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Building Skills

Video: Replace an Asphalt Roof Shingle

There may be more nails than you expect.

By Andy Engel Issue 272 - Dec 2017/Jan 2018
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Building Skills - Replacing Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingles get damaged sometimes. To replace one, you need to loosen not only the nails covered up by shingle directly above the damaged one, but also the nails holding down that upper course.
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      Asphalt shingles get damaged sometimes. To replace one, you need to loosen not only the nails covered up by the shingle directly above the damaged one, but also the nails holding down that upper course. That’s because the nails holding down the course above also catch the very top of that lower course. And once you’ve replaced the damaged shingle with a new one, you also need to reseal the bottoms of the two courses above with asphalt cement so the wind won’t catch them and blow them off. Also check out editor Andy Engel’s step-by-step instructions in “Building Skills,” FHB #272.

      Previous: Replacing an Asphalt Shingle Next: A Durable Roof-Valley Repair

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      View Comments

      1. RoyTurning | Feb 08, 2018 01:49pm | #1

        Good video, thanks. Perhaps you could do another one on how to keep moss from appearing on roofs that are in the shade most of the day. I'm thinking copper or zinc strips being attached under the asphalt tabs? May/June may be the right time frame considering the need for a slightly warm roof.

      2. hardheaded3 | Feb 08, 2018 05:08pm | #2

        One way get around having a warm day to replace shingles like this is to use a heat gun. With it, you can loosen the asphalt tabs making them easier to get under and pry up, you can warm the shingle, with a fair amount of patience, so they aren't so brittle and finally you can substitute for the sun with the heat gun to get the asphalt roofing caulk to quickly adhere the shingle below in case wind is in the offing rather than sunny warm weather.

      3. b_ward | Apr 03, 2018 10:08am | #3

        Most shingles have gaps in the sealing strip, as seen in the video, to prevent condensation from being trapped under the shingles. When Andy applied the sealant, he used a continuous strip. I suggest you take the extra few seconds to use gaps when resealing.

      4. jrrjrr | Sep 04, 2018 10:55am | #4

        nail holes in to the roof need a dab of asphalt to fill the holes left by the removed nails, wind will blow rain up under and across roofs here in ocracoke n.c.

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