How Do I Fix a Missing Roof Shingle?

Replace missing roof shingles promptly.

Shingles protect roofs and prevent water from leaking into homes. Many homes are installed with asphalt shingles, which are composed of fiberglass or paper reinforcement. Although asphalt shingles typically last for 20 to 30 years, harsh weather conditions can strip off occasional shingles. Since missing shingles often cause roof leaks, replace them immediately to protect the home's structural integrity and improve the roof's appearance. Fortunately, basic roofing techniques and supplies are effective at replacing missing roof shingles.

Things You'll Need

• Flat pry bar
• Pliers
• Replacement shingle
• 4 roofing nails
• Hammer
• Roofing cement
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Slide a flat pry bar underneath the shingle directly above the missing shingle. Pry up the bottom half of the shingle to free it from the sealer strip.

2. Slide the pry bar underneath any remnants of the missing shingle, if there are any. Pry up the shingle remnants to remove any remaining nails.

3. Extract any remaining nails from the shingle remnants, using pliers. Pull out all remnants of the missing shingle.

4. Slide the upper section of a replacement shingle underneath the loosened shingle directly above. Align the replacement shingle with the nearby shingles.

5. Secure the replacement shingle to the roof with four roofing nails. Hammer the nails through the bottom section of the shingle directly above. Use the old nail holes in the shingle to prevent causing leaks.

6. Slather roofing cement under the edges of the replacement shingle, using a putty knife. Apply a dab of roofing cement over the nails, as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt roof repairs during windy, rainy, snowy or icy weather conditions to prevent slipping off of the roof.

References

• This Old House: Fixing Damaged Roof Shingles
• Hometime: Roofing