How to Shingle a Shed Roof: Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Credit: mjpyro

Proper shingling keeps your shed dry. Each shingle is 36" x 12" with three tabs and tar strips that heat-seal layers. Start with a starter strip, then overlap courses to shed water.

How to Shingle a Roof

Assume felt paper is already installed. You'll need 4-5 bundles (20 shingles each), galvanized roofing nails, asphalt cement, and a roofing knife.

1. Cut tabs off first shingle for starter strip. Cut 6" off one end, overhang eaves and rake 1", nail.
2. Lay full shingles beside it across the roof.
3. Place a full shingle over starter, align to overhang ¾", snap chalk line along roof edge.
4. First course: full shingle at edge, overhang ¾", four nails.
5. Second course: cut 6" off, align bottom with cutouts of first shingle, nail.
6. Third course: cut 12" off, align similarly.
7. Continue up the roof, trimming 6" more each course (18", 24", 30") to stagger tabs.

Credit: mjpyro

Finishing the Last Rows

At the 7th course, stop trimming—use full shingles. After reaching the ridge, return to the eaves and fill in horizontally with full shingles beside each starter-course shingle. Snap a chalk line at the 7th course for alignment.

Final Thoughts

Credit: mjpyro

A 10x10 shed takes ~11 courses; 8x8 takes 8-9. Buy extra bundles—return unopened. Complete in one day or tarp the unfinished section. Open bundles only as needed.

How to Lay Shingles