# Roofing Preparation Step by Step
Brand new roofing better protects your home and improves the look of its exterior. Before you are able to begin laying down your new roofing material, you need to prep the work surface. The preparation of the roof is similar for most roofing materials, with some slight variations for metal roofing or wood shakes. By taking the time to properly prepare the area, you get a level surface for your new roofing that makes it look better and hold up longer.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Scaffolding
- Hammer
- Tarp
- Dumpster
- Tear-off shovel
- Chalk line
- Push-broom
- 30-pound felt
- Synthetic waterproofing underlayment
- Stapler
- Drip edge
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the area of the roof to determine how much roofing material you'll need. Multiply the length and width of each rectangular or square surface on the roof and add them all together for the total roof surface. Order the roofing material ahead of time to ensure it is available when you're ready to start working.
-
2
Set up scaffolding along the edge of the roof. This will allow you to walk along the roof so you don't have to constantly move a ladder.
-
3
Cover your landscaping below with tarp before removing the old roofing. This will help catch the trash you throw from the roof. Set up a dumpster under the roof, as well, for the same purpose.
-
4
Remove old roofing with a specialty tool called a tear-off shovel, which looks like a regular shovel with a serrated edge, to help pull up the roofing and nails. If you plan to install asphalt shingles as your new roofing, you can leave old shingles in place as long as there aren't three or more layers of existing shingles. If you leave the old roofing, pound in protruding nails, nail down loose shingles and replace missing or damaged shingles. For all other types of roofing, including wood shakes and metal roofing, you need to remove the old roofing material.
-
5
Clean off the roof with a push-broom to remove any remaining debris and pound in or remove any leftover nails. Inspect the sheathing to look for rotting or damage. Replace any damaged sections.
-
6
Staple down 30-pound felt over the roof surface as an underlayment for asphalt shingles and wood shakes. Attach the felt every 6 inches, overlapping separate sections of felt by at least 4 inches to ensure the roof is completely protected. Install a synthetic, waterproofing underlayment instead of felt if you're installing metal roofing.
-
7
Nail in metal drip edging along the edges of the roof to help direct rain off the roof.
-
8
Mark the middle of the roof. Make a chalk line mark from the peak of the roof down to the edge where you will start installation in the exact middle -- to serve as an installation guide.
-
1
