How To Replace Torn And Broken Asphalt Shingles On Your Roof

Asphalt shingles can get damaged by tree limbs blowing against the roof. Once damaged, water can seep in behind the shingles and leak into your attic. The moisture can cause the wood underneath the shingles to become water-logged to the point where the wood starts to rot. You need to replace the broken shingles to stop the damage, but you have to do it without causing more damage to the rest of asphalt shingles on the roof. Here is how you can replace damaged shingles.

Tools You Need:

• Putty knife
• Roofing hammer
• Flat pry bar
• Replacement shingles

Break the Seal

Connected to the underside of the bottom end of asphalt shingles is a strip of tar. The tar is used to seal the shingles together as you place one on top of the other when you cover your roof. You will need to break this seal so you can remove the bad shingles without hurting the good ones. To break the seal, take a putty knife and run it along the underside of the damaged shingles until you can lift the bottom of the damaged shingles up off the good shingles. You will also need to break the seal between the good shingles on top of the bad ones being replaced.

Remove Nails

Next, you will need to remove the nails holding the shingles in place on the roof. There are two rows of nails you'll have to remove: one row is placed along the middle of the shingle and the other row is placed along the top of the shingle. Take a flat pry bar with a nail puller on the end and insert it under the bad shingles. Carefully pry the nails loose that are holding the shingles into place. The shingles will slide out once the nails are removed.

Cut New Shingles to Size

Take the new shingles and cut them to fit into existing shingle pattern on the roof. Remember, with asphalt shingles, each row is laid in an alternating pattern from the one above it and the one beneath it.

Nail Shingles Back On

Start by putting nails in along the middle of the shingles before moving to top area. Be very careful when you lift the good shingles to get to the spot where you have to nail in the replacement shingles along the top. If you bend too hard, you can crack and break the existing good shingles and you might have to end up replacing those as well.

Damaged shingles compromises the integrity of your roof. You need to replace the shingles as quickly as possible if you want to avoid further damage. If you're unsure about doing it yourself, then call a professional roofing company, such as Sam The Roofer, to come in and do it for you.