The Process Of Replacing An Old Shingle Roof With A New One

Posted on: 19 August 2022

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Shingle roofs are one of the more simple types of roofs and are very common as a result. Shingles can be highly effective at protecting sloping roofs. If you already have a roof with shingles, but the shingles have worn out, you will need to replace them with new shingles.

Preparations

Before you begin the roofing project, you will need to calculate how many shingles you'll need. It's better to overestimate how many you'll need than to underestimate, but overestimating can lead to wasted money. 

When removing shingles from the roof, you'll want to make sure that the weather is cool. This is because the shingles will be more brittle and will also be moldable. If you have to remove the shingles in the heat, wet them before removing them. Once the shingles have been removed, you'll be ready to replace other aspects of your roof such as the underlayment.

Replacing the Underlayment

Prior to replacing your shingles, you'll need to replace the underlayment. This is a material that protects your roof from leaks and serves as a second line of defense when your shingles are not able to stop moisture from entering your roof. This can be due to shingles being damaged or a gap existing between shingles.

Nailing the Shingles

Shingles are typically nailed to a roof. If you live in a coastal area, you will want to choose nails that are resistant to moisture and salt. The nails need to penetrate deeply so they can hold the shingles in place effectively.

Where the shingles need to be nailed can vary and you will want to consult with the shingle manufacturer's manual. If the shingle is not nailed in the correct place, this can create an opening between two shingles.

The shingles can be hammered onto the roof either using a hammer or a nail gun. If a nail gun is used, it must be calibrated so that the nails do not penetrate too deeply or not deeply enough. Nailing shingles to your roof can be a lot of work and there is also a lot that can go wrong leading to roof damage in the future.

Hiring Professionals

Replacing your own roof can be a big mistake. Your roof might not look as good after the replacement and there might be openings in your roof through which moisture can enter. Replacing a roof can also be very dangerous. Therefore, it's a better idea to hire a residential roof replacement service.

For more information about residential roof replacement, contact a local professional.