Roof Repair Tool Guide

Fixing your roof is easy as long as you have the right tools. And don't worry. Getting the tools you need to fix your roof won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Beginners Toolbox
Here are the tools you'll need to cover most minor repair or replacement jobs:

• Sharp utility knife (also called a box cutter)
• Roofing cement (tar)
• Trowel, paint stirrer or plastic spatula for applying tar
• Chalk line for chalking straight lines
• Asphalt shingles that match your current ones
• A hammer
• A flat-head screwdriver
• A pry bar
• Roofing nails

Special Roofs
For a wood shingle or shake roof, you will also need the following:

• A shingle ripper to remove old shingles (also available for rent)
• A roofer’s saw to cut shingles to size
• A cordless drill to make pilot holes before you drive nails
• A chisel to remove damaged shingles or shakes
• A wood block (about an inch or two thick and the average width of your shingle or shake) to use as a wedge

Visit our Roofing forum to have all your DIY roofing questions answered.