Completing a roofing installation is a major endeavor. In order to follow roof installation instructions you should know the basic fundamentals of what a roof does, and how it protects structures. Knowing how to roof will even help those who aren’t planning to build a DIY roof. It will allow you to converse intelligently with roofing contractors. Those who build a DIY roof can make it as effective as one built by professionals, provided they follow correct roof installation instructions.

How to Roof

Underneath the shingles, roofing felt offers a waterproof layer. Here are some roof installation instructions:

• Prepare your DIY roof by clearing debris.
• Remove protruding nails or pound them in.
• Roll roofing felt towards the top of the roof.
• Hang about a half inch of the felt over the side of the roof.
• Roll roofing felt over the peak.
• Secure outside edges every foot with roofing nails.
• Overlap DIY roof rolls by about a foot.
• Repeat process until roof is covered.
• Trim excess felt.

Roofing Installation of Three Tab Shingles

Here are some roof installation instructions for a DIY roof with three tab shingles:

• Install starter shingles with tabs cut a half inch over eaves and gables.
• Make first row flush with starter shingles.
• Measure and mark to keep rows straight.
• Cut off about six inches on second row to line up exactly.
• Mark second line to keep row straight.
• Continue up to sixth row and repeat process, following markings.
• Cut around chimneys, pipes, vents, etc.
• Caulk exposed nails to prevent leaks.
• Clean debris around DIY roof site.

DIY Roof Tips for Low Slope Roofs

Some roof installation instructions for low slope roofs include:

• Ensure that plywood beneath the shingles is in good condition.
• Ensure you have enough materials to complete the DIY roof job, so that work can continue before the next rainstorm.
• If there is evidence of rot, remove and replace rotted section.
• Remove all debris, including old nails or screws.

Roofing Installation for Gutters

Here are some roof installation instructions for installing gutters on a DIY roof:

• Measure to determine gutter pipe length.
• Loosen rivets to remove old elbow.
• Put new elbow in place and attach horizontal pipe, measuring where it meets the downspout.
• Cut the pipe and crease corners to allow elbow to fit.
• Attach straps to deck and reinsert pipe in new elbow.
• Add second elbow and vertical pipe, ending about four inches above ground.
• Attach third elbow at bottom of pipe.
• Rivet and drill to attach piping to structure.
• Attach straps around piping to keep in place.

DIY Roof Instructions for Flat Roofing

Here are some DIY roof installation instructions for flat roofing:

• Sweep deck and fold membrane over roof’s surface.
• Apply flat roofing adhesive onto roof’s surface about 1 mm thick.
• Lift and stretch loose rubber to edges.
• Brush out creases or bubbles.
• Adhere bonds to edges.
• Fold other half of membrane and repeat.
• Cut mortar joints for roof wall joints.
• Glue prefabricated corners, using rubber sealants.
• Use bonding adhesive to glue perimeter, cutting off excess.