Alexei Volkov
Whether or not to peel the plastic strip off the back of shingles is a question that has been asked for years, with many people unsure of the correct answer. The plastic strip is typically made from cellophane or wax-coated paper and is found between individual asphalt roof shingles. Its purpose is to prevent shingles from sticking together while they are still in the bundle and being stored or shipped. However, once the shingles are unpacked and installed, the plastic strip is no longer necessary, and it will dissolve on its own over time. While some people choose to remove the plastic strip, it is generally recommended to leave it in place, as it can be difficult to remove and may damage the shingle, reducing the future life of the roof.
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic strips prevent shingles from sticking together during shipping
- The strips are not to be removed before nailing shingles to the roof
- The plastic does not need to be removed, saving time and mess
- The plastic strip serves as reinforcement when shingles are nailed
- The plastic strip will dissolve on its own
Plastic strips prevent shingles from sticking together during shipping
Plastic strips are commonly found on the back of shingles, and they are designed to prevent shingles from sticking together during shipping. The strips are usually made of cellophane, plastic, or wax-coated paper, and they are placed over the glue strip that bonds shingles together. They are necessary because shingles can get hot during shipping, and the glue strips can cause them to stick together.
When shingles are installed, the plastic strips are not removed. The strips are designed to melt and allow the shingles to seal together. The heat from the sun will melt the bitumen, causing the plastic strips to melt and the glue strips to adhere to the shingles above and below. This process helps to protect the roof from wind damage and blow-off.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing shingles. Some manufacturers specifically state that the plastic strips should not be removed. Removing the strips can be difficult and may damage the shingles. It is also unnecessary, as the strips will eventually melt away.
In addition to preventing shingles from sticking together during shipping, the plastic strips can also serve as a reinforcement when the shingles are nailed down. They help to keep the oil in the bituminous seal down the strip from soaking through the shingle. The strips also keep dirt and debris out of the adhesive material, ensuring that the adhesive will work properly after installation.
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The strips are not to be removed before nailing shingles to the roof
Many people assume that the plastic strips on the back of shingles are meant to be removed before nailing the shingles to the roof. However, this is not the case. These plastic strips serve two purposes: to prevent the shingles from sticking together before installation, and as a reinforcing strip when nailed.
The strips are typically made of cellophane or clear plastic and are placed over the glue or tar strip that bonds the shingles together. They are factory-installed to keep the shingles from sticking together while they are still in bundles in storage. If the shingles were to stick together, it would be much harder to separate them during installation.
Additionally, the strips provide reinforcement when the shingles are nailed to the roof. The adhesive transfers the attachment to the roof upwards to the tabs of the shingles above, improving wind resistance. This is especially important in high-wind conditions, as it helps to prevent shingles from blowing off.
In some cases, the plastic strips will dissolve on their own over time due to exposure to sunlight and heat. However, there is no need to remove them before nailing the shingles to the roof. In fact, removing the strips can create unnecessary trash and may even damage the shingles or reduce the future life of the roof. Therefore, it is recommended to leave the plastic strips in place during installation.
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The plastic does not need to be removed, saving time and mess
The plastic strip on the back of shingles does not need to be removed. This saves time and effort, and prevents mess and waste. The plastic strip is designed to prevent shingles from sticking together while they are in storage and before they are installed. It also serves as a reinforcing strip when the shingles are nailed down.
The plastic strip is placed over the glue or tar strip on the shingle, which is used to bond the shingles together. This glue strip is factory-installed and is covered by a thin, transparent release strip made of plastic. The plastic strip prevents the sealant from "activating" while the shingles are in storage. It also prevents the shingles from sticking to the tar paper.
Once the shingles are unpacked and installed, the plastic strip is no longer necessary, but it can be left in place. It will eventually dissolve on its own, especially with exposure to sun and heat. There is no need to remove the strip, and doing so can create unnecessary mess and trash. It can also be difficult to remove, and in some cases, it may damage the shingle or reduce the future life of the roof.
Some shingles may have "DO NOT REMOVE" printed on the strip, indicating that it is not necessary or beneficial to remove it. It is worth noting that the plastic strip can also contain important information, such as the manufacture date, model, and factory information for warranty purposes. Therefore, it is generally recommended to leave the plastic strip intact.
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The plastic strip serves as reinforcement when shingles are nailed
The plastic strip on the back of shingles should not be removed. It is not meant to be peeled off and serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it keeps the shingles from sticking together in the bundles before installation. Secondly, it acts as a reinforcing strip when the shingles are nailed. This reinforcement is essential, especially if you live in an area with strong winds.
The plastic strip is placed on the nail line, and it never melts. However, the tar strip behind the plastic strip will eventually melt and seal onto the other shingles due to exposure to the sun and heat. The more intense the sun and heat, the quicker the tar strip will melt and create a seal. Therefore, it is crucial to use the correct number of nails per shingle during installation to ensure the shingles remain in place until they can seal together.
Some people mistakenly believe that the plastic strip should be removed to allow the shingles to stick together. However, this is incorrect, as the plastic strip is intended to prevent the shingles from sticking together prematurely. Once the shingles are installed and exposed to extreme heat, the plastic strip will not hinder the adhesion process. Instead, it will melt and contribute to a stronger seal between the shingles.
Furthermore, removing the plastic strip can create unnecessary trash and debris, which can be challenging to clean up, especially if it blows away in the wind. It is also worth noting that some manufacturers include valuable information on the plastic strip, such as the manufacture date, model, factory information, and warranty details. Removing the strip would result in the loss of this information.
In conclusion, the plastic strip on the back of shingles should be left intact as it provides reinforcement during nailing and helps ensure the shingles remain securely in place, especially in windy conditions.
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The plastic strip will dissolve on its own
The plastic strip on the back of shingles does not need to be removed before installation. It exists to prevent the shingles from sticking together while they are in storage. The plastic strip also acts as a reinforcement when the shingles are nailed down.
Once the shingles are applied, the plastic strip is no longer necessary, but it will not harm the shingles. Over time, the plastic strip will dissolve on its own due to exposure to the sun and heat. The more sunlight and heat the shingles are exposed to, the quicker the plastic strip will dissolve.
If you try to remove the plastic strip manually, you may damage the shingle and reduce the future life of the roof. Leaving the plastic strip in place also prevents it from becoming blowing trash during installation.
Some shingles have "DO NOT REMOVE" printed on the plastic strip. Removing the strip may also void the warranty, as it contains manufacture date/model/factory information for warranty purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to peel the plastic strip off the back of shingles. The plastic strip is there to prevent the shingles from sticking together before installation.
The plastic strip serves two purposes: to keep the shingles from sticking together in bundles and as a reinforcing strip when nailed.
Removing the plastic strip can create unnecessary blowing trash and may damage the shingle, reducing the future life of the roof.
The plastic strip will dissolve on its own after a couple of hot summers.
