Installing shingles on a hip roof may seem difficult, but with the right steps, you can easily do it yourself. First, you must lay the underlayment from the bottom up, overlapping each row to keep water out. Next, install a drip edge along the roof’s edge to stop water from sneaking under. Add starter shingles at the bottom edge, as they create a base for the rest of the shingles, and then begin shingling from the bottom corner, following the roof’s slope and using a chalk line for straight rows.
You’ll need to trim the shingles for the hips and ridges to fit snugly. Cut carefully to match the roof’s angles, then overlap these areas for better protection. Finally, finish by adding ridge cap shingles along the top and hips to prevent water and wind damage. Your hip roof will be sturdy and attractive with patience and careful work. If these tasks feel difficult, you may want to consult reliable roofing contractors to get the job done professionally.
6 Steps To Install Shingles On a Hip Roof
Shingling a hip roof might look hard, but you can do it by following the below steps.
1. Get Ready for the Job
Before you start shingling, you need to get everything ready. First, check your roof for any damage or wear. Look for leaks or rotting wood. Fix these issues before you begin. Next, gather all the tools and materials you will need. This includes roofing shingles, underlayment (a protective layer), nails, a hammer, a utility knife, a chalk line for straight lines, and safety goggles and gloves to keep you safe.
2. Start with the Underlayment
The underlayment is very important because it helps protect your roof from moisture. Start by laying down the underlayment at the bottom edge of the roof and work your way up to the top. Make sure each row overlaps the one below it. This will help keep water from getting under the shingles. Secure the underlayment using roofing nails or staples.
3. Put on the Drip Edge and Starter Shingles
Next, install the drip edge along the edges of the roof. The drip edge helps to keep water from seeping under the shingles. Nail the drip edge in place so that it hangs slightly over the edge of the roof. After that, you can put on starter shingles. These are the first shingles you will place at the bottom edge of the roof. Starter shingles create a solid base for the other shingles, which helps reduce wind damage.
4. Lay Down the Asphalt Shingles
Now, it’s time to put on the asphalt shingles. Start at the bottom corner of one side of the hip roof and work your way up to the top, following the slope of the roof. Use the chalk line to help you keep the rows straight and even. When you secure each shingle, drive the nails just below the tar line. Be careful not to damage the shingles as you work.
5. Cut and Fit Shingles for the Angles
When you reach the hips and ridges of the roof, you will need to cut the shingles to fit. Measure each shingle carefully and use the utility knife to cut them to size. For the hips and ridges, you can use special ridge cap shingles. If you don’t have those, you can cut regular shingles to fit and overlap them for extra protection.
6. Finish with Ridge Cap Shingles
After you have installed all the main shingles, it’s time to add the ridge cap shingles. These special shingles go on the hips and ridges of the roof. They give your shingle roof installation a nice finished look and protect the roof from water and wind damage. Use nails or roofing adhesive to secure the ridge cap shingles. Follow the guidelines that come with the shingles to ensure they are installed correctly.
How do you nail hip and ridge shingles?
To nail hip and ridge shingles, start by taking a piece that is 6 inches long, which is the part that will be exposed. Cut this piece to the right length so it covers the shingle’s headlap and reaches the ridge’s end. Once the piece is ready, use four nails to fasten it down. Place two nails 2 inches from each side and one about 1 inch from the end of the ridge. Make sure the shingles are secure to prevent leaks and damage. This method ensures a strong and reliable finish for your roofing project.
What shingles are best for hip roofs?
The best shingles for hip roofs are asphalt shingles. They are a great option because they are versatile and durable. Asphalt shingles come in various styles and colors, so you can easily find one that fits your home’s look and your budget. Choosing the right shingles can help protect your roof and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
How many bundles of shingles do I need for a hip roof?
To find out how many bundles of shingles you need for a hip roof, you first need to know that each bundle covers about 33 square feet. A roofing square is equal to 100 square feet, so you will need about three bundles to cover one square. To figure out how many bundles you need, measure the total area of your roof in square feet. Then, divide that number by 33 to find out how many bundles you’ll need. Always buy a little extra to account for mistakes or cuts!
Conclusion
Installing shingles on a hip roof is doable with the right steps. First, check your roof for damage and gather tools like shingles, underlayment, and nails. Start by laying down the underlayment to protect against moisture, then add a drip edge and starter shingles at the bottom. Next, lay down asphalt shingles, working from the bottom to the top and cutting them for angles as needed. Finally, finish with ridge cap shingles at the top for extra protection. Perhaps its better to consult professional roofing contractors like Precision Roofing who can perform the roofing services for you easily and efficiently at the most affordable rates in town.