515-233-5442
Waddle Exteriors & Roofing
  • Home
  • Services
    • Roofing
      • Roof Inspection
      • Roof Repair
      • Roof Replacement
      • Roof Maintenance
      • Commercial Roofing
      • Emergency
    • Gutters
      • Gutter Replacement
      • Commercial Gutters
    • Siding
      • Siding Installation
      • Siding Repair
    • Soffit & Fascia
    • Windows
      • Window Installation
  • Emergency Services
    • Wind Damage
    • Hail Damage
    • Insurance Claims
  • Service Area
    • Story City, IA
    • Ames, IA
    • Des Moines, IA
    • Cedar Rapids, IA
    • Omaha, NE
  • About Us
    • Blog
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
Waddle Exteriors & Roofing
  • Home
  • Services
    • Roofing
      • Roof Inspection
      • Roof Repair
      • Roof Replacement
      • Roof Maintenance
      • Commercial Roofing
      • Emergency
    • Gutters
      • Gutter Replacement
      • Commercial Gutters
    • Siding
      • Siding Installation
      • Siding Repair
    • Soffit & Fascia
    • Windows
      • Window Installation
  • Emergency Services
    • Wind Damage
    • Hail Damage
    • Insurance Claims
  • Service Area
    • Story City, IA
    • Ames, IA
    • Des Moines, IA
    • Cedar Rapids, IA
    • Omaha, NE
  • About Us
    • Blog
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
Instant Quote
(515) 233-5442

Repairing Roof Shingles

August 24, 2011/in Roofing/by Audrey Heaberlin

Every do-it-yourself project-builder understands how important it is to know how to repair roof shingles. Fortunately, most projects relating to repairing or replacing roof shingles are basic enough that they can be tackled by the homeowner and won’t require the services of a contracted professional. However, it is important to realize that working on roofs pose a serious threat of danger, and it is vital to ensure your safety before working on a roof.

If you don’t trust your abilities than you should contract a professional who is trained and more secure in handling roof work. If however, you feel comfortable working on your roof, and then by all means, you should engage in the project and repair the shingles yourself. Some roofs may require you to replace individual shingles, or you may need to tear off the old shingles and install new ones. When roof shingles become damaged, they can cause your roof to leak and suffer damage.

The first step in repairing roof shingles will be to gently lift the shingle tabs that are holding the shingle in place. It is also important to note if the broken shingle is actually nailed in or if it is a shingle that is adjacent to the broken one that you are replacing. You will need to carefully lift up the shingle tab, and then you can pry up on the nail head and remove the nail. Once you have access to the broken shingle, you can remove it easily.

It is also a good idea to keep extra roof shingles on hand. Many times, new homeowners discard extra roof shingles, not thinking that they will need them in the future. However, it is inevitable not to lose some roof shingles throughout the longevity of being a homeowner. By saving your shingles, you can ensure that when it is time to make repairs that you will have matching shingles readily available.

After you have removed the damage shingle, simply replace it with your new shingle, cut a new tab for it, and then secure it with roofing nails. You may also choose to use roofing tar to secure the shingle down and fill in any gaps that you notice. It is also important to replace any nails that were removed in any shingles that were adjacent to the damaged shingles.

If you are going to replace all of your shingles and start a new installation, then it may be beneficial to have a friend help you who has experience with roofing. If you feel confident in doing the project then you will begin by removing the existing shingles. This is accomplished by tearing the old shingles off. This can be accomplished by using a variety of tools. Pitchforks, shovels, and shingle scrapers are all used in the scraping and removing of existing tiles. With the shingle scraper, you can simply insert the scraper under the shingle, then lift. The scraper pries up the old shingles including any roofing nails. After you have removed all of the old roof shingles, you can then install the new shingles.

If you are looking for a professional Iowa roofing contractor, please call 877-733-6400 or complete our online request form.

Our story

Founded in 1978, Waddle Exteriors has been a trusted home improvement contractor, providing roofing, siding, windows, and gutter installation in Des Moines, IA, and surrounding areas. We are renowned for our excellent workmanship and customer-first approach, with a 100% labor guarantee and free annual inspections.

Need a roof quote?

Get a Quote?

Services

  • Roofing Services
  • Gutters
  • Siding Services
  • Soffit/Fascia Replacement
  • Window Services

Blogs Post

  • Top 8 Signs of a Bad Roofing Job and How to Spot Them Early
  • Can Gutter Guards Cause Ice Dams? Expert Insights and Prevention Tips
  • How Do You Repair a Flat Roof? Common Issues and Expert Solutions
  • How Much Does Rain Gutter Replacement Cost in 2025?

Our Locations

Story City, IA
Ames, IA
Des Moines, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Omaha, NE

Working Hours

Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: By Appointment Only

Corporate Office

130 W Broad St
Story City, IA 50248

Call Us

(515) 233-5442

waddleexteriors logo white

Seamless Gutters, Gutter Protection Systems, Roofing Des Moines IA & Other Home Improvement Products & Services for Residents of Des Moines, IA & Surrounding Communities

Services

  • Roofing Services
  • Gutters
  • Siding Services
  • Soffit/Fascia Replacement
  • Window Services

Quick Links

  • Roof Tarping
  • Siding
  • Gutters

Useful Links

  • About Us
  • Financing
  • Insurance Claims
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
waddlecar

Follow Us On

  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to LinkedIn

Copyright © 2025 | All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy

Everything You Wanted To Know About RoofingDon’t Goof – Inspect Your Roof
Scroll to top