Roofing Asphalt-Shingle Installation

Measure the bottom edge of the roof and divide it by the length of the shingles to determine how many shingles you need for the starter course.

Cut the tabs off the shingles you're using for the starter course by placing a straightedge across the shingles and cutting them with a utility knife.

Install the shingles for the starter course along the bottom edge of the roof. Position the shingles so they hang 1/4 inch over the edge of the roof, and drive three roofing nails through each shingle. Use a nail 4 inches in from the ends, and one in the middle.

Install the first course of shingles on the roof, positioning them so they overhang the edge of the shingles in the starter course by 1/4 inch. Use four roofing nails to attach the first course of shingles, placing them an inch above the tabs and keeping them evenly spaced.

Lay the next row of shingles onto the roof. Stagger the shingles in the second course so that they span two shingles in the first course, and place them so the bottom edge lines up with the top of the tabs in the shingles in the first course. Drive two nails into each shingle in the second course, placing them 4 inches from the edges and an inch above the tabs.

Install shingles until you reach the peak of the roof, staggering the shingles in each course. This helps prevent water from seeping through the shingles.

Cut tabs off more shingles to be the ridge caps. These are used to cover the peak of the roof. Fold the shingles over the top of the roof and drive a nail through the shingles on each side of the roof.