As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This step-by-step guide walks you through installing asphalt roof shingles from tear-off to ridge cap. Topics include preparing the deck, installing ice & water shield and underlayment, setting drip edge in the correct sequence, running the starter course, nailing pattern (4 nails per shingle, 6 in high-wind zones), proper offset, valley details (open vs closed cut), step flashing at sidewalls, and capping ridges and hips. Includes safety reminders, code references, and links to the matching shingle, ridge cap, and nail calculators.
Laying shingles is a sequence, and almost every failure is a step done out of order rather than a step done badly. This is the order, from bare deck to finished ridge.
| Step | What goes on | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eave drip edge, on the bare deck | Under the underlayment at the eave |
| 2 | Ice barrier at eaves and valleys | At least 24 in inside the exterior wall line |
| 3 | Field underlayment, bottom up | Laps per the roll; keep it flat |
| 4 | Rake drip edge, over the underlayment | Opposite order from the eave |
| 5 | Starter strip, eaves and rakes | Adhesive strip toward the eave edge |
| 6 | First course, then up the roof | Offset each course; chalk lines throughout |
| 7 | Step flashing at walls, woven in | One piece per course, plus a kickout |
| 8 | Valleys cut or metal exposed | Chalk the cut; no nails through the centre |
| 9 | Ridge vent, then hip and ridge cap | Cap exposure per the vent, not the shingle |
Four nails per shingle as standard, six in a high-wind zone or above 21/12. Every nail goes through the marked nail line, in the common bond where two layers overlap, driven flush — not sunk through the mat and not left proud.
| Roof area | 4-nail | Weight | 6-nail | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | 3,960 | 28.3 lb | 5,940 | 42.4 lb |
| 2,000 sq ft | 5,280 | 37.7 lb | 7,920 | 56.6 lb |
| 2,500 sq ft | 6,600 | 47.1 lb | 9,900 | 70.7 lb |
Eave drip edge, ice barrier, field underlayment, rake drip edge, starter strip, then shingles from the eave up, with step flashing woven in at walls, then the ridge vent and cap last.
Four as standard, six in a high-wind zone or above 21/12 pitch. Every one goes through the marked nail line, in the common bond where two layers overlap.
Chalk a line for every course or every few courses, check against it, and measure up from the eave at both ends periodically. A roof running out of square shows badly at the ridge.
Nailing above the nail line, overdriving, staples, no starter strip at the rakes, and inadequate attic ventilation — the last is the most commonly cited exclusion of all.
Before you climb: the best extension ladder for roof work sizes the ladder and explains duty ratings.
Choosing footwear for the job? See our roofing shoes and boots guide.
Planning the schedule? The roofing labor hours calculator shows how long it takes to roof a house by size, pitch and crew.
Hand-nailing the shingles? Pick a head weight and grip from the roofing hammer guide.
First roof? The roofing tools for beginners list covers what to buy and what to rent.
Ordering before you start? The shingle calculator gives bundles and squares with the waste for hips and valleys.