Wood Shingle Replacement

Replacing a damaged or missing wooden roof shingle can allow you to avoid leaks and resulting water damage as well as help prolong the lifespan of a roof that is becoming compromised by age. If more than 20 percent of the shingles are damaged, consider replacing the roof altogether. But when just a few tiles are compromised, making timely repairs will ultimately save you time, money and a lot of headaches. However, bear in mind that while replacing a wood shingle is a job a handy do-it-yourselfer can take on, it is challenging, and safety protocols must be followed strictly. Be sure to enlist a friend to help, in case you run into trouble or take a tumble and need emergency assistance. We recommend you call a local professional contractor. Bart Rafferty of Confident Coatings is a trusted reliable contractor call hin for a free estimate @ 719-492-3176

What You Need

• Extension ladder
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Hacksaw or shingle ripper
• Small pry bar
• Replacement shingles
• Roofing nails (use hot-dipped galvanized or electroplated nails for attaching wood tiles)
• Wood block
• Roofing cement

Step by Step Instructions

1. Check your crawlspace or attic for leaks and visible points of light along the ceiling, both of which indicate a problem with the shingles. Also check the roof from the ground using a pair of strong binoculars. Look for cracked or broken shingles, paying close attention to the area around chimneys.
2. Position the extension ladder at a safe angle. This means the bottom of the ladder should be placed roughly one-quarter of the distance between the ground and the roof’s edge out from the house, with the top of the ladder propped several feet higher than the roof. Do not attempt the repair if the roof is wet from rain or snow because it will be slippery. Have a partner stand at the base of the ladder to spot you while you climb.
3. Remove the damaged shingle by carefully splitting it along the wood grain with a hammer and chisel, then extracting the fragments. Next, use a small pry bar to raise the shingle that lies above the one you just removed until you can reach the nails that held the damaged shingle in place. Carefully cut the nails with either a shingle ripper or a hacksaw. Pull out any remaining pieces of the damaged shingle.
4. Measure the space you will need to fill. Replacement shingles can be purchased at a hardware store or roofing supply center. Always buy a few extra in case you make a mistake with cutting or installation.
5. Cut a replacement wood shingle approximately 3/8 of an inch narrower than the measurement. Shingles expand when wet or when the weather is humid and this will allow for a good fit.
6. Insert the replacement shingle. It should protrude no more than 1/2 inch beyond the adjacent shingles. Notice where the shingle you just installed meets the lip of the shingle just above. Along this point, drive two roofing nails into the new shingle at a 45-degree angle.
7. Place a wood block along the lip of the replacement shingle. With hammer in hand, repeatedly strike the wood block until the replacement shingle is even with the adjacent shingles. The nail heads should slide beneath the shingle above. Using the wood block as a buffer will prevent the shingle from being damaged by the hammer’s impact.
8. Use a small amount of roofing cement to cover the exposed nail heads and further weatherproof your roof.
9. Have your partner make sure the ladder is secure as you climb down

Again, this all sounds simple enough but we recommend calling Bart Rafferty @ 719-492-3176 for a free estimate.

All info taken from http://homerenovations.about.com/od/houseexteriorframework/a/artreplacewoods.htm