How to Tear the Shingles Off a Roof

A roof replacement is a job for a professional roofer. In this guide, you’ll learn what it takes to tear the shingles off a roof.

Important Principles for Homeowners

As a homeowner, you must know how to identify problems on your roof that relate to the shingles. Over time, some shingles will eventually fail. However, certain actions and unforeseen circumstances can play a role too.

Here are the biggest threats:

Strong Winds From Powerful Storms

Your shingles can withstand normal winds, but they can’t handle hurricane gusts. If your community gets strong storms, check your shingles regularly.

Movement on the Roof During General Inspections

Never walk on your roof unless it’s necessary. If you constantly step on the shingles, they may pull away from the roof.

Deterioration as a Roof Ages

As mentioned earlier, shingles will eventually break down. This happens when they deteriorate. If there are curled shingles or shingles with missing granules on your roof, it’s time for a roof replacement.

What It Takes to Remove Shingles

In order to tackle this job, you’ll need the following:

Proper Shingle Removal Tools

There are multiple ways to remove shingles. Here are five tools that roofers use during this job:

• A prying spade: A prying spade has a long shaft and a base with teeth. It gives a roofer good leverage.
• Power saws: Power saws save time, but the blades can warp, gum up, or lose their teeth.
• Magnets: Rolling magnets are great for deck roofs. They provide the fastest results.
• Hand Tools: Hammers help roofers remove tar. Air chisels and flat bars work well too.
• Flat shovels: Flat shovels can loosen old nails on a roof.

Essential Roofing Skills

To tackle a roof replacement, you must have:

• Experience in the world of construction
• Experience using power tools and hand tools
• Good physical strength, patience, and balance
• No fear of heights
• Excellent carpentry skills

The Roof Replacement Process – How to Tear Off Old Shingles

A roof replacement has a multi-step process. Here is a quick rundown:

• Break the seal underneath the target shingle
• Break all of the adjacent seals
• Get rid of the nails on the target shingle
• Pry away the adjacent nails
• Tear off the old shingle
• Place the new shingle on the roof
• Secure the shingle in place with new nails and a sealant.

For a total roof replacement, you’ll need to repeat the process for every shingle.

Practical Roof Replacement Options

If you’re going to replace asphalt shingles, here are the best roof replacement options:

3-Tab Shingles

These shingles are very affordable, but they don’t last long. They will stay in good condition for up to 15 years.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are stronger than 3-tab shingles, and they come with a better warranty.

Impact Resistant Shingles

Impact-resistant shingles are extremely strong. They can withstand high winds that can reach up to 110 miles per hour.

If you need help with a roof replacement, turn to The Roof Guys. We’re a reputable Minneapolis roofing company.