Replacing Shakes

You may have some shakes in your garage or shed left over from the original roofing job. If not take along a sample when you buy replacements so that you can match the color. Replacement wood shakes will be lighter in color than the rest of the roof, but they will darken in time.

If the felt underlayment is damaged, cut a piece that is at least 6 inches larger than the damaged area in both directions and slip it into place before replacing the shake. Sound underlayment is especially important on a wood shake roof. If you are making repairs at the eaves, you may need to replace a starter strip or starter shakes.

Prestart Checklist

Time
Once you have the repair materials, an hour or less for most repairs

Tools
Utility knife, tape measure, flat pry bar, stapler, hammer or roofing hatchet, trowel, caulk gun, nail set

Skills
Nailing; using a pry bar, chisel, caulk gun

Prep
Buy replacement shingles or shakes to match and make preparations for working safely on the roof.

Materials
Shingles or shakes, roofing cement (in a caulk tube or a can), nails long enough to penetrate the sheathing