How to Replace Cedar Wood Shingles on Your Roof
Before beginning this repair, you should find some replacement shingles. Ideally, you or the former homeowner will have saved some of the material from the original job to do repairs. Otherwise, you will have to purchase wood shingles to complete the repair. Be sure to match the wood type and size to the existing shingles so you can create a professional looking replacement.
Once you have the material you need, in this case cedar roofing shingles, chances are they will not match the cedar on your roof. In order to weather the new roof cedar shingles for a better match, you can use a solution of baking soda and water. To use this method, dissolve a pound of baking soda into a gallon of water. Then, using a brush, apply the water mixture onto the shingle in long strokes. Leave them outside in the sun for five to six hours. Rinse off the water mixture and compare to the color of your roof. You can repeat the process as many times as needed to get the right shade for your particular roof.
After aging the cedar shingles to the appropriate color, you are ready to make the roof repair. To begin you must remove the damaged shingles. To do this, you should split the damaged cedar shingles you wish to replace with a chisel and hammer. You should then be able to remove all of the damaged pieces. Then, using a hacksaw blade, slide it under the overlapping shingles to saw off the protruding nail heads.
Now you can replace the cedar shingles you have removed. You should always begin with the bottom if you are replacing multiple rows. When replacing cedar shingles, plan on spacing them about 3/8″ apart. You can get an exact fit by splitting a slightly too wide piece of cedar with a chisel. Nail them into place with ring shank siding nails, two nails for each cedar shingle.
The last row between the new and old roof cannot be nailed into place. To replace these pieces, you should plan on using roofing cement. This will create a strong bond with the surrounding pieces as well as prevent leaks in your roof. To use the cement, apply it into the area where the new cedar shingles will sit. Then you can slide each piece into place. You may need a few taps of a hammer to set each one into place on the roof. Once they are in the correct location, press down for several minutes to make sure that everything adheres properly.
Fixing a few split or damaged shingles is a project within the scope of most homeowners. However, there are hazards, especially if you must get onto your roof to make repairs. If you are concerned about getting on your roof, or don’t have much home improvement experience, call a professional who can complete the job for you. A repair of this nature, depending on the area involved, should only require a single afternoon for a professional.
