How to Shingle Like a Pro

Lay the first row of shingles at the lowest corner of the roof. Install a row of half sections of composite asphalt shingles, making sure the cut edge of the shingle faces outwards. Hold the level against the top edge of the shingles to make sure they are placed evenly as you lay them.

Hammer the galvanized nails through the half sections of shingles so they are secured against the roof. Use two nails per shingle and insert them ¾-inch from the edge. The next row of shingles should cover the nails.

Lay the next row of shingles, overlapping the first by an inch, while aligning the bottom edge of the shingle with the top tabs of the previous row. Hammer two roofing nails in each shingle, as you did on the first row.

Cover the roof ridge using the ridge shingles. Overlap the top row with shingles on the opposite side of the ridge so you can completely cover the ridge. Hammer two nails in each shingle, as you did before.

Complete the succeeding rows of shingles as you did previously. Trim any overlapping shingles along the roof edge with the aviator snip, leaving 2 inches beyond the cornice.