Replacing Damaged Shingles
by Guest on May 7, 2012
If in the course of inspecting your roof, you find a damaged shingle, it is a good idea to replace it. The procedure is easy. First a note about safety: FALLING FROM THE ROOF CAN KILL OR INJURE YOU! Don't work on the roof if you don't have the appropriate safety equipment like a safety harness. If you are uncomfortable on the roof, call a contractor. See the notes for tips about real-world situations. These instructions are for regular fiberglass/asphalt shingles.
Method #1 of Repair Damaged Shingles
STEP 1:
The first step is to assess the damage to the shingle. You should do this in warm weather to avoid shingle breakage.
STEP 2:
You will need to remove the broken section by pulling the nails. Using a new roofing nail, fix the shingle by nailing above the tab cut (typically there are 3 nails per full shingle)
STEP 3:
With the old shingle fragments removed, measure for the replacement shingle. You can
cut the shingle to size by scoring it with a utility knife.
STEP 4:
You will need to seal both on top and below of the replacement shingle. I suggest using a caulking gun and a tube of roof cement. Be sure to cover the entire area which will be covered by the tab.
STEP 5:
Before you leave, check for other loose shingles by lifting the edges and see if the self-sealing contact is not bonded. If need be, simply apply a liberal amount of roof compound about 1" from the edge of the tab.
Method #2 of Repairing Damaged Shingles
Step 1:
This procedure is best done while the shingles are warm and flexible. If you're working during winter, wait until the sun warms the shingles up. Working with a long scraper, pry the tabs of the damaged shingle loose. The shingles are held down by a tar strip. Now pry the tabs from the shingles one course up which covers the damaged shingle. Be careful not to tear these shingles.
Step 2:
Take the flat stock or nail-puller and pull the roofing nails from the damaged shingle. It may take some effort. This isn't recommended, but if you can't get the nails out, remove the bits of shingle from under the head of the nail and drive the nail flat. Slide out the damaged shingle and make sure that the roof deck is undamaged. If it is damaged, you should probably call a professional.
Step 3:
Slide the new shingle up into position and, just above the tar strip, secure the shingle with 3 roofing nails.
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of 411 Home Repair and is only suggestions and/or comments submitted to our site to share with our site viewers through the world wide web.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
77470 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
68061 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
64468 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
44256 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27423 Views
Latest Articles
An All-Inclusive Guide to Eco-Friendly Interior Design: 5 Ways to Do It Best
Over 100 countries have enforced policies on sustainable consumption and production according to the 2018 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report....
on May 3, 2023
Unique Ways to Clean Your Window Tracks
As we get closer to springtime you might be noticing that your windows need a good cleaning. Not only is it your windows, but it is the window...
on Apr 3, 2023
Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...
on Mar 22, 2023
What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House
Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...
on Feb 13, 2023
Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation
Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...
on Feb 12, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 195
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
What Should I do About Recent Water Damage
By acting quickly, further damage can be prevented and the property back to normal conditions in a short time. Letting water damage linger is not...
Nevada Local Builders Associations
Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.
Types of Door Knobs
The doorknob originated in the 18th century, as shop catalogs and illustrations from the time demonstrate. Offered as a replacement to the original...
Kentucky Local Builders Associations
Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.
Wisconsin Local Builders Associations
Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.