Proper installation of Atlas asphalt shingles is critical for ensuring the durability, performance, and longevity of a roof system. This article provides a detailed guide based on official manufacturer instructions and technical specifications from Atlas Roofing. The instructions apply to both new construction and re-roofing projects and are designed to be followed for all types of Atlas shingles, including StormMaster® Hip & Ridge and Pinnacle Pristine models. The guidance includes deck preparation, material compatibility, fastening techniques, and special design considerations such as wind resistance and ventilation requirements.
Roof Deck and Material Compatibility
Before beginning any installation, it is essential to ensure the roof deck is compatible with Atlas shingles. The manufacturer specifies that Atlas asphalt shingles must be installed on nominal 3/8" or 7/16" thick APA/TECO-rated plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) decks. Alternatively, solid wood decking that is well-seasoned, no wider than 6 inches (nominal), and securely fastened to each rafter may also be used. The deck must be clean, gap-free, flat, and structurally sound.
Atlas shingles are not approved for installation on certain types of insulated or non-vented decks. Specifically, Atlas will not honor the shingle warranty if the product is installed directly over non-vented, insulated decks composed of perlite board, plastic foam, fiberboard, gypsum plank, lightweight concrete, cementitious wood fiber, or similar materials. This also includes cases where insulation is installed directly to the underside of the decking, with the exception of Atlas CrossVent® Nailable Insulation.
Spray foam insulation applied directly to the bottom of the decking will also void the warranty. For homes with radiant barrier materials, Atlas provides specific conditions for compatibility. The radiant barrier must be installed on the underside of or below the decking, not used as an underlayment above the decking. It must also be highly vapor permeable (greater than 2 perms) and allow for full flow-through ventilation under the decking. Spray-on radiant barriers are considered on a case-by-case basis, provided they meet vapor permeability requirements.
Starter Shingles and Seams
Starter shingles are an important component of the installation process. Atlas recommends the use of starter shingles to ensure proper alignment and wind resistance. If the goal is to qualify for the full system warranty (Signature Select Warranty), starter shingles must be used. For the standard "out of the box" warranty, three-tab shingles may be substituted, although the use of starter shingles is still strongly advised.
When installing starter shingles, they should be placed at the lower edge of the roof, aligned with the starter course. An optional application of asphalt-based plastic cement that meets ASTM D-4586 standards can be applied along the rake of the roof to enhance wind resistance and prevent water infiltration. This is particularly useful in high-wind areas.
Seams between shingles must be carefully measured and maintained. The minimum overlap should be 5 inches, and for maximum material efficiency and color blending, Atlas recommends a 6-inch offset pattern. The ARMA Best Practices Manual allows for an overlap between 4 and 8 inches, but the 5-inch minimum must not be exceeded. Periodic cuts on the transition course may be necessary to maintain alignment and ensure consistent coverage.
First and Second Shingle Courses
The first full shingle course should begin at the lower left rake of the roof or the right side of a vertical chalk line. Shingles should be laid flush with the starter course and fastened with four nails per shingle, placed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The second course involves cutting 6 inches from the left end of a shingle and applying the remaining larger piece over the first course shingle, maintaining a 6-inch exposure. The 6-inch piece is saved for use in the seventh course. This method ensures proper alignment and exposure, preventing gaps or uneven coverage.
Proper nail placement is essential for securing shingles and preventing wind uplift. Atlas recommends placing nails 1 inch from each side of the shingle and 6 inches from the exposed butt edge. For high-wind applications, the manufacturer recommends double nailing each Pro-Cut® shingle by driving a second nail 1 inch behind the first. This provides additional security and helps prevent shingle displacement during severe weather conditions.
StormMaster® Hip & Ridge Installation
StormMaster® Hip & Ridge shingles are designed for installation at roof intersections and ridge lines. These shingles come in three equal pieces, separated along perforated lines. Before installation, each piece should be bent lengthwise to ensure equal exposure on both sides of the ridge. It is important to allow the shingles to warm before bending to prevent cracking or damage.
The exposure for StormMaster® H&R shingles is 5 5/8 inches. The alignment notches provided on the shingles should be used to ensure accurate exposure alignment. Each piece is nailed 6 inches from the exposed butt edge with two nails, one inch from each side. The bottom of each shingle should align with the notch of the previously installed piece.
For high-wind areas, Atlas recommends additional fastening. In these cases, each Pro-Cut® shingle should be double-nailed, with a second nail placed 1 inch behind the first. The exposed ends of the Pro-Cut® H&R shingles should face away from the prevailing wind to minimize uplift.
A double layer of Pro-Cut® H&R shingles can be installed for an enhanced appearance. In this case, fasteners must be long enough to penetrate through the roofing material and at least 3/4 inch into a lumber deck or through a plywood deck. One bundle of Pro-Cut® H&R shingles provides approximately 16 linear feet of ridge coverage when installed in a double-layer configuration.
Drip Edge and Plywood Considerations
In cases where a drip edge is not present, nail placement should be adjusted accordingly. Nails should be spaced evenly and placed 1 inch from each side of the shingle. If a drip edge is present, shingles should be flushed with it, with a 1/4-inch overlap at the top edge to create a natural seal. This helps prevent water infiltration and improves the roof’s appearance.
When working with plywood, nail placement should be slightly closer to the edge, at least 1/4 inch from the sides. This ensures that the shingles are securely fastened without risking damage to the edges of the material.
Special Design and Installation Considerations
Atlas provides specific recommendations for special design considerations. For example, in high-wind areas, the manufacturer suggests using double nailing and adjusting the direction of the exposed ends of the shingles to face away from the prevailing wind. This helps reduce the risk of wind uplift and damage.
When installing a double-layer of Pro-Cut® H&R shingles, fasteners must be of sufficient length to penetrate through the roofing material and at least 3/4 inch into the deck or through the plywood. This ensures a secure attachment and enhances the overall performance of the roof system.
In addition, when mixing different types of shingles or using transition courses, care must be taken to ensure that the overlap between shingles is never less than 5 inches. This can be verified by measuring both above and below the transition course. If necessary, periodic cuts should be made to maintain proper alignment and coverage.
Conclusion
Installing Atlas asphalt shingles requires careful attention to detail and strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines. From roof deck preparation to fastening techniques and special design considerations, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring the roof performs as intended. Proper installation not only enhances the appearance of the roof but also contributes to its durability and resistance to weather-related damage.
By following the instructions provided in this guide, homeowners and roofing professionals can ensure that their Atlas shingle installations meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Whether for new construction or re-roofing projects, Atlas offers a range of products designed to meet the needs of a variety of applications.