How to Install Roll Roofing
This main title tells readers exactly what the article is about. It promises to teach them, step by step, how to put roll roofing on a building. The title matches what many people search for online when they want to learn this skill. The guide is made for beginners and covers everything they need to know, like what roll roofing is, what tools they must have, how to get the roof ready, how to install it, and what to do after it is installed. Asking the question helps catch attention and lets readers know they will find real answers in the article. The title gives a big idea, and the seven or eight sections in the article will explain each part of the job clearly.
Understanding Roll Roofing: Materials, Types, and Uses
This part explains what roll roofing is. Roll roofing is a cheap and simple type of roofing that comes in big rolls, usually 36 inches wide and 36 feet long. There are three main types: asphalt, fiberglass, and organic felt. Roll roofing can be used as a base layer under another roof or as the roof itself. It is made of a felt base, covered with asphalt, and topped with small rocks called granules. This section gives beginners the basic information they need before starting to put a roof on.
Table of Contents
- How to Install Roll Roofing?
- Understanding Roll Roofing: Materials, Types, and Uses
- Advantages and Limitations of Roll Roofing Systems
- Essential Tools and Materials for Successful Installation
- Roof Preparation: Measuring, Cleaning, and Code Compliance
- Step-by-Step Roll Roofing Installation Process
- Post-Installation Tips and Maintenance Best Practices
- DIY vs Professional Installation: Making the Right Choice
2. Advantages and Limitations of Roll Roofing Systems
This section highlights the pros and cons of roll roofing so readers can make informed decisions. It covers the main advantages, such as significant cost savings (up to 50–70% cheaper than traditional shingles), quick installation, lightweight rolls at just 72 pounds, and its suitability for DIY projects. At the same time, it’s upfront about the drawbacks: a shorter lifespan of 5–15 years compared with 20–50 years for shingles, a simple, plain appearance, higher susceptibility to damage, and a slippery surface when wet. By presenting both sides, this section helps readers understand what to expect and decide whether roll roofing is the right choice for their project.
Essential Tools and Materials for Successful Installation
This section provides a complete shopping list and prep guide, detailing everything needed for a roll roofing project. It covers cutting tools like a utility knife or metal snips, measuring tools such as a tape measure and chalk line, and installation tools like a flat trowel for applying roofing cement and a hammer. Safety equipment is also included work gloves, non-slip footwear, and a sturdy ladder along with all essential materials, including the roll roofing itself, roof cement, nails, metal edge strips, and vent flashings. Having everything ready beforehand ensures readers can complete the project smoothly without interruptions due to missing tools or materials.
Roof Preparation: Measuring, Cleaning, and Code Compliance
This crucial section covers all the preparation steps needed for a successful roll roofing project. It explains how to thoroughly clean the roof surface and remove debris, apply primer to any exposed wood, and repair or replace damaged boards. It also guides readers on taking precise measurements, adding an extra 10% to account for mistakes, checking local building codes and obtaining any necessary permits, and evaluating the roof’s slope (ideal for gentle slopes of 1–2 inches per 12 inches of run). This section reinforces the key rule for success: “measure twice, buy once”.
Step-by-Step Roll Roofing Installation Process
This is the core section of the article, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions in eight stages. It guides readers through installing the metal edge strips first, laying the initial roll in straight, even lines, and securing it with nails spaced about every 10 inches. The guide shows how to spread roof cement roughly the thickness of two stacked credit cards, properly overlap subsequent rolls (leaving 32 inches exposed while covering 4 inches with the next roll), and seal around pipes and vents that penetrate the roof. It also covers finishing the top edge neatly and trimming any excess material along the sides. Both installation methods are explained, whether fastening with nails or using a torch to adhere the roofing.
Post-Installation Tips and Maintenance Best Practices
This section teaches readers how to properly maintain and protect their newly installed roll roof. It covers letting the roofing cement cure for 24–48 hours, inspecting the entire surface for any missed spots, and establishing a seasonal maintenance routine removing leaves and debris, checking for tears or bubbles, and monitoring for weather-related wear. It also emphasizes roof safety, since surfaces can become very slippery when wet. Following these care steps can extend the roof’s lifespan, helping it reach closer to 15 years instead of just 5.
DIY vs Professional Installation: Making the Right Choice
This section helps readers realistically decide whether to tackle the project themselves or hire a professional. It outlines situations where DIY makes sense like small sheds under 500 square feet, single-story buildings, or when budget is tight and situations where hiring an expert is wiser, such as steep roofs, multi-story buildings, complex roof designs, or your primary home. It emphasizes safety concerns when working at heights, compares costs (DIY can save up to 60% on labor but requires time and tools), and highlights the benefits of professionals, including proper licensing, insurance, warranties, and in-depth knowledge of building codes.