Household Repairs Broken shingles. If the shingles are lapped only at the bottom, shatter the cracked shingle with a hammer and remove the pieces. Slip a hacksaw blade up under overlapping shingles and cut off nails that held broken shingle. Insert a new shingle. To hold it in place, drill a hole through the joint between the overlying shingles and through the top of the new shingle. Drive one roofing nail through this until it is flush with the face of the new shingle. Then slip a 3"-wide strip of copper or aluminum flashing between the shingles over the nail and bend it slightly so it will hold in place.

If shingles are lapped at the sides as well as at the bottom, have broken shingle replaced by a roofing contractor.

Fungus growth on shingles. Scrub with an abrasive household cleanser. If this doesn't work, mix 1 part copper sulfate with 10 parts hot water in a non-metallic container. Brush on liberally. The stain will disappear and color of material return in a month or so.

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November 21, 2008