Shingle Replacement

Three-tab shingles, by far the most common, do occasionally blow off or otherwise come loose. If the roof is relatively new, replacing a shingle is possible and not difficult. Safety first! If you are uncomfortable on the roof, consider getting someone else to make the repair. Shingles are held in place with four nails evenly spaced just above the slots. Use a thin, flat pry bar to lift the front edge of the shingle above the one being replaced to expose the nail heads. Working on a warm day or when the sun is on the roof will make for more pliable shingles. Remove these nails. Now move up one more shingle and remove its nails since each nail actually penetrates two layers of shingle. The damaged shingle should slide out. Nail the replacement and the one above it to finish the job.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2001