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Category Archives: roofing

How Long Does Roof Underlayment Last? Roofing Underlaid Guide

Got an underlaid roof or thinking of getting one? You’re in the right place. Underlayed roofs are one of the most popular solutions in the industry, and for good reason. In this article, we’re going to look at a few of the issues associated with roof underlayment.

Most importantly, how long does a roof underlayment generally last? And if yours is coming to the end of usability, what can you do about it?The reality in the roofing industry is that the general lifespan of an underlayed roof can vary quite a lot. This will depend on the specific material used, how well it was installed, and your locations. We’re going to look at a few factors that could affect the durability of your underlayed roof along with what to do if there are any issues.

So let’s get started with how long does roof underlayment last

What is an underlayed roof?

Roof underlayment is a waterproof membrane that’s installed as a barrier underneath any other roofing material. While you might look for issues or problems with your slates or shingles, many roofing issues can occur because of problems with the underlayment.

Regardless of what your roof is finished with, it will normally have a layer of underlayment. This helps protect the roof against severe weather. There are generally three main types of underlayment, and these are

asphalt felt
synthetic underylayment
and rubberized asphalt underlayment.

These are either waterproof or water resistant.

Wondering what the difference between waterproof and water resistant is? you’re not alone. Waterproof means completely impervious to water whereas water-resistant means the material can resist water up to some degree, but maybe not prolonged and heavy water damage. Only rubberized asphalt is completely water-proof, so this might be the best choice in areas that get a lot of rain or other precipitation.

How does a standard roof underlayment last?

The general estimated lifespan of an underlayed roof is normally around 25 years. That’s the headline quote, but as we’ll soon see, this can vary a lot depending on a number of factors.

What can affect the duration of roof underlayment?

Not all roof underlayment is the same. Even within the same groups of material, there can still be some difference in quality. Generally, you get what you pay for in roofing and that means the more expensive materials will last longer.
As we already looked at, only one type of roof underlayment (rubberized asphalt) is completely waterproof. That means if you have an underlayment that’s made from the other two materials (asphalt felt and non-bitumen synthetic) it won’t last as long in extreme weather or when it has prolonged exposure to water.

There are a few other factors that can affect the lifespan of an underlayed roof, too. Aside from rain, other weather conditions like extreme heat can cause issues. The duration of your underlayment can depend a lot on the specific climate and weather conditions of the location of your home.

How well it was installed can also be a factor. While you’d hope to have a quality roofing specialist, they aren’t all that good. That’s why you need to take time and care choosing the right roof contractor in your local area.

If your membrane was installed in a rush, it might not have been put in place securely enough. Poorly installed or cheap flashing and joins could lead to further problems with your underlayment.

How to spot when your underlayed roof needs replacing or repairing

Spotting damage or issues with your underlayment can sometimes be easy – but it isn’t always. One common sign of a problem is a leak. Leaks can be for a number of reasons, and while you still might have issues with other layers like shingles – if the underlayed membrane was intact it wouldn’t be a problem. That means if water is coming through your roof, at the very least there’s a hole in your underlay.

To find the hole, simply follow the water stream upwards. This can be a bit harder with a flat roof where streams can form anywhere, but most pitched roofs will have a stream that flows in a direct manner.

Once you’ve found the leak, you can decide what to do next. Repatching is sometimes possible, but isn’t always the best option. In severe cases, you might have to relay whole sections of the roof, or even the entire membrane. We wrote a guide about how to find leaks so you can check it out.

How to repair an underlayed roof yourself

If you’ve only got a minor issue with your underlayment, you can patch it up yourself. Remember, working on roofs can be dangerous, so you need to be careful. Especially if you’re getting up on the roof and accessing it from the outside. Make sure you’ve got all the right safety equipment and supervision. If you’re unsure what to do at any point, leave the job and hire a professional.

For small tears and holes in the membrane, you can apply new patches and use industry-standard sealant to put it in place. This can increase the lifespan of your roof considerably, and solve any minor issues. However, repatching yourself isn’t always an option. If you’ve got multiple gaps and leaks you might need to hire a professional to relay the entire roof.

Instead of tearing off and replacing the whole roof, you will have the option to overlay. This can only be done once, but is much cheaper and easier. A quality roofing professional will be able to advise you the best way to continue.

