I am replacing a small section of my roof right at the bottom. It is probably a 3' X 4' section that I need to cut out, replace the plywood and re roof. I've done a little roofing before, but never a patch job. What is the best way to tie the shingles in to make sure it doesn't leak. How it looks is really not the concern as much as making sure it doesn't leak. I am having the entire roof (plywood and all) replaced in the spring. I'd appreciate any help.

 

Use a flat prybar to break the tar seals on the edges of the shingles you'll be removing. As you prolly know there are 2 courses of nails in each shingle, one where it was nailed and one from the course above catching the top 1" or so. Gently tap the flat bar under each nail and pop up just enough to be able to remove it from above. So to remove one shingle you'll need to take the nails that you see out and the ones in the shingle above it. Once all nails are out you can slide it down. The reinstallation is just the same in reverse, just be sure to replace the nails for 2 courses above your new shingles. Because the tar seal has been stuck and unstuck you may want to hand seal where the old shingles overlap the new using roofing tar like blackjack (if you go to HD I think its called Henry 203 or something like that), it comes in a caulking tube. Whenever you lift shingles up and move them alot it's easier not to break them when they're warm. So if you can, let the sun bake on the roof for a little while before working.