How To Remove And Replace Roof Shingles

How Are Roof Shingles Blown Off In The First Place

There are two methods by which shingles are attached to a roof: roofing nails or adhesive strips.

Roofing nails:

Generally roofing nails have short shanks, sharp points, and wide, flat heads that enable them to penetrate the shingle without tearing it.

Adhesive strips:

Some shingles are made with adhesive strips attached to the bottom which, when attached, creates a strong, waterproof seal to the shingle beneath it.

Remove The Damaged Shingle

Using a flat pry bar, break the sealant strips from around the area to be repaired. Slide the pry bar up and under the bottom edge of the shingle with gentle pressure to break the sealant strip free.

After the sealant strip has been separated, remove the nails from the damaged shingle. With the pry bar, remove nails from surrounding shingles to allow the new shingle to slide into place.

Gather Materials To Replace Roof Shingles

Heres what you need to replace loose or missing shingles safely :

• Hammer
• Roofing Nails
• Shingle Sealant
• Replacement Shingles did the builder or the previous homeowner leave any leftover shingles behind? If not, head to a home center to find the same type of shingles that match up in color and size. You can grab the other materials you need as well if you dont have them already handy at home.

Also Check: How Much Is A New Roof On A Ranch House

Four: Gather Your Tools A Square

If you want to remove old asphalt shingles yourself, you can try using a standard square-edged shovel to tear them off but the best device is a modified shovel-type tool, specifically designed for this purpose. It has a serrated front edge to grab under the nails, and a raised foot on the back to add leverage to make it easier to tear off roof shingles. Thats the key tool youre going to need, and you likely dont have one in your shed, all the more reason to hire a professional.

Besides the roof-stripping shovel tool, youll need things like a broom, some good work gloves, safety googles, a ladder and a smaller pry bar or hammer for those stubborn nails and flashing bits. Youll also need some tarps and/or sheets of plywood. Oh, and you should call your friends, all of them theyll come in handy when you realize this involves a lot of effort.

Do I Need To Remove The Old Shingles When Getting A New Roof

• Overlay or Replace? Find a Trusted Contractor

Your existing roof is starting to get worn, and its time for new shingles. Its an exciting prospect and a significant investment. One of the biggest decisions is whether to install new shingles over your old ones or remove and replace them for a completely fresh start. There are some cost advantages and time savings to overlaying your existing roof. In some cases, we can make it happen with terrific results. But it often makes sense to tear off old shingles and start from scratch.

Also Check: Can A Pergola Have A Solid Roof

How Much Does A New Roof Cost

A new asphalt shingles roof for a typical 2,000 to 2,200 square foot single-family house can range in price from $9,500 to $18,700 fully installed, including the tear off and disposal of the old roof . The pricing can range greatly depending on the choice of contractor, roof size and difficulty, and local real estate market conditions.

Average Price Per Square Foot Across the US, a typical architectural asphalt shingle roof will cost between $4.75 and $6.75 per sq. ft. to install, depending on the brand and type of shingles, and project specifics variables. This pricing range normally includes all the necessary materials and supplies, tear off and disposal of the old roof , dumpster and disposal fees, site plans and building permits required by the local building departments, professional installation, and a comprehensive contractors workmanship warranty.

Note: The actual estimates homeowners receive can vary widely, depending on the location of the property , roofs overall complexity, and the type of system you choose to install. Quotes can also vary greatly from contractor to contractor in the same area, which is why its so important to get several professional estimates.

However, the actual size of the roof surface can vary depending on how many levels or stories there are, the slope and type of the roof shape, and complexity of its architectural design .

Trash Old Valley Flashing

Pry the flashing in valleys and over plumbing vents last using a fork. Valley flashing is never worth reusing. This flashing usually has the same life span as the shingles, so plan to replace it.

Starting at the top of the valley, slip the fork or a flat bar under the flashing and pry the metal edges loose. Continue working down the valley, lifting up the flashing.

You May Like: How To Measure A Roof With A Drone

Lay Down New Shingles

Before new shingles can be installed, you will need to install ice and water barriers, as well as a layer of felt. When you install shingles, always work from the bottom up, starting first at the eaves. New flashing can be installed at the joints and valleys to prevent leaks. No matter what type of shingle you choose, the process is relatively the same. After laying down your starter shingles, you will want to overlap the shingles as you work your way across and up the roof. Finish up the roof by installing the hip and ridge capping.

