FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Do Not Remove on Shingles

InOvrHisHead | Posted in General Discussion on March 3, 2007 04:06am

Had new house roofed in November with architectural shingles. I assumed the plastic ‘Do Not Remove’ strip between the shingles was just for shipping and was removed for installation, but the roofers didn’t. Is this correct?

Asking because we haven’t had much sun or warmth, but have had a lot of wind since the roof was put on. The roofers have been back once to fix shingles that blew off and the past couple of days we’ve lost even more in roughly the same area of the roof.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Stilletto | Mar 03, 2007 04:09pm | #1

    Sounds like they nailed their shingles to high,  if you miss the double layer of the laminate archtechural shingle it will greatly reduce it's resistance to wind. 

    Or the nails are blown through the shingle. 

    When people don't know what you're about,
    They put you down and shut you out. 

  2. Tom69 | Mar 03, 2007 04:17pm | #2

    That strip keeps the shingles from sticking together in the event that they get hot while still packaged. Once they are laid up, they are then offset from the stickdown tar strip. I have seen many roof jobs (usually HO) where those plastic ribbons are everywhere.

    1. User avater
      McDesign | Mar 03, 2007 04:28pm | #3

      <(usually HO) where those plastic ribbons are everywhere.>

      Yeah - why is that?

      I imagine that they've also torn all the tags off their mattresses.

      Forrest

  3. Danno | Mar 03, 2007 04:37pm | #4

    As far as I understand it, those little cellophane strips stay on. I used to strip them off before installation and was told to leave them because they do something good--don't exactly remember what--something like keeping the oil in the bituminous seal down strip from soaking through the shingle or something. Anyway, leave them on.

  4. DanH | Mar 03, 2007 04:51pm | #5

    There's no harm in removing the strips, but no need to, and removing them creates unnecessary blowing trash. They just prevent the shingles from sticking together in shipping. When the shingles are layed, the strip no longer falls on top of the sticky strip on the shingle below. (If you have a couple of spare shingles, lay them out like on a roof and see where the strips fall.)

    Self-sealing shingles need at least a few warm days to seal down properly. Usually this will happen even in winter (around here) when a few bright, sunny days warm up the roof (especially if dark color).

    But laking sufficient warm weather it's not unusual to lose a few shingles. The installers should warrant for this, through the first winter at least.

    So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
    1. rez | Mar 03, 2007 06:52pm | #7

      Seems I recall once reading on the wrap of a bundle of shingles specific bold print saying not to remove the cellophane strip, hence an agreement with Danno that there is probably more involved than just a storage concern. 

       

      every court needs a jester

      1. DanH | Mar 04, 2007 04:38am | #10

        Think about it: Which is clearer -- "Do not remove" or "You can remove this strip if you want to but you don't need to and removing it makes a big mess and gets the neighbors upset"?
        So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

      2. Piffin | Mar 04, 2007 11:41am | #16

        no reason for leaving it on. They just print that to save all the novices from wasting their time or even calling the company to waste tech time telling them to leave it on. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  5. Shep | Mar 03, 2007 04:54pm | #6

    Your answer is your lack of sun and warmth.

    The shingles need to be heated up to activate the glue. Once that happens, everything will seal together.

    Some roofers don't like to roof in the winter months for just that reason.

    And the plastic strips can stay on- they don't effect anything once the shingles are insatlled.

    1. DownEastRoofah | Mar 03, 2007 07:03pm | #9

      I roof in the winter but only with Chateus ( Architechiual ) I see roofers pulling the plastic of the back of the shingles and seems to me that if you were supposed to do that it would say on the bundle...plus its just more of a mess and more time on the roof..Dont get me wrong I am very picky about my roofs and always will be but I do like to save time and the home owner a little money...

      1. Piffin | Mar 04, 2007 11:44am | #17

        "I see roofers pulling the plastic of the back of the shingles ..."Wouldn't you aree that the guys you see doing this are fishermen, farmers, and carpenters who just happen to be laying shingles? They damn sure aren't roofers! 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  6. Schelling | Mar 03, 2007 06:52pm | #8

    As everyone has told you, the plastic strips are not the problem.

    I would be worried about the shingles blowing off. The self sealing aspect of the shingles helps to keep the shingles from blowing off but it should not be necessary except in very high winds > 50 mph. This is especially true of new laminated shingles which don't bend very much when cold. I think that this must be the result of poor nailing. As one poster said, the roofers nailed the shingles too high. This is not hard to do as the area where the shingles are double thickness is not big.

    BTW, it is commom for the shingles on the north side of the roof to seal poorly at best, even in the summer. If the roof is steep, it will only get direct sun in the early morning or late evening in the summer. The north side will not seal in the winter in northern latitudes even on the sunniest day. If you have an exceptionally windy site you may have to put dabs of tar under the shingles. This was the old school technique before shingles were self sealing.

