How to Remove Shingles Without Damage

Shingles are usually removed with the intent of replacing them. This makes the removal process fairly straightforward, because maintaining the integrity of the old shingles is not an issue. If the shingles are in good shape, yet the roof requires attention, it may be wise to reuse shingles rather than buy replacements. Care must be taken, however, to prevent damage to them during the removal process. Perhaps the most significant challenge is removing the nails that secure the shingles to the roof. Because of limited workspace, you may have to cut through the nails.

Wood blocks
Pry bar
Hacksaw

Instructions

- 1
  Lift the shingle directly above the shingle you intend to remove and insert wood blocks between the raised shingle and the roof. You should lift the shingle as high as possible without damaging the shingle to maximize work space.
- 2
  Pry the nails used to secure the shingle you intend to remove with a pry bar to expose the nail heads. If possible, remove the nails entirely. You will most likely be unable to remove the nails, however, because of the limited work space. Anticipate three or four shingle nails here.
- 3
  Cut the nails heads off of the nails with a hacksaw. Cut through the nail shank as closely as reasonably possible to the top of the shingle.
- 4
  Insert the pry bar underneath the shingle you are removing and pass the pry bar along the entire length of the shingle to release it, then slide the shingle out from under the above shingle. Shingles have an adhesive strip along their undersides. The purpose here is to lift the adhesive backing from the roof.

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