# Removing Old Tar Roofs
Even top-quality roofing materials don't last forever. Once the patching jobs become more trouble than they're worth, its time to replace your old tar roof. Removing an old tar roof is much easier than it sounds. By the time its replacement date comes around, tar is hard, brittle and sun-baked and thus will come off easily with the shingles. For most home owners, this is a job for professional contractors. However, if you can remove the old tar roof before the contractors get there, you may significantly cut down the price of your roofing job.
Things You'll Need
- Work gloves
- Ladder
- Shingle scraper
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Lean the ladder against the edge of the roof on the side where the shingles angle downward. The ladder must be on firm, level ground and extend at least three rungs above the edge of the roof. Have a partner hold the ladder firm while you climb and work.
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2
Insert the shingle scraper underneath the shingles and push up with short, firm strokes. The shingles and tar will lift up and fall off the roof fairly easily. Remove as many shingles as possible while still standing on the ladder. Move it along the roof line as necessary. Only climb on the roof when the shingle scraper can no longer reach the shingles from the ladder.
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3
Go over the roof and remove any shingle scraps that still cling to the roof. Remove their nails with the claw end of the hammer. As you go over the roof, hammer down any nails that popped up from the plywood planks. Brush off any clinging tar dust with gloved hands.
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