I recently hand-dipped preservative in the shingles for the gable ends of my house, and I came up with a method for drying them that was fast, easy and not too messy. I began the job in the unfinished garage by stringing vinyl-covered clothesline between opposite walls. I anchored the lines, which were about 15 ft. long, with hooks screwed into the studs. I’d anchor one end of a line, then I’d thread 120 jumbo paper clips, small end up, onto the line before anchoring the other end.
Beneath the clotheslines (I used five of them), and parallel to them, I used some lumber and tarps to make some temporary troughs that would catch drips from the shingles. Tilting the troughs allowed me to collect the runoff and reuse it.
My shingles were about 18 in. long, and 5 in. to 12 in. wide. I dipped each one a little past halfway, then I pushed the shingle (thin edge up) all the way to the top of a paper clip, pinning the line between the shingle and the clip. This kept the shingles from sliding on the line. I had no trouble using the same clips over and over again, taking down shingles as they dried and hanging others as space became available.
Ann Reed, Sequim, WA
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Flashing Boot Repair
Fall Protection
Ladder Stand Off
