Roll With It: Your Ultimate Guide to Asphalt Roll Roofing Installation

Why Asphalt Roll Roofing Installation Is a Smart Choice for Low-Slope Roofs

Asphalt roll roofing installation is a cost-effective, DIY-friendly solution for low-slope roofs on sheds, garages, and porches where traditional shingles are unsuitable. For a straightforward way to weatherproof a nearly flat roof, here’s what you need to know:

Quick Answer: Asphalt Roll Roofing Installation Steps

1. Prepare the roof deck – Clean, dry, and install drip edge
2. Lay underlayment – Apply asphalt-saturated felt horizontally with proper laps
3. Install starter strips – 9-inch strips along eaves and rakes, nailed in two rows
4. Apply main courses – Use concealed or exposed nail method with 3-6 inch overlaps
5. Seal seams – Apply roofing cement and press firmly with a roller
6. Cap hips and ridges – Cut 12-inch strips, bend lengthwise, cement and nail
7. Flash penetrations – Use two-layer valleys and proper chimney/wall flashing

Temperature Range: 45°F to 85°F (material must relax before installation)
Minimum Slope: 1:12 for concealed nail method, 2:12 for exposed nail method
Typical Lifespan: 6-12 years with proper installation and maintenance

Roll roofing is cheaper and easier to apply than shingles, making it appealing for outbuildings. However, proper installation requires attention to detail, especially at seams, flashing, and penetrations.

I’m Christopher Battaini, owner of Chris Battaini Roofing & Seamless Gutters. With over two decades of experience in Berkshire County, I’ve handled every type of roofing project, including asphalt roll roofing installation. While it can be a DIY project, understanding the critical steps—and when to call a professional—is key to your roof’s longevity.

As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor—a distinction earned by only the top tier of roofing professionals in the country—we bring the same attention to detail to every project, whether it’s a major roof replacement or a specialized low-slope installation.

Related content about asphalt roll roofing installation:

• Asphalt Shingle Roofing
• Owens Corning Berkshire
• asphalt shingle roof cost

Before You Begin: Safety, Tools, and Preparation

Proper planning is crucial for a successful installation. This stage involves ensuring safety, gathering the right gear, and preparing your roof deck and materials.

Essential Safety Precautions

Safety is the top priority on any roof, regardless of slope.

• Weather: Never work on a wet roof or if rain is forecast. Choose a dry, calm day.
• Proper Gear: Wear sturdy, high-grip shoes, long pants, work gloves, and safety glasses.
• Fall Protection: A safety harness and lifeline are non-negotiable for higher roofs. Even on low slopes, a slip can cause serious injury.
• Work with a Partner: A helper makes lifting heavy rolls easier and safer and can call for help if needed.
• Clean Workspace: Clear the ground below and sweep the roof deck of all debris. A clean deck is a safe deck.

Calculating Materials and Gathering Your Toolkit

Accurate material calculation and a complete toolkit are key to a smooth asphalt roll roofing installation.

How Much Material Do We Need?

To find your roof’s area, multiply its length by its width. For complex roofs, measure each section and add the areas together. Purchase an extra 5-10% of material to account for overhangs, overlaps, and cuts. A standard roll of asphalt roofing typically covers 96 to 100 square feet.

Our Essential Toolkit

• Utility Knife with extra blades
• Hammer
• Chalk Line
• Trowel or Putty Knife
• Measuring Tape
• Safety Glasses and Gloves
• Ladder or Scaffolding
• Stiff-bristled Broom
• Weighted Roller (75-80 lb recommended)

Materials List

• Asphalt Roll Roofing (typically 36-inch wide sheets)
• Roofing Cement (Lap Cement)
• 1-inch Galvanized Roofing Nails (minimum 3/8-inch head)
• Asphalt-Saturated Felt Underlayment
• Metal Drip Edge

Preparing the Roof Deck and Materials

Proper preparation prevents future headaches.

Roof Deck Readiness

Thoroughly clean the roof surface, sweeping away all dirt and debris. Inspect the deck for damage like rot or warped boards and repair them. The deck must be smooth, dry, and free from protrusions. Install metal drip edges at the eaves and rakes, overhanging the deck by 1/4 to 3/8 inches to direct water away.

