Damaged shingles can wreak havoc on a roof. To protect your home from the elements, it is vital to regularly inspect and repair damaged shingles to ensure that your house is safe and sound. However, determining how to fix damaged shingles on your own can be quite challenging. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to help you diagnose and repair your roof. By following these tips from professional roofers you will be able to repair damaged shingles independently.
If you notice an area of your roof that is buckling or showing signs of granule loss, it is recommended to first inspect the rest of the roof before proceeding. Often times, granule loss is the result of poorly designed shingles. To determine whether or not the granules are part of the problem, lift each shingle to see if it breaks. You should then move to the next area of your roof to repeat this procedure.
If walking alone in your yard indicates a leak in the roof, get help immediately. While it may seem tempting to explore a potential leak on your own, doing so without professional aid can lead to severe damage to your roof and overall safety. Once you confirm a leak is present, fix the problem as soon as possible. While you may need to call a contractor to address damaged shingles caused by a broken leak, you can perform repairs on your own.
One of the most common causes of leaks is flashing around roof vents and penetrations. Flashing can become damaged due to rain or excessive moisture exposure. If you notice areas of your flashing starting to fray, bend them back toward their proper position, and cover them with silicone caulk. Keep in mind that damaged shingles are notoriously difficult to repair once they’ve been damaged, so you may want to leave this task to the professionals.
Another way to repair a damaged shingle is through the use of nails. Nails are the best option for installing damaged shingles, as the nails will stay in place and the flashing will not become damaged with continued use. To install the nails, begin by placing adhesive on both the top and bottom of the flashing. If you need to use nails, begin by placing the nails at either the top or bottom of the flashing, depending on where the nail will be secured.
Walk around your yard to find an area that is flat, clean, and free of debris. Once you’ve located an area that will allow you to properly walk around your property, gather your tools. If you’re going to replace damaged shingles, it’s crucial that you start this project the same day that you first notice the damage. Begin by removing all broken and cracked parts of the shingle, as these will present unique problems when installing new ones. It’s also important that you wear thick-soled shoes to protect your feet and ankles while walking around your yard.
Once you’ve found an area that you can walk around the yard, remove all of your old damaged shingles from the area, and gather them together. Make sure that there are no crevices or spaces between the shingles; if you have cracks, use a flexible tape to seal the gaps. Once you’ve gathered up all of your damaged shingles, apply adhesive between each piece, using a generous amount of adhesive to seal the seams. Be sure to use a sealant for each nail you use, especially the ones that are exposed to the air.
After applying all of your new adhesives, use your nails to screw the entire row of nails in place. When you are satisfied that the shingle replacement is held securely in place, use your roofing nails to put the entire row in place. Since you have spent time on this task, the chances are that you’ll complete the task in a short period of time. Rewind the roofing straps in position, secure the underlayment to the roof, and then you’re done! The entire task is quick and easy – and totally worth the investment!