How to lift up shingles?

Lifting up shingles is sometimes necessary to inspect for damage, repair flashing, replace a damaged shingle, or reseal a lifted tab, but it must be done carefully to avoid cracking or breaking the shingle, especially in cold weather. The best time to lift shingles is on a warm day above 60 degrees when asphalt is pliable. Start by locating the shingle above the area you want to lift, as shingles overlap. Use a flat pry bar or putty knife to gently break the sealant bond between courses. Slide the tool under the edge of the shingle above and slowly work it along the sealant strip, applying gentle upward pressure to separate the adhesive without tearing the mat. Once the seal is broken, you can lift the shingle to access nails or the underlayment below. If you need to remove a shingle, after breaking the seal, use the pry bar to carefully lift and remove the nails holding the shingle, which are typically located just below the sealant line of the course above. Be careful not to over-lift, as lifting too far can crease the shingle and break the fiberglass mat, creating a weak point that will fail in wind. In cold weather below 50 degrees, shingles are brittle and likely to crack, so avoid lifting unless necessary, and if you must, warm the area with a heat gun on low setting briefly. Always reseal lifted shingles with roofing cement afterward.