How to install shingles and avoid these common problems

Problems such as how to install shingles that don’t allow water intrusion, or how to prevent leaks and prevent ice dams are easily prevented if you take a systems approach to roofing.

Here’s how to avoid these common roofing problems.

Problem: How to install shingles so wind-driven rain doesn’t get under shingles and damage the roof structure

Solution

Always start by installing roof deck protection. It not only provides a strong layer of protection that keeps water from infiltrating the shingles, it also allows moisture to escape from the attic to help prevent decay, mold and mildew. With a quality roof deck protection product, the shingles will lay flatter for a better-looking roof.

Problem: How to install shingles and stop roofing leaks

Solution

Installing a leak barrier under roofing to protect leak-prone areas such as the roof’s valleys, at eave and rake edges, and around chimneys, skylights, dormers or plumbing vents. To guard against leaks at the hips and ridges, install ridge cap shingles.

Problem: How to install an attractive roof in less time and with less waste

Solution

Use pre-cut starter strip shingles with factory-applied adhesive strips when you install asphalt shingles to saves time and eliminate waste on your roofing jobs. They also reduce the possibility shingles blowing off (and in some areas can help the homeowner qualify for upgraded wind warranty coverage.)

Problem: How to install shingles and stop damage caused by excess heat and moisture in the attic

Solution

During the summer, a poorly ventilated attic can exceed a temperature of 150 degrees F. High attic temperatures can cause plywood roof decks to deteriorate, joist and truss members to split and deform, and truss plates to deteriorate and loosen. Using a high-quality attic ventilation system will help maintain proper ventilation in the attic and lower the inside temperatures, protecting the roof from the inside.

Problem: How to install shingles and stop ice dams

Solution

In cold climates, ice dams occur when the temperature on the upper part of the roof is warmer, whether because of poor attic insulation or heat from the sun, than the temperature on the lower part of the roof. Snow and ice melt and leak under and through the roofing.

This leakage can damage the sheathing, roof structure or the ceiling and walls below. Installing proper attic ventilation and insulation can prevent ice dams created by minimizing heat loss and venting moisture.