How to Replace Shingles on a Roof Without a Roofer
You can repair a damaged shingle on your own if the shingles are still in good condition or you have them left over from a prior roofing job. A hammer, flat pry bars, utility knives and replacement shingles are all you need.
Slide a pry-bar under the front edge. The sealant will be broken and the nails exposed.
Damaged Shingles – How to Remove Them
The shingles are designed to remain on the roof in normal wind conditions, but strong winds can damage or blow them away. The shingles need to be changed when they are damaged. Knowing how to replace roofing tiles and using the correct materials will save you money and time.
Check the condition of the flashing surrounding the chimney, vents, etc. before starting the project. You'll need to remove it and replace it if necessary before moving on with the rest.
You can identify the damaged shingle first by sliding a pry bar flat under its front edge. If you find any sealant, it can be removed with the edge of the pry bar. Then, remove all the nails from the shingle. Repeat this procedure on the shingles that are above and below the damaged shingle. This will ensure that all of the nails holding the shingle have been removed.
Remove the Nails
Put down large tarps on the ground to catch thousands of nails which will fall. Protruding nails could tear through the new roofing tiles if you're careless.
The nails will come out from underneath the shingles when you use your flat pry bar. This step is harder than it looks. Four nails are used to hold each shingle. The shingle is nailed into the nailing strip, and the nails also penetrate the shingle's top edge.
After you have removed the nails from the shingle of interest, remove it. This is the time for you to replace it with a replacement shingle of the correct size. The shingle should be the same size as those around it.
Install the New Shingles
If you're fortunate, the previous homeowner or builder left some shingles. If not, find a bundle in a home center of lumberyard that is the same color and size as the shingles that you are replacing. (It will be helpful to create a pattern before starting).
Apply asphalt roof censer to the backside of each shingle prior to placing it on your roof. This will help to create a strong bond between the shingles.
Lay shingles across the roof. Be sure to use the proper technique when nailing each new shingle in place. This will help prevent water from pooling on the roof and causing further damage to the shingles.
Install flashing around vents or pipes that protrude from the roof. You can also install rubber boots, which are attached with flashing, where the shingles meet the walls or chimneys.
Clean Up
The look of your roof is a key factor in determining the curb appeal of a home. A roof with shingles that are not matched can detract from the beauty of your home, reduce its value, and cause other problems such as water stains.
If you are replacing shingles on your roof, make sure the new shingles match the texture and shade of the old shingles. If necessary, you should also replace valley flashing and the step flashing. Remove all the nails, and pound them down. The nails that are protruding can damage the new shingles and cause them to leak.
You should also grab any loose shingles you find while on the roof. The life expectancy of your shingles will be significantly increased. When you inspect your roof, look out for any curled or worn shingles. This will help you get the most life from your shingles.
Fort Smallwood Road Unit 2, Baltimore, MD
You can repair a damaged shingle on your own if the shingles are still in good condition or you have them left over from a prior roofing job. A hammer, flat pry bars, utility knives and replacement shingles are all you need. Slide a pry-bar under the front edge. The sealant will be broken and…