Installing wood shingles involves layering individual pieces of wood to create a durable, weather-resistant surface for roofs or walls. It requires careful planning, proper techniques, and attention to detail, especially regarding spacing and nailing.
Here's a general overview of the process, incorporating key considerations:
1. Preparation is Key
Before laying any shingles, the surface needs to be prepared.
- Sheathing: Ensure the roof or wall sheathing is sound, dry, and free of debris.
- Underlayment: Install a protective underlayment, such as roofing felt or a synthetic membrane, over the sheathing. This provides an extra layer of defense against moisture.
2. Starting the First Course
The first layer, or starter course, is crucial as it sets the line for subsequent rows.
- Often, two layers are used for the starter course to provide a thicker edge and ensure proper coverage for the first main course.
- Ensure the starter course overhangs the drip edge slightly.
3. Laying Subsequent Courses
Work upwards from the starter course, establishing guidelines to maintain straight horizontal lines.
- Exposure: Determine the correct exposure, which is the amount of shingle left exposed to the weather. This depends on the shingle length and the roof pitch (steeper roofs can sometimes have larger exposures).
- Side Lap: Stagger the joints of the shingles in each course so they do not align with the joints in the courses directly above or below. Aim for a minimum side lap (overlap between shingle edges in adjacent courses) as recommended by manufacturers or local building codes.
4. Crucial Detail: Spacing for Expansion
One critical aspect of installing wood shingles is allowing for expansion and contraction due to moisture changes.
- Wood is a natural material: As highlighted in the reference, "Because when these shingles get wet they're going to expand. And get tight when they swell..." This natural property means that installing them too tightly together will lead to buckling and damage as they absorb moisture.
- Maintain Gaps: Leave a small, consistent gap between the sides of adjacent shingles in the same course. The size of this gap can vary based on the type of wood, its moisture content at installation, and local climate, but typically ranges from 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
5. Proper Nailing Technique
Nailing technique directly impacts the shingle's hold and the roof's longevity.
- Use corrosion-resistant nails (e.g., hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel).
- Use the correct nail length to penetrate through the shingle and into the sheathing by at least 3/4 inch.
- Place nails correctly: For standard installation, shingles are typically fastened with two nails placed a specific distance from the sides and above the butt line of the next course. The reference mentions a specific height for nailing: "...nail up above six or seven inches. And nail it." This measurement likely refers to placing the nail 6-7 inches up from the butt end of the shingle being installed, ensuring it penetrates the headlap of the course below and is covered by the course above, depending on the chosen exposure. Avoid nailing too close to the shingle edges or driving the nails too deep, which can split the wood.
6. Finishing Details
Complete the installation by addressing hips, ridges, and flashing details around chimneys, vents, and valleys.
- Use pre-manufactured hip and ridge shingles or cut field shingles to size.
- Install appropriate flashing materials in all transition areas to prevent water intrusion.
Key Considerations Summary Table
| Aspect | Importance | Detail / Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Ensures a solid base and moisture barrier | Clean sheathing, proper underlayment installation. |
| Spacing | Prevents buckling from moisture expansion | Leave gaps between shingles in a course (They expand when wet and swell!). |
| Nailing | Secure fastening, avoids damage | Use correct nails, place them accurately (e.g., above six or seven inches), don't overdrive. |
| Side Lap | Prevents water penetration at joints | Stagger joints between courses. |
| Exposure | Determines coverage and aesthetic | Consistent exposure line, appropriate for pitch and shingle type. |
By following these steps and paying close attention to details like spacing for expansion and proper nailing as described, you can effectively install wood shingles.
