How to Replace Wood Shingles

Storm damage? Wear and tear? You can make minor repairs to your wood-shingle roof yourself. It's inexpensive and not that hard to do. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Builder's Felt
• New Wood Shingles
• Roofing Cement
• Roofing Cement
• Extension Ladders
• Galvanized Roof Common Nails
• Hammers
• Pry Bars
• Hammers

1. Make sure you have replacements on hand. These can be purchased from your local lumberyard, home improvement center or roofing supply company.

2. Pry up the shingles in the row above the damaged shingle slightly.

3. Remove nails from the damaged shingle using a flat pry bar if necessary.

4. Remove any debris from under the edge of the upper row of shingles.

5. Test fit a new shingle into the opening. It should fit close to the edges of those on each side but not too tightly. Leave room for expansion in humid and wet weather.

6. Hold the new shake at the same angle and position as existing shakes, adjusting it to fit the surrounding pattern as closely as possible. (Don't worry, though - it will quickly weather to match the older shingles.)

7. Nail the new shingle into place. Nail high enough that the shingle above will cover the nail heads.

8. Use roofing cement on the exposed nail heads to prevent water damage. A piece of builder's felt can also be laid over the nail heads for additional protection.

9. Press the roof above the replaced shingle carefully back down into position.

10. Remove all trash from roof and gutters.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect your roof at least once a year and after heavy storms.
• Wood shingles are purchased by the bundle; one bundle will do several repairs.
• Wood-shingle roofs can be steep and slippery, so exercise extreme caution.
• For large repairs, it's probably wise to call in professionals. They have experience and special equipment to make the job go safely and quickly.