What To Do About Overhanging Roof Shingles

When it comes to roofing repairs in Morris Heights and other areas, overhanging roof shingles are a common problem. If the roof shingles on one side of your house hand over the gutters to the point that birds are building nests under the overhand, read on.


The issue likely stems from the fact that when your roof was installed, the shingles were set too far over the edge—which means you didn’t use A Real Advantage Roof Construction company in Queens, NY. Don’t worry though, it is an easy fix.

Ideally, shingles should extend past the drip edge of the roof by only about ½ to ¾ inch. Determine how much overhang you need to cut off and mark your cutline using a piece of chalk and a straightedge. Note: on some roofs, you might be able to use the exposed butt edges of the roofing course as a guide to keep your cuts in line.

If you have asphalt or fiberglass shingles, use a sharp utility knife to cut them. Support the edge of the shingle on a block of wood as you make each cut and make sure to frequently change blades. If you have wood shingles, use a circular saw or reciprocating saw fitted with a short metal-cutting blade. Make sure to hold the recip saw at a low angle so the blade doesn’t jab your gutters or cut the brackets.

The Roofing System

A new roof is a totally complex, integrated system of components that protects your biggest investment, your home. A complete roofing system has many components that make up the roofing system. The roof deck, a premium roof deck protection, protective leak barrier, pre-cut starter shingles, quality roofing shingles, attic ventilation, ridge cap shingles, reliable low slope membrane, and accessory paint.

A roof deck is the structural part of the home itself. It is usually made of plywood and protects the home from the elements. One of the most vulnerable parts of any roof would be where any two surfaces come together or where any pipes or skylights come into the roof. This can also be in the valleys. All these places are where water can sneak in; GAF offers a roof leak barrier that actually molds itself to the roof. If you live in an area of high winds you should put the leak barriers at both the eaves and the rakes of the roof.

The roof deck protection is a component you cannot see. Roof deck leak protection is like insurance for your shingles. Regular roof tar paper can rip, wrinkle, and buckle under the shingles. Instead, GAF offers a great alternative to regular tar paper. Trapped moisture can cause decay and rot. Using GAF's special advanced synthetic product will protect the roof for many years to come.

Starter strips are the most unappreciated roofing product. You have to lay a row of starter strips before you start laying the shingles so to keep the first row of regular shingles from blowing off in a strong wind. For maximum protection you will also need to install starter strips at the rakes. This can really make a difference in the life of your roof.