Just finished redoing my roof and now I've got nails everywhere in the yard and driveway. I've tried using a basic magnet, but it's kinda slow going. Anyone got a better method or tool they swear by?
Had the same issue last summer after a storm wrecked my shingles. Regular magnets were a pain, so I rented one of those rolling magnetic sweepers from the hardware store. Saved me hours and probably a flat tire or two... definitely worth it.
Those rolling sweepers are handy, I'll give you that, but honestly they're not foolproof. Last spring, my neighbor had his roof redone and rented one of those magnetic rollers. He swore by it, but weeks later, I still found a couple nails in my driveway—just waiting to cause trouble.
My take? Prevention beats cleanup every time. If you're replacing shingles anyway, why not consider metal roofing or another durable alternative? Less maintenance, fewer repairs after storms, and way fewer stray nails scattered around. Yeah, the upfront cost can be intimidating, but long-term savings and peace of mind make it worthwhile. Not to mention, it's way better environmentally. Just something to think about before your next roofing headache rolls around...
- Totally agree magnetic rollers aren't perfect—seen plenty of nails missed even after thorough sweeps.
- Metal roofing is solid advice, but keep in mind it can be noisy during heavy rain or hail. Some folks don't mind, others find it annoying.
- Another tip: lay down tarps around the perimeter before tearing off old shingles. Makes cleanup way easier and catches most nails before they scatter.
- Also, a quick handheld magnet sweep after the roller pass helps catch stragglers hiding in grass or gravel.
- Long-term, metal roofs definitely pay off, but if budget's tight, architectural shingles are a decent compromise—durable, fewer nails popping loose, and less hassle overall.
- Bottom line, prevention plus thorough cleanup beats relying on just one method every time...
- Also, a quick handheld magnet sweep after the roller pass helps catch stragglers hiding in grass or gravel.
Good points about prevention—wish I'd thought of tarps beforehand. Curious if anyone's tried those stronger neodymium magnets? Heard they're pricier but might grab nails better than standard rollers. Also wondering how green roofs compare cleanup-wise...
