How To Do A Shingle Roof In Reading

Welcome to A1 Roofing Reading, one of the best shingle roofing companies in Reading, Berkshire, located in the South East of England. In this article, we are going to share with you some valuable tips on how to do a shingle roof in Reading. Shingle roofing is becoming more and more popular in Reading, especially because of their resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

What is Shingle Roofing?

Shingle roof is a kind of roof covering that comes in a wide variety of materials, including asphalt, wood, slate, and tile. Shingles are made of overlapping pieces of material laid in rows from the bottom edge of the roof to the top. The most commonly used shingles are asphalt shingles due to their affordability and easy installation process.

Old Roof Removal

The first and most important step when installing a new shingle roof is to remove the old roof. The old shingles must be removed to give the new shingles a proper base on which to adhere to. This process is known as tear-off. It is important to check the state of the decking underneath to ensure that it is not rotted or damaged.

Underlayment

Once the old roof has been removed, the next step is to install an underlayment. An underlayment is a waterproof barrier that is installed over the roof decking before the shingles are installed. This layer helps to protect the decking from any water that may penetrate the shingles. There are different types of underlayment, but the most commonly used are felt or synthetic.

Flashing

Flashing is an integral part of a shingle roof. It refers to the metal that is used to seal the joints of the roof where water may enter, such as around the chimney, vents, and skylights. The installation of flashing must be done correctly to ensure that water does not leak into the house.

Shingle Installation

When you are ready to install the shingles, you must ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment, such as a compressor, a nail gun, and sealant. The shingles should be placed in the proper position, starting from the bottom edge of the roof and working your way up.

Architectural Shingles

When choosing shingles, consider using architectural shingles as they will give your roof a unique and beautiful appearance. These shingles can be laminated or made to look like slate or wood, giving you a variety of options to choose from.

Roofing Nails

It is important to use the right kind of nails when installing the shingles. Roofing nails are long nails designed for roofing. They come with a wide head to secure the shingle in place. Using regular nails may cause the shingles to come loose and fall off.

Row Layout

There is a correct way of laying the shingles to ensure that they are durable and won't come off easily. When beginning the first row, start from the eave of the roof and lay it perpendicular to the edge. Subsequent rows should overlap the previous row by a certain amount, known as the exposure.

Bottom Row Shingles

When working on the bottom row, ensure that you use double layer shingles. This will help to protect the roof from any water that may penetrate underneath.

Avoid Walking on Shingles

While installing the shingles, avoid walking on them. Walking on the shingles may cause them to crack, leading to leaks in the roof. Instead, use a ladder and work from the ladder's peak to the eave.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is necessary for a shingle roof to last longer. A well-ventilated roof will reduce heat buildup, which can cause the shingles to curl and weaken. Proper ventilation will also reduce moisture buildup, which can lead to rot and mold growth.

Conclusion

Installing a shingle roof requires a great deal of expertise and knowledge to ensure that you get the best possible result. At A1 Roofing Reading, we have the expertise and experience needed to provide you with a high-quality shingle roof that will serve you for many years to come. Contact us today on 0118 449 2361 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a consultation. You can also visit our website at a1-roofing-reading.co.uk for more information.