Guide to Replacing Shingles
Want to know how you can replace shingles on your own? Simply follow the detailed step-by-step process below. And if you don’t think you can replace shingles on your own, reach out to Lanes Contracting, a leading team of local roofers!
How to Replace Shingles (DIY)
1. Gather Your Tools & Materials
You’ll need the following tools and materials to replace shingles:
- Ladder
- Roof jacks
- A sturdy board
- Fall arrest harness
- Tool belt
- Hammer
- Pry bar or shingle ripper
- New asphalt shingles
- Roofing cement
- Cement adhesive
It’s good to have all your tools and materials ready to go before you start working; this way, you don’t have to interrupt the project for a trip to the local hardware store.
2. Get Up on the Roof
To do a shingle replacement, you need to get up on the roof. Most people use a ladder to do this, but you could climb out a window to get onto your roof.
If you’re using a ladder, make sure your harness is secure before ascending.
Once on the roof, secure your roof jacks. When they’re attached, lay the board across them so you have something to stand on.
3. Assess the Damage
When assessing damaged shingles, look for cracks and other signs of significant wear and tear.
If the shingles are just loose, they probably don’t need to be replaced; just secure them, and you should be all set.
But cracked and severely worn shingles must be replaced, as these can cause leaks and other issues.
4. Remove the Damaged Shingles
Using your pry bar, loosen the two rows of shingles above the damaged shingles.
Next, use the pry bar to loosen the damaged shingles.
Once the damaged shingles are loose, use the pry bar or your hammer to loosen and remove nails from the damaged shingles.
5. Inspect the Underlayment
Once all the damaged shingles have been removed, inspect the underlayment they covered. You won’t have to do anything if there’s no visible damage.
Chances are, however, if there’s shingle damage, there will probably be underlayment damage too. In this case, new underlayment would have to be installed before replacement shingles can be installed.
6. Put Down New Shingles
Now it’s time to lay new shingles where the old ones used to be. If your shingles don’t have an adhesive strip, they’ll need to be glued on. Finally, nail the shingles in place to ensure they’re secure.
7. Seal
Once the new shingles are secured, you need to seal them to ensure they don’t leak. Line them with shingle cement, and be generous when applying this sealant.
Choose Lanes Contracting For Shingle Repair & Replacement
Don’t want to handle shingle replacement on your own? We don’t blame you! It can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right tools, experience, or know-how. And if your roof is somewhat complex, shingle replacement can be even more challenging.
Call Lanes Contracting now at (984) 355-9692 or visit us online to know all about the roof repair and replacement services we’ve been proudly offering for years!
