The process of lifting the lower edge of an installed shingle and applying spots of asphalt-based roof cement underneath. This secures the shingle to the course below it, preventing wind uplift in high-exposure areas or on steep slopes. It is often required in cold weather when the factory-applied sealant strips will not activate from solar heat.
The specs call out a high wind zone, so we need to hand-tab every shingle on the leading edge.
Do not over-apply the cement when hand-tabbing. A spot the size of a quarter is usually enough, and too much will cause the shingles to blister as the solvents gas off.
Also heard as
- hand-seal
Related terms
Peel-and-stick
Field name for self-adhered membrane: rubberized asphalt or butyl sheet with a release liner on the back.
Shingle lap
Overlapping layers so each upper piece lies over the one below, sending water down and out like roof shingles.
Cutback
Asphalt or coal tar that has been liquefied with petroleum solvents.