Material Handling and Temperature Guidelines

Asphalt roll roofing is sensitive to temperature.

• Storage: Store rolls upright in a warm, dry place. Rolls and cement should be stored at or above 55°F for at least 24 hours before use.
• Unrolling and Relaxing: To prevent wrinkles, unroll the roofing and cut it into 12- to 18-foot lengths. Lay the sheets flat in warm sunlight to allow them to relax. Below 45°F, keep the material warm to prevent cracking.
• Installation Temperature: The ideal temperature range for installation is between 45°F and 85°F. Cold makes the material brittle, while extreme heat can make it too soft to handle.

As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, we adhere to these best practices, knowing that proper preparation directly impacts your roof’s longevity and performance.

The Complete Asphalt Roll Roofing Installation Process

With preparation complete, the installation process requires precision to ensure a watertight finish.

Laying the Foundation: Underlayment and Starter Strips

These first layers are critical for protection and proper adhesion.

Underlayment Application

An underlayment of asphalt-saturated felt offers an invaluable extra layer of protection. Apply the felt horizontally, starting from the eaves. Each course should overlap the lower one by at least 2 inches, with end laps of at least 4 inches. Install the underlayment flat and without wrinkles.

Installing Starter Strips

Starter strips provide a solid, sealed base for the main courses. Place 9-inch wide strips of roll roofing along the eaves and rakes, overhanging the drip edge by 1/4 to 3/8 inch. Secure these strips with two staggered rows of nails, one row 1 inch from the edge and the second 8 inches from the edge, with nails spaced 4 inches on center.

Applying the Main Courses: Concealed vs. Exposed Nail Methods

The application method for the main courses depends on your roof’s slope.

Concealed Nail Method

Preferred for its clean look and better protection, this method is for slopes down to 1:12.

• First Course: Position the first full-width strip flush with the starter strips. Fasten its upper edge with nails spaced 4 inches on center. Lift the lower edge, apply roofing cement over the starter strip, and press the course firmly into the cement with a roller until a small bead appears at the edge.
• Subsequent Courses: Overlap the previous course by at least 3 inches (or the specified selvage edge width). Use chalk lines for straightness. Fasten the upper edge of each new course with nails, ensuring the next course will overlap these nails by at least 1 inch.

Exposed Nail Method

This simpler method is for slopes of 2:12 or steeper.

• Application: Position the first course to overhang the eaves and rakes by 1/4 to 3/8 inches. Nail 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the top edge (18-20 inch spacing) and 1 inch from the eaves/rakes (3-inch spacing). Subsequent courses overlap the previous one by at least 3 inches. For end laps (where sheets in a course meet), overlap by 6 inches. Apply lap cement to the full lap width, embed the overlapping sheet, and fasten with two rows of nails.

End Laps

For both methods, end laps must be at least 6 inches wide and fully cemented. Nail the underlying sheet 1 and 5 inches from its end. Stagger end laps in succeeding courses by at least 18 inches to avoid aligning weak points.

Securing Edges and Seams for a Watertight Seal

Properly sealed edges and seams are essential for a watertight roof.

Applying Lap Cement

Spread roofing cement 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick along all laps. Avoid excessive amounts, which can cause blistering. After applying cement, press the overlying sheet firmly into it with a weighted roller (75-80 lbs) to ensure full adhesion and expel air. A small bead of cement should squeeze out from the edge.

Nailing and Sealing

Nails create potential leak points if not sealed. In the concealed method, nails are covered by the next course. In the exposed method, all visible nail heads must be thoroughly covered with a dab of asphalt plastic roofing cement. At rake edges, do not nail within 18 inches of the edge until the cement has been applied and the strip pressed down.

Preventing Wrinkles and Buckling

Wrinkles compromise your roof. Allowing the material to relax before installation is key. When laying sheets, stretch them gently and press firmly from the center outward to remove trapped air. Working methodically from one side to the other helps prevent wrinkles.

Finishing Touches: Hips, Ridges, and Flashing

Properly finishing hips, ridges, and penetrations is critical for a leak-proof roof. This is where professional experience is invaluable.

Capping Hips and Ridges

Hips and ridges require special attention to prevent water intrusion.

