how to start a roof course

Install the drip edge

• Cover the roof with felt paper.
• Roll on the felt paper. Cover the roof above the underlayment with roofing felt paper. To start each course, drive a...
• Waterproof your valleys. Install self-stick underlayment under the metal flashing. If you need more than one flashing in...
• Begin with starter shingles. Run the row of starter shingles 1/2 in. past...

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What will you learn in our roofing sales course?

We will also teach you how to hire, train and manage your sales team. This course is designed to cover all the basics of roofing. We discuss common roofing components and terms, how to perform proper roof inspections and estimating. You will also find our estimate template to use for your company!

How to start a roofing business?

TRA offers a full curriculum on starting and growing a successful roofing business. Our E-learning courses range from proven marketing and sales practices to attracting and hiring great employees and everything in between. This course once completed is basically a “business in a box”.

What is a starter course on a roof?

Traditionally, the starter course was just a full shingle turned upside down so its tabs faced up, but that placed the shingle’s self-seal strip too high to do much good. It’s far better to measure down 7 in. from the top of the shingle, trim off the bottom 5 in., and snap off the shingle tabs.

What types of training do roofers need?

Other courses may include information on safety, employee relations, business management, etc. Whether you are a roofer who owns a company, or an employee who desires additional training, it is important be as knowledgeable as possible in your field.

How do you start the first row of a roof?

0:435:55How To Properly Start Shingle Courses On A Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing you're gonna want to do is take a full shingle. And you're gonna go flush. Along theMoreFirst thing you're gonna want to do is take a full shingle. And you're gonna go flush. Along the eave starter. And flush along the rake starter.

Where does starter course go on roof?

1:272:34ESSENTIALS OF THE STARTER SHINGLE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipComing through the front of the roof here in the drip. Edge. We want to install these nails realMoreComing through the front of the roof here in the drip. Edge. We want to install these nails real close to the very bottom edge of the plywood decking. That's what we're doing. The starter shingle is

How do you lay a starter course?

1:006:32HOW TO INSTALL THE STARTER SHINGLE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's perforated and you divided in two right now we're installing the starter strip on the gableMoreAnd it's perforated and you divided in two right now we're installing the starter strip on the gable end. And five mils per shingle approximately two to three inches back from the rake.

How do you start a roof?

11:3622:05How To Install Shingles #2 Getting Started - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSame color as what you're using for your main shingles. Take the shingle normally. This is how itMoreSame color as what you're using for your main shingles. Take the shingle normally. This is how it would be on the roof. Turn it half a turn this way use this as your starter strip.

How much should a starter overhang for shingles?

Starter shingles should always overhang the eave and rake edges of the roof by about 1/4"-3/4" to ensure adequate rain water drainage. It is also important that the seal strip is placed facing up and close to the edge of your roof; otherwise, your roofing system won't seal properly.

How do I start my first row of architectural shingles?

1:563:21How to Install Laminate Architectural Shingles by Malarkey Roofing ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRate apply a full-length shingle adjacent to each of the first five courses to extend the patternMoreRate apply a full-length shingle adjacent to each of the first five courses to extend the pattern loosely butting factory edge to factory edge to maintain a straight layout.

How many shingles are in a bundle of starters?

A: Starter strip shingles are packaged 2-pieces per shingle, 16 shingles per bundle, 100 linear feet.

What is a starter course?

The starter course protects your roof by filling in the spaces under the edges of the first row of exposed shingles. In other words, the starter course is a backing for the first visible row of shingles.

How many shingles are in a bundle?

How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle? There are anywhere between 15 and 29 shingles in a bundle. Typically, a bundle covers 33 square feet. Bundles usually weigh the same regardless of the number of shingles because they're designed to be carried by one person.

How profitable is the roofing business?

Typical roofing companies make between 20 percent and 40 percent gross profit in the roofing industry. The number for service-focused companies may be higher while the number for new construction and large commercial companies may be lower.

How can I grow my roofing business?

10 ways to grow your roofing business (without door knocking)#1 – Launch a roofing website.#2 – Give your roofing website a makeover.#3 – Optimize for local SEO.#4 – Change your sales approach.#5 – Build your digital word of mouth.#6 – Give away FREE value.#7 – Use Google Ads.#8 – Get your business on social media.More items...•

How long does it take to roof a house?

