wrote:

On Dec 4, 1:46 pm, Norminn wrote:


I'm not sure what "architectural" shingles are, but I think we have them
) Elk Prestige Plus, I believe. We have an unusual roof on our
condo, with steep mansards on each building. In addition to a poor
installation (improper nailing), they were a poor choice for steep roofs
(formerly concrete tile). After a couple of major reworks, and still
losing shingles, the roofer started applying roof cement under each
tab. Our city also changed the regulations for shingles on steep roofs,
requiring cement under each tab of the shingle. Then came the
hurricanes, in 2005?, and we had a "stuck fast" roof! Max. winds here
were 70 mph, and we lost a skylight but not one shingle. Many of the
buildings in the neighborhood lost many shingles and even concrete
tiles, but ours stayed on. Don't recall whether these shingles are
rated for Dade, but the extra adhesive seems to have made a great
difference.




I guess that sounds like the way to go. Maybe if I do an hour a night
or so I can get it done next summer.


Don't know about summer ........ cold weather is not a good time to
work, especially for a new roof. For a new roof installation, hot sun
helps melt the adhesive built into the shingles so that they lay flat
and adhere to each other. If you go about putting adhesive under the
tabs, warmth will help make them flex and not crack, but don't kill
yourself )

There are some roofing material websites which give good instructions
about installing shingles. Just the instructions on the package of
shingles are pretty much of a "basic education" in roofing. Our Elk
shingles are laminated - two layers of stuff stuck together - with the
bottom layer only half the size of the shingle. The nailing line,
marked on the shingle, is critical as is measuring the overlap, laying a
chalk line to get them straight, etc. It isn't rocket science, but sure
can give you grief if not done right. I'm not familiar with other
brands of roofing, and there is a lot of variety in quality, style and
suitability for a particular roof and climate. I looked at Elk's
website, just for a random example. I don't know this particular
shingle, but the instruction sheet will give you a very good idea of
what is involved and why:
http://www.elkcorp.com/application_i...ownSpecSht.pdf

I would talk to neighbors with similar style roofs that look good and
get good references for contractors. Attic ventillation is an important
factor, as well. Something to learn about in regard to keeping your
roof in good shape.

Good luck.