When it comes to installing rolled roofing, knowing where to nail is crucial to ensure a secure and water-tight roofing system. This guide provides you with precise and practical information on where and how to nail rolled roofing, without unnecessary fluff.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials and tools:

• Rolled Roofing: Ensure you have the correct amount of rolled roofing material for your project.
• Roofing Nails: Appropriate roofing nails, usually with a length of 1 inch or longer.
• Hammer: A standard claw hammer will suffice.
• Utility Knife: To cut the rolled roofing material.
• Measuring Tape: For precise measurements.
• Chalk Line: To create straight reference lines.

Nailing Rolled Roofing: Step by Step

1. Prepare the Surface: Ensure your roof’s surface is clean and free from debris. It should also be dry and well-prepared with an underlayment if required.

2. Measure and Mark: Use your measuring tape and chalk line to measure and mark horizontal lines on the roof where you’ll place the nails. These lines should be parallel and spaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 8-12 inches horizontally and 6 inches vertically.

3. Cut and Unroll: Unroll your roofing material across the roof surface, aligning it with the chalk lines. Cut it to the desired length, leaving a slight overhang for the eaves if necessary.

4. Secure the Bottom Edge: Start at the bottom edge of the rolled roofing and use roofing nails to secure it in place, ensuring it aligns with the chalk line. Nail the roofing material approximately 2 inches from the bottom edge.

5. Continue Nailing: Continue nailing along the bottom edge, ensuring a consistent spacing between nails as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

6. Overlap Seams: If you have multiple rolls to install, overlap the seams according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Secure the overlapping edges with additional nails to prevent water infiltration.

7. Secure the Top Edge: Finally, secure the top edge of the rolled roofing, making sure it aligns with the chalk line. Place nails approximately 2 inches from the top edge. This secures the entire sheet of rolled roofing in place.

Additional Considerations

• Nail Length: The length of the nails should be sufficient to penetrate through the rolled roofing and into the roof decking. Nails that are too short may not provide a secure hold.

• Nail Head: Roofing nails should have wide, flat heads to ensure they hold the roofing material securely without tearing through.

• Weatherproofing: After nailing the roofing in place, consider using roofing cement or sealant to weatherproof the nail heads and seams. This adds an extra layer of protection against water intrusion.

Manufacturer Guidelines

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for the specific rolled roofing material you are using. They may have specific requirements for nailing patterns, fastener types, and other installation details.

In conclusion, proper nailing for rolled roofing is a crucial step in ensuring the durability and water-tightness of your roofing system. By following these clear and concise instructions and considering manufacturer recommendations, you’ll have a well-installed rolled roofing system that can withstand the elements for years to come.