This weekend I’ll be helping a friend build a shed. It’s been a while since I’ve installed asphalt shingles, and I’ve never used architectural shingles. How do you create a starter strip, given that the architectural shingles are uneven in thickness?
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.
"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.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
i always buy a bundle of standard 3 tab,cut them and nail them down and my 1st row goes on like normal. the back side of acrtc. shingles are flat so they lay down with no problem. larry
What always overbudget said, or you could buy dedicated starter shingles, there are brand specific and generic ones. Both would work.
John Svenson, builder, remodeler, NE Ohio
What they said.
I would only add that my yard will sell me bundles of three tabs really cheap ($5.00) to use as starters. They've got plenty of odd bundles that they'll never be able to sell for roofing.
But I've also been to yards that apparently had no old inventory laying around.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
You'll need some matching three tabs for the ridge. Grab an extra bundle. Any color will work for starters.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
What they said.
Go out to the shed and drag out a bundle of those beatup three tab.
R U saying you still don't have the roof done on the spaceship yet?
Roar! Ya, she's weather tight and cargo laden for an orbit or two.
Still plan on trimming out a little with some vinyl mainly because I already have it and it'll pretty it up a bit for everyone that has to 'go see the dome'.
Almost did it this week when the weather went nice.
I'll post a pic if I ever do it. ;o)
Wayne, Just a little tip that I see most carpenters skip, and most roofers too?...Before you nail those three tabs down, cut the tabs off. That way the tar dots are right on the bottom edge of the roof where they can hold the first shingles down the best. If you look on the shingle wrappers it's usually explained right there but for some reason nobody does it. Every time I get up to the edge of a roof I check to see if I can pull the first shingle up and the only times I can't are when someone has done it as I described. I know that's how I will do my house! Doug