Deck the Roofs: Installing Roof Shingles for Christmas

Have you been wanting to improve how your roof looks but are unsure of what style to apply? This may be the sign you’re looking for! It is not too late to give your roof a makeover now that the holiday season is fast approaching. 

If you have been fascinated by the charm of shingled-roof houses in Christmas villages seen in stores or on displays, why not replicate it for your home? A brand-new, well-installed shingled roof can let you and your family get into the holiday spirit.

Learn how to safely install roof shingles for your home (or even other projects) in time for the holidays and make these last for many years to come. 

Why Install Roof Shingles?

Shingled roofs refer to a system comprised of overlapping tiles that are first applied from the roof’s base, then placed upwards until the desired roof is finished.

Installing roof shingles has been linked to multiple advantages. This system can be used on any roof style that you wish on houses, garages, sheds, or even commercial or agricultural buildings. Roof shingles also come in a variety of materials, colors, and finishes suitable for various architectural styles.

What’s the Ideal Type of Shingle to Use for Your Roof?
To answer this question, consider these factors: the shingles’ weight, cost, and appearance; project budget; local climate; and architectural style of the home or building. Once you have determined your project’s objectives and other specifications, choose your roof shingles. Some of the most common choices include:

1. Asphalt shingles: This material is considered to be the top roof material of choice in the U.S. and is a frequent choice here in the Philippines too. Asphalt roof shingles are a durable, lightweight, easy-to-install, low-maintenance, and inexpensive option that can withstand rain, wind, and other harsh weather conditions.
   
   These roof shingles are made of fiberglass sandwiched between one layer of asphalt and another layer containing ceramic granules. These three materials result in a strong roofing material that may provide capabilities like waterproofing, added strength, and UV ray protection. 

2. Three-tab Asphalt Shingles: One of the three types of asphalt shingles, this is considered its most “basic” form. Each shingle looks like it is made out of three separate pieces when in reality it is just one piece. If you’re working with a budget, these shingles are a good choice too because these are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install.
   
   Most importantly, three-tab asphalt shingles can last between 15 and 20 years with regular maintenance and inspection. In some instances, the materials can also be waterproof or fire-resistant, depending on the product used.


3. Architectural asphalt shingles: If you are willing to spend a bit more, you may want to consider architectural asphalt shingles. Architectural asphalt shingles are said to be thicker than three-tab asphalt shingles, resulting in increased durability and a longer lifespan lasting between 20 and 30 years.
   
   This material, also referred to as laminated or dimensional shingles, also comes in more colors and shapes and provides a 3D-like appearance.


4. Wooden shingles: Roofing made out of wood is recommended for structures in dry climates since these can provide insulating abilities and make the surroundings cooler. An advantage linked to using wooden roof shingles would be their longer durability compared to asphalt shingles. However, wooden shingles would have to undergo periodic maintenance and treatments that may not be affordable.   

Aside from these materials, shingles to be used for roofing can also be made of clay, copper, and plastic. Feel free to ask an industry expert who can guide you through the material that’s best for your project. 

Asphalt Roof Shingles Installation in the Philippines: Is It Possible?

Yes, it is! Using this material to give your roof a new look is possible in this country (and even elsewhere). However, it is definitely not an easy task, especially for beginners. Ideally, you would want to install asphalt roof shingles under the guidance of an industry expert. Check out this guide on asphalt roof shingles installation so you can be aware of what this task entails:

• Tools and materials you’ll need:
  • Hammer or nail gun
  • Straight edge
  • Knife
  • Broom
  • Chalk line
  • Roofing shovel
  • Multiple tarps
  • Asphalt shingles (or roof shingles of your choice) 
  • Drip edges
  • Felt paper
  • 1 1/4-inch roofing nails
  • Roofing cement

1. Remove existing shingles (if there are): If you want to replace old shingles with new ones, use a roofing shovel to remove the said material, nails, and underlayment. This shovel is specially designed to wedge under the shingles.


2. Clear debris on the roof: Use a stiff-bristled broom to clear debris that may be left behind. If there are nails that were not taken off, use a hammer to remove them.


3. Inspect the roof for issues or damage: Before installing new shingles, look for signs of water damage, unevenness, or warping on the roof. If there are none, you can proceed to installing new roof shingles. However, if there are signs of damage, you may need to hit pause on applying new shingles and fix the underlying issue first. 


