Rubber Roof Installation Guide

Replace your existing roof with a durable rubber roof. Rubber roofing comes in 2 formats: a whole roof sheet or rubber shingles.

Step 1 – Remove the Existing Roof

Remove the existing roofing material. Use a shingle scraper to remove the existing shingles. Use a rip-claw hammer to remove any nails which are left in the roof. Use a push broom to sweep away any debris like wood chips or dirt.

Step 2 – Prepare Surface

Nail down any boards that are loose. You can use penny nails for this purpose.

Step 3 – Install Flashings and Drip Edges

Install your flashings and drip edges wherever a roof penetration occurs.

Step 4 – Install Start Strip

Place the starter strip at the base of the roof. This will actually be under the first row of the rubber shingles and will prevent leaking through gaps between each of the shingles.

Step 4 – Install Shields

Install your water and ice shields. Place these from the outer edges of the roof to 3 feet in from the outer walls. These will help to prevent leaking.

Step 5 – Install Tar Paper

Roll the tar paper onto the roof. Each roll should overlap the previous roll by 3 to 6 inches. Use an electric staple gun to adhere the tar paper into place. An electric staple gun will offer a greater level of consistency and require less work. These can be rented at most tool rental shops. Trim the tar paper around the flashing.

For additional protection, staple a piece of paper so it covers the top of the flashings. A piece of tar paper should be placed so it covers the top of the flashings.

Step 6 - Install the Roof Shingles

Install the roofing shingles, working from the lowest corner on each side of the home up to the peak of the roof. When installing the rubber roof shingles, make sure that each row overlaps the previous row by around 4 inches. This will require more material, but it will ensure that the roof lasts longer.

Step 7 – Nail in the Roof Shingles

Finally, use a pneumatic nail gun or a hammer to nail each shingle into place. Each shingle should have 4 to 5 nails.