How to Replace the Shingles on a Hip Roof

A hip roof, sometimes referred to as a "hipped roof," is a roof in which all four sides of the roof slope downward. Hip roofs are commonly covered with shingles rather than with clay or metal. Shingles do have a finite lifespan and can crack due to weathering. Those shingles exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time tend to wear faster than those exposed to shaded areas. Replacement shingles are fairly inexpensive and the process of repairing damaged shingles is relatively straightforward.

Flat pry bar
Roofing cement
Putty knife
Utility knife
Caulk gun
1-inch roofing nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Pull the damaged shingles away from the roof, beginning with the shingle located at the top of the damaged area and working downward.
- 2
  Remove the old shingle nails by prying them off of the roof with a flat pry bar.
- 3
  Apply roofing cement over the damaged roofing paper with a putty knife to seal the tears in the paper. The roofing cement will protect against water leaks.
- 4
  Trim the shingle with a utility knife if the shingle rests against a ridge of the hip roof until the shingle conforms to the ridge. Begin with the lowest shingle of the damaged area.
- 5
  Apply a bead of roofing cement across the back of the shingle with a caulk gun and position the shingle onto the roof.
- 6
  Drive one-inch roofing nails along the top of the shingle with a hammer to secure the shingle to the roof.
- 7
  Apply a small amount of roofing cement to each nail head to prevent water leaks.
- 8
  Repeat Steps 4 thru 7 for all but the uppermost replacement shingle, working upward.
- 9
  Apply roofing cement across the back of the uppermost replacement shingle, then insert the shingle underneath the shingle directly above the repaired area.

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