I need to reshingle my shed roof. There's one layer of shingles, and some are curled. Do I need to tear off?

Question

I think I know the answer, but I'm hoping it's possible to avoid a complete tearoff. Can I cover these curled-up shingles, or is that asking for trouble?

If I do need to tear off, what's the easiest way to do it? (What tool to remove the nails?)

Answer 1

It's a pain, but go for the complete tear off. The end product is a far superior roof that will last for years and have a far better resale value.

Answer 2

tear them off and use a 'tear off shovel" and that is the best way.......

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 3

just get the nails up that are real loose knock the others down shovels work good to tear off old roofs

Answer 4

Dear Sue,

Yes by all means tear the existing shingles and felt paper off.  

I use a garden fork, it works pretty good.  As far as taking the nails out, take a hammer or a good claw.  I've watched roofers pound nails in if there were no old shingles under them.

When you get the shingles off, check to make sure your decking is really good and make sure it has no gaps in it.  When you get ready to shingle, add new felt paper, a drip edge to the sides and bottom.  Then the put the shingles on.

Answer 5

oh heck its just a shed  Knock the curled up edges off and lay over it !!!!

Answer 6

Well being the shingels are curely I would rip them off, just because this is a sign that they have seen better days, and besides when you put new shingels over they it will void any warranty, I would do the tear off it will be worth it in the long run good luck

Answer 7

If you do not tear the old shingles off you will void your warranty on your new shingles. A square shovel works best for removing the old shingles

Answer 8

You don't absolutely HAVE to, but you should.  If you shingle over the old roof, your new roof will fail far sooner than if you installed your shingles over the roof deck.

There is a tool called a roofer's spade that is the best way to remove shingles and nails.  Use ice and water shield on the first 3 feet of roof and in the valleys.  Hope this helps.

Answer 9

In my opinion it is always best to start with a fresh flat surface...and it's a pain to tear off.

Best thing I found is a flat blade shovel and a spading fork ( kind of like a pitch fork ). Start at top and work under the shingles...lift up and peel it off. You will always have a few nails that will need to be pulled out with your hammer...but most will come out when you pull up the shingles.