How to Shingle a Hip Roof. Replacing the shingles on a hip roof requires more time and effort than working on types of roofs. You will need to cut more shingles to size and pay special attention to how the shingles lay on the roof as you round corners. Ideally, the amount of the shingle showing on the main part of the roof matches the hip roof. Start with the back of the roof to gain some valuable experience before moving on to areas people will see.
Things You'll Need
Nails
Rope
Tin Strips
Shingles
Carpenter'S Apron (To Hold Nails)
Hammer (Or Nail Gun)
Utility Knife
Asphalt Roofing Cement
Chalk Line
Copper Or Aluminum Flashing
Ridge Caps
Work Gloves
Ladder
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Step 1
Install the flashing on the ridges and tin strips along the edges of the hip roof to provide additional protection against water damage.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Line up the first shingle with the bottom of the entire shingle lined up with the bottom edge of the roof.
Step 3
Cut the side of the shingle to match the angle of the ridge the shingle is up against. If you start on the left side of the roof, the left side of the shingle will need to be trimmed and vice versa.
Step 4
Nail the first shingle into position, making sure the shingle is aligned properly with the edge of the roof and the edge of the ridge. A nail goes on the upper corners of each shingle at least 1 1/2 inch from the top and side. Add a third nail to the middle of the shingle (but add two nails in windy locales).
Step 5
Nail shingles down along the bottom of the roof until you reach the next ridge.
Step 6
Lay the shingle down along the next ridge to find the angle at which the shingle needs to be cut.
Step 7
Cut the shingle to match the angle of the hip ridge.
Step 8
Nail the shingle in place to complete the first row of shingles on one side of the roof.
Step 9
Continue laying shingles around the roof if you are installing shingles on the entire roof. If you are only placing shingles on one area, work your way back and forth across the roof. You need to alternate a full shingle with a half shingle for the starting shingles at the hip ridge as you move up the roof. The middle of the shingles on each new row should line up with two abutting shingles on the previous row.
Step 10
Use roofing cement to glue the last shingle on the hip roof in place where the ridges meet. Nail the shingle in place to secure it while the cement dries.
Step 11
Install the ridge caps starting with the bottom of the hip ridges. Use two stacked shingles cut to form to start the ridge cap at the bottom of the hip ridge, and then use one cap in each position up the ridge.
Tip
Get some friends to help you shingle the hip roof. Have one person lay shingles in the proper place and another person nail shingles down. Use a chalk line to help you lay shingles in a straight row on the roof. Lay down several lines at once to save time.
Warning
Improperly installed shingles can void the warranty, so take your time to make sure the job is done right the first time. Nails should never be exposed on the roof. If you see nails, go back and replace the shingles. Protect yourself from falls by tying off with a secure rope.