If you're looking for "how to: roofing shingles" information, you've come to the right place. This article is about five resources that can tell you what you need to know.
How to: Roofing Shingles – Resource # 1 Shingle Wrappers
Most building codes defer to manufacturers' installation instructions and they are printed right on the shingle wrappers. Pay particular attention to the location specified for the nails. Putting those in the wrong place could cause you all kinds of grief including: leaks, shingles blowing off in high wind and failing to pass the roofing inspection. It's also a good idea to keep a shingle wrapper after the job, as a record of the exact brand, type and lot number of the shinglees you installed.
How to: Roofing Shingles – Resource # 2 Manufacturers Websites
The installation information that is on the shingle wrappers is also available on the manufacturers' websites in downloadable PDF format. Just search the website for whatever brand of shingles you are using. The installation instructions are often found in the contractor area of the site. It's a good idea to print them out, so you can read it over and get any questions that you have answered BEFORE starting to shingle.
How to: Roofing Shingles – Resource # 3 Forums
A handy place to get those questions answered is at roofing forums. To find them, just type "roofing + forum" into your favorite search engine. But be aware that there is a wide range of people answering the questions. Each has his own opinions, expertise and background. It's been said that we do not see things as THEY ARE; we see things as WE ARE.
How to: Roofing Shingles – Resource # 4 Books
Do not overlook this classic source of great information. Books on some subjects are practically obsolescent by the time they get printed, but roofing principles and practices evolve slowly. That makes roofing books a good source of detailed information. Two of my favorites are "Roofing with Asphalt Shingles" by Mike Guertin and "Roofing the Right Way" by Steven Bolt. If your local library does not have them, they can probably get them for you.
How to: Roofing Shingles – Resource # 5 Local Roofing Professionals
There's probably some people right in your community that would be glad to answer your roofing questions. Your roofing supplier will know about the various roofing products. The roofing inspector will know all about the code requirements. You will probably be using both of these sources wherever you do-it-yourself or not, so they should be helpful.
A good roofing contractor will know all about teasing off the old roof and installing the new one. It's a good idea to get at least one roofing estimate, even if you're thinking about doing the work yourself. While the roofer is there, you can "pick his brain". Just be up front with him and offer to pay for his time. If you treat him right, you can call him to bail you out if you get in trouble, or bite off more than you can chew!
