How to Install Laminated Shingles on a Roof

Laminated shingles may be a surprise to homeowners used to working with asphalt shingles, which are fairly flexible. In contrast, laminated shingles are stiff, and must be installed diagonally to avoid placing undue stress on the laminated shingle panels.

Before beginning, be sure to prep your roof according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes installing roofing felt and flashing as necessary.

Step 1: Snap a chalk line on the edge of the roof to delineate the starting point for the starting shingles. In general, starter shingles are slightly shorter than the rest of the laminate shingles. For best results, measure the length of the starter shingles, then subtract ¾ inch from this measure to allow for the proper amount of overhang. This number will indicate the appropriate location for your chalk line.

Step 2: Install the first row of shingles, the laminated starter shingles, using the chalk line
you created as a guide. To install the laminated shingles, use this method. Apply a generous dab of roofing cement to the bottom corners of the underside of each laminated shingle panel, as well as a dab every 12 inches along the bottom edge. Press the roofing shingles into place, then nail into place using the designated holes with galvanized roofing nails.

TIP: When applying roofing cement, be generous, but also be sure to allow enough room for the dab of roofing cement to expand once it is pressed to the roof. There should be no seeping of roofing cement from underneath the laminated shingle: remove any at once to avoid staining the roof.

Step 3: Attach the first true row of laminated shingles by placing them over the starter shingles and flush with the edge of the roof. This alignment should allow for a tiny bit of the starter shingles to peak out from the edge.

Step 4: Install the first row of laminated shingles using the same technique used to install the starter shingles. Apply dabs of roofing cement, press the shingles into place, then nail them into place with galvanized roofing nails.

Step 5: Install the next row of laminated shingles. Use clips to detach the first shingle from a section of laminated shingles. Use the remaining shingles to start the second row, continue installing full sections of shingles until you reach the other end of the roof. Use the shingle you removed to finish the row, if necessary.

Step 6: Install the next row, removing two shingles on the first section of laminated shingles instead of one. Repeat the installation process.

Step 7: Continue installing rows, removing one additional shingle for each row until you install a single shingle to start the row. Then start the next row with a full section, and repeat the process until the roof is completely covered in laminated shingles.