Good call on the chalk lines, eyeballing shingles is asking for trouble. I'd also say don't underestimate the importance of good ridge caps. Seen plenty of DIY jobs where folks used regular shingles instead of proper ridge shingles and wondered why they wore out so fast. Proper ridge shingles are thicker and designed to handle weather better—worth the extra few bucks. Curious, are you using three-tab shingles or architectural ones? Makes a difference when you're bending them over hips and ridges...
Yeah, chalk lines are definitely your friend here. But honestly, I've seen decent ridge caps made from three-tabs if they're done carefully...though I agree proper ridge shingles usually last longer. Are you hand-nailing or using a gun? Makes a difference in precision, especially on hips.
- Totally agree on chalk lines, saves a ton of headaches later.
- I've done plenty of three-tab ridge caps too—works fine if you're careful, but proper ridge shingles def hold up better long-term.
- Prefer hand-nailing myself on hips...guns are quick, but precision matters more there.
Chalk lines are a lifesaver for sure...seen way too many crooked ridge lines that could've been avoided with a simple snap. I'm with you on proper ridge shingles vs. three-tabs—three-tabs will get you by, but from an inspection standpoint, dedicated ridge shingles almost always show less wear and tear down the road. Hand-nailing hips can be tedious, but the precision you gain is worth it, especially on steeper pitches. Nail guns are convenient, yeah, but I've seen too many nails blown through or under-driven. Better safe than sorry on this one.
Totally agree on chalk lines—seen plenty of roofs where skipping that step cost the installer big-time. Dedicated ridge shingles do seem sturdier, though I've had decent luck with three-tabs in a pinch. Hand-nailing is definitely slower, but you're right, fewer headaches later. I've also noticed nail guns can cause issues if you're not careful...seen some nasty blow-throughs myself. Good call on taking the extra time for precision, especially on steep roofs.
