Repairing Wood Shingles
About this project:
When replacing wood shingles, be sure to match the existing color as closely as possible.
As wood shingles age, they gradually weather to a darker color than new replacement shingles. Consequently, new shingles you use to repair your roof may stand out dramatically for several years before their color matches the older shingles. If your repair is in a quite visible area of the roof, try to repair the existing shingles using the
technique illustrated here so that your repair job doesn't noticeably stand out.
If you must buy new shingles, make sure to buy the best. Shingles are rated in grades from one to four, with one being the best. Grade one shingles, sometimes identified by the color blue, are composed entirely from heartwood. Heartwood contains oils and tannic acid that make the wood resistant to insects and to fungi and
will last far longer than shingles made from sapwood.
Time: 30 to 60 minutes per shingle, depending on roof accessibility.
Skills: Basic carpentry skills.
Tools: Hammer, chisel, pry bar, utility knife, saw, nail set, drill, caulking gun.
Common Repairs
Mending splits
Mend splits by drilling pilot holes and nailing, then seal the gap and nailheads with roofing cement. Some cements can be applied like caulk.
Mending holes
For holes, drive a sheet of aluminum flashing material under the shingle. Be sure it extends beyond the leak.
If the spot is very visible, paint the metal to match the shingles.
Replacing a shingle
After removing a broken shingle, place the flat end of a pry bar over the old nailheads and strike with hammer
to drive the nailheads flush.
Insert new shingle
Cut a new shingle to the appropriate width. With a block of wood and a hammer, drive up the butt of the
new shingle until it is flush with the row and the nailheads are covered.
Fasten with nails
Drive two shingle nails into the new shingle at 45 degrees close to the butt of the shingle above.
Drive nailheads flush with a set; seal with caulk.
Replacing an Asphalt Shingle
About this project:
Asphalt shingles can look like wood, but last longer. Still, you should inspect yearly for damage.
Buy roofing cement in caulking tubes to seal minor cracks and holes and glue down curled shingles.
If you have a larger job, buy the roofing cement in larger containers.
If the damage is extensive, replace the shingle, as shown here. When working with asphalt shingles, wait
for a warm day when the shingles will be flexible and therefore easier to work with.
Time: 30 minutes.
Skills: Basic roofing skills.
Tools: Hammer, pry bar, putty knife, utility knife, flat shovel, caulking gun.
Step-by-Step
1. Remove the bad shingle
Loosen nails in the shingle above by slipping a flat shovel underneath.
Pull the nails with a pry bar and remove the bad shingle.
2. Insert a new shingle
Remove 1 inch from the top edge of the new shingle and slip it into place under the shingle above.
Note the positions of the four nails.
3. Fasten with nails
Try to drive in new nails through the holes left by the old ones.
If you cannot, carefully seal the old openings with roofing cement.
4. Seal the nailheads
Coat the nailheads with roofing cement, then firmly press the upper course back into place.
Weight it down, if necessary.
An Alternate Approach
You also can back up a damaged shingle with a piece of metal flashing.
Secure the flashing with roofing cement and nails under the shingle.
© Copyright 2007, Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved
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