A
roofing spade, also known as a
roofing shovel,
roofing square, or pitchfork, is a specialized tool used by
roofing professionals and DIY enthusiasts to remove old
roofing materials and install new ones. It is a long-handled tool with a rectangular, flat blade designed to slide under shingles, tiles, or shakes to pry them loose. The blade is typically made of durable steel or aluminum, and the handle may be made of wood, fiberglass, or a composite material.
roofing spades are used in various
roofing applications, including tear-offs, re-
roofing, and new installations. They are useful for removing damaged, worn out, or outdated
roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, wooden shakes, metal
roofing, and tile. A
roofing spade can also be used to clear debris from gutters and valleys, to strip flashing, and to remove fasteners from the roof deck.
One of the advantages of using a
roofing spade is that it significantly reduces the time and effort required for tearing off old
roofing materials. It is much faster and more precise than using a crowbar or claw hammer. The flat blade design allows the user to slide the spade under the
roofing material, lift it slightly, and break the seal that holds it in place, making it easier to remove the material in large sections. Also, since a
roofing spade is specifically designed for this task, it is less likely to damage the underlying
roofing deck or structure.
roofing spades also come with a square measurement guide on the blade, which can be helpful in cutting and measuring new
roofing materials to ensure a proper fit. This feature is especially useful when installing
roofing materials that require precise cutting and fitting, such as slate or clay tiles.
In summary, a
roofing spade is an indispensable tool for removing old
roofing materials and installing new ones. Its flat blade design and square measurement guide make it a safe and efficient tool that reduces the time and effort required for
roofing projects.