Nothing worse than losing your lines halfway through a job when the weather turns. Good on Jerry for keeping it practical and effective...
Jerry's jig is gold, honestly. Reminds me of when I first tackled ridge caps after a nasty hailstorm tore up my roof. Thought I'd eyeball it—rookie mistake. Ended up looking like a drunken snake had crawled across my roof. Learned real quick that simple guides beat fancy tools any day, especially when you're racing incoming rain clouds. Chalk lines are handy until Mother Nature decides otherwise...
Jerry's jig definitely sounds like a lifesaver. I remember once trying to finish up ridge shingles with storm clouds rolling in—chalk lines washed away almost instantly, and I was left guessing my way through it. Ended up redoing half the job the next day. Sometimes simpler really is better, huh? Glad I'm not the only one who's learned the hard way...
- Been there, man... chalk lines and rain never mix.
- Jerry's jig sounds handy, but honestly, I've just eyeballed it a few times—turned out decent enough.
- Curious though, anyone tried using laser levels for ridge shingles? Seems like it could work, but maybe overkill or too fussy...?
Laser levels can work, but honestly, they're a bit finicky for ridge shingles. Tried it once myself—spent more time adjusting the tripod and fussing with alignment than actually laying shingles. Eyeballing usually does the trick if you've got a decent eye. If you're struggling, maybe just set a couple reference shingles at each end first, then snap a quick chalk line when it's dry. Keep at it though... gets easier each time.
Tried the laser level route myself once—ended up being more hassle than help. Chalk lines are definitely the way to go, but I'd add one thing: make sure your reference shingles at each end are spot-on before snapping that line. I rushed it once, thinking "close enough," and ended up with a noticeable wave halfway down the ridge. Had to redo half the job... lesson learned the hard way. Take your time upfront, it'll save you headaches later.