Re-roofing your house is one of the biggest home improvement projects you can take on. If you’re asking What Supplies Do I Need To Re Roof My House, you’re likely trying to avoid costly mistakes, wasted trips to the store, or mid-project delays. This guide walks you through everything you need—from core roofing materials to safety equipment—so you can plan confidently and work efficiently, even if this is your first time.
What Supplies Do I Need To Re Roof My House?
The Short Answer
To re-roof your house, you need four main categories of supplies:
- Roofing materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing)
- Fasteners and sealants
- Tools and equipment
- Safety gear and site protection
Missing even one critical item can compromise your roof’s durability, safety, or weather resistance.
Read too: How Long Do Standing Seam Metal Roofs Last? A Comprehensive Guide to Durability and Longevity
Step 1: Roofing Materials (The Core Supplies)
Roofing Shingles or Panels
Your roofing material choice determines most of your supply list.
Common options include:
- Asphalt shingles (most common in the U.S.)
- Architectural shingles
- Metal roofing panels
- Tile or slate (advanced projects)
For most DIY homeowners, asphalt shingles are the most practical option due to cost, availability, and ease of installation.
What to buy:
- Shingles (measured in squares: 1 square = 100 sq ft)
- Extra 10–15% for waste and cuts
Roofing Underlayment
Underlayment is a protective layer installed between the roof deck and shingles.
Types:
- Felt paper (15 lb or 30 lb)
- Synthetic underlayment (lighter, stronger, longer-lasting)
Why it matters:
- Secondary water barrier
- Protects against wind-driven rain
- Required by most building codes
Ice and Water Shield (Critical in Cold Climates)
This self-adhesive membrane prevents leaks caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Install it:
- Along roof edges (eaves)
- In valleys
- Around chimneys and skylights
Step 2: Flashing and Water Management Supplies
Roof Flashing
Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas.
You will need:
- Drip edge flashing (eaves and rakes)
- Valley flashing
- Step flashing (along walls)
- Chimney flashing
- Vent pipe flashing boots
Most roof leaks happen due to poor flashing—not bad shingles.
Roof Vents
Proper ventilation extends roof life and improves energy efficiency.
Common vent types:
- Ridge vents
- Static roof vents
- Turtle vents
- Vent pipe boots
If you’re replacing the roof, this is the best time to upgrade ventilation.
Step 3: Fasteners and Sealants
Roofing Nails
Use galvanized or stainless steel roofing nails.
Typical specs:
- Length: 1¼”–1¾”
- Wide, flat heads
- Corrosion-resistant coating
Never reuse old nails.
Roofing Adhesives and Sealants
You’ll need:
- Roofing cement (asphalt-based)
- Exterior-grade sealant
- Caulking tubes for flashing edges
Sealants prevent wind uplift and water intrusion.
Step 4: Tools Required to Re-Roof a House
Essential Roofing Tools
These are non-negotiable:
- Hammer or pneumatic nail gun
- Utility knife (with extra blades)
- Chalk line
- Tape measure
- Flat pry bar
- Roofing shovel or tear-off shovel
A nail gun significantly speeds up installation but is optional.
Cutting and Prep Tools
- Tin snips (for flashing)
- Circular saw (for deck repairs)
- Push broom (cleaning deck)
- Magnetic nail sweeper (ground safety)
Step 5: Safety Equipment (Do Not Skip This)
Re-roofing is dangerous without proper protection.
Personal Safety Gear
You need:
- Roofing harness and lifeline
- Roof anchors
- Non-slip roofing boots
- Hard hat
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
Falls are the #1 cause of roofing injuries.
Site Protection Supplies
Protect your property and surroundings:
- Tarps (landscaping and debris)
- Dumpster or trailer for tear-off waste
- Plywood to protect windows
- Caution tape or cones
Step 6: Roof Deck Repair Materials
Once old shingles are removed, you may find damaged decking.
Have these ready:
- Plywood or OSB sheets (½” typical)
- Wood screws or deck nails
- Construction adhesive
Replacing damaged decking now prevents future roof failure.
Roofing Supplies Checklist (Quick Reference)
| Category | Supplies |
|---|---|
| Roofing | Shingles, underlayment, ice & water shield |
| Water control | Flashing, drip edge, vents |
| Fasteners | Roofing nails, sealants |
| Tools | Hammer, nail gun, pry bar, knife |
| Safety | Harness, anchors, boots |
| Cleanup | Tarps, dumpster, magnet sweeper |
How Much Material Do You Need?
Calculating Roofing Quantities
- Measure roof square footage
- Divide by 100 = number of squares
- Add 10–15% waste factor
Example:
2,000 sq ft roof → 20 squares → buy 22–23 squares
DIY vs Professional Re-Roofing Supplies
What Professionals Use That DIYers Often Miss
- Air compressors
- Coil nail guns
- Roofing lifts
- Advanced safety systems
DIY is realistic for:
- Single-story homes
- Simple roof designs
- Asphalt shingles
Complex roofs often justify hiring a professional.
Common Mistakes When Buying Roofing Supplies
Avoid these errors:
- Buying too few shingles
- Skipping ice and water shield
- Using incorrect nail size
- Ignoring ventilation upgrades
- Forgetting safety gear
These mistakes cause leaks, warranty issues, or injury.
How Weather Affects Roofing Supplies
Ideal roofing conditions:
- Dry weather
- Temperature 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- Low wind
Cold makes shingles brittle. Extreme heat softens asphalt.
Building Code and Permit Considerations
Many areas require:
- Roofing permits
- Specific underlayment types
- Ice barrier installation
For general background on how residential roofs are constructed and regulated, see Wikipedia’s article on roofs, which explains roofing components and structural requirements.
Always check local codes before buying supplies.
Can You Re-Roof in Stages?
Yes—but with limitations.
You can stage:
- Material purchases
- Tear-off sections
You should not leave:
- Exposed decking overnight
- Underlayment uncovered for days
Water exposure causes serious damage.
FAQ – What Supplies Do I Need To Re Roof My House
❓ Do I need underlayment if I’m using new shingles?
Yes. Underlayment is required for waterproofing and code compliance.
❓ Can I reuse old flashing?
Only if it’s in excellent condition—but replacement is strongly recommended.
❓ How many nails per shingle?
Typically 4–6 nails per shingle, depending on wind zone.
❓ Is a roofing harness really necessary?
Yes. It dramatically reduces fall risk and is worth the cost.
❓ Should I replace vents when re-roofing?
If vents are old or damaged, replacement is highly recommended.
Conclusion
If you’re asking What Supplies Do I Need To Re Roof My House, the key is preparation. A successful re-roof requires the right materials, proper tools, and serious attention to safety. When everything is ready before you start, the project goes faster, costs less, and delivers a roof that protects your home for decades.
If this guide helped you plan your re-roofing project with confidence, share it on social media so other homeowners can avoid costly mistakes and re-roof the right way.
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