HMMM no but I think I am going to patent it!!! LOL

Re: Long reach nailing for roofing
Asked by Maxpower

Question:
Let's just say I'm a husky gentelman, and I am redoing the roof to our deck, which was damaged in a recent windstorm.  I am nervous about crawling out on it to nail down shingles.  Do they make any kind of 6 foot long hammer or any other tricks to do this? 

My Advice:

Okay, here is the scoop on reshingling your deck roof.  To really get a good feeling for the prefered method of accomplishing this task I would really need to know how high the roof is, is this a second story roof or a first story roof?  Next, it would be helpful to know who framed the roof is it one that came with the house or was it added on afterwards?  Next, is this a steep pitch or a very low pitch?

First of all, I think if you are nervous about it then I would say don't at least from atop of the roof.  The reality of heights is that it does not take too much height to seriously hurt you or be fatal.  A fall off a ladder can be a fatal fall so don't second guess yourself.  The work entailed in roofing is not that to be taken lightly.  There is a lot of weight to a bundle of shingles just short of a hundred pounds for a 30 year laminated shingle and more for other types.  This is not the kind of weight combined with your stature that you would want to take chances with.  HOWEVER, keep in mind if this is a roof that was built professionally then you don't have to worry about the weight aspect as your roof will support quite a bit of weight.

I think that if the roof was damaged in a wind storm then your insurance should pick up the tab or most of it so I would pass it off to the professionals HOWEVER (again) if this is something you want to learn how to do then ask the builder, remodeling professional or roofer if you can maybe observe or even get your hands dirty, they may welcome you onto the work area.  

Now as far as a 6 foot hammer no they do not make one of these but they do make scaffolding and if your roof is shallow enough then you would be able to shingle most of the roof from off the scaffolding.  However, if this is a second story roof setting up scaffolding may be more than you bargain for.  If the roof is deep and I am guessing it is fairly deep then you could shingle up about 4 to 5 feet or more depending upon your specific situation and then set up cleats and do the rest.  The best thing to use when roofing is an air nailer which will speed up the process and make it safer to perform the work (sort of).

In conclusion, if you are unsure, it isn't worth taking chances.  Take advantage of your insurance policy (granted that the time to file a claim has not elapsed).  If you want to learn how to do this kind of work ask the professional you choose if he would let you take part in the process but just remember that these are usually very busy people and some are not real patient so they may ask you to not partake in the process if they feel in the slightest that you will be in their way.  There is also a lot of liability in this kind of an operation and this factor may also lead them to be hesitent to allow your assistance.

I hope I wasn't too much of a black cloud and hope that I answered some or all of your questions.  If there is anything else you are wondering about post it and I willl take a peek at it.  Some of the other individuals here may also address your questions.  I wish you good luck and hope that you find the right solution to your roofing dillema.

Sincerely,

James D. Van Raden~ Owner Paragon Renovations~ Moorhead, MN