Correctly applying your bitumen roof shingles will allow you to enjoy your new log cabin without the fear of facing to fix a water leak here and there. It's a simple job, and can be easily completed with the right tools and knowledge.
The bitumen shingles are best fitted when the ambient temperature is above +5oC. The roof must be clean and dry.
Roof Preparation
Chalk lines provide visual guides that help align the shingles, horizontal lines can be snapped every 4 to 5 courses.
All chalk lines are to be considered as guiding lines not application lines.
Shingle Application
Proper fastening is essential for a good roof. Drive the nails straight so that the nail heads are flush with, but not cutting into the shingle surface (Figure 1a). Always nail 2.5 cm above the cut-out and 2.5 cm from each edge. For correct positioning and nail quantities per type of shingle see (Figure 1b and Figure 1c).
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
Starter Strip (Figure 2)
Prepare the starter strip by removing backing plastic (3), and then with the shingle tabs facing away from the edge of the roof run a line of straight shingles along the edge of the roof. Begin the starter strip by cutting the strip half a tab short so that its joints will not line up with the joints of the first course of shingles.
Figure 2
First courses & application procedure (Figure 2)
First course (4):
Start with a complete shingle applied flush with the starter strip. Nail as shown in Figure
6 and continue across roof with full shingles.
Second course (5):
Cut half a tab from a shingle and start at the rake end. Nail the shingle so that lower edge of the tabs is flush with the top of the cut-out of the shingle in the first course.
Third and succeeding courses (2):
Start the third course with a shingle from which a full tab has been cut. Cut off an additional half tab for each succeeding course.
Ridge Tiles (Figure 3a & 3b)
Adjust the last few courses of shingles so that the ridge capping will adequately cover the top courses of shingles equally on both sides of the ridge. Separate the straight shingles into individual pieces by dividing the shingle at the cut-outs (1). ((A) is visual part, (B) is covered part). (Figure 3a)
Figure 3a
Apply the ridge shingles by bending them over the ridge. In cold weather warm the shingle before bending. Nail the capping 16 cm from the tab edge (2) and 2.5 cm from each side (3). Start application from the end of the ridge opposite the direction of the prevailing winds. (Figure 3b)
Figure 3b
After you have finished applying the shingles fix the fascia boards as shown. (Figure 3c)
Figure 3b