Start Tearing Off The Roof Shingles

Start at the peak of the section of your roof farthest from your dumpster or other disposal method. Work your shovel or fork under the ridge caps the shingles at the peak of your roof and pry them loose. Allow them to slide down to the jacks.

Once youve pried up the caps, youll be working your way down the roof, removing shingles in 2 to 3-foot sections. Use the same method you did on the caps: work your tool under the shingles plus the felt paper beneath them, pry them up and let them slide down to the jacks. For the moment, dont worry if some nails get left behind in the roof. Youll deal with those later.

When youve worked your way down to the jacks, gather the discarded shingles and toss them in the dumpster. Note: shingles are heavy. Especially if you had to remove multiple layers, even a small sections worth of shingles will be very heavy. Do not overload yourself as you make your way to your disposal container. Take small armfuls in as many trips as necessary. You dont want to risk stumbling and slipping as you move across the roof.

Now return to the peak and begin removing your next 2 to 3-foot section of shingles.

Recommended Reading: Does Insurance Cover Roof Leaks

Six: Follow Safety Precautions And Do Not Carry Too Many Shingles At Once Take Care Not To Box Yourself In As You Move Across The Roof

As you continue to clear the roof, youll notice that it gets very messy with loose bits of shingles and many stubborn nails still in the deck. Each of those elements is a trip hazard so, you should deal with them every now and then to keep your path safe and clear. And dont try to carry too many shingles per trip to the bin. Its safer to make a few more trips with more manageable, lighter handfuls than to try and carry too much weight. Remember, shingles are heavy a patch of even five or six old shingles could weigh 20 25 pounds.

Toss From Roof To Trash Container

As the old roofing material piles up at the roof jacks, carry it to the edge of the roof and toss it into the trash container below. If you couldn’t get the trash container close to the house, throw the shingles onto a tarp on the ground. Make the pile on a flat area away from flowers and shrubs.

Shingles are heavy. Dispose of the shingles before the pile gets too large and they slide off the roof. They usually come off in clumps. If you’re peeling off two or more layers of shingles, even a small section will be heavy. You may have to pull the shingles apart to make them light enough to carry. Rolling the shingles and felt paper into a ball will also make them easier to handle.

Read Also: How Do I Get Pigeons Off My Roof

Fix Curled Roof Shingle Corners With Caulking

As asphalt shingles get older, their corners often begin to curl downward or upward. If you notice a shingle starting to curl, you can forestall the inevitable curling by gluing down the curled section.

Use a caulking gun to apply a dab of roofing sealant under the corner. Weigh it down with a brick leave the weight in place for at least 24 hours until the sealant dries. That’s all there is to it.

S For Replacing Roof Shingles

Before beginning your roof repair, check with your local city building department to find out if a permit is needed. For minor roof repairs, youll usually find that you dont have to pull a permit.

If you are repairing your roof as part of an insurance claim, talk with your agent to find out how to get reimbursed for repairs you complete yourself. Then you can begin the work of repairing your roof:

this infographic.

Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Roof Tarps

How To Replace Missing Shingles

A strong wind gust or a tree limb scraping the roof can cause minor damage to shingles. Luckily, handy homeowners can complete small repairs to missing or damaged shingles. As with all roof work, safety is important. You should not work on roofs with steep inclines that require special procedures to prevent falls. As long as you are safe up there, you can easily learn how to replace missing shingles. Here, the roof repair experts at PJ Fitzpatrick teach you step by step.

The Proper Way To Remove Roof Shingles

Installing a new roof can be a challenging task, but if you are up to it, you can save a great deal of money. Before you can install new roofing shingles, however, you need to remove the old ones. Following the proper procedure to remove old shingles will set you up for installing the new ones, so take the time to do it right.

Before You Begin

The first step in any building or remodeling project is to make sure that you have a building permit. Restrictions and regulations vary from one region to another, so check your local building codes and get the required permit before you do any work. Next, plan when you will complete the project. You should check the weather forecast for a period of several clear days in a row the last thing you want is for it to rain after youve removed half the shingles from your roof.

