Directions and Instructions for Roll Roofing
- 1). Measure the width and length of your roof. Roll roofing comes in 18- and 36-inch widths. Add a 2-inch margin to the horizontal and vertical measurements for overlap. Multiply the width by the length of your roof, including the overlap amount. Include a piece to go over the peak of the roof. Use the measurements to decide how many rolls of material to purchase.
- 2). Pick the roll roofing type and color you want, purchase it and bring it home or arrange for the store to deliver it to the site. Purchase roofing nails and roofing cement. At the building site, cut the number of lengths of rolled roofing you need to cover the roof, allowing for a 2-inch overhang, and lay them flat on the ground so it relaxes and flattens before you begin working with it.
- 3). Clear all debris from the roof. Pick up large debris by hand. Use the broom to sweep the roof, beginning at the peak and working your way down on all sides, sweeping the debris as you walk toward the eaves.
- 4). Measure up from the eaves the width of the rolled roofing minus 1/2 inch. Snap a chalk line to create the top edge of where you lay the first course of roofing so it overhangs the eaves by 1/2 inch.
- 5). Lay the first course of roofing beginning at the eaves, lining the top edge of the material against the chalk line. Take care to keep the material straightened out to avoid wrinkles.
- 6). Using the roofing nails and hammer, nail the seams and edges of the rolled roofing every 3 inches. Snap a chalk line 2 inches down from the upper edge of the course to create an even edge as a guide to lay the next course of rolled roofing. Spread roof cement on the material 2 inches from the top edge. Lay the next course and nail it down. Repeat the process until the roof is covered.
- 7). Cut the piece of rolled roofing for the peak to a 12-inch width. Snap a chalk line on either side of the roof 6 inches down from the peak. Spread 2 inches of roofing cement on either side. Position the rolled roofing and nail it down on one side and then the other.
- 8). Trim the ends of the roofing.
