How to Replace Asphalt Shingles at the Flashing

Asphalt shingles are a lightweight, economical roofing material.

The shingles and flashing on your house's rooftop overlap to create a water-resistant shell. Over time, the flashing around vent pipes or chimneys can sometimes be damaged and require repair; sometimes during these repairs the asphalt shingles around the flashing can break. Broken shingles will compromise the water-resistance of the house and must be replaced with new material. Replacing asphalt roofing shingles involves removing any old shingle material, then positioning new shingles and fastening them to the roof with galvanized roofing nails. Exposed nail heads can be sealed with a dollop of exterior caulking.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Claw hammer
• Replacement shingles
• Utility knife
• Galvanized roofing nails
• Exterior caulking
• Caulking gun

Instructions

1. Remove the damaged shingle material. Pry away loose material with a pry bar. Then use a claw hammer to either remove or pound flush any leftover roofing nails.

2. Work from the low point to the high point to position your replacement shingles. Follow the existing shingle pattern and stagger the joints between shingle courses.

3. Trim the shingles so that they fit against the flashing. The shingle pattern should be maintained, and the inside shingle edge should cover the base of the flashing material. Cut away excess shingle material with a utility knife.

4. Nail each shingle in place with two galvanized roofing nails. Drive the nails about 1 inch above the exposed portion of the shingle course you are fastening and drive the nails about ¾ inches from each shingle edge. The nails should be covered by the shingle course fastened above.

5. Fasten the highest replacement shingle last. Gently pry up the shingles above enough to allow you to drive the nails under the higher shingle course. Slide this shingle underneath the existing shingle course. Drive the two nails just above the butt end of the shingle course above and drive the nails ¾ inches from each shingle edge.

6. Seal any exposed nail heads on the replacement shingles with a dollop of exterior grade caulking. This will prevent water from leaking into the house through the nail holes.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when working on a rooftop. Wear a safety harness to avoid serious injury.

References

• Hammerzone: Replacing Asphalt Shingles
• Home Additions Plus: Asphalt Shingle Roofing Repair
• Repair Home: Replacing Asphalt Shingles