How to find the right roof contractor

If your roof problems are too hard to fix yourself, you need a professional roofing contractor to take care of the job. There will be plenty of options in the area you live, but it’s still a decision you need to take carefully. Ask people you know if they can recommend anyone, and check reviews online. Always make sure you check their portfolio and even check finished jobs if you can. Don’t take shortcuts with your roof.

Spending a bit more and getting the best job possible could add years to its durability.

Signs of a Bad Roofing Job You Should Know And Learn

Think you’ve got a roof that isn’t up to scratch? While most roofers are normally respectable professionals, that isn’t always the case. if you’ve got a roof that you’re unsure about, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’re going to look at a few different signs of a bad roofing job – whether you’ve got shingles, membrane, or any other type of roof.

The best way to help prevent getting a bad roof is by making sure you use a good roofing company. They aren’t all the same. So that means you need to take a bit of care when looking around.

Try asking neighbours or friends – other people you KNOW have been happy with their roofing contractor. If you don’t know anyone personally, try checking a few review sites online or our own article about questions to ask a roofer before signing the deal that will help you make sure you hire the right contractor.

Perhaps most importantly, a good roofer should be able to show you countless examples of their finished work. Not just in their portfolio, but also with actual real examples and places you can visit to see the finished job. If they can’t show you this, or have recently moved to the area, you might want to look elsewhere when deciding who to hire.

Now that you know a little bit more about finding the right roofing firm for you, how can you tell if an existing roofing job has gone wrong?

Here are the signs of a bad roofing job to look for

The roof doesn’t have a uniform appearance

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One simple way to actually tell if you’ve got a roof that’s in poor condition or hasn’t been installed properly, is to look at it. It’s probably the first thing you should try. By having a good look at your roof (maybe even getting up and having a look at it), you’ll be able to spot all sort of problems. But you’ll especially be able to spot if your roof doesn’t have a uniform appearance.

A good roof should look uniform throughout. A bad roofing job should be able to show quite easily with a visual inspection. If you notice any sagging roof lines, this could be a major indication that you’ve got a problem, or your roof wasn’t installed by a quality contractor.
Some other visual indicators of a poor roof include if some of the shingles are different colors. A big sign that your roofing job was carried out by a low-quality contractor is if one section of the roof is made from a completely different material to the rest. Roofers shouldn’t run out of material, and when they do – they should only buy the same to finish the roof. But not every roofer does this.

Incomplete flashing

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The drip edge flashing is what roofers install around the edge of a roof. This is so that it can prevent water damage to the main structure of the roof. Good flashing can also protect your actual home from pest problems that often start in the roof area or attic. While this wasn’t always the case, installing flashing is a requirement if you’re having a shingle roof installed.

If your roof is missing complete coverage from drip edge flashing, you could have a problem. The problem is, spotting missing drip edges can sometimes be quite difficult. Regular homeowners like yourself might not normally be able to spot any issues, so hiring a reputable roofer to inspect might be necessary.

Are are just a few problems a bad drip edge flashing could cause:

Rotting
Mold
Staining
Flooded basements

And more.

Poor shingle nailing job

Bad roofing jobs often have poor nailing-work around them. Property, high-quality roofing contractors will know how to nail properly, but not every roofer does.

Your roof might have overdriven nails which is where the nails have been hammered too hard and deep into the shingle layer. You’ll often be able to notice this, and the nails will look too sunk into the shingle.

Another sign of poor quality nailing is actually down to the quality of the nails themselves. A good roofer that wants to perform a high-quality job will use the best nails available, and these will especially be ones that do not rust. If you notice your roof nails rusting, then your roofer might have cut costs. The best nails are normally galvanized and stainless steel, and these should not rust.

Another indicator of poor quality nailing is when the nails simply aren’t in the right place. This is a more common problem than you might think, but a high quality roofer will know exactly where the nails should go. Nails should normally only be applied 2.5cm from the edges of shingles.

Old material being reused

When you get a new roof put in place, it should be made up from new materials. One short-cut many low-quality roofers take is by ripping up and re-using old materials as a way to try and cut costs. Most commonly, your roofer might have re-used old slashing around the edges of your roof instead of installing with completely new material. This can often lead to leaks and other issues.