In general, the roof of an average residence (3,000 square feet or less) can be replaced in a day. In extreme cases, it could take three to five days. Depending on the weather, complexity, and accessibility of your home it could even take up to three weeks.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Roofer?

There are very few formal qualifications needed to be a roofer in most states; typically, no formal education is required. That’s good and bad news: it’s good because you don’t have to worry about passing an exam or anything similar to that. You also don’t need to obtain a complicated license.

Ways to Become a Roofer

Aspiring roofers have two main avenues to learn: the first is to become an apprentice or learn on the job. There are a few issues with this method, though:

Three Training Courses for Beginner Roofers

Below are three of the best training courses available for brand new roofers. While some basic carpentry skills are helpful, none of these have prerequisites.

Stay on Top of the Latest Trends and Technologies

Remember that even after you complete your certification or training program, you still need to stay on top of changes within your new field of work to use best practices and remain competitive.

Do you cover starter course with shingles?

You’ll cover the starter course with the first course of shingles. Running starter courses along the rakes isn’t imperative, but it’s smart because starters stiffen the overhanging shingle edges and create a cleaner sightline from below.

Is it cheaper to trim shingles with starter strips?

Still, trimming three-tab shingles is cheaper, so here’s a quick look at that method.

How far can you roll out a low pitched roof?

You'll be able to roll out long sections at a time if you have a low-pitched roof, but the underlayment may slip off the eaves on steeper roofs, so roll out no more than 10 ft. there (Photo 1). It's important to make sure all your underlayment lies flat before you fasten it to the decking.

How much does a roof nailer cost?

Unless your roof is tiny, you're going to want to get your hands on a pneumatic roofing nailer. Prices range from $100 to $300. Renting one costs about $35 a day or $90 a week, so if you own a compressor, you might as well buy rather than rent. A compressor rents for about the same as the nailer. If you don't own a compressor and know you're going to finish your house in less than a week, then renting is probably the way to go.

How much wind can architectural shingles handle?

The shingles shown here are commonly called “architectural.” Some architectural shingles are partially laminated (two layers), and others are fully laminated, which gives them more of a textured look, similar to wood shakes. Because of the extra material, architectural shingles are heavier. Some can handle winds up to 150 mph, which is twice the wind rating of many three-tab shingles.

Do you need a drip edge on a roof?

Metal d rip edge isn’t usually required (check with a local building official), but it gives roof edges a nice finished look, prevents shingles from curling over the edge, and keeps water from running directly down your fascia boards.

Can water get in between shingles?

Water can get in the seams between any two shingles, but that's OK because shingles overlap and the seams are staggered. But if you don't use starter shingles, water will run in between the seams on the first row and right onto the underlayment, increasing the odds of a leak.

Can you work on a roof with common sense?

When it comes to roofs, even the best safety equipment is no substitute for common sense and good judgment. Here are some tips for working safely on a roof: Leave steep and/or high roof work to the pros. No amount of money you could save is worth the risk of death or a lifelong disability from a fall.

Can you install new shingles if you don't tear off the old?

Tear off the old shingles. It’s impossible to properly install new flashing and underlayment if you don’t tear off the old roof beforehand. When tearing off the existing shingles, be sure to remove all the old nails or pound them flat. Protruding nails will tear holes in your new shingles.

More than a platform

Whether you are just getting started, have an established company that needs help turning things around or anything in between, I want to help transform your way of thinking and your business.

The Full curriculum

The Roofing Academy (TRA) is founded by Randy Brothers, a successful entrepreneur and the founder / owner of a multi-million dollar roofing company in Colorado.

program pricing

When you join The Roofing Academy Membership Site, you are fully protected by our 100% Satisfaction-Guarantee. If you don't feel like you've received 10X the value and you decide you want to cancel any time within the next 7 days, just let us know and we'll send you a prompt refund. No hassles, headaches or hoops to jump through.

How to get your business in front of your audience?

Develop a Marketing Plan. Because your business is new, you’ll have to create a thorough marketing plan that will help you get in front of your audience. Take a look at this marketing plan template to get started. One area that you should definitely focus on is your digital marketing efforts, starting with a website.

