How To Install Roof Shingles On Log Cabins

Log Cabin Sale

Please note: This guide on 'How to Fit Roof Shingles' has been written for information purposes and we therefore take no responsibility for any purchasing decisions you make or installation processes you follow as a result of reading this article. Whilst we act as a retailer, we are not experts nor qualified in the installation of roof shingles or any other roofing material. We therefore recommend that you refer to your manufacturer's guide and, if appropriate, consult a qualified professional.

How to apply the felt roof shingles

Our felt roofing shingles are easy to fit and can be used on log cabins roofs with a slope of 12 degrees or more.

The tools you will need are a hammer and a sharp knife for trimming. The shingles are fixed to the roof boards (or insulation boards if you have chosen the roof insulation option) with clout nails. 3 shingles make up each 1 metre shingle strip.

Whether you’re replacing your shed roof or building an extension, roof shingles are a high-quality, cost-effective roofing solution. They offer a clean, traditional appearance without compromising on strength or reliability. This makes shingles a fantastic alternative to many other pitched roofing materials.

Whilst the exact installation process can vary slightly by manufacturer and material, fitting roof shingles is generally very straightforward. Before you begin however, it’s important to check these three things:

Ensure you have the appropriate underlay membrane
Ensure you have the necessary number of fixings and adhesive
Ensure you have the correct amount of detail strip
Ensure you have the required tools and safety equipment

Fitting Roof Shingles

Now that you have everything you need ready, you can begin fitting your roof shingles. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the installation process for one of our most popular roofing shingles. Before you begin your own project however, ensure that you refer to your specific manufacturer’s guidelines. This will help you fit your new roof correctly and prevent you from voiding your warranty.

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Prepare Your Roof Deck

Prepare Your Roof Deck:
The roof deck is the surface you’ll lay your underlay membrane and shingles onto. To avoid any tears or bulges in the membrane, ensure there are no irregularities on the surface. Underlay membranes fixed with adhesive will struggle to stick to a dirty surface, so ensure that it is clean first.

It is at this stage you should ensure that the pitch of your roof is appropriate for the shingles you have purchased.

Lay Your Underlay Membrane:
If your roof has a pitch below 20°, it is recommended that you use a suitable underlay membrane. If you experience problems such as condensation or high humidity in your property, consider using a breathable membrane which will effectively combat excess moisture in internal air.

When laying your underlay membrane, remember to allow for an overlap of 150mm on each edge. You should then nail at 100mm using large headed galvanised clout nails, which will make sure your underlay doesn’t experience any lift in extreme winds.

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Fix Your Roof Shingles

Attach Detail Strip to Eaves and Verge:
Detail strips are ideal to accompany roof shingles. These strips are available in a range of colours including slate grey, red and green. Helping you to achieve a clean finish to your project. Unroll the detail strip and form a 50mm eaves drip edge, then nail it to your roof at 150mm centres. Then lay the remaining strip along the verge nailed to your roof deck at 150mm centres with 50mm centres on the face of the verge.

Fix Your Roof Shingles:
When you come to fix the roof shingles themselves, it’s best to begin at the eaves and work towards the verge. Ensure that you always keep the tiles square to the eaves and verge for a clean, crisp finish to your roof.

Lay each shingle in a broken bond pattern, then nail each strip into place using a 20mm large headed clout nail. We’d recommend using 5 fixings per shingle strip for maximum security and longevity. If you find that some tiles are too large, you can cut them to size using a Stanley blade.

Bond the eaves course tile and accompanying detail strip using a thin line of bituminous sealant adhesive. Then, use a heat gun to bond all other tiles to the lower courses. We supply a range of heat guns suitable for a variety of roofing projects.

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Secure Your Roof Shingles

Secure Your Roof Shingles at the Verge:
With your shingles square to the verge line, nail them into place using 20mm large headed clout nails. Also apply bituminous sealant adhesive to bind the shingles to the detail strip. You can use a sharp Stanley knife to trim away any unwanted overhang at the verge.

Attach Detail Strip to the Ridge:
Now that your shingles have been laid and fitted to the ridge line, unroll the detail strip, and place it centrally over the ridge. To fix the detail strip, apply a thin line of bituminous sealant adhesive approximately 25mm away from the edge. Then nail it into place using 30mm galvanised clout nails.

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Roof Shingles FAQs

How do you install roof shingles?

To install roof shingles, start by laying tarps on the ground to catch debris. Remove old shingles using a roofing fork or shovel. Install underlayment and new flashing on the roof. Cut your shingles to size if they're not pre-cut and start laying them from the bottom edge of the roof. Overlap each metal piece by at least 150 mm (6") and use asphalt plastic cement under each section of overlap.

What tools do I need to install roof shingles?

The main tools needed to install roof shingles include a roofing fork or shovel for removing old shingles, a utility knife for cutting shingles to size, a hammer or nail gun for attaching shingles to the roof, a chalk line for ensuring straight lines, and safety gear such as gloves and safety glasses.

What is the first step in installing roof shingles?

What is the first step in installing roof shingles?
The first step in installing roof shingles is to prepare the roof. This includes cleaning up the work area, checking the weather forecast, and wearing the right clothes. Then, lay tarps on the ground to catch any debris that falls off the roof during the installation process.

How do you install asphalt shingles?

How do you install asphalt shingles?
To install asphalt shingles, begin by installing underlayment and new flashing on the roof. Once that's done, cut your shingles to size if they're not pre-cut. Start laying the shingles from the bottom edge of the roof. The general approach is to cut the shingles into a piece long enough to overlap the top course on each side of the roof by five inches.

How do you prepare a roof for shingles?

To prepare a roof for shingles, begin by ensuring the area is safe and clean. Check the weather forecast to make sure it's suitable for work. Wear the right clothes and use ladders correctly. Remove any old shingles using a roofing fork or shovel, being careful not to damage windows or other structures. Lay down underlayment on the roof, which will serve as a barrier against water and ice.