4. Install a drip edge on the roof and gable ends: Attach the drip edge to the roof with 1 1/4-inch roofing nails. Don’t forget to allot a 1/2-inch gap between the fascia board and bottom part of the drip edge’s kicker. Ideally, it should be close to the end of the fascia board, but not touching or overlapping.
   
   This step is important because a drip edge prevents rainwater from accumulating and curling up under your roof’s edge. Ultimately, it lowers the risk of water damage and leaks in your home.


5. Cover the roof with felt paper: Attach felt paper using the same type of roofing nails you used when setting up the drip edges. Make sure the felt paper lies flat against the roof without ridges or folds. Industry experts recommend laying out the felt paper in overlapping rows, parallel to the gutter. This method helps ensure that the shingles will not make direct contact with the roof.
   
   Felt paper is important because it serves as a “buffer” between the shingles and the roof. Felt paper allows the shingles to expand and contract once temperature changes happen and help absorb condensation that can appear under the shingles.
   
   
6. Install your starter strip or the first row of shingles: Let the shingles hang over the drip edge by half an inch. Measure your shingles’ height and mark a line underneath the material to have a clearer view of where the overlap should be. 


7. Mark the succeeding shingles’ positions: To aid with a more “uniform” application, use a chalk line to make a grid featuring horizontal spacing (6 inches) and vertical spacing (5 inches). This can serve as a “template” that will help you determine where to put the roof shingles so they can overlap accurately.


8. Continue installing the shingles: Follow package instructions for the materials regarding the appropriate use of roofing nails that’ll keep the shingles in place. Don’t forget to install roof shingles around skylights and vents, as well as on ridge caps, cutting these into the appropriate size if needed.


9.  Tidy up: Once you are done and satisfied with the finished roof, clean up debris and put away materials you may not have used.

Remember These Tips When Installing Roof Shingles

Aside from knowing the dos and don’ts of applying roof shingles, take note of these other vital tips that can help make this task less worrisome and stressful:

1. Pay attention to the weather: Industry experts recommend that you apply roof shingles once the weather is clear. Doing this task on a rainy day can be a recipe for disaster. If rainy weather has been forecast, delay the project until the skies are clear.


2. Always wear safety gear: No matter who will be working on the roof, it is important that they use safety gear like a harness and a line attached to the roof’s edge. If possible, install safety rails around the roof to help prevent people from falling. Don’t forget to wear hard hats, goggles, gloves, masks, and rubber-soled boots or shoes when working on your roof.


3. Clear front and/or backyards: There is a possibility that debris can fall from the roof and damage furniture, grills, and other decorations. Before setting up your roof for installations, make sure these areas are clean and free of materials. 

For Your Roofing Needs, Choose Island Paints

Not keen on installing a shingled roof in time for the holidays, but want to give your roof a makeover anyway? Island Premium Paints has the products you need!

For starters, you can apply Island Paints RoofKote 370 Metaprime Gray on galvanized iron sheets that are new, dull, and uncorroded. This emulsion-based primer helps increase the adhesion of Island Paints RoofKote, an acrylic water-based coating.

Island Paints RoofKote is recommended for galvanized iron, gutter, downspout, masonry, concrete tile roofs, or unglazed brick tiles and offers durability and flexibility, while being resistant to flaking, cracking, and chalking. The result? Long-lasting and durable roofs for years to come. 

Spread the holiday cheer with a home that’s refurbished just in time for the festive season! Head over to the Island Paints website today for more decorating and home makeover tips that can last even beyond the holiday season.

References:

https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/roofing/buying-guide/

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/21016973/how-to-install-roof-shingles

https://www.bria.com.ph/articles/types-of-roofing-you-should-consider/

https://todayshomeowner.com/roofing/guides/how-to-install-roof-shingles/

https://www.roofingmegastore.co.uk/blog/what-are-roof-shingles.html

https://ritewindow.com/blog/what-is-a-shingle-roof/

https://rrofga.com/uncategorized/4-things-to-consider-while-choosing-your-roofing-shingles/

https://www.thespruce.com/asphalt-shingles-for-your-home-1824686