Roof flashing can only be used once, so re-using it is a big no-no and a proper sign of a poor roofing company. Even if your older roof flashing looks fine, that doesn’t mean it is.

Rotted parts of your roof

Another big indicator of a poor roofing job is if parts of the roof (particularly the decking). If a roof needs replacing completely, your roofer should strip the old roof off entirely before starting on a new one. This allows your roofer to check the decking underneath to see if there are any other issues or leaks, and especially so they can spot rotting.

Rotted decking will not be able to hold nails and therefore roofing shingles in place. You’d be surprised how many low-quality roofers ignore this step of checking the decking underneath. That means they could be nailing shingles into an area that won’t hold them very well. This could make your roof much less durable than it should be – and last nowhere near as long.

Hopefully, these simply tips have been enough to give you a good idea what to look for when trying to spot a poor roofing job. And that you will never have to deal with yourself.

How to Find a Leak in a Flat Roof And Fix It

If you’ve got a leak in your flat roof but aren’t sure where it’s coming from – you’re not alone. It can be a stressful time when you can’t find that leaky spot. How to find a leak in a flat roof is the topic of today’s article and we will try and help you out.

How can you start fixing your roof if you don’t know exactly where the leak is coming from? Thankfully, if this is a problem for you right now, then you’re in the right place.

Lots of the info out there on finding leaks in a roof is for traditional pitched roofs. While these might be the today, they aren’t the only roof. If you’ve got a flat roof, a lot of the advice out there simply isn’t relevant to your specific build.

There are a range of unique issues when it comes to finding a leak in a flat roof, and we’re going to look at them.

So if you’ve got a flat roof with a leak, then look no further. How do you find a leak in a flat roof?
Let’s have a look…

How to find a leak in a flat roof

The problem with finding a leak in a flat roof that sets it apart from finding one in a sloped roof is that the water can run in any direction. With a traditional sloped roof, a leak can be found quite easily as water will flow in a downward motion. So all you need to do is simply follow it up to its source. This isn’t how it works with a flat roof, so things can be more difficult.

You might have first been alerted to a leaking issue because you recently saw a damp patch or water stain on your ceiling. There’s one important thing to remember here: These patches or stains do not necessarily mean that the leak is directly above them.

The only real way to find the specific location of the leak is by getting up on the roof and examining it on a dry day. After all, how can you spot a leak on a wet roof that’s being rained on continuously? You can’t.

Remember: safety should always be your number one concern when getting up on your own (or any) roof. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing or don’t have the right safety equipment, then don’t do it. Get a professional roofer in instead. Make sure you have the right supervision, that your roof is easy and safe to access and is well-lit at the time.

Once you’re up on your flat roof on a dry day, the next step is to carefully look over the entire roof for any evidence of leaks or holes. Have a look out for any low spots, especially ones surrounded by dirt-stain. This could be evidence of pooling water. If there’s any actual pooling water itself, this makes spotting the problem even easier.

Common reasons for leaks on flat roofs

A common cause of leaks on flat roofs is often flashing. Thin pieces of material (sometimes metal) that have been installed to weatherproof the roof and stop water entering at angles or joint. This flashing is normally installed around pipes and at roof edges, but it isn’t always that durable. It’s these sort of areas you’ll want to check carefully, especially to see if any of the flashing has cracks or holes in it, or if it’s peeling.

This flashing and other roofing materials can suffer from heat damage over the years and may bubble or develop cracks. These cracks can also be the location of a leak.

Once you’ve found an area that you think is the source of a leak – you need to make sure. Many holes or cracks on your roof might just be simple wear and tear rather than actual leaks. While these could develop into leaks over time, it’s important that you find out for sure where your leak is coming from before you try and repair.

How to make sure where your leak is coming from

To check for sure, you can use these tips:

take a hose (safely) up onto your roof and spray the suspected area. Go inside and have a look to see whether water is tricking inside at the spot you suspect. If you have a friend to help you, one can stand inside to check while the other uses the hose. This can present more accurate results, and might also make it easier to find the exact location without having to guess where you were standing. It can take a few minutes for water to arrive through the roof even if you have found the leak location, so don’t be impatient. If you were mistaken about the location of the leak and this first step doesn’t confirm it, you might have to try a few other spots on the roof or do some further explorations.
There might also be more than one source of the leak, so just because you’ve found one spot – that doesn’t mean it’s the only one. Since you’re up there, you might want to try testing the whole roof area to save time going up there again for another leak in a few months.

