Replace Damaged Shingles

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-165 -- More Projects »
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Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a homeowner how to replace roof shingles that were blown away by a windstorm by weaving and patching in new shingles. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison ranks this job as a three.

Tools:

pry bar
roofing hatchet or regular hammer
caulking gun
replacement shingles
roofing nails
roof cement / sealant

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
Steps:

1. Begin by removing damaged shingles. Insert the pry bar under the shingle, work it around gently to break the seal, then look for the roofing nails (figure A).

2. Place the pry bar next to the nail and gently tap it with a roofing hammer until you can pry out the nail (figure B).

3. Pull out the damaged shingles once they are free (figure C). Continue working your way up the roof until all damaged shingles have been removed.

4. Now slide in replacement shingles and start nailing them to the roof. A three-tab row of shingles should take about eight nails. Place a dab of roofing sealant over each nail head to help keep water out (figure D).