I need to replace some cedar shingles in the field. Is there an easier way than tearing off from top to bottom? I could possibly cut the lower nails and get the shingles out, but?
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on a wall or on a roof?
Dave
On a wall. Although if there is a difference, I would like to learn both. Thanks
just that on the roof you want to make sure you get it under the shake felt.
Dave
Get a shingle/slate ripper. Its basically a long strip of steel with flat hooks on one end, and an offset handle at the other .
You slide the ripper up behind the shingle, feel for and catch the nail, and hammer on the handle to either cut the nail, or pull it out. Once you get a feel for the tool, it goes pretty quickly.
When you're replacing the shingle, tap it up until its about 1/2" to 3/4" below the final place. Then drive the nails into the shingle just below the butts of the course above, and use a block of wood to tap the shingle up to where it belongs. This way, the shingles are well secured, and the nails are hidden.
Seems I've seen that berfore. Are the nails then bent and isn't the possability of splitting good? Thanks for your help, Dave
I try to drive the nails at a bit of an angle up, so when you tap the shingle up, they straighten out. They might not be perfectly straight, but close enough.
And I've rarely had problems with shingles splitting doing this. I think the cedar is soft enough that it gives a little.
Thanks for your help, I can make things harder than they are in the planing stage. Dave
...couldn't have said it better myself. Do what Shep said.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial