Quck answer
To replace damaged roof shingles, follow these steps:
1. Start by assessing the extent of the damage. Look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles.
2. Use a pry bar to carefully lift the damaged shingle and remove any nails holding it in place.
3. Slide a new shingle into the empty spot, making sure it aligns with the surrounding shingles.
4. Secure the new shingle with roofing nails, placing them underneath the overlapping shingles.
5. Apply roofing cement to seal the edges of the new shingle and prevent water leaks.
6. Repeat this process for any additional damaged shingles.
Remember to always prioritize safety and consider hiring a professional if the damage is extensive or if you’re unsure of your abilities.
As a shingled roof gets older, it’s inevitable that one or more roof shingles will become damaged. Over time, asphalt shingles become brittle, and exposure to the sun, wind, and occasional accidents involving tree limbs will result in some casualties.
If there are only a few damaged shingles on your roof, you can remove and replace them yourself. This is a relatively simple DIY task for homeowners, as long as they are comfortable working on a roof. However, if there are more than just a few damaged shingles and the roof has missing shingles, it may be a sign that the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, and it might be time to consider replacing the entire roof. This is especially true if the roof deck is sagging or if there are leaks.
For safety reasons, it’s recommended to leave this job to a professional roofer if your roof is particularly high or steep. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a steep roof is defined as having a pitch greater than 4:12, which means it rises 4 inches for every foot of horizontal distance. Even if your roof pitch is below this limit, it’s still important to wear work shoes with rubber soles and to use safety equipment, such as a roof jack or harness, when necessary.
Possible Repair Options for Shingles
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BanksPhotos/iStock/GettyImages
You don’t always have to replace damaged roof shingles. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can often fix them using roof sealant, which comes in a caulk tube. Examples of damage that can be repaired this way include:
- Torn shingles: If both parts of the shingle are in good condition, you can repair the damage by applying a bead of sealant underneath the tear, pressing the parts into the sealant, covering the crack with more sealant, and using a putty knife to spread it around. It’s best to do this on a warm day (not hot) when there is enough sun to keep the sealant warm and flowing. Collect loose granules from the gutters and sprinkle them over the sealant to conceal the repair.
- Flapping shingles and curled edges: If you notice a shingle flapping in the wind or curling at the edges, the repair is even easier. Apply sealant underneath the shingle and hold it down with a brick for approximately 24 hours to allow the sealant to harden.
Once again, if you find yourself having to repair a large number of shingles, it may be time to reroof or completely replace the roof, including the underlayment. If the existing roof is in good condition and has only one layer of shingles, you can reroof by applying new shingles over the old ones. However, it’s important to check with your local building department, as some local codes – particularly in areas with heavy snowfall – prohibit more than one layer of shingles. If reroofing is not an option, then roof replacement – including the underlayment – is the only choice.
Matching Shingles for an Existing Roof
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brizmaker/iStock/GettyImages
When installing a new roof, it is common practice to keep a few extra shingles in case replacements are needed. However, a problem arises when the time comes to replace the shingles, as the color of the entire roof has faded and the new shingles will stand out.
If you need to replace shingles on a visible part of the roof, one option is to remove some shingles from a less visible area and replace them with the stored shingles. The weathered shingles can then be used to replace the damaged ones. This method requires a bit of extra work, but it is relatively easy to replace shingles.
If this is not feasible, the next best solution is to find shingles that match the current color of the roof. Taking a close-up photo of the roof with your phone can help with color matching. Instead of purchasing a whole bundle of shingles, you may be able to find open bundles at construction material recycling outlets like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. It is important to choose the right type of shingles, as there are three-tab shingles and heavier architectural shingles available.
Things You’ll Need
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1 1/4-inch roofing nails
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Roof sealant
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Flat bar
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Hammer
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Caulk gun
How to Replace a Damaged Roof Shingle
Choose a warm, dry day to replace the shingles, as the sun will make them more flexible and easier to handle. Additionally, the sealant will flow better and create a stronger bond. However, avoid working on a roof in direct sunlight on a hot day.
Step 1: Loosen the Shingle From Surrounding Shingles
Begin by lifting the bottom edge of the shingle you need to replace. You can use your fingers for this, but if necessary, use a flat pry bar to gently lift the shingle across its entire width. The goal is to break the bond of the glue strip just above the bottom edge of the shingle. Repeat this process for the shingles directly above and in the row above. Keep in mind that you may need to work with multiple shingles in each row due to their staggered pattern. Be careful when lifting the upper shingles to avoid damaging them, as they may also need to be replaced.
Step 2: Take Out Two Rows of Nails
Elevate the shingle above the damaged one in order to see the lower row of nails that hold the shingle you want to replace. Insert a flat bar under the damaged shingle and use it to lift the shingle, which will cause the nails to slightly come out. Then, use the curved end of the flat bar to extract each nail from the upper side of the shingle. Repeat the same process to remove the nails from the shingle(s) in the row above the damaged one; these nails go through the shingle(s) above as well as through the top edge of the damaged shingle. Remove the damaged shingle once you are done.
Step 3: Position the New Shingle
Slide the upper edge of the new shingle under the shingle above it and insert the shingle into its place. Align the exposed edge of the shingle with the other shingles in that row.
Step 4: Secure the New Shingle with Nails
Lift the shingle above the new shingle and use a hammer to drive 1 1/4-inch roofing nails into the new shingle. Drive the nails just above the point where the upper shingle(s) overlap the lower one. Use four nails: two on the edges and two equally spaced in the middle of the shingle.
Drive four additional nails to fasten the shingle in the row above the one you are replacing, but avoid driving them into the old holes. Instead, drive them slightly to the right or left of the existing holes to ensure proper hold.
Step 5: Apply Roofing Sealant
The shingle you replaced has a brand-new adhesive strip that will stick to the roof, but the adhesive strips of the shingles in the two rows above the replacement have been compromised. Apply a generous amount of roofing sealant under the bottom edges of those shingles (along the old adhesive strip) using a caulk gun and then press the shingles into the sealant. Just before doing this, it is also recommended to apply a small amount of sealant on each nail head to prevent any water from seeping in. If you believe that the shingles require more sealant to keep them in place, do not hesitate to add more. You cannot really use too much sealant.
