roofing question

[derf]

So I pretty much finished doing my roof today, just need to add some flashing around the vents and trim the shingles on the edge. I started to trim some of them, but it took forever, was wondering if anyone knew of an easier way than just running down the edge with a razor blade, I went through 2 blades in a matter of minutes trying to trim and finally gave up and called it a day after that.

[neebelung]

Would electric shears work? I'm betting a tool rental place would have them if you don't.

[marko138]

I used a blade and a pair of snips on my shed roof. The blade side was much straighter and cleaner. The first side I did what you did, and waited till the end and trimmed all at once. Fuck that. Then I trimmed as I went. Much easier.

[wildchild]

I usually cut mine as I go that way I don't have to do a whole stretch at the end. I would think any mechanical tool would just get gummed up from the shingles. bite the bullet and stay after it. I think the knife is probably the best tool for the job.

[askmrjesus]

Originally Posted by wildchild

I usually cut mine as I go that way I don't have to do a whole stretch at the end. I would think any mechanical tool would just get gummed up from the shingles. bite the bullet and stay after it. I think the knife is probably the best tool for the job.

What he said.

Try the hook type carpet blades, there will be less slicing though the granules that way.

JC

[Rider]

Snap a chalk line on the edge and set a circular saw to a depth of 1/2. Remember to cut slowly. If you have a steady hand, a sawzall will work too with the right blade.

[askmrjesus]

Originally Posted by Rider

Snap a chalk line on the edge and set a circular saw to a depth of 1/2. Remember to cut slowly. If you have a steady hand, a sawzall will work too with the right blade.

Derf and powertools? Are you kidding?

They don't make enough Band-aids for that combo.

JC

[shmike]

Originally Posted by Rider

Snap a chalk line on the edge and set a circular saw to a depth of 1/2. Remember to cut slowly. If you have a steady hand, a sawzall will work too with the right blade.

I’m embarrassed that it took this long for someone to mention power tools.

These would have been my FIRST choice, not a last resort. Hell, a jigsaw would be better than doing it by hand.

[askmrjesus]

Originally Posted by shmike

I’m embarrassed that it took this long for someone to mention power tools.

These would have been my FIRST choice, not a last resort. Hell, a jigsaw would be better than doing it by hand.

Actually, no.

The problem is, you're cutting through crushed rock and asphalt. When the blade heats up, that shit turns into goo, and you're just pushing a big clump of goo through the material, and not really cutting it. The result is a lot of tearout, and a really sloppy looking edge.

A circular saw would be a bit better, but for it to work, the roof would have to be near freezing temps, or the aforementioned goo will continue to be a problem.

JC

[Rider]

Originally Posted by askmrjesus

Actually, no.

The problem is, you're cutting through crushed rock and asphalt. When the blade heats up, that shit turns into goo, and you're just pushing a big clump of goo through the material, and not really cutting it. The result is a lot of tearout, and a really sloppy looking edge.

A circular saw would be a bit better, but for it to work, the roof would have to be near freezing temps, or the aforementioned goo will continue to be a problem.

JC

That's why I said go slow. That tar will gum the blade up and tear the shingles like you said if you go too fast.

Tin Snips work nicely too if you don't have power tools. Actually the best tool would be a sheet metal shear. I don't think many people would have them at their home though.