DIY The Correct Way to Lay Shingles on a Roof and a Vent

Measure the width of one shingle — from the top edge to the bottom edge — with a measuring tape. Although shingles are usually 12 inches wide, designs do vary.

Put a mark on each end of the roof indicating placement of the top edge of the first row of shingles.

Lay a chalk line across the roof, using the marks made in Step 2 as a guide. Snap the chalk line against the roof to create a level line across the roof.

Position one shingle with the tabs of the shingle pointing up. Ensure that the top edge of the shingle aligns with the chalk line.

Drive a 7/8-inch roofing nail through each of the shingle’s tabs and into the roof with a hammer.

Install shingles along the entire length of the roof using the same method. This initial row of shingles — along the bottom — is referred to as the starter course.

Install shingles directly over the starter course. Although the shingle tabs in the starter course point upward, the tabs of the next course — called the first course — point down, toward the lower edge of the roof. Drive a 7/8-inch roofing nail just above each tab slot with the hammer. Install shingles over the entire length of the starter course using the same method.

Install the next course of shingles above the first course. This course is installed in a similar manner as the first course, but these shingles are installed at a 6-inch offset to the first course to help minimize the risk of water leaks. Trim a shingle to a width of 6 inches — side to side — with shears. Use this piece to cover the 6-inch offset at one side of the roof.

Install each successive course of shingles using the same method until you shingle up to the roof vent. Do not forget to install each course at a 6-inch offset to the last-installed course.

Cut through the shingle you intend to install directly above the roof vent with a utility blade to accommodate the bend of the vent.

Apply a liberal amount of roof cement to the back of this shingle. Position the shingle against the roof vent and press the shingle into the roof.

Install courses of shingles until you reach the ridge at the top of the roof.

Cut through the entire width of whole shingles with shears using each tab slot as a guide to create small pieces called ridge caps. As their name suggests, ridge caps are used to cover the ridge at the top of the roof.

Bend one ridge cap over one end of the roof ridge. Drive 7/8-inch roofing nails through each end of the ridge cap to secure it in place.

Position the next ridge cap onto the ridge with approximately 1 inch of the cap overlapping the previously installed cap. Secure this cap to the roof with roofing nails. Install the remaining ridge caps using the same method until the entire ridge is covered.