You've decided it's time to tackle that roofing project you've been putting off. Installing a new roof yourself may seem like an easy way to save some cash, but trust us, it's not worth the risk. Roofing is dangerous work; if you don't know what you're doing, you could seriously hurt yourself or damage your home. We get it, though; hiring pros is expensive. That's why we put together this beginner's guide to walk you through installing shingles yourself. By the end, you'll know what's involved, how long it should take, the tools and safety gear you'll need, and most importantly, whether this is a DIY job or best left to the experts. Ready to get started? Let's go over the roofing basics. 

Tools and Materials Needed for Installing Roof Shingles 

If you're ready to take on a DIY roofing project, you'll need to gather the necessary tools and materials.  

The essentials include:  

• Asphalt or fiberglass shingles: Choose between 3-tab or architectural shingles. 3-tabs are more affordable but don't last as long. Architectural shingles are thicker and more durable. 
• Roofing nails or staples: Get 1 1/4-inch to 2-inch nails for most shingles. Staples can work, but nails are more secure. 
• Hammer: A heavy-duty roofing hammer is best. 
• Chalk line: Used to ensure your rows are straight. 
• Pry bar: Helpful for removing old shingles or nails. 
• Utility knife: Cuts shingles to fit edges and valleys. 
• Tin snips: Required for cutting metal flashing. 
• Caulk gun: For sealing around vents, skylights, and the chimney. 
• Roof cement or roof sealant: Used to bond shingles in place. 
• Ladder and roof jacks: Essential for accessing different areas of the roof. Ensure you have proper safety gear, like a harness, to prevent falls. 
• Knee pads: Roofing requires a lot of kneeling so pads will save your knees. 
• Dust mask, work gloves, and safety glasses: Important for protecting yourself from debris and the elements. 

While the list of tools and materials may seem long if you go in prepared, installing your roof shingles is certainly doable for a DIYer. However, roofing can be dangerous if you're inexperienced. It may be worth considering a professional to ensure it's done correctly and avoid potential hazards. Your safety is essential, after all. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Asphalt Shingles 

Installing roof shingles is a big job, but if you want to avoid paying expensive contractor fees, you can do it yourself. Ensure you know what you're getting into - this is not a quick weekend project!  

Follow these steps to install asphalt shingles on your roof:  

First, you'll need the necessary tools and materials.  

This includes roofing shingles, roofing nails or staples, a hammer or nail gun, a pry bar, a utility knife, tape measure, chalk line, plywood sheets, roof cement or roof sealant, and safety equipment like work gloves, eye protection, and sturdy shoes. 

Next, inspect and repair your roof deck - the plywood base under the shingles. 

Replace any water-damaged or warped sheets. Apply roof cement over any cracks or holes. 

Then, install the drip edge and underlayment.  

The drip edge goes along the roof's edges to direct water away from the deck. The underlayment, like roofing felt, provides an extra weather-resistant layer under the shingles. 

Now you're ready to lay shingles!  

Snap a chalk line for your first row, then apply shingles according to the instructions on the packaging, typically working from the bottom of the roof up and offsetting each row. Secure each shingle in place with roofing nails and seal the edges with roof cement. 

Work slowly and carefully, and avoid attempting steeply pitched or multi-story roofs. While DIY roofing can save money, your safety is most important. If you have doubts or limited experience, hiring a professional roofer is your best option. Your roof is not something you want to gamble with! 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Roof Shingles 

As a newbie roofer, there are a few common mistakes you'll want to avoid to ensure your shingle installation goes smoothly. 

Not preparing the roof deck properly. 

The roof deck is the surface under your shingles, usually made of plywood. It needs to be clean, flat, and securely nailed down before you start shingling. Check for any damaged or warped sheets of plywood and replace them. Then, inspect to ensure all nails are flush with the surface. An uneven roof deck will lead to an uneven shingle installation. 

Not installing shingle courses correctly. 

Shingles are installed in horizontal rows called courses, starting from the bottom of the roof and working your way up. Ensure each shingle in a course overlaps the shingle below by at least 2 inches. Also, stagger the shingles so the joints between shingles in one course do not line up with the joints in the courses above and below. This helps prevent leaks. 

Not allowing for expansion. 

Shingles expand and contract with temperature changes, so you must leave some extra space around vents, skylights, and the roof's edges. If shingles are installed too tightly, they can buckle or warp as they expand. Leave at least 1/4 inch of space around any protrusions or edges. 