    1. InOvrHisHead | Mar 04, 2007 07:31am | #12

      We've gotten some fairly strong gusts but I don't think anything in the 50mph range. I hadn't heard anything about nailing too high. If the roofers were at fault I would have assumed it was because they had their gun setting the nails too deep. The shingles we've lost have all been on the south-west side. We're more protected in the north.I guess I was thinking I'd just have to pay them to come back and put more shingles up. My bad luck for having too much wind and not enough warmth or sunshine to seal the shingles down. Or, should I expect them to come back and fix it?

      1. DanH | Mar 04, 2007 07:33am | #13

        They should fix for free any shingles that blow off in the first year, at least.
        So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

      2. Piffin | Mar 04, 2007 11:46am | #18

        Can you get any digital photos up here of the damage, the shingles, and the nailing location? 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      3. Piffin | Mar 04, 2007 11:49am | #19

        I should not let thios bother me so much, but there is NO WAY you should have to pay a dime for having these replaced!If the winds were 80-90 MPH. then your insurance should replace them.But there is every reason to believe that these guys just plain screwed up. Don't let them screw you. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      4. Stilletto | Mar 04, 2007 01:07pm | #20

        I am doing a large roof now,  and I am about 1/2 done.  Of the 600 sq of shingles nailed down not one has blown off.   We are gutting alot of wind gusts as well. 

         

         When people don't know what you're about, They put you down and shut you out. 

        1. Piffin | Mar 04, 2007 01:22pm | #21

          LOL, you've got those shingles trained to wait until you get paid to start blowing off, right?;) 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. Stilletto | Mar 04, 2007 01:27pm | #22

            It takes time convincing the shingles to do that.  People look at me funny when they see me talking to the pallets of shingles.  :)  When people don't know what you're about, They put you down and shut you out. 

      5. Schelling | Mar 04, 2007 04:24pm | #25

         

         

        "I hadn't heard anything about nailing too high"

        Laminated shingles are made in two pieces. These pieces lap each other in the middle and are glued together. The lap is about an inch wide. If you look at the short edge of a shingle you can see this.

        The nails are meant to go through this double layer. Often there is a white line indicating where to put the nails. If you are careless or just in a rush it is easy to nail above the lapped area. This is no big deal if it is an occasional nail or if the roof seals up well in the heat.

        It is not likely that the nail gun pressure could be set too high if you are nailing through the lapped area on the shingle. More often the nails need to be set with a hammer because they were not driven in far enough. If you nail through a single layer it is still unlikely to drive the nails though the shingles UNLESS you are nailing right above the lap. In this spot, especially in cold weather, the shingle can shatter. This area is especially vulnerable because it is near the top of the preceding course. Thus the top shingle is poorly fastened as is the course below.

        Of course all this is speculation. If you can get the guy to come back and replace the missing shingles, I would be happy with that. Good luck. Maybe these "roofers" will learn a lesson.

        1. rez | Mar 04, 2007 08:01pm | #26

          get the guy to come back and replace the missing shingles

          yes, and then he wonder for the next 15 or 20 years about all the rest of the shingles:o)

          be did they, or didn't they?Will they or won't?If it ain't done right then sweet sleep I won't. 

           

          every court needs a jester

          1. DanH | Mar 04, 2007 10:38pm | #27

            Once they've sealed down then there won't be any blow-off problems.
            So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

          2. rez | Mar 04, 2007 11:09pm | #28

            Unless he's on a ridge somewhere with funnelling winds banging on the 3 tab roof 24 hrs a day. 

             

            every court needs a jester

          3. DanH | Mar 04, 2007 11:12pm | #29

            In which case nothing will save him.
            So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

          4. rez | Mar 04, 2007 11:16pm | #30

            snort 

             

            every court needs a jester

  7. Hackinatit | Mar 04, 2007 04:45am | #11

    The plastic strips have manufacture date/model/factory information for warranty purposes (at least on Certainteed). If the strip is gone, so is the warranty/recall information.

    Leave them. Let the roofers warranty the (lack of) craftsmanship.

    Troy Sprout

    Socialism in general has a record of failure so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it."
    -- Thomas Sowell

  8. User avater
    Matt | Mar 04, 2007 07:43am | #14

    Why not get up there and check their work.  It's not rocket sceince to lift a few shingles and take a peek at their nailing.  If it is a sttep roof you can do this while still standing on an extension ladder.  Report back with your findings.

