Where Can I Buy Shingles?

If you are looking for shingles for your roofing project, you might be wondering where you can buy them. Shingles are a type of roofing material that consists of overlapping pieces of asphalt, fiberglass, wood, slate, or metal. They are designed to protect your roof from water, wind, fire, and other elements.
There are many places where you can buy shingles, depending on your budget, preferences, and availability. Here are some of the most common options:
- Lowe’s: Lowe’s is a home improvement store that sells a variety of shingles from different brands, such as Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, and more. You can shop online or in-store and choose from various colors, styles, and features. Lowe’s also offers installation services and financing options for qualified customers.
- ABC Supply: ABC Supply is a wholesale distributor of shingles and other roofing materials. They carry brands such as Atlas, IKO, Malarkey, TAMKO, and more. You can find an ABC Supply store near you using their location finder or order online and have your shingles delivered to your home or job site.
- Owens Corning: Owens Corning is one of the leading manufacturers of shingles and other roofing products. They offer a wide range of shingles with different performance, durability, and aesthetic features. You can browse their shingle collections online and use their design tools to visualize how they would look on your roof. You can also find a local contractor or retailer that sells Owens Corning shingles using their website.
These are just some of the places where you can buy shingles for your roofing project. You can also check other local or online stores that sell roofing materials or ask for recommendations from your friends, family, or neighbors who have recently done a similar project. Whatever you choose, make sure to compare prices, quality, warranties, and reviews before making a purchase.
How to Install Shingles
Once you have bought your shingles, you need to install them properly on your roof. Installing shingles is not a difficult task, but it requires some planning, preparation, and safety precautions. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Prepare the roof. Remove the old shingles and flashing using a roofing shovel or fork. Sweep the roof clean of nails and debris. Install drip edge along the eaves and rakes of the roof to prevent water from getting under the shingles. Install roofing felt or synthetic underlayment over the entire roof deck, overlapping each row by at least 4 inches and nailing it down with cap nails. Cut a slit along the ridge to allow for ventilation.
- Install starter shingles. Starter shingles are special shingles that go along the bottom edge of the roof to provide a straight and secure base for the first row of shingles. Cut off the tabs of regular shingles or use pre-cut starter shingles. Align them with the drip edge and nail them down with four nails per shingle, about 1 inch from each edge and 1 inch from each cutout. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between each shingle.
- Install the first row of shingles. Start from the lower left corner of the roof and work your way to the right. Use full-size shingles and align them with the starter shingles. Nail them down with four nails per shingle, about 6 inches from each edge and 1 inch above each cutout. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between each shingle.
- Install the second row of shingles. Cut 6 inches off the left end of a shingle and use it as the first shingle of the second row. This will create a staggered pattern that helps prevent leaks and improves appearance. Align it with the top edge of the first row and nail it down as before. Continue with full-size shingles until you reach the end of the row, cutting off any excess.
- Install the remaining rows of shingles. For each subsequent row, cut off an additional 6 inches from the first shingle, so that you have a 6-inch, 12-inch, 18-inch, and 24-inch offset pattern. Repeat this pattern until you reach the ridge of the roof, making sure to align each row with the previous one and nail down each shingle as before.
- Install ridge cap shingles. Ridge cap shingles are special shingles that cover the ridge of the roof and provide a finished look. Cut regular shingles into thirds and bend them over the ridge. Nail them down with two nails per piece, about 2 inches from each edge and 1 inch from each end. Overlap each piece by about 3 inches and work your way from one end of the ridge to the other.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed your new shingles on your roof. Enjoy your improved home appearance and protection.