Instructions

• 1). Get the tools and supplies needed to remove or leave shingles.
  
  
• 2). Get rid of nails. Use a pry bar to pull up loose nails or nails holding shingles you plan to remove. Make sure to get the discarded nails out of your work area since they may pose a safety hazard if left lying around. When nails are loose but the shingle under them is still good, you can hammer the nails back into place. Remember to hammer directly into the shingle and not at an angle.
  
  
• 3). Use a pry bar to pull up shingles. If your roof has three or fewer layers of existing shingles you can install new shingles on top of them. For roofs with more than three layers of shingles already on the roof, you will have to pull them all up. Remember to get discarded shingles out of your work area, so you won't trip over them.
  
  
• 4). Leave shingles alone unless they are loose or damaged. If you find some like that you need to use a pry bar to remove them. For missing shingles, you need to pull up any nails or pieces of shingle left behind. Get a replacement shingle. Put roofing cement on the edges of the shingle, and put it into place. Take four roofing nails and hammer them in across the center of the shingle. If you are replacing missing shingles directly onto the roof's wooden structure, you will need to put down a piece of roofing felt and staple it into place before installing the shingle.
  
  
• 5). Check to make sure all nails and shingles are out of your work area and begin your reproofing project.