Installing roll roofing is a simple, low-cost way to add roofing to a small-scale building project like a garage, workshed, or gazebo. Roll roofing has a very similar composition to asphalt shingles, so you might not easily identify it as roll roofing when you come across it. It is an oil-surfaced asphalt product with a life expectancy of 5 to 8 years. Although similar to asphalt shingles, it wears out faster because it is thinner.
ROLL ROOFING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Gather Your Tools
The first step is the most obvious; you need to have the materials and tools with you. Below are some of the tools and materials you’d need. If you don’t have them, most home improvement stores would:
- Roll roofing
- Chalk line
- Roofing cement
- Ladder
- Roofing nails
- Push broom
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Gloves
- Trowel
- Drip edge flashing
- Tin shears
2. Measure The Roof
Climb up the roof using your extension ladder. Measure the length and width of the roof and multiply the results to determine the number of rolls you need to buy.
3. Clean The Roof
If you currently have installed shingles, roll roofing can be laid out over them. However, it is best to avoid roof layovers for smooth installation. Once you’ve taken out existing shingles, use a claw hammer to pull out and remove them. Proceed to clean the roof thoroughly with a push broom.
Remember to roll out the roofing materials on the ground to loosen some of the curls and flatten the material.
4. Install Drip Edge
A drip edge flashing is a metal nailed down around the edges of your roof to prevent water from sipping through your roofing materials. To install the roof edge, apply roofing cement around the bottom edge of the roof, then attach the drip edge flashing with the roofing nails.
5. Mark Up Your Working Area
Using Your Measuring Tape And Chalk Line, Measure 35 Inches up from the bottom edge of the roof and run a chalk line from that edge to the other end.
6. Cut Roll Roofing
Use your utility knife to cut the roll roofing into portions that fit the roof.
7. Lay The First Layer Of Rolled Roofing
Lay out the first row of the roofing along the chalk line. Hammer and roofing nails down the roll to the roofing deck, 6-10 inches apart, about an inch from the edges.
8. Mark The Second Chalk Line And Repeat Until Done
Measure a chalk line 32 inches rather than 35 from the top edge of the first layer so the edge of the second row will overlap the first row.
Once all the rolls have been installed, seal the final top edge with cement.
If you’re looking for an affordable material that’s very easy to install as a DIY project, rolled roofing could work well for that workshed or garage. But opt for a more durable option if your home roof needs replacement.