Maya Ellison
When it comes to roofing, one common question that arises is whether or not to remove the plastic film from shingles. While some people believe that the plastic is meant to prevent shingles from sticking together, others argue that it helps preserve the tar and should not be ripped off. So, what is the correct course of action? In this discussion, we will explore the reasons behind the presence of plastic on shingles and determine whether it is necessary to remove it or if it plays a crucial role in preserving the roof's integrity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of plastic film | To stop shingles from sticking together in the package |
| Plastic film's role in shingle installation | It is not supposed to be ripped off first; it helps preserve the tar |
| Importance of proper installation | If the installation is not done properly, it can lead to issues such as blow off due to excessive overhang |
| Presence of adhesive strips | There might be adhesive strips under the shingles that help keep the wind from getting under them |
| Recommendations for improvement | Hand-seal the shingles and cut back the overhang for better protection |
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What You'll Learn
- The plastic film is important to preserve tar and prevent shingles from sticking together
- The plastic film is not a substitute for adhesive strips or starter shingles
- The plastic film does not need to be removed and adds protection from the wind
- Overhanging shingles can cause blow-off issues
- The drip edge against the fascia board may become a problem
The plastic film is important to preserve tar and prevent shingles from sticking together
The plastic film on shingles is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to preserve the tar. Tar is an essential component of shingles, providing waterproofing and protection from the elements. By preserving the tar, the plastic film helps to maintain the integrity and functionality of the shingles.
Secondly, the plastic film prevents the shingles from sticking together. This is crucial, as shingles need to be kept separate to ensure proper installation and functionality. If shingles stick together, it can cause installation issues and may affect the overall performance of the roof. The plastic film acts as a release liner, allowing for easy separation of the shingles during installation.
Additionally, the plastic film can provide some protection to the shingles during transportation and storage. It helps to keep the shingles intact and undamaged, ensuring they are ready for use when needed. This protective layer is especially important for asphalt shingles, which can be more susceptible to damage during handling and installation.
While the plastic film serves important purposes, it is important to note that it should be properly trimmed and installed. As mentioned in one source, the plastic film should be neatly trimmed, and the absence of it on some adhesive strips could indicate improper installation. Proper installation of the plastic film ensures that it does not become a source of issues, such as blow-off problems due to excessive overhang.
In summary, the plastic film on shingles plays a crucial role in preserving tar, preventing shingles from sticking together, providing protection, and facilitating proper installation. By understanding the importance of this component, homeowners and roofing professionals can ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their roofs.
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The plastic film is not a substitute for adhesive strips or starter shingles
The plastic film on shingles is not just there to stop them from sticking together in the package. It is a moderately important piece of the shingle and should not be removed. It helps to preserve the tar and provides a second type of rigidity to the shingle. It also helps to protect from blow-offs, especially at the gable, by preventing wind from getting under the shingles.
The combination of the plastic film, adhesive strips, and starter shingles all work together to ensure the shingles are securely attached and protected from the wind. The plastic film alone is not sufficient to provide this level of security. It is important to note that the absence of starter shingles can lead to blow-off issues due to excessive overhang.
While it may be tempting to try and save time or money by skipping the use of adhesive strips or starter shingles, it is important to prioritize the long-term integrity of the roof. Proper installation and the use of all the recommended components will help to ensure the roof's durability and longevity.
In summary, the plastic film on shingles is important and should not be removed, but it is not a replacement for adhesive strips or starter shingles. These components work together to provide a secure and protected roof.
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The plastic film does not need to be removed and adds protection from the wind
There is no need to remove the plastic film from shingles as it provides extra protection from the wind. The plastic strips are a moderately important piece of the shingle and should be left in place. They are not simply there to stop the shingles from sticking together when packaged, as some suggest, but also to preserve the tar and provide a second type of rigidity to the shingle. This rigidity helps to keep wind from getting under the shingles and causing blow-off issues.
