Roof Repair - Missing or Broken/Split Cedar Shingle or Shake Tips

Missing and Broken/Split Shakes

This Roof has Missing Shinlges

Missing shakes should be replaced, but a few broken or split shakes rarely result in leaks, since the felt provides more water protection than the shakes. However, if the cracks in the shakes occur simultaneously in 3 layers, then leaking may be a problem.

For wood shingles, repairs are best done with an aluminum piece that can be slid under the shingle. This should protect the exposed area, while not being visible from below. To secure the metal behind the shake, bend the bottom edge of the metal into a 90-degree angle that will catch' on the shingle below, and hold it in place. Don't nail the metal in place, as the nail will work itself loose, and leave one more hole that can leak. For small splits or breaks, roofing cement can be used to seal wood shakes instead.

When replacing shakes, first remove any broken splinters and nails in the repair area. Use a shingle ripper to slip under the shingle and hook and cut the nail. The nail can also be cut with a hacksaw, by carefully slipping the saw under the upper shingles and cutting off the nail heads.

Begin replacing shakes at the bottom and move up, so that the nails can be hidden under the upper row of shakes. When you are ready for the last, top row of shingles, slip the new shingle into position, but leave it 1/4 inch longer than the other shingles. Then nail it into place right below the end of the overlapping shingle. Finally, with a block of wood against the shingle butt, drive it up the last 1/4 inch to bend the nails under the shingle above. Or, don't nail the top shingle in place and use roofing cement to secure it in place (in this case, cut the shake to the exact fit before installing).

If shakes are bowed or cupped, they can let rain blow under the shingles. Split the shingle with a chisel and remove a ¼ inch sliver or just enough space to nail between the two new pieces. Put a nail in the new space as close to the top of the shake as possible to prevent the whole shake from popping up' and interfering with the shingles above. Catch the head of the nail on both pieces of shake to hold it firmly down, and eliminate the cupping. Cover the nail head with roofing cement to prevent leaks around the hole.