How to Staple Asphalt Shingles

Start with the bottom row of shingles. Place the first shingle flush against the roof and make sure it is square. Measure 5 5/8 inches from the bottom edge of the shingle. This is the spot in which you will fasten the row of staples. Mark the spot with a piece of chalk.

Push the staple gun down flush with the shingle. Attach a row of four staples, spaced evenly, along the line that is 5 5/8 inches from the bottom of the shingle. Check the staples to make sure they are flush with the top of the shingle, and not protruding above it, or sunken down too far in it. Repeat for each successive shingle in the row.

Attach the next row of shingles on top of the first row. Measure 5 inches from the bottom of the lower shingle, and mark the spot with chalk. Position the shingle above it so that the bottom edge lines up with the mark you just made. Each shingle should overlap the one below it so there is 5 inches of exposed shingle.

Staple the upper shingle 5 5/8 inches from the bottom edge, just as you did before. Continue each row so that there are 5 inches of exposed shingles below the overlapping shingle.

Trim the top row of shingles once you reach the peak of the roof. Usually the top row will not line up perfectly, and you will have to cut some of the shingle off to make it fit. Try to get as much of the 5 inch overlap as before when you trim each shingle. Measure and mark the top row of shingles with chalk, then cut the excess material away with your knife. Attach the row of shingles to the peak of the roof with the staples.