Replies

1. 
   theslateman | May 27, 2007 12:22pm | #1

   If they are 36" long then you'd have full,30",24",18",12",6" and then back to full.

2. 
   catfish | May 27, 2007 02:37pm | #2

   Yes, or 5".  That would be what is called Western pattern here in Florida.  Most people here use the 6" method.  as in post 2  Either is correct.

3. 
   PeteDraganic | May 27, 2007 05:48pm | #3

   It helps to use the alignment cuts at the TOP of the shingle for reference instead of measuring.

   If you are not sure what those are, look closely along the top edge (from the back) and flex the shingle to cause the cuts to separate.  Those are meant to align shingle courses as they are being laid.

   EDIT TO SAY: This method will ensure that all the exposed shingle slots/grooves will be uniformly aligned all the way up the roof. (alternating courses)

   http://www.petedraganic.com/

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   Edited 5/27/2007 10:55 am ET by PeteDraganic

4. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | May 27, 2007 07:06pm | #4

   When someone asks a question of this kind it makes me wonder if he shouldn't be asking some other fundamental questions too.  So, don't be bashful if you'd like some more help, getting started with roofing.  There's plenty of guys here who have been in your shoes, including me.

1. 
   toast953 | May 27, 2007 09:13pm | #5

   To All, ah what a great thing this internet stuff is, so my  thanks to All. Next, what I do not want, is to align every other Tab. What I do want is a Rake pattern, ie diagonal. So if I read right, I forget the 5 1/8" etc, and will plan on cutting my Book of shingles in increaments of either 5" or 6", and when I get to the 6" "shingle", and install /nail it,  I will then start with a full one, and repeat said process until I either get hungry, hot or finished. Next, when reserching the archives I read a post I enjoyed,, ie something to the effect, enjoy yourself, do not worry about speed, and do it right, I plan on doing all  three.  Once again thanks to all.. Jim J

1. 
   catfish | May 28, 2007 02:14pm | #6

   6" will give you every other waterline lined up.  5" will give you every 3rd line.

1. 
   Hazlett | May 28, 2007 02:18pm | #7

    actually catfish, I think 4 inch gives you every 3rd course lined up----it's a very handy layout for really cut-up roofs----it's hides a lot of irregularities.

   stephen

1. 
   seeyou | May 28, 2007 02:31pm | #8

   Yeah, you're right about 4". I did a 5" once on an old structure where the rakes were way out of parallel. Then I discovered dimensionals.http://grantlogan.net/

2. 
   Geoffrey | May 28, 2007 08:24pm | #9

   If you're looking for a truly random pattern, use the following, your cutouts will align on every fifth row.

   working from left to right:

   1st course is a full shingle (not counting the starter course)

   2nd course cut 6" from left end of shingle

   3rd course cut 3" from left end of shingle

   4th course cut 9" from left end of shingle

   5th course cut 6" from left end of shingle

   6th course start with a full shingle and repeat above pattern

   This method will give you a truly random pattern and reduce wearout of the shingles due to alignment of the cutouts.

                                                               Geoff

    

1. 
   toast953 | May 29, 2007 07:29am | #10

   Good Evening to all,, truck is loaded, ie compressor, gun, nails, and lots of hose. Thru in some tar, and yellow jacket, just in case. So in the am, I'll meet the roofing supplier, and "help" watch them conveyor the shingles up. Then I'll open a bundle or two, look at my crib notes, lay out some shingles and then make a decision and get started. Once again, you all are Great!!   Jim J.