How To Install Shingles on a Shed Roof

Installing shingles on your shed’s roof is a great way to protect it against the elements, and it’s a relatively straightforward DIY project. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to install shingles on your shed roof and offers expert tips along the way.

Measuring Your Shed Roof for Shingles

Before beginning the installation process, you need accurate measurements to buy the right amount of materials. Here’s how to measure your shed’s roof:

1. Measure the length and width of each roof plane.
2. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage.
3. Add 10% to account for waste and overlaps.
4. Convert the total square footage to “squares” (1 square = 100 square feet).

Gathering Materials and Tools for Your Shingles

Make sure you have all the following materials and tools on hand.

Materials Needed

• Drip edge
• Plywood (if replacing damaged sheathing)
• Roofing nails
• Roofing underlayment (such as GAF FeltBuster Synthetic Roofing Underlayment)
• Roofing shingles (such as GAF Royal Sovereign Charcoal Algae Resistant 3-Tab Roofing Shingles)

Tools

• Chalk line
• Circular saw (if replacing sheathing)
• Hammer or roofing nailer
• Ladder
• Safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip shoes)
• Tape measure
• Tin snips
• Utility knife

Removing Old Shingles

You’ll need to remove the old shingles to prepare the surface for new shingles. This will also help you catch any underlying issues that may need to be addressed. Follow these steps:

1. Set up a scaffold plank across two ladders for a stable work platform.
2. Use a pitchfork to remove existing shingles, working from the top down.
3. Remove any remaining nails or staples from the roof surface.

Inspecting and Repairing the Roof Deck

After removing the old shingles, inspect the roof deck for damage. Replace any rotted or damaged sections of plywood sheathing. In the video, Silva shows how to cut out and replace a damaged section so the new piece ends in the middle of a rafter for proper support. This step fortifies the roof deck, providing a solid foundation for the new shingles.

Installing the Drip Edge on a Shed Roof

The drip edge helps direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters. Here’s how to install it:

1. Cut the drip edge to fit the bottom edge of the roof using tin snips.
2. Nail the drip edge in place, leaving a small gap between it and the fascia board.
3. Install drip edge pieces up the sides of the roof for a finished look.

Applying Roofing Underlayment

Installing an additional layer of underlayment beneath the shingles increases moisture protection, extending the roof’s lifespan. Add the underlayment by following these steps:

1. Roll out the underlayment horizontally across the roof, starting at the bottom edge.
2. Overlap each subsequent row by about 2 inches.
3. Staple the underlayment to the roof deck, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free.

Installing Shingles

With the preparation complete, you’re ready to begin installing your new shingles.

Creating a Starter Course

To begin, create a starter course of shingles as follows:

1. Cut the tabs off several shingles to create a starter strip.
2. Place the starter strip along the bottom edge of the roof, overhanging the drip edge by about 1/4 inch.
3. Nail it in place.

Creating Chalk Lines for Alignment

Using chalk lines helps you align the shingles precisely. Create the chalk lines like so:

1. Snap horizontal chalk lines every 5 inches up the roof. Use these lines to align the top edge of each shingle course.
2. Snap vertical chalk lines every 6 inches to help with proper staggering.

Laying the First Course

You can then lay the first course. Here’s how: 

1. Start with a full shingle at one end of the roof.
2. Align the bottom edge with the starter course, overhanging the sides by 1/2 inch.
3. Nail the shingle in place, using four nails per shingle.

Continuing the Shingle Courses

Continue this process as follows: 

1. Begin the second course with a shingle cut 6 inches shorter than the first.
2. Continue this pattern, cutting 6 inches off the first shingle of each subsequent course.
3. Stagger the joints between shingles in adjacent courses by at least 6 inches.

Finishing the Roof’s Ridge

Finishing the ridge helps seal the roof’s peak, prevent water infiltration, and give it a polished look. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut three-tab shingles into thirds to create ridge cap pieces.
2. Starting at one end of the ridge, bend these pieces over the peak and nail them in place.
3. Overlap each piece by about 5 inches, working your way to the other end.

Maintaining Your Shed Roof

The job doesn’t stop after installation. You’ll need to maintain your new roof to keep it in top condition. Inspect it occasionally for potential issues such as loose or damaged shingles and pooling water. You should also regularly clean your gutters to prevent buildup that can lead to water damage. Finally, trim overhanging branches to minimize the risk of them falling and damaging the roof. These small maintenance tasks can prevent bigger problems down the line, saving you from expensive repairs.