If you’ve spotted a few singles blown off after the last windy weekend, don’t panic – replacing them is easier than it looks, whether you’re climbing on top of your home or tackling the backyard shed’s roof.
Here’s a quick, hands-on guide to patching up your shingle roof like a pro.
What Do You Need to Install or Repair Roof Shingles?
Get your tools and other roofing materials ready before climbing up.
Safety gear
- Gloves
- Non-slip shoes or boots
- Safety goggles
- Hard hat (especially on steeper roofs)
Do it another time if the roof’s wet or the wind picks up – it’s not worth the risk in harsh weather conditions. Stay clear of the roof edge and watch out for nearby power lines.
Tools and other building materials
- Hammer/nail gun
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
- Chalk
- Tape measure
- Level
- Ladder
- Caulking gun
Roof materials
- Shingles (wood, slate or asphalt shingle roofing – depending on what you like)
- Roofing nails
- Underlay (e.g., roofing felt)
- Flashing
- Roofing cement
- Drip edge
- Ridge vent
- Sealant
Installing Roof Shingles
DIY-er? Don’t worry. Roof shingles are actually very easy to install on most roofs or backyard sheds. Here’s our quick installation guide.
1. Inspect Your Roof
Set your ladder up and have a look around up top. You’re checking for the usual troublemakers – cracked shingles, soft timber, or rust along the flashing. If anything looks a bit dodgy, fix that first. New shingles won’t last long if the roof’s not solid underneath.
2. Clean and Clear
Before you get going, give the roof a quick tidy-up. Sweep off any leaves or branches – you want a clean surface to work on. While you’re up there, have a look at the gutters and downspouts.
If you’re pulling off old shingles, use a pry bar or shovel so you don’t damage the roof beneath.
3. Repair and Reinforce
Those broken rafters you saw while inspecting your roof? The torn flashing? It’s time to fix it. Replace any damaged sheathing and ensure the roof flashing is in good condition to provide excellent protection.
4. Install Drip Edges
Next, it’s time to sort the drip edge – the thin metal trim that keeps water away from the roof’s underside and soaking into the timber frame. Line it up along the eaves and rakes, and fix it down with roofing nails. Overlap the corners a little so that the water runs off this watertight seal cleanly.
5. Lay Underlayment
You’ll need a nice, clean, smooth surface to lay down your roof shingles. This is where underlayment comes in – a protective layer on which to place your shingles. Choose from asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic, or rubberised asphalt. Roll out horizontally, overlapping each layer. Secure with cap nails or staples.
6. Start the First Row
It’s time to start. Begin at the lower corner. Lay the first course of asphalt shingles with a slight overhang over the roof’s edge by about a couple of centimetres. Use roofing nails to fix the shingles in place. You should only need about four or six, unless you often battle strong winds.
7. Apply the Starter Strip
Use roofing nails to lay the starter strip along the eaves with an overhang. This bit will keep your roof looking clean and sleek while protecting it from water.
8. Layer Your Roof Shingles
Now it’s time to really get going. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines – but generally, you’ll need to align the top of each shingle with the adhesive strip on the shingle below.
9. Stagger the Shingles
Use a half shingle at the beginning of the second row to get the staggering effect. This pattern doesn’t just look good, it’s actually designed to create a watertight seal. Continue laying tiles in this way until you’ve covered the whole roof.
10. Work Around Obstacles
Chimneys. Vents. Skylights. These protrusions can get in the way of your hard work, and you’ll need to use flashing around these obstacles for extra waterproofing.
11. Install Ridge Caps
You’re nearly done. Measure the roof’s ridge – the bit that runs along the very top of the roof’s pitch – with a tape measure to work out how many ridge cap shingles you’ll need. Like the regular asphalt shingles, ridge shingles need to be overlapped as well. Secure with roofing nails.
12. Finishing Touches
Inspect your hard work and give yourself a pat on the back. You’re looking for any gaps or exposed nail heads that may be affected by the elements. To protect against water and rust, add sealant. You might want to also touch up the paintwork on vents or flashing. Then you’re done.
Maintaining Your Roof Shingles
You don’t want all that effort to go to waste. Maintaining your roof shingles will keep them in good shape.
- Regular health checks on your roof will mean catching any damage or issues before it’s too late – pay particular attention to the flashing
- Cleaning your roof with a soft brush and low-pressure water keeps it clean of moss and algae that trap moisture
- Trim overhanging trees to stop loose twigs from falling on your roof
Different Roof Shingle Options
You’ve got what might seem like endless options when standing in front of the shelves of your local roofing supply store. From wood shingles to clay tiles – where do you even begin?
- Natural wood shingles or cedar shingles (also known as wooden shakes) are a traditional roofing material found on most backyard sheds that’s affordable, incredibly durable, and easy to look after
- Asphalt roofing shingles or bitumen shingles are waterproof and fireproof, and one of the most cost-effective roofing shingles
- Slate shingles are traditional shingles made from stone that can last over a century with natural beauty
- Composite or synthetic shingles are made from fiberglass and asphalt
- Solar shingles are your green, energy-efficient option with an aesthetic appeal
- Metal shingles are durable and cost-effective, recently becoming a popular choice
- Architectural shingles are also called dimensional shingles; they’re the stylish option for a classic and timeless look
Final Tips on Shingle Installation and Maintenance
Being able to install or patch up your own roof shingles is a great skill to have – and it can save you a bit of cash if you take your time and do it right. But if you’re not feeling steady on a ladder or if you’re unsure, it’s worth calling a professional roofer to make sure your roof work is watertight and long-lasting.
FAQs
Can You Replace Damaged Shingles?
Absolutely. If a few shingles have cracked or blown off, you can swap them out pretty easily. Start by pulling out the nails and sliding the damaged piece free. Take care when you ease your new shingle into the empty spot and nail it down. It’s a simple fix that helps keep your roof space watertight and your home dry.
What is the Best Method for Removing Shingles?
Begin at the peak of the roof. Work downwards. You’ll want to focus on about a metre section or so at a time. Use a pry bar or shovel to lift the old shingles, then flip your hammer around to take the nails out. Have a quick look underneath for soft spots or signs of rot before laying down new ones.