When you’ve found the leak location, you can plan what to do next. If you’re good at DIY, you can consider fixing the leaked part of the roof yourself. How easy this is to do will depend a lot on the type of roof material you’ve got and how bad the damage is, as well as how good you are at this sort of thing.

Many people decide to call in some professionals for a high-quality finish, and that’s something you could do too. For really leaky roofs, you might want the whole thing replaced rather than just a quick repair.

This could be more expensive, but it might be worth it in the long-run. Shop around for competitive quotes and make sure you go with a highly-recommended roofing firm with years of experience in your area.

Finding the leak yourself shouldn’t be too difficult in the right circumstances. It’s what you do next that could be a bigger decision.

Can a Roof Be Replaced in the Winter? Few Tips And Advice

If you’ve got a roof that you think needs replacing or repairing during the colder times of the year – you might be thinking ” can a roof be replaced in the winter?

Will you need to wait until the warmer months before you can get started? Is that always the case, or is it just one of those things people believe without really knowing for sure? In this article, we’re going to have a closer look.

Firstly, a lot of this is going to come down to the specifics of your own situation. After all, one winter in a specific area isn’t the same as in another. If you live in a reasonable warm year-round climate, then of course you should be able to make changes to your roof in the winter. But that’s not the case for everyone.

It’s not just the type of winter that’s important. It’s the type of roof, too. And the type of work you think it needs. There’s not one definitive answer to the question, “can a roof be replaced in the winter?”. The real answer is clearly: “sometimes, but it depends”. In this article, we’re going to look a bit more closely so you can get a more definitive answer to your specific situation.

So can a roof be replaced in the winter? What sort of roof do you have?

As we’ve already touched on. The type of roof you’ve got plays a big roll in how easy it is to be replaced, regardless of the weather conditions.

Aside from the actual material of the roof, it’s design is also important. If it’s hard to access or has a particularly steep slope, things will be much harder in extreme weather conditions. Especially if it’s icy or frozen. Some roofs can expand or contract in extreme weather conditions and this could also cause problems for replacing them at specific times of the year.

Rolled roofs are generally quite easy to replace, so you could do this throughout the year. But not if it’s extremely cold. You see, the tar and other sealant solutions might not dry correctly if it’s too cold or wet.

If you’ve got a shingle roof, there are a few other issues you might have to content with, which we’ll have a closer look at in a bit.

What sort of winter do you have?

This is another important factor. Not every winter is the same. So the answer simply can’t be one that works for everyone. if you live in a southern state, you might find the temperature rarely dips below freezing. In those instances, while there might be a few days of the year where roof replacement isn’t recommended, you can normally get the job done at any time of year.

But temperature isn’t the only weather condition you need to pay attention to. You might live in a mild climate heat-wise, but could still suffer other extreme weather conditions – especially wind. Wind is a big no-no for roof work and could make the job both extremely difficult and dangerous. Make sure you pay as close attention to wind forecasts as you do other weather conditions if you’re thinking about fixing your roof soon.

Not everyone lives in warmer climates, and cold winters can make it difficult to do a lot of different types of roof work. Not only is ice dangerous to stand on, it can also present problems with roof cracking and can prevent new roofs from drying properly.

Safety is the number one concern when thinking about fixing a roof at any time of year, and the weather can play a big role in this. The weather can also affect how easily the new roof will be to put in place as well as how sealants might dry. If you’re not sure about whether it’s the right time for your roof repairs, you should never take the risk. Always consult a professional with years of experience in your area and someone who knows what they’re talking about.

Since most roof constructions these days are made from shingles, we’re going to look at bit more into some of the issues associated with replacing a shingle roof in the winter. Remember, the specifics for your roof might vary a lot depending on where you live and the material used. Especially if you’ve got a roof made from something other than single, like slate or membrane.

What’s an ideal temperature for shingle roof replacement?

Ideally, asphalt shingle roofs need a mild temperature to be repaired or replaced. That means around 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Even the best shingles can crack during installation, no matter what the temperature. But doing this when it’s either too cold or too hot can make this cracking a bit more likely.

