Laying Shingles on a Mansard Roof

Shingles on a mansard roof by Boyd Construction Co Inc

Laying shingles on a mansard roof can be a little difficult because of its shape and structure. Typically, the mansard roof has several sides, usually 4 and each side has its own slopes. Because of this unique design, you are going to want to lay shingles with extra care. Here are a few tools that you are going to need, along with some steps that can help you through this process without too much trouble.

Step 1 - Lay Out The Materials
You may want to begin by planning and laying out the shingles so that you know what kind of direction you are going to take with this project. While it may seem like a hassle to go through all of the motions beforehand, you will thank yourself later when you don't have to re-shingle parts of the roof. Make sure to measure each surface that needs to be shingled as well as the size of the shingles that you want to use so that you know how much of the material you need to order.

Step 2 - Prepare the Roof
Now that you have gotten all of your materials, you will want to prepare the roof and make sure that it is sturdy enough to put new shingles on. If you find out that any of the sections are rotting or wet and beginning to mold, the best thing to do is just replace it right there. It's better to take a little bit of extra time now than to have to rip it up in a few months because of a mold problem. Lay and nail down the felt and waterproof membrane so that you can protect the house.

Step 3 - Lay Shingles
You will want to begin on one end, typically the lower left hand and work your way around and then up. It is important for this type of roof to take your time when laying the shingles so that each will fit and the different ledges will look great next to each other. You want the whole look to flow and not look as though a different roofer put each one together. Begin with cutting the tabs from the starter row of shingles and placing them along the edges.

When you begin the next row, you can line it up with the starter row and then move up from there. You want them to overlap a little but also to be put on straight and secure. For the first shingle in each row, you will want to cut off about 6 inches as you go. Start with 6 rows going up and then across to use as a guide. Continue to follow these instructions, nailing each shingle in with about 4 to 6 nails each. Once you get to the top, you can go to the next side of the roof and work your way up to the top again.

Since laying shingles on a mansard roof can be very difficult for an inexperienced homeowner, it is best to contact a licensed roofer like Boyd Construction Co Inc, to provide a free estimate.