Not sealing and securing properly. 

Apply roofing cement or roof sealant to seal shingles around vents, at the edges of the roof, and in any spots where nails have missed or not secured the shingles fully. Check that all shingles are securely fastened down, especially at the edges and corners. Loose or unsealed shingles are a major cause of leaks and wind damage. 

Rushing the job 

Installing roof shingles is difficult, detail-oriented work. Rushing through the job will likely lead to mistakes and a poor quality result. Take your time to do it right the first time. Your roof's longevity depends on it! 

How Long Does It Take for a Beginner to Install a Roof? 

Installing roofing shingles yourself as a beginner is no small task. It requires time, patience, and the right tools and safety equipment. While the actual shingle installation may take a few days, the full roof replacement project can span 1-2 weeks when you account for removing the old shingles, inspecting the roof deck, and proper cleanup. 

The time required depends on a few factors:  

• Roof size and pitch. A larger, steeper roof takes longer than a smaller, flatter one. 
• Number of layers. Removing multiple existing layers of shingles adds time. It's best to strip down to the roof deck and start fresh. 
• Experience level. If you've never installed shingles before, the learning curve can be steep. Take it slow and follow the instructions carefully. Ask someone with experience to help guide you through the first few rows. 
• Weather conditions. Adverse weather like high heat, rain, or wind will slow down progress and may force you to stop work altogether until conditions improve. Plan for potential weather delays in your schedule. 
• Type of shingles. Architectural or premium shingles with more complex designs take longer to install than basic 3-tab shingles. 
• Additional features. Adding flashing, vents, skylights, or other elements will increase the total time. 

All told, for a standard-sized roof (2000-3000 square feet) with a moderately steep pitch, installing shingles for the first time, you can expect the entire replacement project to take around 50-70 hours of work for an inexperienced DIYer. The actual shingle installation may take 30-50 hours. While doable for many homeowners, hiring a professional roofing contractor to handle the installation efficiently and ensure it's watertight for years to come makes sense. 

Why You Should Hire a Professional Roofer (And Not DIY) 

Installing roofing shingles is not for amateurs. While the idea of saving money by DIYing your roof may seem appealing, there are many reasons why hiring a professional roofer is the smarter choice. 

Safety 

Roofing is dangerous work, especially if you have little to no experience. Professionals are trained and equipped to safely navigate steep rooftops and heights. They also have the proper safety harnesses and equipment to prevent falls. As a novice, you have a much higher chance of injury by attempting this yourself. 

Experience 

Professional roofers have installed countless roofs over many years. They are experts who know the proper techniques to get the job done right the first time. They understand how shingles should overlap, how to cut and seal around vents, and how to achieve an even, watertight coverage. Without this experience, your DIY roofing job may end up uneven, prone to leaks, and requiring expensive repairs sooner. 

Quality Materials 

Professionals have access to high-quality roofing materials that will last longer. They can also assess your roof needs to determine the best shingles for your home's design and climate. The shingles and other supplies you purchase at a home improvement store may not withstand your area's weather as well over the roof's lifetime. 

Warranties 

Professional roofers often provide strong workmanship warranties and facilitate manufacturer warranties on materials. Should anything fail or leak prematurely, they will return to make necessary repairs and replacements to uphold their warranty. You are fully responsible for any issues if you install the roof yourself. 

Time Savings 

A professional crew can complete an entire roof in a matter of days. As a DIYer, it may take you weeks or months of work on nights and weekends to fully install your roof, and that's if everything goes smoothly. Your time is valuable, so consider hiring an expert to do the work efficiently. At the same time, you can focus on other priorities. 

Hiring a professional roofer is worth the investment for safety, quality, and peace of mind. Your roof is too important to risk doing yourself! 

Directorii: The Best Roofing Contractors Near You to Install Roofing Shingles 

Professionals best navigate the world of roofing. Installing a new roof is a substantial task with risks of injury and potential leaks. Why take on the stress of a DIY job when you can entrust the task to a seasoned, licensed contractor? This is where Directorii shines. Our platform connects you with efficient, professional roofers near you, ready to tackle your roofing project. Each contractor is certified and licensed, ensuring your roof installation is in expert hands. With Directorii, you can rest easy knowing your roof will be secure, protecting your home for years to come.