How to Apply Rolled Roofing

Roofing comes in many different styles and types with a price range that is just as varied. There are some projects, like a shed or flat roof, that lend themselves to the easiest and cheapest way to do things. That is where you apply rolled roofing.

Steps

1. Buy the number of rolls you expect to need per manufacturer's directions.
   
   • Rolled roofing is made from the same material as asphalt shingles. Each roll of roofing takes the place of 3 courses of asphalt shingles. Rolled roofing is more economical to use as a result.
2. Install flashing around the edges of the roof. Flashing keeps water runoff from working under the roof and causing damage to the roof decking.
3. Measure 34 inches (86.4 cm) from the bottom of the roof at each end and pop a chalk line to mark where the top of the roofing begins.
   
   • The edge of the roll is not always straight. Popping a chalk line helps to give you a nice bottom edge. Wrinkles will occur in the roofing material if it's not straight.
   • Apply a 6-inch (15.3 cm) coat of asphaltic roofing cement along the bottom and sides.
4. Lay the first course of rolled roofing. Begin at one edge and extend a couple of inches more than necessary.
5. Nail down every 9-to-12 inches (22.9-to-30.6 cm) using a minimum of 1-inch (2.5 cm) roofing nails. Come back and trim the side edges later.
6. Press the edges down firmly. Repeat the process by measuring 34 inches (86.4 cm) from the top of the first course and popping a chalk line.
7. Apply 1 inch (2.51 cm) of asphalt roofing cement to the top edge of the first course and the side of the roof.
8. Unroll the 2nd course, and nail along overlap. Press down into the asphalt roofing cement. Continue this process until you reach the top.
9. Cut the width remaining from a roll of roofing and apply a thick coat of roofing cement to the area to be covered. Press this final course down. Nail down the top edge, covering the nail heads with asphaltic roofing cement to seal them down, particularly if you live in a windy area.
10. Begin with a 6-inch (15.3 cm) overlap covering the bottom section with asphaltic roofing cement if you have to lap a course to complete a run. Press down firmly.
11. Apply rolled roofing from both sides to the top if you have a traditional hip roof. Cut 9-inch (15.3 cm) wide strips from the rolled roofing, using it for ridge shingles.
12. Put a coat of asphaltic cement on both sides of the ridge. Now, bend the strips over the top. Press the roofing material firmly into the cement and nail it into place.
13. Complete the roof by trimming the edges of the overlap you left in place with your utility knife. Use the edge of the roof as a guide.

Tips

• The use of roofing paper or felt to blacken in a roof is not necessary when you use rolled roofing, but it is highly recommended to further enhance the waterproofing.
• It is easier to cut the rolled roofing to manageable lengths (12 to 16 feet or 3.657 to 4.876 meters) on the ground or a flat surface. Allow the rolled roofing to warm and flatten before you install it if the weather is cool.
• The width of the rolled roofing can vary from 36 to 39 inches (91.4 to 99.1 cm) depending on your supplier. Just adjust the above dimensions up 3 inches (7.2 cm) for the chalk line.

Warnings

• Do not try to apply rolled roofing in temperatures less than 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 to 12.8 degrees Celsius) or warmer than 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 Celsius). The roofing material can easily be cracked or punctured when cold or torn and the mineral coating rubbed off when hot.
• Rolled roofing is not recommended for roofs that have a greater than a 2 to 12 pitch. That is, if your roof is 12 units wide it should not be taller than 2 units for rolled roofing.

Things You'll Need

• Asphaltic backed, mineral covered rolled roofing
• Asphaltic roofing cement
• 1-inch (2.51 cm) roofing nails
• Trowel (to spread the roofing cement)
• Hammer
• Utility knife with a hooked blade
• Chalk box with string line
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter's square
• Galvanized flashing

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