Cedar Plug

Cedar Plug

If you're installing roof shingles, give careful consideration to the equipment you select. Here are some excellent choices based on 22 years of roofing experience...

Equipment for Installing Roof Shingles --Your Nailgun

There are thirty-some roofing nailers on the market, but here are seven reasons why many professionals like myself choose the Hitachi NV45AB2.

1. It's quick and easy to load fasteners. One of the main improvements on this nail gun over previous models is the side-loading feature. You no longer have to put up with the awkward bottom-loading mechanism to enjoy the performance of a Hitachi.

2. It is fast and reliable. Firing three nails per second, the piston has pneumatic feed and return. That allows it to drive through tar build-ups on the feed mechanism, unlike some of the competition which rely on a spring return. That gives you a faster nailing cycle and less jamming.

3. The Hitachi has a long-lasting design. From the carbide tips on the nose of the tool, to the tough metal body and steel body shields, this gun has "body armor" to minimize wear from hard use and shingle abrasion. It also has rubber pads on the body shields to minimize slippage on steep roofs.

4. It has service available. As good as it is, nothing lasts forever. But Hitachi has a reliable service network to get you back up and running fast.

5. It's infinitely adjustable. Unlike some other nail guns, which have a stepped exposure gauge, the Hitachi gauge can be set to any exposure. You can use it for installing roof shingles that perfectly match the exposure of shingles driven with other nail guns, regardless of the brand.

6. It's easy on YOU. At just 5.5 pounds the Hitachi is one of the lightest roofing nail guns on the market. This model also has a durable rubber grip handle. These two features make a tough job a little easier.

7. It's easy on your wallet. There was a time when the Hitachi was one of the most expensive roofing nail guns. Over the years, increased competition has driven the price down, while design improvements have improved the durability of the gun. The result is a long-lasting tool which is a great value.

Equipment for Installing Roof Shingles -- Your Compressor

I've used a lot of different compressors over the years, but my favorite is a Porter-Cable Model C2002-WK. Here's why...

First off, it's electric so you don't have to listen to a loud gas engine running all day. The homeowners and neighbors will appreciate that as well. And unlike gas compressors, this type doesn't run constantly. It turns on while you are installing roof shingles, then shuts off until the pressure switch turns it back on again.

You also don't have to screw around with gas motors that won't start because of a bad spark plug, flooded carb or whatever. And you don't have to buy gas or worry about running out.

Electric compressors are also a lot lighter than the gas-powered ones. This one weighs just 34 pounds, which is light enough for even an old guy like me to drag up on the roof. Try that with a gas compressor.

It is also oil-less which is the only kind to have if you ever have to set it on a sloped roof. And you never have an oily mess on your shingles or the homeowners' driveway.

This Porter-Cable Model puts out all the pressure you need for a roofing nailer and has a six gallon air tank, so it is not running constantly.

Most of all, I'm happy with the price. It's not only the best compressor I've ever had, it's the cheapest.

Just be aware of its limitations. It puts out 3.5 cubic feet of air per minute, which is fine for one roofing nailer, but not really enough for two. Also, like all "pancake type" compressors, it's a little top heavy. Make sure it is secure in your truck, or it will go tumbling when you hit the brakes.

Equipment for Installing Roof Shingles -- Your Cords and Hoses

Ideally, you want your compressor plugged directly into an electrical outlet. Extension cords reduce the power available to the motor, which can result in premature failure. That setup works just fine for many jobs, especially if you have an outlet on both sides of the house you can use.

But sometimes you need an extension cord. I've found that 100 feet of cord will position the compressor for installing roof shingles just about anywhere I want it. That's also long enough to power my saws and drills on the roof. But get two heavy duty 50-footers so you keep the distance to the outlet as short as possible and minimize the power drop.

As far as your air hose, it's best to have a one-piece hundred footer, so there are no connections to hang up on stuff as you drag the hose across the roof. It's not just the irritation factor either. I've nailed my fingers twice over the years when my hose got hung up on something, redirecting the nailgun at my hand.

1/4" hose works fine for one nailgun and is easier to handle than a 3/8".

Be sure to have a spare hose and/or a repair kit to fix hoses and fittings that suddenly start hissing air. The compressor above comes with a 25-foot hose, which is generally too short for roofing, but it could be helpful as a backup to get you through the day.

With a hundred feet of extension cord and a hundred feet of air hose, you can shingle just about anything!

