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Shingle lifter

by John Carroll

Sometimes the most difficult part of repairing an old asphalt-shingle roof is separating the shingles. After all, the shingles are designed to glue themselves to each other along their leading edges. Breaking this bond without breaking the shingles is the key.

In my opinion, the best tool for this job is a brick trowel. Because it's flat, a trowel easily slips under the shingle tabs. And its broad blade reduces the chance that the shingle will be torn when you lift it. The thin steel blade of a brick trowel is strong and tough, allowing me to run it back and forth under the shingle, slicing through the shingles' sealed edges. All this, and it has a handle, too. By the way, this chore is best done in the cool of the morning.

John Carroll, Durham, NC

From Fine Homebuilding 140, pp. 32 July 1, 2001

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Shingle lifter

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