If your existing asphalt shingles are15 to 20 years old or you live in an area with extremes of weather, it may be time for you to consider a new roof. In addition to the age of your roof, other tell tale signs that you need to reroof are cracked or curling shingles, a build up of shingle aggregate in your gutters or--a surefire indicator--a leak. Installing new asphalt shingles often means removing all of your existing roofing right down to the wood (so your roof can be checked for damage and repaired if necessary). Here's go about removing your old shingles. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparation
1. Make arrangements for a rental dumpster to be delivered to your home.
2. Lean pieces of plywood against the side of your house so they cover any lower level or basement windows as well as any plants near your foundation.
3. Rent safety harnesses and get training on put them on properly.
4. Put on a hat, sunscreen, rubber soled shoes and work gloves.
Removing shingles
5. Use a roofer's shovel (a square ended shovel with teeth that slide under the shingles and pry up roofing nails), to remove the existing shingles.
6. Slide the shovel forcefully underneath the exposed edge of the shingle. The teeth will go under the nails and then with a twisting motion you can pry the nails up or tear the shingle off the nail.
7. Work your way across and then up the roof, removing the shingles in rows.
8. Push the shingles over the edge so they fall to the ground near the foundation.
9. Once all the shingles have been removed, go over the roof and pull out any individual nails remaining.
Clean Up
10. Pick up the shingles all around the house and put them into the dumpster (carefully, as many will have nails in them).
11. Drag a large bar magnet attached to a rope (available at rental outlets) all around the outside of your house to pick up as many nails from the ground as possible.
Tags: asphalt shingles, removing your, your existing, your house, your roof