• Prepare Strips: Cut 12-inch wide strips of roll roofing. In cold weather, warm them before bending to prevent cracking.
• Application: Bend the strips lengthwise to cover 6 inches on each side of the joint. Use a chalk line for guidance. Apply lap cement, then press the strip firmly into place. For hips, start at the bottom and work up. For ridges, start at the end opposite the prevailing winds.
• Overlapping: Secure the first strip with nails on the edge that will be covered by the next piece. Apply cement to the 6-inch lap area before placing the next strip, creating a continuous, sealed cap.

Proper Flashing Techniques for Your Asphalt Roll Roofing Installation

Flashing is essential wherever the roof meets a wall or is penetrated by a vent or chimney.

Wall Flashing

Where the roof meets a vertical wall, apply lap cement and turn the roll roofing 4 inches up the wall, nailing the top edge. Install a 12-inch wide flashing strip in a bed of cement, extending 6 inches up the wall and 6 inches onto the roof. Nail the edges. Metal counter-flashing should be installed over the top to direct water away.

Chimney and Vent Flashing

This multi-layered process is complex. First, install corner pieces in cement at the base of the chimney. Then, install side flashing pieces, starting with the front (down-slope) piece, then the sides, and finally the back (up-slope) piece. The roll roofing material goes over the flashing on the back and sides but under the flashing at the front to ensure proper water flow.

Valleys

Valleys require a two-layer system for maximum protection.

• First Layer: Install a ~20-inch wide strip, granule side down, in lap cement and nail its outer edges.
• Second Layer: Install a full-width strip, granule side up, in lap cement directly over the first layer.
• Main Roofing: The main field sheets of roll roofing should overlap the valley flashing by at least 6 inches, set in lap cement.

For detailed diagrams, refer to manufacturer instructions, such as the Application Instructions for TAMKO® SLATE SURFACED ROLL ROOFING.

Post-Installation: Maintenance and Comparisons

After your asphalt roll roofing installation, proper care will ensure it lasts. Here’s how to maintain it and how it compares to other options.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance will help your roll roof reach its full lifespan of 6 to 12 years.

• Annual Inspections: Inspect your roof each spring and fall for any signs of wear or damage.
• Clean Debris: Keep the roof and gutters free of leaves and branches to prevent moisture buildup and water pooling.
• Check Seams: Look for any separation or lifting at seams and overlaps. Re-seal any problem areas with a fresh bead of asphalt roofing cement.
• Sealant Touch-Ups: If you notice significant granule loss, which exposes the asphalt to UV rays, apply a fresh coat of an appropriate sealant.

Identifying Potential Problems After Installation

Catching minor issues early can prevent major headaches. Look for:

• Blisters: Bubbles on the surface, often from trapped moisture or excess cement.
• Cracks: Can appear from aging or temperature changes, creating entry points for water.
• Buckling/Wrinkles: These can trap water and are prone to cracking.
• Granule Loss: Excessive loss indicates the asphalt is losing its UV protection.
• Water Pooling: Water that remains for more than 48 hours signals a drainage or sagging issue.
• Loose Seams: Any separated seam needs immediate re-sealing to prevent leaks.

Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to extending your roof’s life.

Roll Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles

Here’s a quick comparison between asphalt roll roofing and traditional asphalt shingles:

Roll roofing’s main advantages are its cost-effectiveness and suitability for low-slope applications where shingles cannot be used. While its lifespan and aesthetics don’t typically match shingles, it is the correct solution for nearly flat roofs.

Conclusion: When to Call a Professional for Your Roofing Project

This guide covers the key steps of an asphalt roll roofing installation, from preparation and safety to flashing and maintenance. While it can be a DIY-friendly option for smaller structures, the complexity of ensuring a watertight seal, especially around flashing, cannot be overstated. Incorrect installation can lead to costly leaks and premature roof failure.

A roof is your home’s primary defense against the elements. At Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters, we know that even a seemingly simple roll roofing project requires expertise to guarantee longevity. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor—a distinction earned by only the top tier of roofing professionals—we bring unparalleled experience and a commitment to quality to every job.

For a professional assessment, expert installation, and the peace of mind that comes with a correctly installed roof backed by a solid warranty, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help homeowners in Berkshire County, MA, with all their residential roofing needs.

Contact us for your residential roofing needs.

Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters proudly serves all of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
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