what to do when your course of shingles is slightly too short

by Theresa Ward Jr. 8 min read

Common tests & procedures

How do you fix shingles too short?

To fix an overhang that's too short, buy some aluminum drip edge (aka drip-cap flashing). It's typically sold in 8-ft. lengths, and can be cut with tin snips or even poultry shears. Slide the wide, flat flange of the flashing under the first course of shingles and adjust it to extend over the gutter.

How much should shingles overhang?

Shingles should not extend more than 3/4” (19 mm) past the drip edge. If shingles overhang the edge of the roof by more than 3/4” (19 mm), then they are not supported and may crack and break off. In addition, the wind resistance at the roof edge may be compromised.

What causes shingles to lift?

Why Shingles Lift. In most cases, asphalt shingles lift as a result of improper installation or inadequate ventilation in the attic. Shingles may have been damaged during the installation process or even before they were installed.

How do you close a row of shingles?

Here's how to shingle the top edge of your shed roof:For the final row, cut shingles into strips.Ensure strips are wide enough to cover nails.Install your strips.Apply sealant over exposed nails on the last strip.Use more sealant along the top edges of all shingle strips.

Do shingles need to overhang drip edge?

The edge of the shingles should hang over a roof between an inch and an inch and a half — or between a half inch and three-quarters of an inch if drip edge flashing is installed. Too much overhang and the shingles could blow off in high winds; too little can allow water to seep into rake or fascia boards.

Should shingles be glued to drip edge?

In order for the Roof Edge Seal or a band of roof cement to be effective at holding shingles down, they must be bonded directly to wide metal drip edge. I usually use drip edge with a minimum 5-in. -wide roof leg.

What to use for lifting shingles?

Cut the tip of the roof sealant tube at a 45 degree angle with a utility knife and load it into the caulking gun.Lift the affected shingle fully with the aid of a putty knife.Apply a thick dab of roof sealant by pressing firmly on the trigger of the caulking gun.Press firmly down on the shingle.More items...

How do you know when shingles are going bad?

10 Warning Signs Your Roof is FailingYou have several missing or loose shingles.Your shingles are curling, cracking, dry, or blistering.The roof is sagging.There are dark/dirty areas on your roof.You have granules in your gutters.You notice several exposed or loose nail heads.More items...•

Why are my new shingles not laying flat?

Installation Issues Sometimes, new roof shingles not laying flat simply means that they weren't installed correctly. DIY repairs can often lead to these problems. However, even professional contractors can sometimes have issues with roofing tiles. This is why it's so important to work with a roofing expert.

How do you start cutting shingles?

1:525:54How To Properly Start Shingle Courses On A Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStraight down so using one single to mark your other single to do your first cut is one method ofMoreStraight down so using one single to mark your other single to do your first cut is one method of doing it what I prefer to do because I am a little more experienced. I will take my knife.

How do I start my first row of shingles?

For the first row of shingles, called a starter course or strip, you cut the tabs off three-tab shingles and apply them with the self-sealing adhesive strip facing up along the eave. Make sure this row has a slight overhang (1/4 to 3/8 in.) beyond the drip edge.

What are starter strip shingles?

Starter strips are an important and integral part of an asphalt shingle roof system. They aid the roof's water-shedding function by covering shingle joints (and cutouts in traditional three-tab shingles) at the eaves.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider may recommend one or more of these diagnostic tests and procedures as part of an evaluation.
Diagnosis is usually done by physical examination and reviewing medical history.
Common tests & procedures

Physical examination: Physical examination of rashes and blisters is adequate to make a diagnosis.

Varicella zoster virus tests: In rare cases, fluid from the blisters is tested to confirm the presence of the virus.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Overview

Symptoms

  • There's no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include: 1. Acyclovir (Zovirax) 2. Famciclovir 3. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe: 1. Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza) 2. Anticonvul...
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Causes

  • Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may help relieve the itching and pain. And, if possible, try to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
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Risk Factors

  • Some people have such mild symptoms of shingles that they don't seek medical treatment. At the other extreme, severe symptoms may result in a visit to the emergency room.
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Complications

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Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Although shingles can occur anywhere on your body, it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had c…
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Prevention

  • The signs and symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small section of one side of your body. These signs and symptoms may include: 1. Pain, burning, numbness or tingling 2. Sensitivity to touch 3. A red rash that begins a few days after the pain 4. Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over 5. Itching Some people also experience: 1. F...
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