How To

How to Replace a Damaged Asphalt Shingle

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(12 Ratings)

Timely replacement of a damaged roof shingle can prevent further leak damage or extend the life of a roof that's just beginning to fail. Hopefully your roofer left behind a partial bundle for repair purposes.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Roofing Cement
  • Replacement Shingle
  • Roofing Cement
  • Long Safety Rope
  • Putty Knife
  • Roofing Nails
  • Extension And Roof Ladders
  • Flat Pry Bar
  • Hammer
  • Putty Knife
  • Roofing Nails
  • Wood Block
  1. Step 1

    See "Setting up ladders and equipment," How to Repair a Cracked or Split Wood Shingle, to set up ladder safely.

  2. Step 2

    Tap a large, flat pry bar under the damaged shingle just above the gap between tabs until you hit a nail. Center the tool's nail-pulling slot on the nail, tap the bar in a bit more, and press down on the other end to pry the nail partly out. Then place a block of wood under the bar just down the roof from the nail to act as a fulcrum, and pry out the nail the rest of the way.

  3. Step 3

    Continue to remove all nails that secure shingles directly above the damaged shingle and that also penetrate the top edge of the damaged shingle.

  4. Step 4

    Pull out the damaged shingle and slip in the replacement (see A).

  5. Step 5

    Align the replacement shingle and lift the shingle above it as needed to nail the new one into place with 1-inch (2.5-cm) roofing nails (see B).

  6. Step 6

    Replace any nails that you removed from the shingles above.

  7. Step 7

    Dab roofing cement over all the nail heads that you couldn't remove without breaking the shingle, as far up as it should go (just above the notch).

  8. Step 8

    Use a putty knife to spread a little roofing cement under each shingle tab that you lifted during the repair, and press each shingle down to adhere it to the one below.

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't attempt repairs that require walking on a steep or wet roof.

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