Final answer:
Shingles with small defects should be laid with the edges of the shingles in the course above offset by at least 6 inches from any defects to ensure the integrity of the roofing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to roofing fundamentals, especially the correct procedure for laying shingles that contain small defects, such as knots or other irregularities.
When installing shingles, it is important to ensure that the edges of the shingles in the course above are laid in a way that avoids aligning with the defects of the course below. This is done to prevent water ingress and ensure longevity of the roof.
The standard practice is to offset the edges by at least 6 inches from any defects in the shingle below. This strategy ensures that rainwater does not seep through the defects into the structure underneath.
Within the context of this question, assuming the 'not' mentioned actually refers to a 'knot' or similar defect, the shingles should be laid so that the edges of the nearest shingles in the course above are at least 6 inches away from the defect.