Key benefits of getting your roof replaced in the winter

While there are a few problems associated with getting a new roof installed in the winter – there’s one big benefit.

It’s cheaper. That’s right, many roofing contractors will offer discounts and reductions on winter roofs to try and drum up business in what’s normally a quiet time of year for them. If you’re willing to put up with a bit of inconvenience, you could get a great deal if you shop around for quotes in winter.
It’s faster. In the down season, when roofing companies have less work, they can schedule your project right away and you don’t have to wait until the team is available.

What issues are there with winter shingle installation?

As well as the cracking issue we already looked at, really low temperatures can make it harder for the adhesive to dry that helps attach asphalt shingles to the roof. This normally only happens under 40 F. It’s not just asphalt shingles that struggle in winter, either. Fibre-glass ones can fracture a lot in the winter and other single materials can also have problems. If you want to learn more about shingles like how to tear them off or replace them, read our guide on the here

How to replace your shingles in the winter

Firstly, make sure it’s not too cold. Try and pick one of those milder winter days at the beginning or end of the season. Keep your shingles warm before taking them outside. Instead of using traditional thermal-activated sealant, a roofer working in the winter might apply additional sealing cement to each shingle upon application.

Remember, don’t do this yourself if you’re unsure what you’re doing or don’t think you can do it safely. To answer the question can a roof be replaced int he winter the answer is ” it depends ”

How to Patch a Rolled Roof Step by Step Guide

Rolled roofing is incredibly popular in the United States. It offers an affordable roofing option at an affordable price. It’s easy to install and repair. However, rolled roofing has a shorter lifespan than other, more expensive roofing materials. They often require more frequent repairs to provide the protection and performance you need.

Rolled roofs are great, but they don’t last forever. One of the most common issues with rolled roofs is they develop holes that need patching.

This article discusses how to patch a rolled roof and gives you a few other insights worth knowing.

For most people, the thought of fixing your roof by yourself is a lot. Not many homeowners are used to getting up on top of their homes, much less fixing a hole in their roof.

Still, minor roof repair sits well in the realm of DIY possibility.

While certain repairs and maintenance are best left to the professionals, how to patch a rolled roof is something everyone can learn.

With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can learn how to patch yoru roof and save yourself a good deal of money without that much time.

Let’s explore what you need to know about patching a rolled roof and where to get started.

DIY Vs. Roof Repair Company

Everything is relative. The money you’ll save on patching a hole is worth it in some instances. In others, it’s not worth the stress.

One of the main reasons roof repair companies exist is they do what you don’t want to do. So if getting up on your roof to patch a hole sounds like a miserable time, especially on the weekend or after work, then hiring the job out is probably the best call.

However, patching is surprisingly simple and done right; homeowners can match the quality of a trained professional without risking roof performance long-term.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. All we’ll say is that it’s hard to beat the feeling of satisfaction that comes with fixing your stuff.

Safety First

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of rolled roof maintenance, let’s emphasize safety first.

Obviously, your typical roof repair is done at height. You’ll be 10 feet high in the air or more. Odds are, you’re not going to invest in a full safety harness, but just make sure you do the following:

Ask a friend, relative, or neighbor to spot you on the ladder.
Wear shoes with a good grip on the roof.
Avoid working on your roof when it’s wet or windy.
Move slowly.

There’s always something more or better you can do with regards to safety. Above all, use common sense and don’t take unnecessary risks. Now, on to the how to patch a rolled roof step-by-step guide!

How to Patch a Rolled Roof? What Is a Rolled Roof Anyway?

Roll roofing is another name for “roof underlayment.” Generally, rolled roofing is faster to install than shingles or tiles because it’s one continuous layer.

Installers lay rolls of roofing material and then simply, yes, roll the material across your home. Typically, one layer delivers the performance and protection most homes require.

Rolled roofing is known as a mineral-surfaced roofing product or MSR. It normally comes in rolls of 100 square feet and can be picked up in most hardware stores on the spot or with relatively little advanced notice. This makes it a quick and easy solution that you could apply on the same day instead of some more complicated roofing solutions.

Rolled roofing is slightly similar to shingle roofing in that it’s oil-based and is an asphalt product. It also comes in rolls. However, rolled roofing isn’t as durable as shingles, and it’s also thinner. It is cheaper and easier to install, though – which is one of the reasons why it remains popular.