When you are ready to begin, spread tarps on the ground beneath the roof to catch nails and other debris so your task of cleanup is much easier at the end of the job. You may also want to rent a dumpster so you can throw the old shingles off the roof into it as you go along. The final preparation you need to make before you begin is to set up roof jacks about halfway down the roof slope at various points along the roof to give you solid footing while removing the shingles.

Remove Roof Shingles

Recommended Reading: How Many Hail Hits To Replace Roof

Identifying The Scope Of The Problem

• The main area of rot became apparent when sweeping the roof
• There was also evidence of rot and erosion above and below

The photos above show the part of the roof where rot had taken hold. It was located in a section of the roof that was out of sight and heavily shaded by trees. The shingles were damp, encrusted with moss and algae and in places crumbled when brushed. Minor erosion above and below this patch suggested the problem was more extensive.

As I started pulling and poking around I realised that the rot had got into several shingles. The only solution was to remove the affected tiles one by one and see exactly how far the damage extended.

Before starting I had to refresh my memory about how cedar shingles are fixed.

Remove The Roof Jacks

Once you have removed the shingles from the majority of the roof, move towards the edge of the roof. This is the time to remove the roof jacks and plywood, allowing you the ability to pull up the remaining shingles. Instead of completely prying up these shingles, simply loosen them to prevent the shingles from sliding off the roof. Once loosened, pull off the shingles with your hands and throw them into the dumpster. During the roof shingle removal process, it is a good idea to wear a harness in case you slip and fall.

You May Like: Will My Home Insurance Cover A Leaking Roof

When Its Time For A New Roof

If your attempts to repair your roof arent enough, it may be time for a roof replacement. If you want to extend the life of your new roof, you can consider replacing it with a different type of roofing material. On average, these are the typical lifespans of different roofing material:

Asphalt shingle roofs: 10 to 25 years

Premium asphalt shingles: 25 to 50 years

Wood shingles and shakes: 20 to 30 years

Metal or steel roof: 50+ years

Slate, clay, or concrete tiles: 50 to 100 years

Of course, you will pay more for premium, long-lasting roofing materials. The initial cost may be high, but you get more value over the long run. If you plan on staying in your house for the next few decades or live in an area with hurricanes, tornados, or other extreme weather, talk with a roofing professional to find out if a premium material roof is the best choice.

Mctoolman To The Rescue

When you notice roof damaged, its best to take care of it quickly before collateral damage occurs. If you arent the DIY type of person or simply feel better letting a professional do the work, then contact McToolman today! Our expert roof repair technicians are here to help inspect your roof for damage and replace roof shingles that are damaged. Give us a call at 704-918-6248 and well be happy to help!

Read Also: How To Start A Roofing Company In Georgia

Asphalt Roof Shingle Prices

Different roofing materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. While one may choose a certain material for aesthetic reasons, another will select ones based on functionality. Below are the prices for the popular types of asphalt shingles used in Ontario. Prices for each grade ranges per square foot and is determined based on the factors listed above.

For traditional steep sloped roofs:

S To Shingle Replacement

The broken shingle has split in half, creating a potential pathway for water to enter the house.

1. To repair broken shingles, first gather several tools:galvanized or stainless steel shingle nails, a hammer, a small block of wood, a drill, and a shingle rippera long, flat piece of metal with hooks forged into the flattened end, which is used to remove the broken shingle. Youll also need high-quality wooden shingles that match the texture and length of your originals. These should have a straight grain and no knots or other defects.

2. Remove the broken shingle by sliding the ripper beneath the center of the shingle until its blade is completely hidden. Angle it to one side, and tug on it until you feel the tool hook one of the nails holding the shingle in place. Next, hammer down on the handle where it turns to meet the blade, which will remove the fastener and any broken pieces of shingle. This will usually pull the nail out, and occasionally break it.

Use a shingle ripper to pull out the damaged shingle.

With the butt end in your hands, slide the shingle into position under the course above.

Buffering the hammer from the shingle with a block of wood prevents damage to the new shingle.

Don’t Miss: Does Roof Coating Stop Leaks

How To Replace Damaged Shingles

The upper shingle is curled up, revealing the nailing area. The nail is placed on the tar line and driven through both the new shingle and the older shingle underneath it.