Things You'll Need
Cat's paw, 2
Galvanized nails 8D (1 box)
Hammer, 2
Hand drill (Phillips-head bit)
Ladder, 2 (10 feet tall or more)
Level
Plastic tarp
Pry bar, 2
Roof shingles (as needed)
Staple gun
Tape measure, 2
Although there is a great deal of hullabaloo concerning roof tiles and replacing them, little is said of the importance of repairing warped or sagging eaves. This trim of wood along the edge of a roof, though often neglected, is a key element to the overall visual appeal of a home. Most eaves are damaged by improperly draining gutters and warp over time. Repairing damaged eaves and shingles entails replacing them, and that need not take more than an active weekend's worth of hammering and ladder climbing.
Step 1
Using your hand drill, remove your gutters by unscrewing them from their support braces. Brace the gutter by having someone else hold the freed ends.
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Step 2
Measure the height and length of the damaged eaves.
Step 3
Purchase replacement eaves at your local hardware store or lumberyard. To save time, have the hardware store or lumberyard staff cut the replacement eaves for you.
Step 4
Using a pry bar, pull the old eaves off.
Step 5
With one person holding each end, put the replacement eaves in place.
Step 6
Nail one end with one nail, then cross-reference with a level. If it is level, then proceed to nail two nails into both ends. If your eaves are longer than 4 feet, nail two more nails through the middle of the plank.
Step 7
Pull up any damaged shingles with a pry bar, using the pry bar to leverage the shingle up, exposing the two corner nails holding it in place. With enough leverage, you can pry the nails up with the shingles.
Step 8
Make sure the plastic tarp underneath the shingle is still in tact. If there are tears in the plastic, it will have to be cut out with a utility knife. Measure a new square of plastic tarp and cut it to size with a utility knife. Lay the replacement tarp in place and staple in place--one staple per inch--with a staple gun.
Step 9
Lay the replacement shingle over the tarp.
Step 10
Lift the shingle directly above the one you are replacing, and slide the new shingle as far underneath as possible.
Step 11
Hammer in place with 8D nails--one nail in each top corner.
Step 12
Flatten the new shingle by pressing it down with you hands.
Warning
Never stand on the top-most step of a ladder.
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