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Fix a roof shingle that is missing

We'll confirm the gap, assess safety, then replace the shingle with a matching one—or tell you when to call a roofer.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement shingle (matching)
  • Roofing nails (1 inch or 1.25 inch)
  • Roofing cement
  • Flat bar or putty knife
  • Hammer
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the gap, assess safety, then replace the missing shingle.

  • Confirm the shingle is missing and note the location.
  • Check that you can safely access the roof—do not go on a steep or wet roof.
  • Good: Single gap, safe access. Proceed to Replace the shingle.
  • Bad: Many missing shingles or unsafe access—call a roofer.

Assess safety first

Goal: Confirm you can work on the roof safely before starting.

  • Check the roof pitch. Low-pitch roofs are walkable; steep roofs are not. Check the weather—do not go on a wet or icy roof.
  • Use a sturdy ladder and consider a harness. Have a spotter if possible.
  • Good: Low-pitch, dry, and you can reach the spot. Proceed to Replace the shingle.
  • Bad: Steep, wet, or you are not comfortable—call a roofer.

Replace the shingle

Goal: Remove the gap and install a matching shingle.

  • Get a matching replacement shingle from leftover bundles or a roofing supplier.
  • Lift the shingles in the row above the gap with a flat bar or putty knife. Remove the nails that held the missing shingle. Clear debris.
  • Slide the new shingle into place under the lifted row. Align it with the shingles on each side.
  • Drive roofing nails through the nail line—four to six nails per three-tab shingle. Use nails long enough to penetrate the roof deck.
  • Apply roofing cement over each nail head. Lower the shingles above.
  • Good: The new shingle is flush and sealed. Bad: Cannot match or fit—call a roofer.

When to get help

Call a roofer if:

  • The roof is steep or you cannot safely access it.
  • The roof is wet or icy.
  • There are many missing shingles.
  • You see damage to the roof deck (soft spots, rot).
  • You are not comfortable on a ladder or roof.

Do not go on a steep or wet roof—falls are a leading cause of injury.

Verification

  • The gap is filled with a matching shingle flush with the surrounding row.
  • Nail heads are sealed with roofing cement.
  • No exposed underlayment or roof deck.
  • The repair stays dry after the next rain.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm the gap Verify the shingle is missing and note the location.
  2. Assess safety Check roof pitch and conditions—do not go on steep or wet roofs.
  3. Replace shingle Lift shingles above, remove nails, slide in new shingle, nail and seal.
  4. Call a roofer Steep roof, wet roof, many missing shingles, or unsafe access—call a roofer.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Location of missing shingle
  • Roof pitch and access
  • Whether you have matching shingles
  • Steps already tried

Is it a single missing shingle or many?

A single missing shingle is a straightforward replacement. Many missing shingles may indicate a larger problem.

Count the gaps. Single shingle: proceed to replace. Many shingles: the roof may need broader repair—call a roofer. Verify you should see either one gap or multiple.

Single Many

You can change your answer later.

Can you safely access the roof?

Do not go on a steep or wet roof. Falls are a leading cause of injury.

Check the roof pitch and conditions. Low-pitch and dry: you can proceed if you use a ladder and harness. Steep or wet: do not go up—call a roofer. Verify you should see a safe path to the repair.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace the shingle

Lift shingles above, remove nails, slide in new shingle, nail and seal.

Lift the shingles above the gap. Remove the nails. Slide in a matching replacement shingle. Nail it in place and seal the nail heads with roofing cement. Lower the shingles above. Good: shingle flush and sealed. Bad: cannot match or fit—call a roofer.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Repair complete

The shingle is replaced and sealed. Check the repair after the next rain. Inspect the roof annually for other damage.

Done

Call a roofer

Call a roofer if: the roof is steep or wet, you cannot safely access it, there are many missing shingles, or you see damage to the roof deck. Do not go on a steep or wet roof.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does a missing shingle matter?
A missing shingle exposes the roof deck and underlayment to water. Water can enter the attic, cause rot, or lead to leaks. Replace it as soon as you can safely do so.
Can I replace a missing shingle myself?
Yes, if the roof is low-pitch and you can work safely. You need a matching shingle, roofing nails, roofing cement, and basic tools. Do not go on a steep or wet roof—call a roofer.
When should I call a roofer for a missing shingle?
Call a roofer if the roof is steep, you cannot safely access it, the roof is wet or icy, there are many missing shingles, or you see damage to the roof deck. Falls are a leading cause of injury.

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