roofing. This can be done by carefully stripping away the old roofing with a pry bar or other suitable tool. It is important to take care not to damage the roof sheathing during this process.
Repairing Damaged Sheathing
Once the old roofing material has been removed, inspect the roof sheathing for any damage. Damaged sheathing should be repaired or replaced to provide a solid base for the new roofing. Minor repairs can be made using roofing cement or caulk, while more extensive damage may require replacing the entire sheet of sheathing.
Installing Underlayment
After the roof sheathing has been repaired, a layer of underlayment should be installed. Underlayment is a waterproof material that helps to protect the roof sheathing from moisture and provides a smooth surface for the new roofing. Underlayment comes in various forms, including felt paper, synthetic felt, and self-adhesive underlayment. Choose an underlayment suitable for the climate and the type of roofing being installed.
| Type of Underlayment | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Felt Paper | Inexpensive and easy to install |
| Synthetic Felt | More durable than felt paper and provides better moisture protection |
| Self-Adhesive Underlayment | Quick and easy to install, no nailing required |
Unrolling the Roll Roofing
The first step in installing roll roofing is to unroll the roofing material. Start by unrolling the roofing material at the bottom of the roof, making sure that it is aligned with the eaves. Use a chalk line or a string to mark a straight line along the eaves, and then use the chalk line as a guide to align the roofing material.
Once the roofing material is aligned, use a utility knife to score the material along the chalk line. This will help to prevent the roofing material from tearing when it is nailed down.
After the roofing material has been scored, use a hammer and roofing nails to nail the roofing material to the roof deck. Start by nailing the roofing material along the bottom edge, and then work your way up the roof, nailing the roofing material every 6 inches or so.
As you nail the roofing material, be sure to overlap the edges of the roofing material by at least 2 inches. This will help to prevent water from seeping into the roof.
Once the roofing material has been nailed down, use a utility knife to trim any excess roofing material. Then, use a sealant to seal the edges of the roofing material.
Overlapping and Sealing the Seams
Once the underlayment is secured, it’s time to start installing the roll roofing. Begin at the bottom edge of the roof and unroll the first roll. Ensure that the tabs at the end of the roll hang over the edge of the roof by about 6 inches.
Overlapping the seams is crucial to prevent water from seeping in. Unroll the next roll and align it with the first one, overlapping the previous roll by 3 to 6 inches. Secure the overlapping seams with roofing nails, spacing them evenly along the overlap.
Seal the seams thoroughly to prevent leaks. Apply a generous bead of roofing cement along the entire length of the overlapped seam. Press down on the cement to ensure it bonds securely with the roofing material. Smooth out any excess cement to create a watertight seal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sealing Seams:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply a generous bead of roofing cement along the overlapped seam. |
| 2 | Press down on the cement to ensure it bonds with the roofing material. |
| 3 | Smooth out any excess cement to create a watertight seal. |
Cutting and Fitting the Roofing
1. Measure and Mark the Roof
Unroll the roofing material and use a tape measure to mark the length needed to cover the roof. Use a chalk line to snap a line along the marked length.
2. Cut the Roofing
Use a utility knife to cut the roofing material along the chalk line. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle and score the roofing paper. Then, fold the roofing paper along the score line and cut through the material.
3. Fit the Roofing
Align the edge of the roofing material with the fascia board of the roof. Overlap the edge of the roofing material by 6 inches and secure it with roofing nails every 6 inches.
4. Install the Drip Edge
Install a drip edge along the lower edge of the roof to prevent water from running behind the roofing material.
5. Overlap the Roofing
Roll out the next sheet of roofing material and overlap the previous sheet by 6 inches. Secure the roofing material with roofing nails every 6 inches.
6. Install the Flashing
Install flashing around any penetrations in the roof, such as chimneys or skylights, to prevent water from leaking into the roof.
7. Install the Ridge Cap
Install a ridge cap along the peak of the roof to cover the joint between the two sheets of roofing material.
8. Secure the Roofing
Nail the roofing material securely to the roof deck every 6 inches. Start at the bottom of the roof and work your way up, overlapping each row of nails by half.
| Roofing | Description |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Roll Roofing | Fiberglass or cellulose-based material coated with asphalt |
| EPDM Rubber Roofing | Synthetic rubber roofing material with a long life expectancy |
| PVC Roofing | Thermoplastic roofing material that is resistant to chemicals and fire |
Precautions and Safety Considerations
1. Working on a Steep Roof
If the roof has a slope of more than 4/12, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor. Working on a steep roof can be dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced roofers.
2. Roofing Tools
Use the right tools for the job. A roofing knife, chalk line, measuring tape, hammer, and pry bar are essential for installing roll roofing.
3. Roofing Nails
Use roofing nails specially designed for this purpose. They have a large head and a short shank to prevent them from pulling through the roofing material.
4. Safety Harness
If working on a roof with a slope of more than 4/12, always wear a safety harness and lifeline to prevent falls.
5. Roofing Shoes
Wear non-slip roofing shoes with good ankle support to prevent slips and falls.
6. Weather Conditions
Don’t install roll roofing in wet or windy weather. The roofing material will not adhere properly and could be damaged by the wind.
7. Ventilation
Provide adequate ventilation for the attic space to prevent moisture buildup and subsequent roof damage.
8. Flashing
Install flashing around chimneys, pipes, and other roof penetrations to prevent leaks.
9. Proper Storage
Store roll roofing properly in a dry and well-ventilated area to prevent damage to the material.
10. Roofing Material Disposal
Dispose of old roofing material properly according to local regulations. Roofing materials can contain hazardous materials that should not be disposed of in landfills.
| Roof Slope | Safety Precautions |
|---|---|
| Less than 4/12 | No special safety precautions required |
| 4/12 to 9/12 | Use a safety harness and lifeline |
| Greater than 9/12 | Hire a professional roofing contractor |
How To Put On Roll Roofing
Roll roofing is a popular and affordable roofing material. It is made of asphalt-saturated felt that has been coated with mineral granules. Roll roofing is typically used on low-sloped roofs, such as those on sheds, garages, and mobile homes.
Installing roll roofing is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Here are the steps on how to put on roll roofing:
- Prepare the roof deck. The roof deck must be clean, dry, and smooth. Any holes or cracks should be repaired before installing the roll roofing.
- Apply a layer of underlayment. Underlayment helps to protect the roof deck from moisture and wind. It is typically made of felt or tar paper.
- Install the starter strip. The starter strip is a special type of roll roofing that is installed along the bottom edge of the roof. It helps to seal the edge of the roof and prevents water from getting under the shingles.
- Unroll the roll roofing. Start rolling out the roll roofing at the bottom of the roof. Make sure to overlap each row of shingles by at least 2 inches.
- Secure the roll roofing. Once the roll roofing is in place, it must be secured to the roof deck. This can be done with nails or staples.
- Install the ridge cap. The ridge cap is a special type of roll roofing that is installed at the peak of the roof. It helps to protect the roof from the elements and gives it a finished look.
People Also Ask About How To Put On Roll Roofing
How much does it cost to put on roll roofing?
The cost of installing roll roofing varies depending on the size of the roof, the type of roll roofing used, and the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot for materials and labor.
How long does roll roofing last?
Roll roofing typically lasts for 10 to 20 years. However, the lifespan of roll roofing can be shortened by exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and hail.
Is roll roofing easy to install?
Yes, roll roofing is relatively easy to install. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable installing roll roofing yourself, you can hire a professional roofer to do it for you.
