How to Replace Roofing Shingles Without a Roofer
If you are a handy homeowner or have shingles left over from a previous roofing job, you can replace a single damaged shingle without calling a roofer. You'll need a hammer, a flat pry bar, a utility knife and some replacement shingles.
Begin by sliding a pry bar beneath the front edge of the damaged shingle. This will break a sealant bond and expose the nails underneath.
Remove the Damaged Shingles
Shingles are designed to stay on your roof under normal winds, but high winds can blow them off or cause them to become damaged. When shingles are damaged, they need to be replaced. Having the proper materials and understanding how to replace roofing shingles can help you save time and money on repair bills.
Before you start replacing shingles, check to make sure that the flashing around the chimney, vents and other areas is still in good shape. If not, you will need to remove and replace it before continuing with the rest of the project.
To begin with, identify the damaged shingle by sliding a flat pry bar under the front edge of the shingle. You may find shingle sealant holding it in place, which can be sheared off with the flat pry bar's edge. Once this is done, lift the shingle and remove the nails that hold it. Repeat this process on the shingles above and below the damaged shingle to ensure that you have fully removed all of the nails that held the shingle in place.
Remove the Nails
Before you start on this step, put down large tarps to catch the thousands of nails that will fall off your roof. Unless you are careful, protruding nails can tear holes in the new roofing shingles.
With the shingle loose, pry up the nails from its underside using your flat pry bar. This step is more difficult than it appears. Each shingle is held in place by four nails. The shingle nails are embedded in the nailing strip and also penetrate into the top edge of the shingle above.
When you have pried up all the nails from the target shingle, remove the shingle itself. Now is the time to replace this shingle with a properly sized replacement shingle. Ensure the shingle is the same size as the existing shingles that surround it.
Install the New Shingles
If you're lucky, the builder or previous homeowner left some shingles behind. If not, get a bundle at a home center or lumberyard that matches up in color and size with the shingles you're replacing (it will help for you to map out a course pattern before you start).
Apply asphalt roof cement to the back of each new shingle before you place it on the roof. This will create a bond with the shingles and hold them in place.
Work your way across the roof laying shingles, being careful to nail into place using proper technique so that each new shingle is secured with its nails within an inch of the ones above it. This will prevent water from pooling and causing more damage to the shingles below.
Install flashing around any pipes or vents that protrude through the roof. It's also a good idea to install protective rubber boots that are secured with flashing where the shingles meet walls, chimneys and other protrusions on the roof.
Clean Up
The appearance of your roof plays a big role in the curb appeal of your home. A patchy roof with mismatched shingles detracts from the overall beauty of your home and can also reduce its value and even cause problems like water stains in your ceilings.
When replacing shingles, you need to make sure that the new shingle matches the shade and texture of the existing shingles. You should also replace the valley flashing and step flashing (if needed). Be sure to remove all of the nails and pound them flat. Protruding nails can tear through the new shingle and cause leaks later on.
It is a good idea to rescue any other loose shingles while you are on the roof. This will give you a significant increase in the life of your shingles. During your roof inspection, you should also look for curled or weathered shingles and rescue those too. By doing this on a regular basis, you can get the maximum life out of your shingles.
If you are a handy homeowner or have shingles left over from a previous roofing job, you can replace a single damaged shingle without calling a roofer. You'll need a hammer, a flat pry bar, a utility knife and some replacement shingles. Begin by sliding a pry bar beneath the front edge of the damaged…