methods of shingling

[doyle]

While answering another post, I figured I would ask a question about something that's bothered me for years.

Has anybody noticed how ugly some roofing shingles look becasue they have been applied in the "column" method? I guess that's what it's called....it's where one row goes from the bottom to the top, than another row next to it is applied, etc, etc.

This is very noticible from the street on almost all newer houses, and re-roof jobs. This really only applies to 3-tab shingles. I know it's the easiest, quickest way to shingle, but even after all these years, the shingle companies are still coloring and/or fading the colorations of each shingle to tie into the one immediately to the left or right of the one before it. If you shingle a roof the 'old-school way, going left to right across the roof, the shingles are quite beautiful.

I'm guilty of shingling in columns on my storage buildings to save time, but on my house and any additions, I always take the time to shingle left to right.


Why haven't the shingle companies done something about that?

[Tom R]

I call it the 'builder's run' method. I don't do it that way, but I think it would be less visible if they 'pulled' out of different bundles. I prefer to do a 6" stepped 'pyramid' run.

[grumpydasmurf]

This method of shingling will void the manufacturer's warranty in every installation. You will channel water and encourage leaks. Good luck using this method!

Read the manufacturer's instructions. None allow this. If one of my roofers were to shingle like this he wouldn't be a roofer for us any longer.

[doyle]

Thanks for the replies. So even though it's common practice by most builders and roofers around here, it's not recommended.

I just read all the instructions and warranty info on a pack of Tamco shingles (yawn) and although it doesn't say "not" to use the 'builder's course', it shows the pics of laying them left to right, creating the pyramid shape you mentioned.

It did mention something about the warranty being void if proper application methods weren't followed as outlined in some kind of roofer's manual. Must be the 'roofer's bible' I would assume.

I'll get away from doing the column method, and do the pyramid instead. I sure don't want anybody thinking MY roofing looks "columnized" and choppy.