Single Shingle Needed? Here’s How You Can Buy Just One
A single missing shingle flapping in the wind can seem like a minor annoyance. However, this small breach is a significant weak point in your home’s primary defense against the elements. Ignoring it is an open invitation for water damage, rot, and much costlier repairs down the line.
That one missing piece exposes the vulnerable underlayment and roof decking to direct sunlight and rain. This can quickly lead to leaks that compromise your attic’s structure and insulation. The dilemma for many homeowners is facing the prospect of buying a full bundle of shingles, often containing over 20 pieces, for a one-piece job.
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The Answer: Yes, You Can Buy Single Shingles (But There’s a Catch)
You absolutely can purchase individual shingles, but it often requires a different strategy than a typical trip to the hardware store. Retailers are set up to sell shingles in bundles, as this is how roofing contractors purchase them for large jobs. Finding a single shingle requires a bit of targeted searching.
The key is knowing where to look and who to ask. While it’s not a standard off-the-shelf item, many suppliers and professionals have solutions for homeowners who just need one or two pieces for a small repair. This approach saves money and prevents unnecessary waste.
Where to Find Your Lone Shingle: A Homeowner’s Guide
Don’t head straight for the checkout with a 60-pound bundle of shingles you don’t need. There are several places where you can acquire just one or two shingles to complete your repair project efficiently and affordably.
Big Box Hardware Stores (The First Stop)
Major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s are the most obvious first stop. While they don’t advertise selling single shingles, they often have opened or damaged bundles in their inventory. The best approach is to find an associate in the roofing aisle and ask them directly.
Politely inquire if they have any broken bundles they would be willing to sell a single shingle from. Often, they are happy to help a customer with a small repair need, and you may be able to get a shingle for a very low cost, or sometimes even for free.
Local Roofing Supply Companies (The Pro’s Choice)
A far better option is to visit a local roofing supply company. These businesses cater to professional roofers and are much more likely to have loose shingles available. They frequently have leftovers from large jobs or partial bundles that they can sell from.
Bring your damaged shingle with you. This is the most critical step for ensuring a good match. The staff at these supply houses are experts and can help you identify the brand, style, and color far more accurately than a general hardware store employee.
Your Local Roofer (An Untapped Resource)
Perhaps the most overlooked yet effective solution is to simply contact a few local roofing companies. Every roofer has a collection of leftover shingles from previous projects stored in their shop or truck. These leftovers represent a wide variety of colors and styles accumulated over years of work.
Many roofers are willing to sell or even give you a single shingle, as it builds goodwill for potential future business. They understand that today’s small repair could be tomorrow’s full roof replacement, and a helpful gesture goes a long way.
The Critical Task: Matching Your Existing Shingles
Finding a shingle is only half the battle; finding a matching one is the real goal. A mismatched patch can be an eyesore and might not seal correctly with the surrounding shingles. Taking the time to find a close match is essential for both aesthetics and function.
Identifying Shingle Type & Brand
Before you start your search, you need to know what you’re looking for. The two most common types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab shingles, which are flat and have a single tab size, and architectural shingles, which are thicker and have a laminated, dimensional appearance. If you have a spare shingle from the original installation, check the back for the manufacturer’s name and product line.
If you don’t have a spare, carefully remove the damaged one to take with you. This physical sample is your best tool for finding a suitable replacement. Professional suppliers can often identify the brand and style on sight.
The Color & Size Dilemma
Be aware that even a brand-new shingle of the exact same brand and color will look different from your existing roof. Years of exposure to sun and weather will have faded your current shingles. The new shingle will stand out at first but should weather and blend in over time.
If you can’t find a perfect match, a clever strategy is to remove a matching shingle from a less visible part of your roof, like the back of the house. Use this weathered shingle to patch the more prominent damaged area. Then, install the new, slightly mismatched shingle in the less visible spot.
Step-by-Step: How to Replace a Single Damaged Shingle
Once you have your replacement shingle, the installation is a straightforward process that a handy homeowner can tackle. Working on a roof can be dangerous, so ensure you are using a secure ladder and are comfortable with heights before beginning.
Tools & Materials
You will only need a few basic tools for this repair. Gather a flat pry bar, a hammer, a utility knife, galvanized roofing nails (typically 1 ¼ inch), and a tube of roofing sealant. Having all your tools ready will make the process smooth and efficient.
The Removal Process
First, you must break the seal of the shingle directly above the one you are replacing. On a warm day, you can often do this by hand; on a cooler day, you may need to gently use your pry bar. Once the seal is broken, you can lift the overlying shingle to expose the nails of the damaged one.
Use the flat pry bar to slide under the damaged shingle and gently pry up the nails. There will typically be four nails. Once the nails are removed, the old shingle should slide out easily.
The Installation Process
Slide the new shingle into position, ensuring it’s aligned with the shingles on either side. Secure it with four roofing nails in the same locations as the old one. The nails should be placed just below the sealant strip and will be covered by the overlying shingle.
Finally, apply a few quarter-sized dabs of roofing sealant under the tabs of the shingle or shingles you lifted. Press them down firmly to create a new, watertight seal. A proper seal is critical to prevent leaks, which can cause significant damage over time and even lead to bigger problems like discovering water where brick meets foundation.
| Source for Single Shingle | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Big Box Hardware Store | Convenient location; may offer for free from a broken bundle. | Limited selection; staff may lack expertise in matching. |
| Local Roofing Supplier | Expert staff; wide variety of brands and styles; high chance of a match. | May have minimum purchase amount; less common than big box stores. |
| Local Roofing Contractor | Very likely to have leftovers; can provide expert advice. | Requires calling around; may not be interested in a small transaction. |
| Online Marketplaces | Can sometimes find discontinued styles. | Difficult to match color accurately; shipping costs can be high. |
Beyond the Single Shingle: When is it a Sign of a Bigger Problem?
A single shingle damaged by a fallen limb or isolated high wind is usually a simple fix. However, if you find multiple missing or damaged shingles, it could indicate a more serious underlying issue with your roof.
Widespread granule loss, where shingles look “bald,” or extensive cracking and curling are signs that the asphalt is aging and becoming brittle. These are indicators that your roof is nearing the end of its service life. A failing roof system can seriously compromise your home’s entire protective envelope. A compromised roof can damage your attic’s effectiveness, which is a key part of why knowing how to fix and insulate properly is so important for the whole home.
While you cannot repair shingle granules in the same way you might learn how to file down granite for a countertop fix, their presence is a key health indicator for your roof. If you see a large accumulation of these sand-like granules in your gutters, it is a strong sign that your shingles are deteriorating and may need professional assessment.
A Small Fix to Prevent a Major Headache
The ability to buy a single shingle is a cost-effective solution for minor roof damage. It empowers homeowners to perform small, proactive repairs that prevent massive, expensive problems later on.
By checking with local suppliers and roofers, you can almost always find what you need without buying a whole bundle. Addressing that one missing shingle immediately is one of the smartest and simplest steps you can take to protect the long-term integrity of your home.
