How to Keep the Roof Dry While Reshingling a New Roof

Keep the roof dry whenever a reshingling project is unattended.

It is essential to keep the decking dry while you are in the process of reshingling a roof. Failing to weather-protect during a reshingling job can easily result in water damage to the decking and the interior of the building, including drywall, paint, wall covering and even electrical damage. Tarping a roof is a basic fundamental that must be performed any time a roof project is left unattended.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp
• 1-inch x 2-inch scrap lumber
• No. 8 deck nails
• Claw hammer

Instructions

Existing Decking

1. Open up a heavy duty tarp. Spread it over the exposed roof surface and ensure that it extends past about six inches on every side.

2. Position 1-inch x 2-inch scrap lumber that measures four to eight feet in length on top of the tarp, parallel to and about two inches away from the edge, around the entire perimeter of the roof. Allow no more than 18 inches between the pieces of scrap wood.

3. Using your claw hammer drive No. 8 deck nails through the scrap wood, the tarp and into the existing roof decking. The nails should be no more than 18 inches apart.

New Decking

1. Open up a heavy duty tarp. Spread it over the exposed roof surface and ensure that it extends past about six inches on every side.

2. Use bundles of shingles to weigh down the tarp when the slope of the roof allows.

3. Hook bungee straps through the tarp eyelets and attach to gutters or soffit, or wrap around the corner of the roof and hook onto another eyelet. This will protect the new decking without penetrating the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a straight claw hammer to pry scrap wood off. This is only done when a deck is being replaced because penetrations will compromise a roof's integrity. When removing the tarp, remove the securing devices from one end only and fold the tarp back far enough to work. This allows for easy replacement of the tarp if foul weather threatens.

• Any time you are working on a roof, use safety harnesses according to the manufacturer's specifications. Perform as much work as possible from a ladder, pick or scaffolding to avoid standing on the tarp, which may be slippery.

References

• John Walker; Christian Brother Construction; Corunna, MI