Old Rock Hard Caulking on Roof on my old 1934

I'm beginning to get the hole in my roof ready for
new wood and insert. Over the years it must have leaked a bit so they just kept gooping it up with a black caulk like shit. It almost looks like dull black glass and is harder then Kelsey's Nuts! Before I start grinding and sanding, I thought I'de check here to see if there is a better way. I'm not worried about hurting the paint as there isn't much left! Thanks, Jim

 

Might try a heat gun to soften it up?

 

Thinner or acetone to soften it up first?

 

Old wood chisel & hammer Safety glasses for the chips that will fly all over the place.

 

Nothing like that ol' Rock-hard Caulk.

 

Often easier to remove with the old wood chisle/hammer than to soften and then remove if you can do so without damaging ajacent areas.

 

Thanks Guys! I'm going to start with the wood chisel and hammer First. Jim

 

Careful about grinding old putty like that. It may have asbestos in it. Dont want them fibers floating into your lungs!

 

Best reply so far

 

Maybe use a shop vac to suck up the caulk as you knock it off there. I don't know how well it would pull the dust away, wear a filter maybe too in case of asbestos.

 

It's probably roofing tar, looks like black glass. Chisel it off, don't heat it, it'll get messy.