Every do-it-yourself project-builder understands how important it is to know how to repair roof shingles. Fortunately, most projects relating to repairing or replacing roof shingles are basic enough that they can be tackled by the homeowner and won't require the services of a contracted professional. However, it is important to realize that working on roofs pose a serious threat of danger, and it is vital to ensure your safety before working on a roof.
If you don't trust your abilities than you should contract a professional who is trained and more secure in handling roof work. If however, you feel comfortable working on your roof, and then by all means, you should engage in the project and repair the shingles yourself. Some roofs may require you to replace individual shingles, or you may need to tear off the old shingles and install new ones. When roof shingles become damaged, they can cause your roof to leak and suffer damage.
The first step in repairing roof shingles will be to gently lift the shingle tabs that are holding the shingle in place. It is also important to note if the broken shingle is actually nailed in or if it is a shingle that is adjacent to the broken one that you are replacing. You will need to carefully lift up the shingle tab, and then you can pry up on the nail head and remove the nail. Once you have access to the broken shingle, you can remove it easily.
It is also a good idea to keep extra roof shingles on hand. Many times, new homeowners discard extra roof shingles, not thinking that they will need them in the future. However, it is inevitable not to lose some roof shingles throughout the longevity of being a homeowner. By saving your shingles, you can ensure that when it is time to make repairs that you will have matching shingles readily available.
After you have removed the damage shingle, simply replace it with your new shingle, cut a new tab for it, and then secure it with roofing nails. You may also choose to use roofing tar to secure the shingle down and fill in any gaps that you notice. It is also important to replace any nails that were removed in any shingles that were adjacent to the damaged shingles.
If you are going to replace all of your shingles and start a new installation, then it may be beneficial to have a friend help you who has experience with roofing. If you feel confident in doing the project then you will begin by removing the existing shingles. This is accomplished by tearing the old shingles off. This can be accomplished by using a variety of tools. Pitchforks, shovels, and shingle scrapers are all used in the scraping and removing of existing tiles. With the shingle scraper, you can simply insert the scraper under the shingle, then lift. The scraper pries up the old shingles including any roofing nails. After you have removed all of the old roof shingles, you can then install the new shingles.
How To Roof Shingles
Doug knew that roof shingles serve a purpose other than to compliment a building's architecture. They, more importantly, control the majority of the roof water by means of shedding water down their overlapping courses and into a gutter, or off the edge of a roof overhang.
However, Doug did not know how to properly care for and maintain his roof. He allowed water to sit in corners, leaves to back-up his gutters and he put a heavy satellite dish at a harsh angle right outside his bedroom window.
Soon, his roof began leaking and the shingles started rotting off. Not to mention he had slimy water dripping down the front of his house from the overflowing gutters. So next spring, Doug has to have his roofing company come back to make some major repairs.
It's easy to forget about a roof until you have a problem. Don't make the same mistake as Doug and pay for a roof that looks nice but cannot withstand the conditions that it will be exposed to.
Under extreme weather conditions the right kind of shingles at the right angle can uphold the integrity of your roof. The steeper the slant of the roofline, the better it will handle extreme weather conditions.
Here Are My Top 3 Tips to Maintain Your Roof and Keep Repair Money in Your Pocket
1. Conduct Periodic Maintenance of the Roof System
Every year, you should clean out all drain pipes, gutters, valleys and downspouts. Areas where leaves accumulate should be areas of special concern because decomposing material can rot your shingles over time.
Buildups cause drainage problems which lead to mold and leaks. Also, inspect all visible pieces of metal flashing as these can become dented and misshapen over time from falling acorns and sticks.
As roofs age, particular attention should be paid to the condition of curled and cupped shingles. An occasional ?tune-up? by a licensed and qualified roofing contractor can extend the life of the roof significantly.
2. Avoid Installing Products or Fastening Items Through or to the Roof
Shingles are attached to the timber roof frame by large roofing nails but they are not always strong enough to hold up satellite dishes and other electronic receivers. If you do attach something to the roof, make sure it's located on as close to a flat surface as you can manage as this will prevent pulling on the shingles.
3. Keep the Roof Well Ventilated
A ridge vent installed in the center peak of the roof is one way to accomplish this. Some problems that can be a direct result of a failure to do so are mineral loss on the shingle surface, heat loss, moisture buildup and mold spore growth.
Do not permit excessive access to the roof. When access is required adequate protection should be provided to the roof surface to prevent loss of mineral granules. Also, retain a qualified roofing professional to perform any addition or repair involving asphalt shingle roofs, hand-tabbing newly installed shingles, if necessary, to achieve proper seal to the underlying courses.
Following these simple steps will keep your roof looking newer longer and prevent the headache that improper maintenance brings.
Both Paul Kleinmeulman & Richard Roll are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
