How to Install a Selvedge Roof

Roll out a section of your selvedge roofing. Each roll measures 36 inches wide. One edge is covered with a 17-inch-wide mineral coating that is intended to be exposed. The other 19 inches are the selvedge, intended to overlap to provide the double coverage. Cut the mineral-coated section from the roll with a utility knife and set this aside.

Place the remaining 19-inch section of the portion of roll that you cut along the eave so that it overlaps the drip edge by 1/4 to 3/8 inches. This will be the starter strip.

Fasten a line of nails about 4 3/4 inches in from the top edge of the strip. Space the nails 12 inches apart and stagger them slightly.

Hammer a second row of nails about 1 inch from the lower edge. Space these about 12 inches apart as well.

Apply a smooth, even layer of roofing cement over the entire starter strip with a broom-handled brush.

Position a full strip of selvedge roofing so that the side and mineral-coated section lay flush with the eaves and lower edge of the starter strip.

Roll the full strip smooth with a roofer's roller. Roofer’s rollers can usually be rented at most roofing supply stores or construction equipment rental centers.

Measure 4 1/2 inches from the top of the first course and fasten with nails spaced 12 inches apart.

Nail a second row of nails, spaced 12 inches apart and positioned 13 inches in from the top of the course.

Continue with the next piece of roofing until the entire eave is covered. Overlap seams where two pieces meet by 6 inches. Roll the second piece back and coat the end of the previous section with a thick layer of roofing cement that is about 5 1/2 inches wide.

Nail the overlapped sections 1 inch in from the edge, spacing nails 4 inches apart vertically.

Apply roofing cement to the selvedge, or uncoated section of roofing, and roll the second course over top, covering only the uncoated section and leaving the 17-inch section uncovered.

Nail each section 4 1/2 inches in from the top of the course with nails 12 inches apart. Fasten a second row of nails the same distance apart but 13 inches from the top of the course.

Lay the remaining courses in the same manner until the roof is covered. Stagger overlaps so that no two overlapped sections line up with overlaps in subsequent courses.