What Is racking Shingles?
Racking… is when shingles are installed straight up the roof rather than being installed using the traditional
stair step method.
Does GAF Approve Of The Racking Method?
Three Tab Shingles… are acceptable, but it is not the preferred method of installation because of the possible
installation problems and damage if proper precautions are not followed.
All other shingles (laminated or designer shingles)… Never. The application method and specific offsets
shown in the application instructions for each type of shingle must be followed to achieve the best
appearance and avoid damage to the shingles from over-bending these heavy shingles during application.
Possible Types Of Installation Problems And Damages?
Improper Nailing:… often results when shingles are racked due to the last nail (the blind nail) of every other
course of shingles being left out to allow the insertion of the next shingle. Shingles left un-nailed at the first
pass can mistakenly be left un-nailed when the next shingle is installed. Missing nails will result in reduced
wind resistance of the roof.
Stress Cracks… can be caused when the shingles are bent to install the “blind nail.” These stress cracks may
not be immediately visible but can result in premature failure of the shingle.
Incorrect Color Blends… may be caused when installing shingles straight up the roof creating up and down
color lines on a roof, or color “shading.”
If You Do Rack Three Tab Shingles…
Ensure proper and adequate nailing… making certain the correct number of nails are installed in each shingle.
High nailing or leaving nails out can leave unattractive patterns as well as reduce wind
resistance of the shingles.
Keep a close eye on the color blend… to be sure that racking lines are not apparent. During installation,
rack only single columns of shingles (no double columns) and mix shingles from 2 or 3 bundles to
minimize unattractive color patterning.
Beware of over-bending shingles… when installing the “blind nail” to prevent cracking damage to the
shingles that may not be immediately visible and can result in premature shingle failure. The lower the
ambient temperature, the greater the chance that bending the shingle to install the “blind nail” will
cause damage to the shingles.
Will It Void my Warranty?
No. The GAF Shingle Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects remains in effect whether the shingles
are installed either in the traditional stair step method or alternate racking method
GAF / Specs.
Racking… is when shingles are installed straight up the roof rather than being installed using the traditional
stair step method.
Does GAF Approve Of The Racking Method?
Three Tab Shingles… are acceptable, but it is not the preferred method of installation because of the possible
installation problems and damage if proper precautions are not followed.
All other shingles (laminated or designer shingles)… Never. The application method and specific offsets
shown in the application instructions for each type of shingle must be followed to achieve the best
appearance and avoid damage to the shingles from over-bending these heavy shingles during application.
Possible Types Of Installation Problems And Damages?
Improper Nailing:… often results when shingles are racked due to the last nail (the blind nail) of every other
course of shingles being left out to allow the insertion of the next shingle. Shingles left un-nailed at the first
pass can mistakenly be left un-nailed when the next shingle is installed. Missing nails will result in reduced
wind resistance of the roof.
Stress Cracks… can be caused when the shingles are bent to install the “blind nail.” These stress cracks may
not be immediately visible but can result in premature failure of the shingle.
Incorrect Color Blends… may be caused when installing shingles straight up the roof creating up and down
color lines on a roof, or color “shading.”
If You Do Rack Three Tab Shingles…
Ensure proper and adequate nailing… making certain the correct number of nails are installed in each shingle.
High nailing or leaving nails out can leave unattractive patterns as well as reduce wind
resistance of the shingles.
Keep a close eye on the color blend… to be sure that racking lines are not apparent. During installation,
rack only single columns of shingles (no double columns) and mix shingles from 2 or 3 bundles to
minimize unattractive color patterning.
Beware of over-bending shingles… when installing the “blind nail” to prevent cracking damage to the
shingles that may not be immediately visible and can result in premature shingle failure. The lower the
ambient temperature, the greater the chance that bending the shingle to install the “blind nail” will
cause damage to the shingles.
Will It Void my Warranty?
No. The GAF Shingle Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects remains in effect whether the shingles
are installed either in the traditional stair step method or alternate racking method
GAF / Specs.