Remodelers Guide

Roofing

Quick Reference

  • Confirm colors of shingles and all trims
  • Move client cars and valuables out of work zone
  • Replace any rotted sheathing/fascia
  • Install plywood clips where needed
  • Ice & water shield ≥ 24″ inside warm wall (R905.1.2)
  • Full-field synthetic underlayment
  • Take inspection photos: open roof, underlayment, details
  • Final magnet sweep/clean-up—remove all debris/fasteners

Overview

This guide covers the most common systems installed in residential construction in the US: architectural asphalt shingles, standing-seam metal, and EPDM for low slopes. It is written for pros remodelers and crews, meant to give enough info to get started or manage an install with a focus on best results and code compliance.

Prerequisites

  • Inspect deck & fascia—stage material for repairs ahead of tear-off
  • Order roofing material for rooftop delivery or ground drop as needed
  • Coordinate: All other trades off site for roofing day
  • Notify client: noisy days, move cars, protect landscaping/valuables
  • On new builds, fascia must be in place before installing the roof

Materials / Tools Checklist

  • Ice-&-water membrane (ASTM D1970)
  • Synthetic underlayment
  • Drip edge (eave and rake)
  • Fascia boards for replacement
  • 1/2″ OSB for repairs (w/ plywood clips)
  • Roofing material:
    • Asphalt: shingles, starter, cap
    • Metal: panels, clips/cleats, butyl tape
    • EPDM: 60 mil sheet, bonding adhesive, 5″ seam tape (1 mil = 0.001 in.)
  • Nailer, stapler, hand seamer, metal snips, roller, shears, knives, pop riveter
  • Roof jacks and 2×6

Installation Process

  1. Workspace Preparation
    • Clear the area – move cars, furniture and decoration
    • Prep the site – place tarps and protection
    • Stage ALL materials: replacement wood, safety gear, job protection
    • Pro Tip: Organize tools and material close to work area
  2. Tear-Off & Deck / Fascia Repairs
    • Strip roof to sheathing; replace rot/damaged areas; install plywood clips
      • Decking: Minimum 3/8″ plywood or OSB (APA), or 1×6 with ≤ 1/8” gap.
        • 8d common nails (0.131″, 2½”) – 6″ O.C. edges, 12″ O.C. field (IRC Table R602.3(1))
        • 16 gauge 1.5” 7/16 crown staple allowed (some jurisdictions), 6″ O.C.
        • High wind/coastal zones: 4–6” O.C. with ring shank nails
    • Inspection: Take “Open Roof Inspection” photos of exposed sheathing after repairs
  3. Underlayment & Drip Edge
    • Install drip on eaves first
      • Roofing nails: 12″ O.C. (max 16″) per R905.2.8.5; nail high for coverage
      • Laps: 1″ straight, 2″ changes in direction
    • Install ice & water shield
      • Install ice & water shield at eaves: minimum 24″ inside warm wall (R905.1.2)
      • Install ice & water shield along valleys: 18″ on each side of the valley centerline
      • Use high temperature non-granulated under metal roofing
      • Follow manufacturer, some call for ice & water to install before drip edge and seal to fascia to prevent ice dams, but some water may miss the drip and end up between gutters and fascia.
    • Install synthetic underlayment
      • 15 lb felt (ASTM D226 Type I) or synthetic (ASTM D6757)
      • Fasten with cap nails 6” O.C. edges, 12″ O.C. grid in field, 12-gauge min, 3/4″ penetration, 1″ cap
        • Staples or roofing nails OK if covered same day with roofing
      • Horizontal laps: 3″ (4:12 pitch, Owens Corning); code minimum 2″
      • Vertical laps: 6″ (2024 IRC R905.1.1), manufacturers defer
      • Extend 3–4″ up sidewalls
      • Install double underlayment for 2–4 pitch, this usually means each course overlaps 50%+ of the course below
      • Use self adhered high temperature underlayment under metal roofing
    • Install drip edge on rakes
    • Note: Some jurisdictions overlap these elements differently.
  4. Flashing & Preparing Penetrations
    • Flash all valleys and deck transitions per plan
    • Pro Tip: Flash any deck and wall transitions prior to roof install for waterproofing
  5. Install Roofing System (by Type)
    • Architectural Asphalt (Slope 2:12+)
      • Starter
        • Installed at eaves, trim 6” off first course
        • Overhang eaves/rakes ¼”–¾”; offset for layout
          4 fasteners min per starter, 1.5″–3″ above eave, 1″–2″ from ends, others 10″–12″ O.C.
      • Shingles:
        • 4-nail standard/6-nail high-wind; valleys as plan (weave or open); R905.2
        • 4 nails: Nail 1″ from ends, 2 more evenly spaced above cutouts, below sealant
          1. High wind areas: 6 nails/shingle
          2. Roofing nails: 1.25–1.75″ corrosion-resistant, 3/8″ head must penetrate sheathing
          3. Stainless nails required within 3,000 ft of saltwater
        • String line every 6 courses; stagger joints
      • Install flashing/boots in sequence with shingle courses as you reach pipes, vents, chimneys, skylights.
    • Standing-Seam Metal (Slope varies)
      • Confirm locking strip is installed at eaves
      • Install panels, usually with #10x1” pancake head screws into hidden panel edges or clips.
        • Remember to clean metal shavings off of panels
      • butyl or tube sealant at sidelaps (R905.10)
      • All flashing for penetrations must be integrated with each panel course as installed.
    • EPDM (Slope ≤ 2:12)
      • Do not install underlayment
      • Mechanically fasten foam underlayment
      • Clean deck
      • Install edges (coping)
      • Unroll EPDM membrane and allow to relax for 30 minutes
      • Prepare adhesive according to instructions and apply to roof deck and underside of membrane
        • Do not get adhesive on lap joints or edges
      • Seal seams and edges with appropriate primer and tape, rolling as instructed (R905.13)
  6. Ridge/Hip Caps
    • Finish with the appropriate ridge vent/cap per system: shingle, metal, EPDM termination bar
    • Ventilation Ratio: 1 sq ft net free vent area/150 sq ft attic OR 1:300 with vapor barrier and balanced air flow (R806.2)
  7. Final Cleanup & Documentation
    • Full magnet sweep to collect nails, screws, rivets, cuttings
    • Manually inspect for nails/screws and debris
    • Photo Step: Document installation for warranty/inspector

Inspections & Documentation

  • Permits—Required for most reroofs. Flat/EPDM nearly always triggers inspection. Check your jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions allow photos in place of on site inspections.
  • Full open roof: Looking for sound roof deck after repairs, nail schedule, plywood clips
  • Underlayment inspection: Looking for correct fasteners and overlaps
  • Final inspection: May be in person, extension past roof edge, cap/ridge in place

Client Communication & Warranty

  • Confirm with client: color/profile samples, all visible flashing details
    • Roof, drip, coping, cap, wall flashing
  • Explain: shingle system needs slope; EPDM is for flat/low-slope only
  • Advise on warranty registration and owner maintenance: gutters, spring inspections of flashings, debris removal
  • Service-Life (typical): Asphalt 20–30 years, Standing-Seam Metal 40–60 years, EPDM 25–35 years (ALWAYS verify current manufacturer warranty)

Common Issues & How to Avoid Them

  • Never dispose of shingles/masonry/dirt in regular dumpsters—use roofing contractor’s haul-away service
  • Place skid plates under bins to protect driveways from scratching/settling
  • Always confirm you received every material before starting; don’t rely on yard delivery confirmations
  • Leave some leftover shingles for future repairs

Photo Examples

Resources