If your roof has a leaky area and the water is getting into your house, you may be able to repair it on your own. You can do this by removing the old damaged shingles, and replacing them with new ones.

Remove Shingles

Purchase a shingle scraper to make it easy to remove the shingles. This tool is much like a shovel that has teeth on the end of it. Simply push the shingle scraper under the damaged shingles and lift up. You will then need to remove all roofing nails.

When all shingles and nails are removed, use a broom to sweep away any leftover shingles and dust. If you do not do this, you will have bumps under the shingles.

Install Storm and Ice Shield

Before you start putting the shingles back on your roof, put a piece of storm and ice shield over the area first. You simply peel the backing off, and stick the shield on the roof so it will only take you a few minutes. This gives you extra protection against the rain, as well as any ice that may be built up on your roof. You can cut this shield to the size you need. The shield has a sandpaper texture to make it very easy to work with, and it makes it easier for the shingles to stick to it. 

Install New Asphalt Shingles

Lay the shingles over the area. If there are more than a couple, use chalk to make a line across so you get them straight. If you have a large area that you are working with, lay the first row of shingles and nail them down with roofing nails, overlap the next row a few inches and nail them down, and so on until the entire area is covered. 

When you are finished nailing the shingles, use asphalt cement over any exposed nail heads. You can find this cement at most home supply stores. In most cases, you simply squeeze it on, and then rub over the area with a small brush to ensure the entire nail head is covered.

You should never work on your roof alone just in case any kind of accident happens. The ladder should be sitting on a level and solid surface. If not, dig holes for each ladder leg to hold them down. If you have never laid a roof before, hire a roofing contractor to do the job for you.