DIY Reroofing

Remove the Old Roof

• Although it is sometimes acceptable to just add a new layer of shingles to a roof, to lay down a new roof you will need to take the old one completely off. This means using a square-edge shovel to scoop off the shingles and underlying material. Remove all of the surface roofing material until only the bare wood remains.
  
  Be advised this will produce a substantial amount of construction debris. It is recommended to order a dumpster, or hopper, in advance so that you can shovel the material directly from the roof to the hopper. Shoveling it to the ground and then picking it up later means you are doing twice as much work.
  
  

Inspect the Sub-roof

• The sub-roof is the wooden surface of the roof the shingles are attached to. Sometimes weak or rotted areas can form on this surface from water penetrating the shingles. The extent of the damage can only be seen after the shingles and other materials have been removed.
  
  Inspect the entire roof for wood that looks weak or brittle. Rust patches around nails are also a sign of water exposure, and those areas should also be looked at carefully. If the wood is in good condition, it is safe to trust the new roof to protect it. If the wood is rotting or excessively warped, it should be removed and replaced with new lumber before the roof is laid down.
  
  

Install the New Roof

• Many people like to apply a special sealant over nail holes and all seams before putting on the new roof. This sealant often resembles tar and will protect these areas from being penetrated by water in the event that the shingles should fail.
  
  After the sealant has dried, roll out shoots of roofing paper and use a staple gun to affix the paper to the lumber. This paper is the first line of defense for most of the surface of the roof and will help keep water from reaching the wood. Start at the edge of the roof and work your way towards the top, having a slight overlap as you move up each layer of paper.
  
  Install shingles, or shakes, in a similar manner, using roofing tacks to hold them to the surface. There are a variety of colors, shapes and material options for roofing shingles. Some come with special features, such as algae resistant shingles. Some people like to install two layers of shingles, but one should adequately protect your roof for many years.