Of course there's a lot more you need to know about installing roof shingles. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"

The Cedar $49.99 The Cedar - Giclee Print

Cedar $24.95 From the mighty cedar of the rainforest came a wealth of raw materials vital to the early Northwest Coast Indian way of life, its art and culture. For thousands of years these people developed the tools and technologies to fell the giant cedars that grew in profusion. They used the rot-resistant wood for graceful dugout canoes to travel the coastal waters, massive post-and-beam houses in which to live, steam bent boxes for storage, monumental carved poles to declare their lineage and dramatic dance masks to evoke the spirit world. Every part of the cedar had a use. The versatile inner bark they wove into intricately patterned mats and baskets, plied into rope and processed to make the soft, warm, yet water-repellent clothing so well suited to the raincoast. Tough but flexible withes made lashing and heavy-duty rope. The roots they wove into watertight baskets embellished with strong designs. For all these gifts, the Northwest Coast peoples held the cedar and its spirit in high regard, believing deeply in its healing and spiritual powers. Respectfully, they addressed the cedar as Long Life Maker, Life Giver and Healing Woman. Photographs, drawings, anecdotes, oral history, accounts of early explorers, traders and missionaries highlight the text.

Plug $9.99 Plug

Cedar Rapids $10.99 Cedar Rapids

Japanese Cedar $24.99 Japanese Cedar - Photographic Print

Broadway and Cedar $7.99 Broadway and Cedar - Art Print

Cedar Waxwing $19.99 Cedar Waxwing - Masterprint

Cedar! $11.99 Track Listing: 1. Turquoise Twice, 2. Twilight Waltz, 3. My Ship, 4. Short Stuff, 5. Head and Shoulders, 6. Come Sunday, 7. Take the "A" Train - (previously unreleased, bonus track)

Cedar of Lebanon $19.99 W.h.j. Boot Cedar of Lebanon - Premium Poster

Cones of the Cedar $19.99 W.h.j. Boot Cones of the Cedar - Premium Poster

Cedar Fence $29.99 John Gusky Cedar Fence - Photographic Print

On Cedar Island $29.99 Albert Swayhoover On Cedar Island - Giclee Print

Cedar in Sunlight $31.99 Lawrence Mathis Cedar in Sunlight - Art Print

Garrison's Cedar $149.99 Bob Timberlake Garrison's Cedar - Wall Tapestry

HA825070235 Mission Cedar $723 Mission Cedar Chest

Cedar Pyramid Trellis $149 -Unstained western red cedar

Live At The Cedar: Visionaries $8.99 Live At The Cedar: Visionaries

2010: Live At Cedar Creek $24.99 2010: Live At Cedar Creek

Plug It In $21.99 Plug It In - T-Shirt

Cedar Rest Cedar City $54.99 Cedar Rest Cedar City is located in Cedar City, close to Southern Utah University. Regional points of interest also include Brian Head Ski Resort. Property Features. The motel serves a complimentary continental breakfast. Cedar Rest Cedar City features tour/ticket assistance, laundry facilities, and self parking. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Cedar Rest Cedar City feature irons/ironing boards and clock radios. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer phones as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). Cable television is provided. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: USD 10 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: USD 10 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Cedar Walton $14.99 Track Listing: 1. Tuning Notes - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 2. Cedar's Blues - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 3. Bolivia - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 4. Clockwise - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 5. Firm Roots - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 6. Ojos de Rojo - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 7. Fantasy in D - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 8. Midnight Waltz - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 9. Hand in Glove - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton, 10. Maestro, The - Ron Carter/Billy Higgins/Cedar Walton

Cedar Chaise $446 -Kiln-dried Western Red cedar -Each piece is double-dipped in an oil stain finish that helps maintain the natural beauty and luster of the cedar.

Cedar Footrest $152 -Kiln-dried Western Red cedar -Each piece is double-dipped in an oil stain finish that helps maintain the natural beauty and luster of the cedar.

Cedar Green Cedar Hamper $232.81 Not only does this Cedar Green Hamper hold your dirty laundry, it also is an eco-friendly way to update your rooms decor. This hamper features a durable cedar design with leather handles and a white cotton drawstring bagMaterials: 100-percent Kentucky cedar, leather, cottonEco-friendlyWarm woven-plait design in classic cedar grains of light brown and reddish huesBrash button embellishments on each cornerKeeps clothes naturally ventilated while eliminating odors, insects, moisture and mildewIncludes a white cotton canvas drawstring bag100-percent leather handleDimensions: 22 inches high x 16 inches wide x 16 inches deep