How to Remove Rolled Roofing

How to Remove Rolled Roofing
Written By
Cody Sorensen
Cody Sorensen
Published: Feb 10, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Flat pry bar
  • Claw hammer

This material tears easily, but the roofing nails holding it to the sheathing take a little extra effort.

  1. Pry up the outer edges of the rolled roofing with a flat pry bar. Stick the edge of the pry bar beneath the roofing nails and pry them up.

  2. Grab the loose edges of the roofing material and pull it up off the roof. It doesn't matter if the nails rip through. Pull up all of the roofing in this manner. Throw the roofing into a trash receptacle.

  3. Pull up all of the old roofing nails that continue to hold pieces of the asphalt roofing to the roof sheathing. Use a pry bar and a claw hammer to eject these nails. Toss the nails in the trash.

References

Tips

Rolled roofing should come off in large sheets when removed properly.

Use a roofing shovel to rip up any pieces of roofing where roof cement was used to hold them down.

Wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands.

Warnings

Be extremely careful when working on rooftops to avoid falling off.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Cody Sorensen

Cody Sorensen has been writing professionally since 2009. His online articles focus on his experience with painting, horticulture, construction, plumbing, home improvement and agriculture. Sorensen is a licensed truck driver, certified…

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