The wide availability of rolled roofing makes doing things like patching a hole in a rolled roof very easy. With a single trip to the shop, you can have everything you need for the job.

Depending on things like weather, use, sun exposure, etc., rolled roofing might not last as long and could be more prone to tearing than some more expensive types of roofs.

Rolled roofing is tough to beat when cost and ease of installation are considerations.

Some of the Benefits of Rolled Roofing

OK, we’ve said this before, but one of the main advantages of rolled roofing is that it’s cheap. Not cheap in quality, but the price.

That said, rolled roofing isn’t going to match the durability of slate, tile, metal, and other higher-quality roofs. But, with housing prices increasing rapidly, it’s a good choice for many homeowners. You’ll also find rolled roofing on smaller or older homes at lower price points.

Rolled roofing is also easy to install. Many people install their roofs over the weekend with family and friends. You don’t need an artisan craftsman to come to install your roof for you.

Read a few articles, watch a few YouTube videos, and you can get the job done.
Another advantage is that it’s an excellent material for low-incline or low-slope roofs. While not ideal for flat roofs, rolled roofing is a friendly solution for people with lower roofs.

You can buy a big roll of roofing, stick it in the back of your truck, and get it onto your roof with ease. For example it’s a much different process than loading heavy or fragile Spanish tiles.

Some people also prefer rolled roofing because it’s customizable. You can cut it into practically any shape, making finding lines and edges much easier.

These are just some of the benefits of rolled roofing. Overall, it remains one of the most popular roofing materials in the country, for a good reason.

Are There Any Concerns with Rolled Roofing?

So now you know the benefits, but what about the drawbacks, if any?

The main concern with rolled roofing is durability, so you’re here reading this article on how to patch your roof.

With that ease of installation and low price come higher maintenance requirements. Dealing with patches and a shorter lifespan may not be an issue for you, but some people view it as a major drawback, which is why they pay more for something that will last longer.
Rolled roofs last years less than most other roofing materials. You’re also going to have to monitor the roof for holes, cracks, and other issues more frequently.

Finally, some people shun away from buying a house with rolled roofing precisely because they don’t want to handle future maintenance obligations.

In many purchase agreements, prospective buyers often try to negotiate room for roof replacement so they can pay for something like asphalt shingles or tiles instead.

Similar to concerns with durability, weather resistance is also a frequent issue. If you live in an area with strong winds, heavy rains, hail, etc., then you may be fixing your rolled roof more than you’d like—just something to think about.

Repair Basics – How to Patch a Rolled Roof

Let’s say you like the way rolled roofing looks, or you’re buying a house with a rolled roof, and you don’t quite have the budget to upgrade yet.

Just plan on doing repairs every now and then. No, it’s not like you’re going to be fixing your roof every week. However, there is a higher potential for holes and leaks.

Now, let’s get on to the repair basics and what you can do to patch your hole.

Again, when in doubt, contact a roofing contractor. They can either give you an estimate or work with you on the best solution moving forward.

Better yet, if you know someone with experience fixing roofs, ask them to help! Invite them to dinner and see if they’re up for a fun project. Working with someone who has fixed roofs before will be a godsend.

Follow these steps to patch your hole.

Locate the specific area of the roof to repair. Every homeowner should take a look up at their roof every once in a while. However, spotting a leak is also a fast way to find out where you need to go.
Remove the nails holding the damaged rolled roofing in place. Nail removal is best done with a cat’s claw nail remover. Take out the old rolled roofing and throw it away. Place the new roll at the top of the damaged roof area by sliding the top part of the new roofing under the existing rolled roofing.
Apply tar or cement under the new piece of rolled roofing with a wooden stick. Then, place the new rolled roofing down. Next, drive nails around the new rolled roofing approximately every foot.

You can apply a bit more tar to the top of the new rolled roofing, where it meets older parts of the roof for added protection.

Following these steps will keep your roof looking great and get the job done for longer. You can patch your roof and prevent leaks or water damage in no time. Give it a try!

How to Tear Off Shingles The Right Way Step by Step Guide

If you’ve got a shingle roof that needs removing or replacing, you might think that you’ve got to hire an experience roofing contractor to help you. While this is the easiest way to get the job done – it isn’t the cheapest.

In this article, we’re going to look at how to tear off shingles yourself, so you can get it done at a fraction of the cost.

Remember, safety is always your main priority when tearing off. If you haven’t got the right equipment or aren’t sure you can do a safe job – then don’t. Get someone in. However, if you’re careful, you can save on this part of a re-roofing job. You might still need to hire an expert contractor to apply your new roof, but that should cost less as you’ve removed the old one yourself.

Benefits of tearing off shingles

If you tear off your old shingle roof, that normally means you’re about to get a completely new roof. This is normally the best option for older roofs with a lot of damage, and especially ones that have already been overlaid.

You see, a slightly damaged shingle roof can be temporarily fixed by overlaying a new layer of shingle. This can often be a cheaper option and could give your roof another decade or two of good use. You can also spot fix certain areas with re-laying if your whole roof doesn’t have issues.

However, you can only overlay a roof once. This means that for many of you – tearing off and applying a completely new roof. Either a new shingle roof, or you could decide to go with a different finish.

The good news is that although a new roof might be more expensive, it’s the most sustainable and durable option and should give your home protection for decades. One way to save on the costs of a completely new shingle (or other) roof, is to remove the old layer yourself and then hire an expert to apply the new one, rather than hiring them to do the whole job themselves.

If you want to know how to tear off your old shingle roof, then you’re in the right place. Let’s have a look:

How to tear off shingles – First steps

This needs repeating just to emphasize how important it is, remember: safety first. You need to make sure you’ve got the right equipment and gear to do the job safely. If you’re unsure, don’t do it.

Expert roofers have years of experience performing this sort of work in a safe way. Don’t work alone and make sure you’ve got the right harnesses and other safety equipment. Work slowly and methodically and don’t rush anything. Don’t work in adverse weather conditions or poor light.

If you’ve got your safety sorted, we can start looking at how to do the tearing off process yourself:

Make sure you’ve got all the right tools for the job. These include:

roof jacks
chalk line
broom magnet
ladders
roofing shovel
hammer and tacker
gloves
broom
pry bar
safety harness
goggles.

Your first step is to start planning. You might want to start by getting a few bids from roofing contractors to see how much they quote for the price. You’ll want to know if the savings are really worth making compared to the time and effort it might take you to do the job.

You might also want to check local building regulations for advice and to see exactly what roof finishes are allowed in your area – or if there are any specific rules in your location.

Your preparation work should involve protecting windows and air-con units with secured plywood (using a hammer and nails). You should also cover up plants in the garden and other things that need protecting new your house with tarps.

Nail the roof jacks below the area you intend to tear off and secure wooden boards as protection. Rent a container or skip and place it near your roof so that you can easily throw old shingles into it.

Make sure you wear your safety harness at all times and keep secured to the roof in a safe manner.

You can now start stripping the roof with your tear off tools. Remember to start at the peak and work downwards. Work from the area furthest from your trash skip first. Use a garden fork or a roofing shovel to tear away ridge caps first and then the rest of the shingles. Works downwards towards the pre-installed safety board you put in place earlier.

Ignore when some nails come up with shingles and others don’t. Work downwards and then start at the top again to work in rows. Throw all the shingles and roof pieces, along with any other debris, off the roof into your trash container. Dispose of multiple smaller pieces rather than removing big heavy pieces all at once.

Take care around chimneys, roof windows and other areas with flashing. Some of these might need replacing if they are rusty or cracked, but you can preserve ones that are in good shape if you’re careful.

You can carefully bend flashing and pull shingles from underneath if you’re trying to save it. When you’ve completed everything above the roof jacks, you can remove them and start working the lower part of your roof and down to the edges. Be careful at the eaves and remove shingles with your hands.

After you’ve removed all the shingles and any old flashing, give the roof a good clean. Apply protective ice and water barriers to keep the roof secure against rain and other weather until a new roof has been installed.

How to remove shingles – When to hire an expert

If you don’t understand any of these steps, or think it feels complicated, you might want to hire an expert to do the job for you. While you might save some money on tearing off your own roof, your safety is more important. If you haven’t got the time or inclination to fix your roof yourself, then find an expert contractor who can do a great job for you so you don’t have to.

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