Repairing Roof Shingles

Repairing Roof Shingles Roofers

Roof shingles experience a significant amount of wear and tear through hot summer days and cold snowy winters. Harsh winter weather conditions can cause the tar and fiberglass in the shingle to harden and crack. If you notice any broken or missing shingles on your roof, use this guide for repairing roof shingles in a few simple steps.

Check your roof for any loose-ended shingles before you begin your repairs. This can be easily fixed with a bit of roofing cement. However, once a piece of the shingle is broken, it is not worth it to try to reattach it. Check your local hardware store for shingles that match the ones on your roof, and purchase a pack that will fit your needs. You will also need a flat pry bar to loosen broken shingles, a heavy-duty knife, a smaller putty knife, a hammer and roofing nails, a tube of roofing cement, and a ladder. Pick these up at your local hardware store if you don’t have them at home.

When you’ve gathered all your supplies and are ready to begin, start removing the broken shingles. Break the asphalt sealer that is holding the broken shingle to the roof and remove the nails holding it in with your knife. If the broken shingle has still not come loose, use the pry bar to finish the job. Be careful not to damage the surface of any good shingles underneath the broken ones.

Once all the broken shingles are removed, you can begin installing the new ones. Make sure to start with the lowest shingle and work your way up. Line up your new shingles with the row you are installing it to, and nail in each tab notch as well as each end. Use about a ¼ inch of your roofing cement to seal any loose tabs.

When repairing roof shingles make sure you follow all safety precautions. This includes wearing sneakers with a lot of grip, enlisting the help of a “spotter,” and using ladder attachments to secure the ladder to the roof. If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, call a local service professional to do the job for you. Try visiting TalkLocal to be instantly connected to a professional roofer in your area who fits your schedule.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *