SUPPLIES
- Roofing felt
- Roofing shingles
- Plywood
- Roofing nails
- Air gun that will hold roofing nails
- Air compressor
- Hammer
- Saw
- Crow bar
- Long-handled scraper
Overview
Replacing a roof can be a dangerous job, especially if the roof has a steep peak. While the job is an easy job if you have the proper tools and equipment, it can be extremely time-consuming and difficult without the proper resources. If the roof has a steep peak, you should always wear a safety harness. Also, make sure that you have enough material to do the job, as shingles from different batches may be different colors.
Step 1
Remove all of the old shingles and felt from the roof. If you are replacing the roof on a house (as opposed to a shed or other small building), it may be a good idea to get a large dumpster. Throw all of the old material into the dumpster as you take it off, so you do not have to pick it up later.
Step 2
Look at the plywood. Make sure that the plywood is in good condition. It should not be warped or laden with termites. If so, replace the plywood. If there are no termites, but only one or two pieces of plywood are warped or otherwise damaged, you can replace only the damaged pieces, but it is recommended that you replace all of the plywood.
Step 3
Roll out the roofing felt. Attach it with roofing nails every 5 or 6 feet. Start at the bottom of the roof and work your way up to the top, making sure to overlap each row by at least 4 to 5 inches.
Step 4
Attach the shingles to the roof. Start at the bottom of the roof and work your way up to the peak. Nail a row of shingles along the bottom of the roof. Do not skimp on the amount of nails used to attach the bottom half of the shingles. You will only need three or four at the top half of the shingle, as you will have to nail the overlapping upper row to the top of the bottom row.
Step 5
Arrange the second row of shingles so that they overlap the first row. Each shingle will have a cut in it. Line the top of the cut up with the top of the bottom row of shingles. The second row of shingles will overlap the first row by at least half.
Step 6
Continue working up the roof to the peak, repeating Step 4 until you reach the top of the roof. Do the other side of the roof the same way. At the top, attach the stripping to cover the area where the roof peak meets. The stripping should overlap the top most row of shingles on each side.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Replace any old or broken soffit or fascia while doing the roof. If you have to replace fascia, make sure that the lip of the fascia is under the first row of shingles. The fascia should be replaced before rolling out the felt if it is needed.
