How to Secure Loose Shingles

How to Secure Loose Shingles
Published: Dec 18, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Pry bar
  • Roof cement
  • Hammer
  • Roofing nails
  • Replacement shingle
  1. Remove old nails from the loose shingle with a pry bar. Inspect the shingle to ensure no damage has occurred.

  2. Apply roof cement to the back side of the shingle, place the shingle back into its slot on the roof. Position the shingle so it lines up with the other shingles.

  3. Lift the bottom part of the shingle above the one you just cemented. Place roofing nails on the top side of the loose shingle and hammer into place. Lay down the shingle bottom you were holding up to hammer in the nails to the loose shingle. The top shingle should be covering the bottom shingle's nails.

  4. Apply a dab of roofing cement to the nail heads to guard against leaks.

  5. Keep replacement shingles on hand and use one of them if the loose shingle is torn or damaged. Apply the replacement shingle the same way you secure a loose shingle.

Tips

Shingles work easier in warmer weather, so try to complete any repair during warm-weather months.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Constance Barker

Constance Barker, located in the hills of southern Ohio, is the owner and writer of several financial, credit report and travel websites. She started writing in 1999 for private clients and began creating website content in 2004. She…

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