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How to Install Roll Roofing

Many building supplies stores throughout the Delaware Valley sell roll roofing. The material is similar in composition to asphalt shingles but thinner. Many homeowners with do-it-yourself experience can quickly learn how to install roll roofing. It is appropriate for low-pitch roofs, like those on sheds, gazebos, or three-seasons rooms. To avoid working with stiff and brittle material, we suggest you choose a day for your project when it is at least 50 degrees.

How to Install Roll Roofing Instructions

  1. Measure the length and width of the roof surface. Multiply the numbers to determine how many rolls of roofing to buy. Increase the number by 5% to 10% to account for pieces that need to be trimmed.
  2. Unroll the roofing material on the ground to relax some of the curl out of it.
  3. Thoroughly clean dirt from the roof with a broom. If any nails are sticking up from the roof sheathing, drive them down with a hammer.
  4. Use roofing cement to adhere the roof drip edge to bottom edge of roof deck.
  5. Measure 35 inches up from the bottom edge. Mark it with a chalk line to create a straight line parallel to the drip edge.
  6. Cut roll roofing with utility knife into sections that fit the roof.
  7. Position the first piece along the chalk line. The other edge of the roll should line up with the outer edge of the drip edge.
  8. Drive roofing nails along the bottom edge and along the sides. Place nails 1 inch from the edges and 6 inches apart.
  9. Mark another chalk line 34 inches up from the top edge of the first row of roll roofing.
  10. Put down roof cement in a band 2 inches wide along the top edge of the first row.
  11. Position the second row of roll roofing along the chalk line and overlap the roofing cement.
  12. Nail the bottom edge of the second row the same way as before.
  13. Repeat the process until the roof is complete.
  14. Seal the final top edge with roofing cement.

Tools & Materials

  • Ladder
  • Push broom
  • Roof drip edge
  • Roofing cement
  • Hammer
  • Tape measure
  • Utility knife
  • Roofing nails
  • Chalk line
  • Roll roofing

PJ Fitzpatrick Provides Delaware Valley Roofing Services

Although many homeowners understand how to install roll roofing, the material is only appropriate in limited situations. For a professional evaluation of roofing needs, consult PJ Fitzpatrick. We’ve satisfied thousands of property owners since 1980.

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