The plastic film adds an extra layer of protection to the shingle, and it is recommended that it be left in place, especially in areas that experience high winds or storms. The plastic film can help to prolong the life of the shingle by protecting it from the elements. It is also suggested that the plastic film can help to improve the aesthetics of the shingle, making it look more attractive and pleasing to the eye.
Some professionals in the roofing industry have expressed that the presence of the plastic film is an important element of the shingle's construction and should not be dismissed as insignificant. They recommend that if the plastic film has not been properly trimmed, or if there are issues with the installation, it is best to have the installers return to rectify the issue. Signing off on an improper installation could lead to future problems and potential damage to the roof.
While it may be tempting to remove the plastic film, especially if it is visible and appears untidy, it is important to consider the functional and protective benefits it provides. In the long run, leaving the plastic film intact can help maintain the integrity of the shingles and ensure they function as intended.
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Overhanging shingles can cause blow-off issues
Shingle blow-offs can cause significant damage to a property. One of the main causes of this issue is excessive roof overhang. While a certain amount of overhang are desirable, providing shade for windows and eaves and helping to regulate a home's internal temperature, too much overhang increases the risk of wind damage. This is because a greater overhang increases the surface area on which wind can exert force, increasing the likelihood of shingles becoming loose or dislodged.
Roofs with wide overhangs, such as high-pitched gable roofs, are more vulnerable to wind damage than other roof types. The edges of roofs are particularly susceptible to wind damage, as uplift pressure is at its highest along the roof's edges. An asphalt shingle should have an overhang on the edge of the roof of around 1 to 1.5 inches. If there is an excess, strong winds can tear the roof shingles.
To reduce the risk of wind damage, the end of a roofing shingle should hang over the edge by only one to 1.5 inches or 0.5 to 0.75 inches if drip edge flashing was installed. The number of floors in a building also plays a role, as the higher the roof is, the stronger the wind velocity and wind uplift, and the higher the risk of shingle blow-off.
Regular roof inspections can help identify potential problems before they cause significant damage. Maintenance typically includes roofers looking for signs of water damage, checking for billowing of shingles, and measuring wear and tear.
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The drip edge against the fascia board may become a problem
When installing a roof, it is important to consider the relationship between the drip edge and the fascia board. The drip edge is a component that helps to support and protect shingles, preventing water from seeping under them and causing damage. However, if the drip edge is installed too tightly against the fascia board, it can lead to water flowing down onto the fascia board, potentially causing rot and other issues.
In some cases, water may seep between the shingles and the drip edge, leading to potential damage to the fascia board and the roof deck. This issue can be mitigated by ensuring a small gap between the drip edge and the fascia board, allowing water to drip off the edge without running back up under the shingles. This gap can be created by bending the drip edge out slightly or by inserting a strip of material, such as wood or metal, between the two components.
One common solution suggested by many roofing professionals is to install a 1x2 strip of wood or metal between the drip edge and the fascia board. This creates a space for water to drip off and helps to prevent it from flowing down the fascia board. However, some people have noted that bending the drip edge out may not be aesthetically pleasing and could be susceptible to damage from snow or other elements.
Another approach to address the issue is to slide angled flashing between the shingles and the drip edge, sealing it with appropriate roofing materials. This helps to divert water away from the fascia board and prevents it from seeping between the shingles. Additionally, ensuring that the drip edge extends past the roof sheathing by a minimum of 1/4" can also help to prevent water from wicking back up through capillary action and causing damage to the fascia board.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the plastic film is there to help preserve the tar and protect the adhesive strips from sticking the shingles together.
The plastic film helps to preserve the tar and protects the adhesive strips.
Some people suggest hand-sealing the shingles and cutting them back to prevent blow-off issues.
The plastic film is likely made of a thin, flexible plastic material that is similar to the wrappers from Fruit by the Foot.
Some people believe that the plastic film should be trimmed better and that the installers should come back to fix it. Leaving the plastic film may cause issues with the shingles sticking together.
