In a recent wind storm, I lost about 10 shingles on my roof. The insurance folks have been up there and their assessment is that I don't need a new roof, just some shingle repair. I'd like to crawl up there and replace them myself. Can any of you roofing experts give me a brief tutorial on what I'll need to get the job done? I know I'll need some replacement shingles; I've seen them at Home Depot. But what do I need to secure the shingles to the roof, nails or glue? Is there anything else I need to be aware of when I'm putting the new shingles down? Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

 

You will need shingles, roofing nails, a flat pry bar, and a hammer.

Carefully remove the nails where damaged shingles were located. Also remove any shingle remnants left from the damaged shingles.

Start at the lowest run and work up the roof toward the peak. Carefully raise the existing good shingles to work the replacements under to maintain the proper lap. Good luck with your project.

For 3-tab shingles, 6 nails in each shingle. Two nails per tab.

 

When doing repairs, use some roofing tar in addition to the nails. Seal up any of the nails you have to remove, and seal down the new tabs as well as any old ones that you have to lift. They probably won't seal down by themselves and the tar helps prevent wind lift. Use nickel sized dots of caulk- a little goes a long ways. Have some paint thinner and a rag handy if you don't want to get it all over you. Apply the tar far enough back that it doesn't gush out- this will also help keep you clean.

 

Hey, thanks everyone. Just the info I was looking for. I really appreciate it.

 

Just my thoughts...
I like using a shingle ripper. I know a regular flat prybar thats long enough will work, but the $15 bucks for the shingle ripper sure is money well spent.

 

Interesting. I'm not sure what a "shingle ripper" is, but I'll ask about it at my local big box store. I'm sure they sell them there, right? Hey, I know, I can rent it out to my neighbors and get my money back! By the way, exactly what does a shingle ripper do?

 

Just do a google for "shingle ripper", I think DASKO makes a lot of them, you'll see what I mean. The orange box where I used to live didn't sell them, but the blue box did.

Not required, but it sure works well.

Vic