Is there an offseason for roofing?

Unless you’re in a state that doesn’t experience snow in the winter, you’ll likely run into an offseason for your roofing endeavors. So, you definitely need to plan for that. For example, many midwest roofers pivot during the winter season to become a snow damage roof repair company. Ice dams are a huge problem in many midwest homes. Working in the winter with snow can obviously be a bit of a burden, but it’s a great way to ensure your business is taking in revenue year-round. Whatever your offseason plan is, make sure you discuss it early on. Waiting until the last minute will only cause issues.

Is the roofing industry healthy?

The roofing industry is extremely healthy right now —take a look at these statistics, which show the current state of roofing in the U.S. As you can see, the roofing industry provides many jobs and is a very profitable business. That being said, the market is quite crowded, and it stands to reason that it can only get more crowded from here on out.

Is it good to get on every roofing directory?

Getting on every and any roofing directory may not be the best plan in the long run. If your roofing business gets on a roofing directory with a bunch of low-quality roofing contractors, then people may perceive your company as being low quality as well.

Do midwest roofers pivot during winter?

So, you definitely need to plan for that. For example, many midwest roofers pivot during the winter season to become a snow damage roof repair company. Ice dams are a huge problem in many midwest homes.

How Hard is it to Shingle a Roof?

Adding shingles onto a roof can be challenging and dangerous. It’s important to wear the appropriate safety gear such as a harness and a line attached to the ridge or staging with safety rails around it to protect yourself from falling.

Should Shingles Overhang the Drip Edge?

Overhanging shingles over the drip edge about a half-inch can help with surface tension. Plan out how you will lay your shingles beforehand, here’s how we recommend you approach your installation.

Installing Roof Shingles in 11 Steps

To start installing shingles, line up aluminum drip edge flush with the edge of the roof and make a pencil line at the top on each end of the house.

What materials are needed for a roof?

Roofing Materials You will need 1 Drip edge 2 Waterproof underlayment (ice and water shield for cold weather areas) 3 Roll roofing 4 Rake edge flashing 5 Valley flashing (if you have valleys) 6 Stack flashing/boots 7 Starter rolls 8 Shingles ( fiberglass asphalt shingles) 9 Ridge vent (if not doing a box vent system) 10 Soffit vents (if using the ridge and soffit vent system) Flashing cement 11 Roofing nails 12 Tacks or staples 13 Box vents (If not doing a soffit and ridge vent system) 14 Plywood (if deck repair is needed and to use to protect shrubbery) 15 Large tarps to catch falling debris from the tear off

What is a starter strip?

Starter strip: Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves. It provides protection by filling in the spaces under the cutouts and joints of the first course of shingles. Tab: An exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts. Top lap: A portion of the shingles covered by the next course of shingles.

What is a fascia?

Fascia: A front strip where the roof edge and soffit meet. This is where a gutter is attached. Flashing: Pieces of galvanized metal used to prevent water seepage of any roofing joints or items that come through the roof. Examples include roof valleys, vents, stacks, dormers, etc.

How many bundles of shingles are there per square?

There are between 3-5 bundles of shingles per roof square. Butt Edge: The lower edge of a tab on a shingle. Closed Cut Valley: When the shingles from one side of the valley are laid across the valley while shingles from the opposite side are trimmed back approximately two inches from the center of the valley.

What is architectural shingle?

Architectural (also known as dimensional) shingles are made by compressing and adhering multiple layers of asphalt mat material to a thick base. This design gives a shingle a fuller layered (or 3D) look, and makes the shingle more durable, and longer lasting.

What is a vent on a roof?

Vent: Any outlet for air that penetrates through the roof such as a pipe or a stack. It can be any device installed on the roof slope, ridge, gable, or soffit for the purpose of providing ventilation to the underside of the roof deck. Terms you will hear are ridge vent, soffit vent, gable vent, and box vent.

What is a rafter made of?

Rafters are made from dimensional lumber (2” x6”, 2” x 8”). The thickness of the rafter is actually 1 1/2”, so when cutting to the rafter, you will cut over the rafter 3/4”. This is called cutting on center. After cutting out the rotted piece, install a cross member of the same size dimensional lumber as your rafter.