    1. InOvrHisHead | Mar 05, 2007 08:15pm | #33

      Matt,Was not really looking forward to climbing up on the roof. Ever see 'Vertigo' with Jimmy Stewart? Enough of the shingles made it down intact to the ground other than the holes where the nails previously had been. There's a white line on the shingles. Some of the nails are in this line, but I'd say most are 1/2" to 1" above it. Would you say they were nailed too high?

      1. Schelling | Mar 06, 2007 01:14am | #37

         "Some of the nails are in this line, but I'd say most are 1/2" to 1" above it."

        If the nails go through the shingle where it is two layers thick, this is the right spot. Another thing you can check is whether there are any nail holes at the top of the shingles that have blown off. These holes would be made by the nails for the course above if it was nailed in the proper position.

      2. Stilletto | Mar 06, 2007 05:40am | #38

        Look at the back of the shingle,  where are the nail holes?  Do they penetrate both layers? When people don't know what you're about, They put you down and shut you out. 

        1. Piffin | Mar 07, 2007 03:53am | #39

          Another way of putting it would be - Is there signs of two rows of nails making holes in the shingle? one at the nail line and one near the top where the next up shingle should have been nailed thru it. 8-12 nails in all 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. Stilletto | Mar 07, 2007 04:25am | #40

            I concur with that statement. 

            He was wondering if the nails were to high,  I gave him the easiest way to check.  Flip the shingle over and see if the nails hit both layers.  When people don't know what you're about, They put you down and shut you out. 

  9. Piffin | Mar 04, 2007 11:37am | #15

    No need to assume. The strip is for shipping and stoprage only so the shingles do not stick to each other in the package. once they offset upon installation, the strip does nothing.

    The most common misunderstanding I see in roofing amoung do-it-yourselfers is wasting time removing that strip.

    Now then - you called the installers "roofers"

    If those were roofers I'm an astronaut! Nobody with an ounce of roofing experience will waste two seciond even thinking about removing those strips!

    So my conclusion is that since they showed them selves to be something other than experienced roofers on this item, they didn't know a lot of other things. That lack of basic roofing knowledge is what is the source of you trouble.

    Now I'm gonna read the rest of this thread. I'm enjoying it already...

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. DanH | Mar 04, 2007 03:09pm | #23

      Go back and re-read. The roofers DID NOT remove the strips, despite the HOs suggestion.
      So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

      1. Piffin | Mar 04, 2007 04:21pm | #24

        You could be right. Now that I re-read, I'm more confused as to what the roofers didn't...Complicated sentence structure there.regardless of that - what the roofers did do was "something wrong" 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. InOvrHisHead | Mar 05, 2007 08:18pm | #34

      Come back down to earth, Piffin. The guys that did the roof job left the plastic strips on. I'm the one who was questioning removing it or not and I don't claim to be a roofer.

      1. Piffin | Mar 05, 2007 10:00pm | #35

        OK, Here I am.Are theese nails still in the shingle? Or are you reporting where they used to be?
        In other wiords,did the shingles that came off tear out around the nail, leaving it in the roof, or did the nail come out along with the shingle? 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  10. Geoffrey | Mar 04, 2007 11:42pm | #31

     

    Had new house roofed in November with architectural shingles. I assumed the plastic 'Do Not Remove' strip between the shingles was just for shipping and was removed for installation, but the roofers didn't. Is this correct?

    short answer.....yes, no need to remove the strip.

    The roofers have been back once to fix shingles that blew off..

    as they should have.....what warranty did they give you?

    and the past couple of days we've lost even more in roughly the same area of the roof

    and they should come back and fix those as well......Have you looked at any of these blow-offs?  I'm wondering if they fastened them with staples instead of nails... that might explain the blow-offs... I don't believe the manufacturer will warranty any of the install if done with staples....check the makers warranty label and /or install instructions........if staples are not involved then as stated check the location of the nails and the depth at which they are set, should be just flush with the shingle surface, too deep,or not deep enough, will cause problems....check some of what's come off to see where the nail holes are in relation to the nailing strip,typically two horizontal white lines across the shingle, which designate the nailing area. Post back with your findings.

                                     Geoff

     
    1. fingersandtoes | Mar 05, 2007 09:02am | #32

      Speaking of nailing patterns on shingles, check out the picture on page 89 of the March issue of FH. The guy is all over the place.

  11. DanH | Mar 05, 2007 10:29pm | #36

    Just to be sure: You said "new house". Is this a truely new house or just "new to you". Was this roofing over bare sheathing (with tarpaper, of course) or was it a "roof-over" on top of an existing layer of shingles?

    So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia

Listeners write in about fireplaces affecting family harmony and bionic suits, before asking questions about brick steps, ground-source heat pumps, and building a dome greenhouse in Maritime Canada.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data