How to Tear Off Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are laid on top of a roof to protect the roof from the elements. Over time, the shingles themselves may become damaged, torn or stained beyond repair. Removing asphalt shingles once they become damaged and replacing them is important to protect the roof and the house from water and debris. You can remove asphalt shingles from the roof yourself without the added expense of hiring a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Shingle scrapper or pry bar
• Work gloves
• Shovel
• Rip-claw hammer
• Dumpster (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a ladder to climb up to the roof. Use extreme caution if reaching the shingles requires you to walk on the roof.

2. Remove the shingles starting at top of the roof and working your way down. Use a shingle scrapper to remove the shingles. This is a shovel-like tool with large teeth that is quite effective at removing shingles. You can use a pry bar for the removal, if you prefer.

3. Force the shingle scraper or pry bar under a section of shingles. Lift up on the tool to pry the shingle off. You may need to use your hand to rock back and forth some tough-to-remove shingles.

4. Use the shingle scraper or a shovel to scoop the shingles off of the roof to the ground below. Place a dumpster on the ground for easy cleanup. Wipe off any excess pieces of shingle with your gloved hands. It may be necessary to target individual pieces of shingle that are difficult to remove with the shingle scraper or pry bar.

5. Continue the process of prying then scooping the shingles away until all of the shingles have been removed from the roof.

6. Remove the nails that are still attached to the roof. Use a rip-claw hammer to yank out the nails. The shingles scraper is also good for ripping out the nails, although some of them may require the claw of a hammer. For nails that you cannot remove, hammer them in flush with the roof.

References

• Hammer Zone
• Easy 2 DIY